Give Us This Day

®DAILY PRAYER FOR TODAY’S CATHOLIC

JANUARY 2015

DAILY PRAYER FOR TODAY’S CATHOLIC

JANUARY 2015

Give Us This Day®Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus) Luke 1:68-79

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathersand to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:to set us free from the hands of our enemies,free to worship him without fear,holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,to give his people knowledge of salvationby the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our Godthe dawn from on high shall break upon us,to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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Mary, Mother of God

Mary DeTurris Poust

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Sts. Basil and Gregory

✛ St. Zdislava Berka Sr. Fran Ferder

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[Most Holy Name of Jesus]

✛ Bd. Marie Anne Blondin

St. Gertrud of Helfta

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Epiphany of the Lord

Paula Huston

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St. John Neumann

✛ St. John Neumann Fr. James Wallace

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[St. André Bessette]

✛ St. Gertrude of Delft Chiara Lubich

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[St. Raymond of Penyafort]

✛ St. Angela of Foligno Kathy Hendricks

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✛ Galileo Galilei Fr. Austin Fleming

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✛ Sr. Rosemary Lynch Origen

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✛ Micah Adrienne von Speyr

Within the Word: Rise and Shine!Sr. Dianne Bergant

11 First Week in Ordinary Time

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Baptism of the LordSt. Gregory of Nazianzus

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✛ St. Aelred of Rievaulx Abbot Jerome Kodell

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[St. Hilary]

✛ Mary Slessor Mary Jo Leddy

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✛ Bd. Jutta of Huy Fr. Henri J. M.

Nouwen

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✛ Bd. Peter Donders Deacon Allen Tatara

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✛ George Fox Br. Roger of Taizé

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St. Anthony

✛ St. Margaret of Hungary

Fran Rossi SzpylczynWithin the Word: On the Way

with Mark Vincent Smiles

18 Second Week in Ordinary Time

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Carlo Carretto

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✛ Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart

Paul Mariani

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[St. Fabian; St. Sebastian]

✛ Bd. Cyprian Tansi Fr. Edward Foley

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St. Agnes

✛ Bd. Nikolaus Gross Rosemary Luling

Haughton

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Day of Prayer for Legal Protection of Unborn Children

✛ Bd. Henry Suso St. John Paul II

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[St. Vincent; St. Marianne Cope]

✛ St. Marianne Cope Kathy Coffey

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St. Francis de Sales

✛ Sr. Dorothy Hennessey

Bp. Richard SklbaWithin the Word: The Great High Priest in Hebrews Fr. Ronald Witherup

25 Third Week in Ordinary Time

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Sr. Verna Holyhead

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Sts. Timothy and Titus

✛ Bd. Michael Kozal Fr. Richard Gula

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[St. Angela Merici]

✛ Baron Friedrich von Hügel

Daniella Zsupan-Jerome

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St. Thomas Aquinas

✛ Bd. Mary of Pisa Sr. Ruth Burrows

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✛ Fyodor Dostoevsky Edward Hahnenberg

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✛ St. Hyacintha Mariscotti

Rachelle Linner

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St. John Bosco

✛ Thomas Merton Barbara Dent

Within the Word: The SowerSr. Carolyn Osiek

January 2015

Key✛ Blessed Among Us by Robert Ellsberg Reflection / Within the Word Author[ ] Optional MemorialVestment colors:G Green R Red W White

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Give UsThısDay®DAILY PRAYER FOR TODAY’S CATHOLIC

Editorial Advisors James Martin, SJ ◆ Irene Nowell, OSB Bishop Robert F. Morneau ◆ Timothy Radcliffe, OP Kathleen Norris ◆ Ronald Rolheiser, OMI

Peter Dwyer, PublisherMary Stommes, Editor

Catherine Donovan, Associate PublisherAelred Senna, OSB, Associate Editor

Robert Ellsberg, “Blessed Among Us” AuthorIrene Nowell, OSB, Scripture Editor, Morning and Evening

Susan Barber, OSB, Intercessions

www.giveusthisday.orgCustomer Service: 888-259-8470, [email protected]

Give Us This Day, Liturgical PressPO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500

© 2015 by the Order of Saint Benedict, Collegeville, Minnesota.Printed in the United States of America.

Give Us This Day® (ISSN 2159-2136, print; 2166-0654, large print; 2159-2128, online) is published monthly by Liturgical Press, an apostolate of Saint John’s Abbey, 2950 Saint John’s Road, Collegeville, Minnesota. Rev. John Klassen, OSB, Abbot. For complete publication information see page 350.

Published with the approval of the Committee on Divine Worship, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

CONTENTS January 2015 ◆ Volume 5, Issue 1

What’s So New About a New Year? Alice Camille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Teach Us to Pray: The Best Time to Pray Fr. James Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Prayer for Peace and Unity Mary Stommes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Prayers and Blessings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Prayer at Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Daily Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Order of Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310Liturgy of the Word (with Holy Communion) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337Hymns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340Guide to Lectio Divina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346

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Illustration by Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB.

Sunday, January 4

MorningO Lord, open my lips.And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

(opt. hymn, pp. 340–45)Psalm 118:24-29This is the day the Lord has made;let us rejoice in it and be glad.

O Lord, grant salvation;O Lord, grant success.Blest is he who comesin the name of the Lord.We bless you from the house of the Lord;the Lord is God, and has given us light.

Go forward in procession with branches,as far as the horns of the altar.You are my God, I praise you.My God, I exalt you.Give praise to the Lord, for he is good;his mercy endures forever.

Glory to the Father . . .

Scripture Isaiah 56:3a, 6-7

The foreigner joined to the Lord should not say, / “The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.” / And

foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, / to minister to him, / To love the name of the Lord, / to become his ser-vants— / All who keep the sabbath without profaning it /

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and hold fast to my covenant, / Them I will bring to my holy mountain / and make them joyful in my house of prayer; / Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices / will be acceptable on my altar, / For my house shall be called / a house of prayer for all peoples.

Read, Ponder, Pray on a word or phrase from today’s Scriptures (Lectio Divina, p. 346)

AntiphonRise up in splendor! Your light has come!

Canticle of Zechariah (inside front cover)

IntercessionsWe praise you, God, for your merciful love endures forever. With joy on this feast of Epiphany we pray: r. Lead us by your light, O God.

Make your Church a witness of your peace and love to all the world. r.

Inspire the United Nations in efforts to help developing countries that experience economic hardship, civil conflict, and inequality. r.

Send aid and assistance to those who seek to rebuild following natural or ecological disaster. r.

Our Father . . .

May the God of splendor and majesty grant us to see Christ’s glory in the humble and in the ordinary. Amen.

MassEpiphany of the Lord, Mass During the Day

Entrance Antiphon Cf. Malachi 3:1; 1 Chronicles 29:12Behold, the Lord, the Mighty One, has come; / and kingship is in his grasp, and power and dominion.

Gloria (p. 312)

CollectO God, who on this dayrevealed your Only Begotten Son to the nationsby the guidance of a star,grant in your mercythat we, who know you already by faith,may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah 60:1-6

The glory of the Lord shines upon you.

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, / the glory of the Lord shines upon you. / See, darkness

covers the earth, / and thick clouds cover the peoples; / but upon you the Lord shines, / and over you appears his glory. / Nations shall walk by your light, / and kings by your shin-ing radiance. / Raise your eyes and look about; / they all gather and come to you: / your sons come from afar, / and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

Then you shall be radiant at what you see, / your heart shall throb and overflow, / for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, / the wealth of nations shall be


brought to you. / Caravans of camels shall fill you, / drom-edaries from Midian and Ephah; / all from Sheba shall come / bearing gold and frankincense, / and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.The word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

r. (cf. 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

O God, with your judgment endow the king,and with your justice, the king’s son;

he shall govern your people with justiceand your afflicted ones with judgment. r.

Justice shall flower in his days,and profound peace, till the moon be no more.

May he rule from sea to sea,and from the River to the ends of the earth. r.

The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.

All kings shall pay him homage,all nations shall serve him. r.

For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.

He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;the lives of the poor he shall save. r.

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Now it has been revealed that the Gentiles are coheirs of the promise.

Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit,

namely, that the mystery was made known to me by reve-

lation. It was not made known to people in other genera-tions as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, mem-bers of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.The word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 2:2We saw his star at its risingand have come to do him homage.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 2:1-12

We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east ar-

rived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: / And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, / are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; / since from you shall come a ruler, / who is to shepherd my people Israel.” / Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the


place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.The Gospel of the Lord.

Creed (p. 313)

Prayer over the OfferingsLook with favor, Lord, we pray,on these gifts of your Church,in which are offered now not gold or frankincense or myrrh,but he who by them is proclaimed,sacrificed and received, Jesus Christ.Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Communion Antiphon Cf. Matthew 2:2We have seen his star in the East, / and have come with gifts to adore the Lord.

Prayer after CommunionGo before us with heavenly light, O Lord,always and everywhere,that we may perceive with clear sightand revere with true affectionthe mystery in which you have willed us to participate.Through Christ our Lord.

ReflectionLightning-Like Moments

The Irish novelist James Joyce adopted the ancient Greek word “epiphany” to stand for those lightning-like moments of illu-mination that can change the course of a life. Though he was speaking in a nonreligious sense, the epiphanies in his fiction often radiate spiritual energy, as though his characters have momentarily tapped into the divine. The magi who arrived in Bethlehem weeks or months after the birth of Jesus seemed clothed in this same mysterious, epiphanic light. And over the centuries, these strangers from the East have come to stand for our ability to recognize truth when we see it, regardless of who we are or how reluctantly we accept the revelation.

Years ago when I was traveling in India, I heard a story. A Hindu teacher came upon a small woman surrounded by a large crowd. Her back was to him, but he could clearly see the large, rainbow-like aura that pulsed around her. Though he was not a Christian and though he knew nothing about Mother Teresa, he instantly recognized he was in the presence of holiness.

Paradoxically, for someone who has firmly set himself in opposition to God, these same epiphanies can trigger an im-pulse to destroy. Think of Herod, or the famous twentieth-century atheist who referred to the little nun from Calcutta as a “fanatic” and a “fraud.”

Thus, the great epiphany we celebrate today—the stunning realization that God has truly taken human form—will al-ways flash among us like a dividing sword.

Paula Huston

Paula Huston, a Camaldolese Benedictine oblate, is the author of two novels and six books on the spiritual life.


EveningGod, come to my assistance.Lord, make haste to help me.

(opt. hymn, pp. 340–45)Psalm 67O God, be gracious and bless usand let your face shed its light upon us.So will your ways be known upon earthand all nations learn your salvation.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and shout for joy,with uprightness you rule the peoples;you guide the nations on earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has yielded its fruitfor God, our God, has blessed us.May God still give us his blessingthat all the ends of the earth may revere him.


Scripture 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10

Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like

living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices accept-able to God through Jesus Christ.

But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. / Once you were “no people” / but now you are God’s people; / you “had not received mercy” / but now you have received mercy.


AntiphonThe Gentiles are coheirs of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

Canticle of Mary (inside back cover)

IntercessionsGod of mercy, you make us coheirs of your promise in Christ Jesus, and so we have the courage to pray: r. God, in your love, hear our prayer.

Spur our hearts to seek you in the Scriptures, in our hearts, in the Church, and in one another. r.

Make your Church a place of welcome and loving compassion for all people. r.

Release all who dwell in the shadow of death and bring them at last to share in your eternal life. r.

Our Father . . .

May God give us every grace and blessing we need to be heralds of praise for all God has done for us. Amen.

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55January 4–10Epiphany–Christmas Weekdays

Within the WordRise and Shine!

Most people have heard the expression “Rise and shine” and know it means “Get up! It’s a new day filled with promise.” But they probably do not know the expression is very close to an exhortation found in the writings ascribed to the prophet Isaiah: “Arise! Shine, for your light has come” (Isa 60:1). Actually, the passage also means “Get up! It’s a new day filled with promise.” Yet it refers to something much deeper and more important than waking up and hoping this will be a good day. Isaiah is speaking to Jerusalem, a city that was defeated and saw many of its inhabitants deported. Here, Jerusalem is aroused out of the darkness of disillusionment, not simply night; and the possibility of a new future is on the horizon, not simply a new day. The biblical author plays on the reversal of darkness and light, promising a reversal of the fortunes for this city. It is important to note that the cause of that reversal is not found in the city itself. Rather, the light that will banish the darkness is “the glory of the Lord” (60:1). This light will so illumine Jerusalem that it will then be a light to other nations.

Jerusalem is further told to look up. And what does it see? It sees the marvel of reversal taking place before its very eyes. It sees its people, descendants of those who had been scat-tered at the time of its defeat, returning home. It sees herds and flocks and beasts of burden coming out of the desert loaded with wealth that will enrich the city. The darkness of

defeat has been dissolved, and the light of the glory of the Lord brings good fortune with it (60:4-9).

One cannot miss the connection between the reference to gold and frankincense in Isaiah (60:6) and the same riches brought to Jesus by the magi. One must be careful not to read the meaning of the feast of Epiphany back into Isaiah. Rather, the reverse is true: the rich religious meaning of the Old Tes-tament passage overflows into the meaning of the feast of Epiphany. We can see that just as the glory of the Lord shone through Jerusalem, enabling the city to enlighten the other nations, so on Epiphany we celebrate the glory of God shining through Jesus and enlightening the magi, who represent other nations.

Again and again the Christmas readings tell us that when God came into our world in Jesus, darkness was dissolved and a new day of promise and fulfillment dawned. We see this happening at the time of the prophet Isaiah; we see it when Jesus was born; we see it again in our lives. It is not that one event foreshadowed the other, but that this is the way God seems always to work. God dispels darkness, and light finds its way into our lives. And this light, which is the glory of God, so encompasses us that we can become the light for others.

Rise and shine!

—Sr. Dianne Bergant

Dianne Bergant, CSA, is Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Old Testament Studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Monday 5756

Monday, January 5


(opt. hymn, pp. 340–45)Psalm 71:1-6In you, O Lord, I take refuge;let me never be put to shame.In your justice, rescue me, free me;incline your ear to me and save me.

Be my rock, my constant refuge,a mighty stronghold to save me,for you are my rock, my stronghold.My God, free me from the hand of the wicked,from the grip of the unjust, of the oppressor.

It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,my trust, O Lord, from my youth.On you I have leaned from my birth;from my mother’s womb, you have been my help.At all times I give you praise.


Scripture Ezekiel 13:1-4, 9

The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel, prophesy! Say to those

who prophesy their own thoughts: Hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God: Woe to those prophets, the fools who follow their own spirit and see nothing. Like foxes among ruins are your prophets, Israel! My hand is against

the prophets who see false visions and who make lying divi-nations. They shall not belong to the community of my people. They shall not be written in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel. Thus you shall know that I am the Lord.


AntiphonBeloved, test the spirits to see whether they belong to God.


IntercessionsGod, you blessed your servant John Neumann with gifts of teaching, preaching, and leading. In hope we pray: r. Inspire us by your love, O God.

Show us how we may use our talents for the building of your kingdom. r.

Heed the prayers and yearnings of teachers, students, and school administrators. r.

Grant patience and holy perseverance to those who seek to know their vocation. r.

Our Father . . .

May God supply us with every grace and gift we need to spread the good news of salvation to the world. Amen.

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Blessed Among UsSt. John NeumannBishop (1811–1860)

John Neumann was born in Bohemia to Czech and German parents. Because his local diocese had a surfeit of priests, he departed for America, where he was accepted at a seminary in New York and was ordained in 1836. Specially gifted with lan-guages, he was well suited for work among the various im-migrant populations. After some years working with German immigrants in the Rochester area, he applied to join the newly arrived Redemptorist missionary order. The novitiate was in Pittsburgh, and there he would remain for a period of eight years, eventually becoming the Redemptorist Provincial for North America. In 1848 he became a naturalized citizen.

Four years later Neumann was named the fourth bishop of Philadelphia. Among his principal accomplishments was the establishment of a thriving network of parochial schools—the first in the country. He also completed construction of a cathedral, founded a congregation of teaching sisters, and introduced the Forty Hours Devotion to America. Exhausted by his labors, he collapsed and died on January 5, 1860. He was beatified in 1963 and canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1977.

“Everyone who breathes . . . has a mission, has a work. We are not sent into this world for nothing; we are not born at random. . . . God sees every one of us; He creates every soul . . . for a purpose. As Christ has His work, we too have ours; as He rejoiced to do His work, we must rejoice in ours also.”

—St. John Neumann

MassSt. John Neumann, Memorial

Entrance Antiphon Psalm 16 (15):5-6O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, / you it is who hold fast my lot. / For me the measuring lines have fallen on pleasant sites; / fair to me indeed is my inheritance.

CollectO God, who called the Bishop Saint John Neumann,renowned for his charity and pastoral service,to shepherd your people in America,grant by his intercessionthat, as we foster the Christian education of youthand are strengthened by the witness of brotherly love,we may constantly increase the family of your Church.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

A reading from the first Letter of Saint John 3:22–4:6Test the spirits to see whether they belong to God.

Beloved: We receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.

And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments re-main in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit whom he gave us.

Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist who, as you heard, is to


come, but in fact is already in the world. You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They belong to the world; accordingly, their teaching belongs to the world, and the world listens to them. We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us, while anyone who does not belong to God refuses to hear us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.The word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm 2:7bc-8, 10-12a

r. (8ab) I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;

this day I have begotten you.Ask of me and I will give you

the nations for an inheritanceand the ends of the earth for your possession.” r.

And now, O kings, give heed;take warning, you rulers of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before him;with trembling rejoice. r.

Gospel Acclamation See Matthew 4:23Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdomand cured every disease among the people.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he with-drew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in

Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: / Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, / the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, / Galilee of the Gentiles, / the people who sit in darkness / have seen a great

light, / on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death / light has arisen. / From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their syna-gogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.The Gospel of the Lord.

Prayer over the OfferingsMerciful Father,look upon the gifts we have placed on your altarand grant that we may reflectthe image of Christ your Son,just as you granted to Saint John Neumannto imitate what he celebrated.Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon Matthew 19:29Everyone who has given up home, / brothers, or sisters, father or mother, / wife or children or property for my sake / will receive many times as much and inherit everlasting life.Prayer after CommunionRefreshed by our participation in the memorialof the Death and Resurrection of your Son,we ask, O Lord,that by the example of Saint John Neumann,we may experience the power of this Sacramentand remain constantly in the Churchby the bond of unity and truth.Through Christ our Lord.


ReflectionTo Be an Epiphany

Our celebration of Epiphany continues throughout this week as we hear the many different ways Jesus “appeared” or was “manifested” as the incarnate Son of God during his ministry. Today’s Gospel presents Jesus fulfilling the words of the prophet Isaiah by bringing light to the very places of which Isaiah spoke. Through Jesus’ preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of heaven, his healing and casting out demons, the “people in darkness” see the “great light” of God.

Such epiphanies of Jesus have continued throughout the centuries through the activities of his followers. Consider today’s saint, John Neumann.

One of my favorite stops in New York City used to be St. Patrick’s Cathedral to visit the St. John Neumann statue (which has since been moved to St. Joseph Seminary in Dunwoodie). The statue portrays the saint not in any stereotypical posture of sanctity but sitting on a curbstone with a catechism in his hands, leading children to faith. It is a fitting expression of how Neu-mann continued the epiphany of Jesus through his ministry—whether as a diocesan priest ceaselessly journeying to his people in western New York, or as a circuit Redemptorist mission preacher to the Germans of Maryland, or finally, as bishop of Philadelphia, dedicated to parochial school education.

The feast of Epiphany invites us to embrace ever more deeply the full “appearing” of God in Jesus Christ, both by believing in him and by manifesting his ongoing presence in our lives by living out his command to love. Like John Neumann, we are empowered to be epiphanies in our day, for our time.

Fr. James Wallace

James A. Wallace, CSsR, is the director and a member of the preaching team at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey.


(opt. hymn, pp. 340–45)Psalm 114Alleluia!

When Israel came forth from Egypt,the house of Jacob from a foreign people,Judah became his temple,Israel became his domain.

The sea beheld them and fled;the Jordan turned back on its course.The mountains leapt like rams,and the hills like yearling sheep.

Why was it, sea, that you fled;that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?O mountains, that you leapt like rams;O hills, like yearling sheep?

Tremble, O earth, before the Lord,in the presence of the God of Jacob,who turns the rock into a pool,and flint into a spring of water.


Scripture 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5

We ought to thank God always for you . . . as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love

of every one of you for one another grows ever greater. Ac-cordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God

6564 January 5

regarding your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure.

This is evidence of the just judgment of God, so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God for which you are suffering.


AntiphonJesus went about proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom.


IntercessionsGod, we rejoice in the love you have shown us in Christ Jesus, and we pray: r. Increase our love, O God.

Help us to make choices that promote and respect life. r.

Bless and guide parents and guardians. r.

Give us a word of comfort to speak to the wounded and fearful. r.

Our Father . . .

May God make us steadfast and faithful in suffering and bless us with compassion for the suffering of others. Amen.

Tuesday, January 6


(opt. hymn, pp. 340–45)Psalm 142:2-4a, 6-8With all my voice I cry to the Lord;with all my voice I entreat the Lord.I pour out my trouble before him;I tell him all my distresswhile my spirit faints within me.But you, O Lord, know my path.

To you I cry, O Lord.I have said, “You are my refuge,my portion in the land of the living.”Listen, then, to my cry,for I am brought down very low.

Rescue me from those who pursue me,for they are stronger than I.Bring my soul out of prison,and I shall give thanks to your name.Around me the just will assemble,because of your goodness to me.


Scripture Deuteronomy 8:1a, 2-3

Be careful to observe this whole commandment that I enjoin on you today, that you may live and increase.

Remember how for these forty years the Lord, your God, has directed all your journeying in the wilderness, so as to

Tuesday 6766 January 6

test you by affliction, to know what was in your heart: to keep his commandments, or not. He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your ancestors, so you might know that it is not by bread alone that people live, but by all that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord.


AntiphonThey all ate and were satisfied.


IntercessionsGod, you remain with us in our affliction and weakness. Secure in your love we pray: r. Draw us closer to you, O God.

Strengthen our faith by the power of your Word and sacrament. r.

Help us to recall often the graces and blessings we have received. r.

Rescue those who are fleeing from danger of any kind. r.

Our Father . . .

May God enlighten our hearts, that we may seek God in everyone and everything all the days of our lives. Amen.

Blessed Among UsSt. Gertrude of DelftBeguine Mystic (d. 1358)

St. Gertrude, a Dutch peasant girl, supported herself in do-mestic service. At one point she was betrothed to be married, but when her fiancé chose instead to marry another she was bereft, unable to work, and found herself reduced to begging. Eventually she was accepted into a Beguine community in Delft where she spent the rest of her life. The Beguines, a remarkable network of religious women, were then flourish-ing in the Lowlands. In these communities, unmarried women devoted themselves to prayer, study of Scripture, and charitable works, while supporting themselves through nee-dlework or other crafts.

For some years Gertrude led an unremarkable life. Then on Good Friday in 1340 she received the five marks of Christ’s wounds on her body. These wounds would bleed seven times a day. When Gertrude confided this news to one of her fellow Beguines, the news quickly spread, and she was besieged by curious onlookers. This attention proved a severe mortifica-tion, and when she prayed to Christ to withdraw the favor the bleeding stopped. But she remained a gifted spiritual counselor, skilled at reading the souls of others and even prophesying the future.

After uttering her last words—“I am longing to go home”—she died on the feast of the Epiphany in 1358.

“Draw and unite me entirely to yourself. May I remain insepa-rably attached to you even when I am obliged to perform ex-ternal duties for my neighbor’s good. And afterwards may I return to seek you within me when I have accomplished them.”

—St. Gertrude of Delft


MassTuesday after Epiphany

[St. André Bessette, opt. memorial]

Entrance Antiphon Psalm 118 (117):26-27Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord: / The Lord is God and has given us light.

CollectO God, whose Only Begotten Sonhas appeared in our very flesh,grant, we pray, that we may be inwardly transformedthrough him whom we recognize as outwardly like ourselves.Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

A reading from the first Letter of Saint John 4:7-10

God is love.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.

Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.The word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8

r. (see 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

O God, with your judgment endow the king,and with your justice, the king’s son;

He shall govern your people with justiceand your afflicted ones with judgment. r.

The mountains shall yield peace for the people,and the hills justice.

He shall defend the afflicted among the people,save the children of the poor. r.

Justice shall flower in his days,and profound peace, till the moon be no more.

May he rule from sea to sea,and from the River to the ends of the earth. r.

Gospel Acclamation Luke 4:18The Lord has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poorand to proclaim liberty to captives.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 6:34-44

Multiplying the loaves, Jesus shows himself as a prophet.

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without

a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.” So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and


were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.The Gospel of the Lord.

Prayer over the OfferingsReceive with favor, O Lord, we pray, the offerings of

your people,that what they profess with devotion and faithmay be theirs through these heavenly mysteries.Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon Ephesians 2:4; Romans 8:3Because of that great love of his with which God loved us, / he sent his Son in the likeness of sinful flesh.

Prayer after CommunionO God, who touch us through our partaking of your

Sacrament,work, we pray, the effects of its power in our hearts,that we may be made fit to receive your giftthrough this very gift itself.Through Christ our Lord.

ReflectionTo Be Love

There are those who do things “for love.” There are those who do things trying “to be Love.” Those who do things “for love” may do them well, but, thinking they are doing great service for their neighbor, who is sick for instance, they may annoy

them with their chatter, their advice and with their help. Such “charity” is burdensome and inappropriate.

They may gain merit, but the other is left with a burden. This is why it is necessary to “be Love.”

Our destiny is like that of the planets: if they revolve, they are; if they do not, they are not. We are, in the sense that the life of God, not our life, lives in us, if we do not stop loving for one moment.

Love places us in God and God is Love. But Love, which is God, is light and with the light we see

whether our way of approaching and serving our brother or sister is according to the heart of God, as our brother or sister would wish it to be, as they would dream of it being, if they had beside them not us, but Jesus.

Chiara Lubich, The Art of Loving

Chiara Lubich (1920–2008), an internationally known religious leader and writer, was the founder of the Focolare, a movement that includes people of all ages, races, and vocations who promote unity, reconciliation, and the spirit of love.



(opt. hymn, pp. 340–45)Psalm 36:6-7ab, 8-11Your mercy, Lord, reaches to heaven,your truth to the clouds.Your justice is like God’s mountains;like the great deep, your justice.

How precious is your mercy, O God!The children of men seek shelterin the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the riches of your house;you give them drink from the stream of your delight.For with you is the fountain of life,and in your light we see light.

Maintain your mercy for those who know you,your saving justice to upright hearts.


Scripture Romans 5:6-10

For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with dif-

ficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners

Christ died for us. How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were rec-onciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life.


AntiphonLet us love one another, because love is of God.


IntercessionsYour mercy, God, extends to the heavens. In hope we pray: r. God, in your saving justice hear our prayer.

Bless canon and civil lawyers, and help them to use their gifts for the good and well-being of your people. r.

Show us how we may use our talents and resources to enhance community living. r.

Bring an end to the death penalty, and heal the hearts of those who have lost loved ones to violence. r.

Our Father . . .

May God heal our inner blindness and move us toward compassion for our neighbors in need. Amen.

The Order of Mass 311

310

The Order of Mass❙❚ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the

Holy Spirit.❙❚ Amen.

GreetingThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,and the love of God,and the communion of the Holy Spiritbe with you all.And with your spirit.

Grace to you and peace from God our Fatherand the Lord Jesus Christ.And with your spirit.

The Lord be with you.And with your spirit.

Penitential ActBrethren (brothers and sisters), let us acknowledge our sins,and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

(Pause)I confess to almighty Godand to you, my brothers and sisters,that I have greatly sinned,in my thoughts and in my words,in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,

And, striking their breast, they say:

through my fault, through my fault,through my most grievous fault;

Then they continue:

therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,all the Angels and Saints,and you, my brothers and sisters,to pray for me to the Lord our God.Have mercy on us, O Lord.For we have sinned against you.Show us, O Lord, your mercy.And grant us your salvation.

These or other invocations may be used.

You were sent to heal the contrite of heart:Lord, have mercy. Or: Kyrie, eleison.Lord, have mercy. Or: Kyrie, eleison.You came to call sinners:Christ, have mercy. Or: Christe, eleison.Christ, have mercy. Or: Christe, eleison.You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us:Lord, have mercy. Or: Kyrie, eleison.Lord, have mercy. Or: Kyrie, eleison.

❙❚ May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

❙❚ Amen.

KyrieThe Kyrie, eleison (Lord, have mercy) invocations follow, unless they have just occurred in a formula of the Penitential Act.❙❚ Lord, have mercy. ❙❚ Kyrie, eleison.❙❚ Lord, have mercy. ❙❚ Kyrie, eleison.

❙❚ Christ, have mercy. ❙❚ Christe, eleison.❙❚ Christ, have mercy. ❙❚ Christe, eleison.

❙❚ Lord, have mercy. ❙❚ Kyrie, eleison.❙❚ Lord, have mercy. ❙❚ Kyrie, eleison.

B

C

A

C

A

B

312 The Order of Mass The Order of Mass 313

GloriaGlory to God in the highest,and on earth peace to people of good will.

We praise you,we bless you,we adore you,we glorify you,we give you thanks for your great glory,Lord God, heavenly King,O God, almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer;you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

For you alone are the Holy One,you alone are the Lord,you alone are the Most High,Jesus Christ,with the Holy Spirit,in the glory of God the Father.Amen.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Liturgy of the WordFirst Reading

Responsorial Psalm

Second Reading

Gospel Acclamation

GospelCleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God,that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel.❙❚ The Lord be with you.❙❚ And with your spirit.

❙❚ A reading from the holy Gospel according to N.❙❚ Glory to you, O Lord.

At the end:❙❚ The Gospel of the Lord.❙❚ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Through the words of the Gospelmay our sins be wiped away.

Homily

Profession of Faith[The Apostles’ Creed can be found on p. 338]

Nicene CreedI believe in one God,the Father almighty,maker of heaven and earth,of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,the Only Begotten Son of God,born of the Father before all ages.God from God, Light from Light,true God from true God,begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;through him all things were made.For us men and for our salvationhe came down from heaven,

314 The Order of Mass The Order of Mass 315

At the words that follow, up to and including and became man, all bow.

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,he suffered death and was buried,and rose again on the third dayin accordance with the Scriptures.He ascended into heavenand is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in gloryto judge the living and the deadand his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father and the Son,who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sinsand I look forward to the resurrection of the deadand the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer of the Faithful (Bidding Prayers)

Liturgy of the EucharistPresentation and Preparation of the GiftsBlessed are you, Lord God of all creation,for through your goodness we have receivedthe bread we offer you:fruit of the earth and work of human hands,it will become for us the bread of life.Blessed be God for ever.

By the mystery of this water and winemay we come to share in the divinity of Christwho humbled himself to share in our humanity.Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,for through your goodness we have receivedthe wine we offer you:fruit of the vine and work of human hands,it will become our spiritual drink.Blessed be God for ever.

With humble spirit and contrite heartmay we be accepted by you, O Lord,and may our sacrifice in your sight this daybe pleasing to you, Lord God.Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquityand cleanse me from my sin.

Invitation to PrayerPray, brethren (brothers and sisters),that my sacrifice and yoursmay be acceptable to God,the almighty Father.May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your handsfor the praise and glory of his name,for our goodand the good of all his holy Church.

Prayer over the Offerings

Eucharistic Prayer❙❚ The Lord be with you. ❙❚ And with your spirit.❙❚ Lift up your hearts. ❙❚ We lift them up to the Lord.❙❚ Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.❙❚ It is right and just.

337

Celebration of the Liturgy of the Word[With Holy Communion]

Introductory RitesIntroductionDeacon or lay leader:We gather here to celebrate the Lord’s Day.Sunday has been called the Lord’s Day because

it was on this daythat Jesus conquered sin and death and rose to new life.Unfortunately, we are not able to celebrate the Mass todaybecause we do not have a priest.Let us be united in the spirit of Christ with

the Church around the worldand celebrate our redemption in Christ’s suffering,

death, and resurrection.Sign of the CrossDeacon or lay leader:❙❚ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the

Holy Spirit.❙❚ Amen.GreetingDeacon or lay leader:❙❚ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from

the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God for ever.❙❚ Blessed be God for ever.Collect

Liturgy of the WordFirst ReadingResponsorial PsalmSecond ReadingGospel AcclamationGospelHomily or Reflection on the Readings

338 Celebration of the Liturgy of the Word Celebration of the Liturgy of the Word 339

Period of SilenceProfession of Faith[The Nicene Creed can be found on p. 313]

Apostles’ CreedI believe in God,the Father almighty,Creator of heaven and earth,and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. At the words that follow, up to and including the Virgin Mary,

all bow.

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died and was buried;he descended into hell;on the third day he rose again from the dead;he ascended into heaven,and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic Church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer of the Faithful

Communion RiteLord’s PrayerDeacon or lay leader:The Father provides us with food for eternal life.At the Savior’s commandand formed by divine teaching,we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name;thy kingdom come,thy will be doneon earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread,and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us;and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.Amen.Invitation to CommunionDeacon or lay leader:Behold the Lamb of God,behold him who takes away the sins of the world.Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.Lord, I am not worthythat you should enter under my roof,but only say the wordand my soul shall be healed.CommunionAct of Thanksgiving

Concluding RiteInvitation to Pray for Vocations to the PriesthoodDeacon or lay leader:Mindful of our Lord’s word, “Ask the Master of the harvest to send out laborers for the harvest,” let us pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood. May our prayer hasten the day when we will be able to take part in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist every Sunday.BlessingSign of Peace

340 Hymns Hymns 341

Earth Has Many a Noble CityEpiphany—am/pm

Familiar Tune: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

When Jesus Comes to Be BaptisedBaptism of the Lord—am/pm

Familiar Tune: On Jordan’s Bank

O God of Love, O Prince of Peaceam/pm

Familiar Tune: The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky

342 Hymns Hymns 343

The Day Is Filled with Splendoram

Familiar Tune: O Lord, I Am Not Worthy

O God of Truth, Prepare Our Mindsam/pm

Familiar Tune: I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Before the Close of Day We Comepm

Familiar Tune: The Water Is Wide

Guide to Lectio DivinaChoose a word or phrase of the Scriptures you wish to pray. It makes no difference which text is chosen, as long as you have no set goal of “covering” a certain amount of text. The amount of text covered is in God’s hands, not yours.

Read. Turn to the text and read it slowly, gently. Savor each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the “still, small voice” of a word or phrase that somehow says, “I am for you today.” Do not expect lightning or ecstasies. In lectio divina, God is teaching us to listen, to seek him in silence. God does not reach out and grab us but gently invites us ever more deeply into his presence.

Ponder. Take the word or phrase into yourself. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your inner world of concerns, memories, and ideas. Do not be afraid of distractions. Memories or thoughts are simply parts of yourself that, when they rise up during lectio divina, are asking to be given to God along with the rest of your inner self. Allow this inner pondering, this rumination, to invite you into dialogue with God.

Pray. Whether you use words, ideas, or images—or all three—is not important. Interact with God as you would with one who you know loves and accepts you. Give to God what you have discovered during your experience of meditation. Give to God what you have found within your heart.

It is not necessary to assess the quality of your lectio divina, as if you were “performing” or seeking some goal. Lectio divina has no goal other than that of being in the presence of God by praying the Scriptures.

—Fr. Luke Dysinger

Luke Dysinger, OSB, is a Benedictine monk of Saint Andrew’s Abbey, Valyermo, California.

Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) Luke 1:46-55

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:the Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear himin every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israelfor he has remembered his promise of mercy,the promise he made to our fathers,to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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