Nativity of Jesus, Vigil Mass Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25 The genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David
Tonight, we gather with the universal Church in Bethlehem, in front of the manger where Jesus Christ will be born, quietly awaiting the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel for the vigil Mass is taken from the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, as recorded in St. Matthew.
In this genealogy, we see Matthew mentioning Abraham, David, and some notable figures among the Israelites during their exile in Babylon, in order to convey to us that despite these individuals’ imperfections and even rebellion against God’s holy will, God still forgave them and bestowed upon them various graces.
The merciful God, desiring to continue the grace bestowed upon the Israelites during the Old Testament period, sent His only Son, who assumed a frail human nature, similar in form to humans except for being without sin. He wishes that through Him, through baptism into Christ, we may be united to Him, and through the Spirit of Truth sent by Him from the Father, and by following the Spirit of Truth and with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, we may no longer live in sin, which is an enemy of God, but rather, together with the Holy Spirit who dwells within us (cf. Rom 8:11), we may cry out, “Abba, Father!” (cf. Rom 8:15), and share in the same cup of blessing, the same bread broken, united in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Eucharist celebrated in perpetual remembrance of the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Christ.
Let us prepare our minds and hearts well and spend this Christmas Eve with a pure heart and in a good manner.
Advent II: December 24th Gospel: Luke 1:67-79 The Canticle of Zacharias
Today is the seventh day of the second phase of Advent, and this evening, we will enter the eight-day celebration of Christmas. According to tradition, our mother church will hold a vigil Mass and a nocturnal Mass for the Nativity of Jesus, to help us properly prepare our hearts and minds, quietly waiting beside the manger in Bethlehem for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the gospel of today, we hear the hymn of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Zechariah hesitated when the Archangel Gabriel announced to him, and thus, until the birth of John the Baptist, he became mute and unable to speak. However, when he saw all that God had spoken through the angel fulfilled in Elizabeth, and when he personally witnessed the birth of John the Baptist as promised by the Archangel, he sang this wonderful hymn.
In this hymn, Zacharias elucidates the great power wielded by the God of Israel upon His people from the time of the Old Testament era until the birth of John the Baptist (cf. Luke 1:68-75). He also mentions the mission of John the Baptist (cf. Luke 1:76-79) as an example for us.
Today, we too should emulate Zacharias and experience God’s love in our lives, always praising God for all that He has done for us, and extolling Him from the depths of our hearts.
Advent II: December 23rd Gospel: Luke 1:57-66 The birth of John the Baptist
In daily life, when our neighbours’ families welcome a new addition, or when our own relatives do so, we extend our congratulations and share in their joy. Likewise, when Zacharias’ family welcomes a new addition, his neighbours and relatives will surely rejoice with them, just as we do.
For us, the birth of John the Baptist brings joy, as it signifies that we are nearing the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. The birth of John the Baptist heralds that the people who live under the shadow of darkness and death will see their Savior, and they will be illuminated by the light of God, which has existed since the beginning of creation.
Today, Elizabeth and Zacharias unanimously announced to their neighbours and relatives, “His name is John.” The name John was precisely the one that the angel Gabriel had told Zacharias (cf. Lk 1:12-13). The meaning of John is God has shown mercy, manifested His kindness, and demonstrated His benevolence. Elizabeth and Zacharias did this because they had already experienced the love that God had shown them, which made them no longer live as they used to. They no longer lived in the world of the Old Testament, but in the world of God, that is, in the love of God.
Advent is a time of joy and anticipation. Today, let us emulate the virtues of Elizabeth and Zacharias, generously fulfilling God’s holy will and faithfully carrying out the mission He has entrusted to each of us.
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