The Vineyard Laborer

The Holy Family Mt 2: 13 – 15, 19 – 23 Feast of the Holy Family Introduction Today is the feast of the Holy Family. This reading tells us of the struggles that the Holy Family had to endure and go through. But it also tells us how God protected them from hostile elements that threatened its survival.  The Gospel 3  Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14  Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15  and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” 19  When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20  “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land

Emmanuel, God in our Midst Matthew 1: 18 – 25 4 th Sunday of Advent Introduction Today’s reading tells us of the events leading to the birth of Jesus particularly from Joseph’s own perspective. It wasn’t easy for Joseph to understand God’s plan in Mary. But his righteousness and ability to discern allowed him to accept God’s plan and execute it with firm resolve.  The Gospel 18  Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19  Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20  But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21  She will bear a son, and

The Messiah In Our Midst Mt 11: 2 – 11 3 rd Sunday of Advent Introduction In today’s Gospel, Jesus is asked by the disciples of John whether he is the Messiah. Jesus answers them by pointing out to them what they see and hear happening to the blind, the lame, the dead and the infirmed. He then affirms that John the Baptist is indeed a prophet destined to prepare the way of the Lord.   The Gospel 2  When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3  and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4  Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5  the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6  And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” 7  As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into t

Prepare the Way of the Lord Mt 3: 1 – 12 Second Sunday of Advent Introduction Today is the second Sunday of Advent. Our reading presents to us the person of John the Baptist who proclaims a message of repentance. The Gospel In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3  This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,      make his paths straight.’” 4  Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5  Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6  and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7  But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! W