RADIO VATICANA
REPORT: During his Angelus reflections Pope Benedict focused on the Gospel this
fourth Sunday of Advent which recounts the Angel’s annunciation to Mary and in
particular on the significance of her virginity in salvation history: “the
virginity of Mary is unique and unrepeatable, but its spiritual significance
concerns every Christian. It, in essence, is tied to faith: in fact, those who
trust deeply in God, welcome Jesus and His divine life within them, through the
action of the Holy Spirit. This is the mystery of Christmas”.
Speaking from the window of his study overlooking St Peter’s square, the Holy father spoke of his concern in the aftermath of the Typhoon Washi, which slammed ashore Mindanao island while people slept late on Friday and early Saturday. Rescuers are still searching for more than 800 people missing in the flash floods and landslides that swept houses into rivers and out to sea, killing more than 650 people.
The Pope said : “I want to assure the populations of the southern Philippines, hit by a violent tropical storm, of my closeness. I pray for the victims, mostly children, the homeless and the many missing”.
Below a Vatican Radio translation of Pope Benedict XVI’s Angelus reflections:
Dear brothers and sisters!
In this fourth and final Sunday of Advent, the liturgy presents this year, the annunciation to Mary. Contemplating the beautiful icon of the Blessed Virgin, when she receives the divine message and gives her answer, we are internally illuminated by the light of truth which shines, always new, from that mystery. In particular, I would like to dwell briefly on the importance of the virginity of Mary, that is, the fact that she conceived Jesus while remaining a virgin.
In the background of the event’s at Nazareth is the prophecy of Isaiah. "Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This age-old promise has found superabundant fulfillment in the Incarnation of the Son of God. In fact, not only did the Virgin Mary conceive, but she did so through the Holy Spirit, which is God himself. The human being that begins to live in her womb takes the flesh from Mary, but his existence is derived entirely from God 'fully human, made of earth - to use the biblical symbol - but he comes from above, from heaven. The fact that Mary conceived while remaining a virgin is, therefore, essential for the understanding of Jesus and our faith, because it witnesses that it was God’s initiative and above all it reveals who is conceived. As the Gospel says: " Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God." (Luke 1.35). In this sense, the virginity of Mary and the divinity of Jesus reciprocally guarantee one another.
This is why that one question that Mary, 'very upset', addresses to the Angel 'How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? '(Lk 1.34) is so important. In her simplicity, Mary is wise: She does not doubt the power of God, but wants to better understand his will, to fully comply with this will. Mary is infinitely surpassed by the mystery, yet perfectly occupies the place that, at the very heart of it, she was assigned. Her heart and mind are fully humble, and, because of her singular humility, God expects the "yes" of this young girl to achieve His purpose. He respects her dignity and freedom. Mary's "yes" means both motherhood and virginity, and her wish that her everything be for the glory of God and that the Son who will be born to Her may be a gift of grace for al.
Dear friends, the virginity of Mary is unique and unrepeatable, but its spiritual significance concerns every Christian. It, in essence, is tied to faith: in fact, those who trust deeply in God, welcomes Jesus and his divine life within, through the action of the Holy Spirit. This is the mystery of Christmas.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at this Angelus prayer. The Gospel of today's liturgy recounts the Archangel Gabriel's Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, That She Would conceive and bear a son To Be Called Jesus. Just as the Immaculate Virgin Brought God to us, May we be not afraid to let her bring us to God. In this final week of Advent, let us intensify our efforts to prepare for His coming. Upon you and your loved ones, I invoke the blessings of Almighty God!
SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA
Speaking from the window of his study overlooking St Peter’s square, the Holy father spoke of his concern in the aftermath of the Typhoon Washi, which slammed ashore Mindanao island while people slept late on Friday and early Saturday. Rescuers are still searching for more than 800 people missing in the flash floods and landslides that swept houses into rivers and out to sea, killing more than 650 people.
The Pope said : “I want to assure the populations of the southern Philippines, hit by a violent tropical storm, of my closeness. I pray for the victims, mostly children, the homeless and the many missing”.
Below a Vatican Radio translation of Pope Benedict XVI’s Angelus reflections:
Dear brothers and sisters!
In this fourth and final Sunday of Advent, the liturgy presents this year, the annunciation to Mary. Contemplating the beautiful icon of the Blessed Virgin, when she receives the divine message and gives her answer, we are internally illuminated by the light of truth which shines, always new, from that mystery. In particular, I would like to dwell briefly on the importance of the virginity of Mary, that is, the fact that she conceived Jesus while remaining a virgin.
In the background of the event’s at Nazareth is the prophecy of Isaiah. "Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This age-old promise has found superabundant fulfillment in the Incarnation of the Son of God. In fact, not only did the Virgin Mary conceive, but she did so through the Holy Spirit, which is God himself. The human being that begins to live in her womb takes the flesh from Mary, but his existence is derived entirely from God 'fully human, made of earth - to use the biblical symbol - but he comes from above, from heaven. The fact that Mary conceived while remaining a virgin is, therefore, essential for the understanding of Jesus and our faith, because it witnesses that it was God’s initiative and above all it reveals who is conceived. As the Gospel says: " Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God." (Luke 1.35). In this sense, the virginity of Mary and the divinity of Jesus reciprocally guarantee one another.
This is why that one question that Mary, 'very upset', addresses to the Angel 'How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? '(Lk 1.34) is so important. In her simplicity, Mary is wise: She does not doubt the power of God, but wants to better understand his will, to fully comply with this will. Mary is infinitely surpassed by the mystery, yet perfectly occupies the place that, at the very heart of it, she was assigned. Her heart and mind are fully humble, and, because of her singular humility, God expects the "yes" of this young girl to achieve His purpose. He respects her dignity and freedom. Mary's "yes" means both motherhood and virginity, and her wish that her everything be for the glory of God and that the Son who will be born to Her may be a gift of grace for al.
Dear friends, the virginity of Mary is unique and unrepeatable, but its spiritual significance concerns every Christian. It, in essence, is tied to faith: in fact, those who trust deeply in God, welcomes Jesus and his divine life within, through the action of the Holy Spirit. This is the mystery of Christmas.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at this Angelus prayer. The Gospel of today's liturgy recounts the Archangel Gabriel's Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, That She Would conceive and bear a son To Be Called Jesus. Just as the Immaculate Virgin Brought God to us, May we be not afraid to let her bring us to God. In this final week of Advent, let us intensify our efforts to prepare for His coming. Upon you and your loved ones, I invoke the blessings of Almighty God!
SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA
AMERICA : USA : CARDINAL : JESUS THE PERFECT GIFT
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share the Good News with those who may have drifted away.
The overall effort is called the New Evangelization.
an appropriate time to think about offering the gift of
Christ during this holy season to someone we care about.
It’s not enough, though, for us simply to tell others
about the love and mercy of Christ. We are called to be a living example of all
he embodies, especially during this time of great economic difficulty for many
in our area. This local Church, through EUROPE : IRELAND : BISHOPS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE HOPE IN CHALLENGING TIMES
BISHOPS OF
IRELAND RELEASE:
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:10-11]
Christmas, in many homes, is the highlight of the year. It can be a time to get together with family and friends, to share food and exchange gifts. For many children it is a time of great wonder and joy, and the most treasured memories of many adults come from the family Christmas experience of their childhood. It is a moment of great significance for our lives as Christians, where we come together to celebrate the joy of ‘God-with-us’ in the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Christmas is also a time when we reflect on the Holy Family, a family whose love for each other and faith in God helped them to overcome great trials and suffering. This year we are conscious of the many homes across Ireland where pressures on family life have never been greater because of worries about debt, financial insecurity, unemployment and heavy workloads just to make ends meet. All of these can easily become sources of tension and conflict, putting new strains on relationships within the home, even on otherwise stable relationships between parents. It is no coincidence that from the very beginning of the current economic crisis organisations such as ACCORD have reported significant increases in the number of couples coming to them for help. We would encourage any couple, experiencing pain or difficulties in their relationship at this time, to avail of the safe and confidential space offered by organisations such as ACCORD, where they can share their experiences with people who understand the joys and challenges of marriage. As pressures on families increase, it is important that all couples take time to think about how much of themselves and their time they give to nurturing their relationship, which is at the heart of family life.
In the Gospel of St. Matthew (2:2-12) we read of the journey of the Magi to present their gifts to the baby Jesus. These gifts had a special significance, acknowledging the identity and future mission of Jesus. In these financially straightened times it is important to ask how much meaning is really attached to some of the gifts we give to each other at Christmas today? An over-emphasis on the material aspect of giving can mean those in our society who are struggling financially experience a crisis of self-esteem, feeling that they have little to give to others and that the expectations of children in particular cannot be met. In reality, however, the greatest gift we can give is the gift of our time and attention. Impersonal, material gifts will soon be forgotten, but time spent with a person, showing that you value and care for them, means so much more and will leave them with memories to value forever.
This, after all, is very nature of the gift given to us in the incarnation of the Son of God at Christmas. In the words of the famous Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, we celebrate the ‘The King of Kings, lay thus in lowly manger; in all our trials born to be our friend’. This Christmas we encourage all to take the time to stop and reflect: are we so busy rushing around buying presents, stocking up on food and decorating our houses, that we don’t have time to actually be present for those who need us? We also ask is there more each of us could do to reflect the original simplicity of the Christmas scene by wasting less food, packaging and energy?
We remember in a particular way this year all those who are suffering as a result of the crisis in East Africa. This hunger could be prevented through a fairer distribution of the world’s resources. While it is good to celebrate with family and friends, it is important to consider how our behaviour as consumers impacts on the lives of people in the developing world. There are small changes we can all make on an individual basis, such as opting for Fair Trade products, that will help to make a difference. Organisations such as Trócaire, working to improve the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people throughout the world, offer the opportunity for us to support their work at Christmas time through the purchase of ‘global gifts’. Instead of giving unnecessary items to family and friends we can, in their name, give the gift of hope to a family in the developing world, helping them to feed themselves, protect their health and educate their children.
As Bishops we recognise that recent years in the Church in Ireland have been especially difficult. We are deeply sorry that so many people have felt hurt, betrayed and shaken in their faith. This is especially true for the victims of child abuse in the Church, for whom no expression of regret could ever suffice. As 2011 draws to a close, we renew our commitment to work to address the failings of the past in truth, justice and humility.
People sometimes express regret that the true meaning of Christmas has been lost amidst the consumerism and excess so often associated with it. Whatever our circumstances, the true meaning of Christmas is always available to us in reflection and prayer on the Christmas story itself. We take this opportunity to thank those in radio, television, printed media and new media who give space and resources at this time of year to making the Christmas story known in a reflective and respectful way. We thank those of other religious traditions and none who join us in celebrating the spirit of peace and goodwill to all heralded by the Angels on that first Christmas night. As Bishops, we make a particular appeal to members of our own Church, especially those who have become alienated or distant from regular participation in Mass, to rediscover the hope and strength that comes from the celebration of the Christmas story in their parish community gathered for the Eucharist.
Next June we will celebrate the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, with the theme ‘The Eucharist – Communion with Christ and with One Another’. This event and the months leading up to it offer an opportunity for renewal of our faith and strengthening of our hope. As we face into the many challenges that lie ahead for the Church and for our country we recall that our greatest hope is in our communion with Christ and with one another in prayer, in reflection on God’s Word, in participation in the Eucharist and in our shared mission to bring the Good News to the world. This Good News, as the Christmas story reminds us, is ‘news of great joy that will be for all people’ (Lk 2:10). Our prayer is that this joy will touch the hearts of all this Christmas and strengthen our hope in challenging times. http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2011/12/12/christmas-2011-reflection-hope-challenging-times/
Pictured is Natasha Doyle age 11, a pupil in 4th
class from St Bridget’s primary school, The Coombe, Dublin 8 at the official
opening of the annual Veritas Moving Crib on Lower Abbey St, Dublin
1.
Irish Bishops Christmas 2011 reflection Hope in
Challenging TimesAnd the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:10-11]
Christmas, in many homes, is the highlight of the year. It can be a time to get together with family and friends, to share food and exchange gifts. For many children it is a time of great wonder and joy, and the most treasured memories of many adults come from the family Christmas experience of their childhood. It is a moment of great significance for our lives as Christians, where we come together to celebrate the joy of ‘God-with-us’ in the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Christmas is also a time when we reflect on the Holy Family, a family whose love for each other and faith in God helped them to overcome great trials and suffering. This year we are conscious of the many homes across Ireland where pressures on family life have never been greater because of worries about debt, financial insecurity, unemployment and heavy workloads just to make ends meet. All of these can easily become sources of tension and conflict, putting new strains on relationships within the home, even on otherwise stable relationships between parents. It is no coincidence that from the very beginning of the current economic crisis organisations such as ACCORD have reported significant increases in the number of couples coming to them for help. We would encourage any couple, experiencing pain or difficulties in their relationship at this time, to avail of the safe and confidential space offered by organisations such as ACCORD, where they can share their experiences with people who understand the joys and challenges of marriage. As pressures on families increase, it is important that all couples take time to think about how much of themselves and their time they give to nurturing their relationship, which is at the heart of family life.
In the Gospel of St. Matthew (2:2-12) we read of the journey of the Magi to present their gifts to the baby Jesus. These gifts had a special significance, acknowledging the identity and future mission of Jesus. In these financially straightened times it is important to ask how much meaning is really attached to some of the gifts we give to each other at Christmas today? An over-emphasis on the material aspect of giving can mean those in our society who are struggling financially experience a crisis of self-esteem, feeling that they have little to give to others and that the expectations of children in particular cannot be met. In reality, however, the greatest gift we can give is the gift of our time and attention. Impersonal, material gifts will soon be forgotten, but time spent with a person, showing that you value and care for them, means so much more and will leave them with memories to value forever.
This, after all, is very nature of the gift given to us in the incarnation of the Son of God at Christmas. In the words of the famous Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, we celebrate the ‘The King of Kings, lay thus in lowly manger; in all our trials born to be our friend’. This Christmas we encourage all to take the time to stop and reflect: are we so busy rushing around buying presents, stocking up on food and decorating our houses, that we don’t have time to actually be present for those who need us? We also ask is there more each of us could do to reflect the original simplicity of the Christmas scene by wasting less food, packaging and energy?
We remember in a particular way this year all those who are suffering as a result of the crisis in East Africa. This hunger could be prevented through a fairer distribution of the world’s resources. While it is good to celebrate with family and friends, it is important to consider how our behaviour as consumers impacts on the lives of people in the developing world. There are small changes we can all make on an individual basis, such as opting for Fair Trade products, that will help to make a difference. Organisations such as Trócaire, working to improve the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people throughout the world, offer the opportunity for us to support their work at Christmas time through the purchase of ‘global gifts’. Instead of giving unnecessary items to family and friends we can, in their name, give the gift of hope to a family in the developing world, helping them to feed themselves, protect their health and educate their children.
As Bishops we recognise that recent years in the Church in Ireland have been especially difficult. We are deeply sorry that so many people have felt hurt, betrayed and shaken in their faith. This is especially true for the victims of child abuse in the Church, for whom no expression of regret could ever suffice. As 2011 draws to a close, we renew our commitment to work to address the failings of the past in truth, justice and humility.
People sometimes express regret that the true meaning of Christmas has been lost amidst the consumerism and excess so often associated with it. Whatever our circumstances, the true meaning of Christmas is always available to us in reflection and prayer on the Christmas story itself. We take this opportunity to thank those in radio, television, printed media and new media who give space and resources at this time of year to making the Christmas story known in a reflective and respectful way. We thank those of other religious traditions and none who join us in celebrating the spirit of peace and goodwill to all heralded by the Angels on that first Christmas night. As Bishops, we make a particular appeal to members of our own Church, especially those who have become alienated or distant from regular participation in Mass, to rediscover the hope and strength that comes from the celebration of the Christmas story in their parish community gathered for the Eucharist.
Next June we will celebrate the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, with the theme ‘The Eucharist – Communion with Christ and with One Another’. This event and the months leading up to it offer an opportunity for renewal of our faith and strengthening of our hope. As we face into the many challenges that lie ahead for the Church and for our country we recall that our greatest hope is in our communion with Christ and with one another in prayer, in reflection on God’s Word, in participation in the Eucharist and in our shared mission to bring the Good News to the world. This Good News, as the Christmas story reminds us, is ‘news of great joy that will be for all people’ (Lk 2:10). Our prayer is that this joy will touch the hearts of all this Christmas and strengthen our hope in challenging times. http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2011/12/12/christmas-2011-reflection-hope-challenging-times/
AUSTRALIA : NEW WEBSITE FOR CATHOLIC WOMENS LEAGUE
ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE REPORT:
"I believe in the genius of women. Even in the darkest
periods that genius is found, which is the leaven of human progress and
history." Blessed Pope John Paul II
The Catholic Women's League of Australia (CWLA) has launched a new dynamic website to help bring the light of the Gospel to a wider audience and to contribute to the transformation of our culture into a civilisation of life and love. The new site is at:
http://www.cwla.org.au
The new website highlights the significant work being done by League members locally, nationally and internationally. It also includes a comprehensive bioethics section. Anna Krohn, the CWLA National Bioethics Convenor, hopes that the new CWLA website will help create greater awareness about contemporary bioethics issues, enable visitors to gain an insight into bioethics principles and stimulate their imagination to inspire action and response in their own lives and communities. The following section of the site, illustrates how CWLA hopes to use this powerful medium to help change hearts and minds:
http://www.cwla.org.au/our-work/bioethics/changing-hearts-and-minds/genetics-disability.html
More 'Changing Hearts & Minds' resources are at:
http://www.cwla.org.au/our-work/bioethics/changing-hearts-and-minds.html
CWLA is the national peak body representing the League's seven member organisations located throughout Australia. Addressing social justice and ethical questions is one of our primary tasks. We seek to influence legislative and administrative bodies at all levels in order to preserve the dignity of the human person. We strive to be a voice for the voiceless
http://www.cam.org.au/news/new-cwla-website.html
"I believe in the genius of women. Even in the darkest
periods that genius is found, which is the leaven of human progress and
history." Blessed Pope John Paul IIThe Catholic Women's League of Australia (CWLA) has launched a new dynamic website to help bring the light of the Gospel to a wider audience and to contribute to the transformation of our culture into a civilisation of life and love. The new site is at:
http://www.cwla.org.au
The new website highlights the significant work being done by League members locally, nationally and internationally. It also includes a comprehensive bioethics section. Anna Krohn, the CWLA National Bioethics Convenor, hopes that the new CWLA website will help create greater awareness about contemporary bioethics issues, enable visitors to gain an insight into bioethics principles and stimulate their imagination to inspire action and response in their own lives and communities. The following section of the site, illustrates how CWLA hopes to use this powerful medium to help change hearts and minds:
http://www.cwla.org.au/our-work/bioethics/changing-hearts-and-minds/genetics-disability.html
More 'Changing Hearts & Minds' resources are at:
http://www.cwla.org.au/our-work/bioethics/changing-hearts-and-minds.html
CWLA is the national peak body representing the League's seven member organisations located throughout Australia. Addressing social justice and ethical questions is one of our primary tasks. We seek to influence legislative and administrative bodies at all levels in order to preserve the dignity of the human person. We strive to be a voice for the voiceless
http://www.cam.org.au/news/new-cwla-website.html
ASIA : BANGLADESH : MOURNING OF PROFESSOR CHOWDHURY
UCAN
REPORT: Catholic educators joined the prime minister, colleagues and admirers in
mourning the passing of author and professor Kabir Chowdhury, who died of heart
failure yesterday at the age of 89.
Chowdhury, often called the ‘national professor,’ has been praised for his contributions to the Bangladesh National Education Policy 2010, as well as efforts on behalf of social justice in the country.
“National professor Kabir Chowdhury was a wise, virtuous and courageous person. He was a great patriot,” said Holy Cross Father Benjamin Costa, secretary of the Bangladesh Catholic Education Board.
Chowdhury was buried with state honors at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard following a funeral service yesterday, attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
http://www.ucanews.com/2011/12/14/country-mourns-national-professor/
Chowdhury, often called the ‘national professor,’ has been praised for his contributions to the Bangladesh National Education Policy 2010, as well as efforts on behalf of social justice in the country.
“National professor Kabir Chowdhury was a wise, virtuous and courageous person. He was a great patriot,” said Holy Cross Father Benjamin Costa, secretary of the Bangladesh Catholic Education Board.
Chowdhury was buried with state honors at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard following a funeral service yesterday, attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
http://www.ucanews.com/2011/12/14/country-mourns-national-professor/
AFRICA : LIBYA : CLASHES BETWEEN MILITIA
Agenzia
Fides REPORT - In Libya, there are 125,000 irregular armed fighters. According
to a report by the International Crisis Group (ICG), which warns about the
presence of hundreds of militias that control chunks of the territory in the
country. In the last few days clashes between militias in different parts of the
Country were reported.
"Their number is a mystery - the report says - according to some 100 thousand, three times as much according to others. It is claimed that more than 125,000 Libyans are armed. "The ICG points out that "these groups do not consider themselves at the service of a central authority; they have separate procedures for registering members and weapons; they arrest and hold suspects; they constantly collide with each other."
This situation stems from how the revolt against Gaddafi’s regime was structured: a highly decentralized rebellion, which different local tribes and clans had a predominant role in. The National Transitional Authority struggles to impose itself on these groups which continue to maintain their arsenals in self-defense and as a means to promote their own interests.
In order to face this situation, the ICG makes some proposals to put into practice at the Transitional National Authority level and at local levels, both civilian and military. These include: strengthening the legitimacy of the central institutions, ensuring greater transparency in decision making; starting programs for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants in close coordination with militias and local councils; involve civil and religious leaders in these programs. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/12/2011)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30601&lan=eng
"Their number is a mystery - the report says - according to some 100 thousand, three times as much according to others. It is claimed that more than 125,000 Libyans are armed. "The ICG points out that "these groups do not consider themselves at the service of a central authority; they have separate procedures for registering members and weapons; they arrest and hold suspects; they constantly collide with each other."
This situation stems from how the revolt against Gaddafi’s regime was structured: a highly decentralized rebellion, which different local tribes and clans had a predominant role in. The National Transitional Authority struggles to impose itself on these groups which continue to maintain their arsenals in self-defense and as a means to promote their own interests.
In order to face this situation, the ICG makes some proposals to put into practice at the Transitional National Authority level and at local levels, both civilian and military. These include: strengthening the legitimacy of the central institutions, ensuring greater transparency in decision making; starting programs for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants in close coordination with militias and local councils; involve civil and religious leaders in these programs. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/12/2011)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30601&lan=eng
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Dec 18, 2011 - 4th Sun of Advent
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| 26 | In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 27 | to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 28 | And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29 | But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 30 | And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31 | And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 32 | He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 33 | and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 34 | And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 35 | And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 36 | And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 37 | For with God nothing will be impossible." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 38 | And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TODAY'S SAINT: DEC. 18: ST. WINEBALD
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St. Winebald
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BENEDICTINE ABBOT AND MISSIONARY
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Feast: December 18
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