December 2, 2015

Dec. 2

December 2, 2015:  Wednesday, First Week of Advent

Do you see 11 connections with today?
Legend below
Listen

For 1st reading and gospel

Pope Francis audience
My recent Apostolic Journey to Africa brought me to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic with a message of hope in the Risen Jesus.  In Kenya, blessed with human and natural resources, I spoke of the worldwide challenge of protecting the environment and creating equitable, inclusive, and sustainable models of development, and the need to form our young in the ways of peace and fraternity.  In Uganda, land of the Martyrs, I encouraged the Christian community to persevere in its witness of faith and charity and thus to be a leaven of hope for society.  In the CAR, a country experiencing conflicts and suffering, I opened the first Holy Door of the Jubilee of Mercy as a sign of hope and strength.  Commend them and their aspirations to Jesus, our peace, who is the door opening wide to the Father's merciful love.
Read
  • Is 25:6-10a  The Lord will provide a feast of rich food and choice wines, destroy the veil, wipe away tears, and remove reproach.  “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!  Rejoice and be glad!”
    Loaves and fishes (animate)
  • Ps 23:1-6  "I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life."  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He leads, refreshes, and guides me; he gives me repose, courage, goodness, and kindness.  You spread the table before me and anoint my head.
  • Mt 15:29-37  Crowds came to Jesus with the lame, blind, deformed, mute, and others, whom he cured.  Amazed, they glorified God.  Jesus / disciples:  “I'm moved with pity; they've been here three days with nothing to eat.” / “Where could we get enough bread for them?” / “How many loaves do you have?” / “Seven, and a few fish.”  He took them, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to the disciples, who gave them to the crowds; all were satisfied, and seven baskets were left over.
"Loaves and fishes" gallery

Swanson
Annika

Reid
Watanabe
20 more
Reflect

    • Creighton:  "Behold, the Lord comes to save His people!"  Imagine a feast of rich food and fine wine for all, with knowledge that God will destroy death.  The psalm has an image of restful and joyful times to come as our loving God protects us.  We're promised we'll be cared for all our lives.  Rejoice!
    • One Bread, One Body:  "The miracle before multiplication":  Some suggest that the multiplication of the loaves and fish was a result of Jesus' inspiring the crowds to share what they had.  Multiplication of loaves, fish, time, money, resources, or energy is based on the miracle of our total self-giving to the Lord.  If we have a problem with the multiplication miracle, it may be a sign we're lukewarm Christians who don't fully accept Christ as our Lord and God.  Be a miracle.  Give Jesus all.  Believe in miracles.
    • Passionist:   Throughout this Advent violence will continue, families will struggle, and many will be lonely.  Carolers, “secret Santas,” and other activities are help confront the hunger for dignity and justice but aren't enough.  Our “saving grace” is the child born to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy.  All baptized into his life share the mission to restore dignity and hope through a community of faith and a fellowship of love....
    • DailyScripture.net:  "This is the Lord; we've waited for him":  Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy.  Jesus' miracles are a sign of God’s kingdom and a demonstration of his power and mercy.  The disciples had the same challenge as the Israelites trying to find nourishment in the wilderness.  Jesus provided bread, and all were satisfied.  God knows our needs, he cares, and he gives in abundance.  He nourishes us with his word and with bread from heaven....
    Dress legend
    • 'Green leaf' pin:  In verdant pastures he gives me repose (psalm)
    • 'People' tie pin:  Great crowds came to Jesus (gospel)
    • 'Girl with heart' pin:  "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd..." (gospel)
    • 'Fruit with grapes' tie:  The Lord will provide a feast of rich food and choice wines (1st reading); feeding the crowd (gospel); you spread the table before me (psalm)
    • 'Sheep' tie bar:  The Lord is my shepherd (psalm)
    • 'Fish' tie pin:  "We have a few fish" (gospel)
    • 'Hand' tie pin: The hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain (1st reading) 
    • 'Abacus' tie pin:  Jesus 'multiplies' the loaves and fishes
    • Purple shirt:  Advent season
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