Mass Readings

First Reading – Is 7:10-14

The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask!  I will not tempt the LORD!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

Responsorial Psalm – Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6. (R. 7c and 10b)

R. Let the Lord enter; He is king of glory.

The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For He founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers. R.

Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in His holy place?
One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain. R.

He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God His savior.
Such is the race that seeks for Him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. R.

Second Reading – Rom 1:1-7

Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the gospel about His Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of His name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel – Mt 1:18-24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Featured Saints

St. Micah, prophet. During the reigns of kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah he condemned idolatry and injustices, and announced to the Chosen People that a Ruler would be born in Bethlehem, who would feed the flock of Israel in the strength of the Lord .

St. Anastasius II of Antioch, bishop and martyr (†609). Appointed Bishop of Antioch, Syria, in 599. Urged by Pope St. Gregory the Great, he fought simony in his diocese. He was murdered by an anti-Christian mob during an uprising.

St. Themistoeles, martyr († third century). As a shepherd in Lycia (Turkey), he provided hiding from the Roman soldiers for St. Dioscorus. To deflect the search, he heroically declared himself a Christian, for which was tortured and killed.

Blessed Dominic Spadafora, priest (†1521). Born in Sicily, of an illustrious and wealthy family, he received a thorough education enriched by the Faith. In his youth he became a Dominican in Palermo. He was an outstanding preacher and held offices of responsibility in his Order.

Blessed Peter Friedhofen, religious (†1860). Manual worker in Koblenz, Germany, who, dedicated himself to the service of the sick for love of God. He founded the Congregation of the Brothers of Mercy of Mary Help of Christians.

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Saints of December 21

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