Monday of the Second Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Monday of the Second Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Mark 16:15-20

Jesus showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:
‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’
And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:
‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’
And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:
‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’
And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on 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

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

BWPM 11 – The Lamb and Mercy – A Biblical Way of Praying the Mass w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V. Podcast

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Episode 11 – The Lamb and Mercy – A Biblical Way of Praying the Mass with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

We continue our conversation with Fr. Gallagher discussing the encouragements given by Venerable Bruno Lanteri in regards to a biblical way of praying the Mass. In this episode, Fr. Gallagher reflects on the Lamb of God.

Take a moment and pray:

Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love (I turn to you and to the merciful love that I know fills your heart);

in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions (blot out: remove thoroughly). . . .

Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure (make me clean; make me pure);

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow (spiritually “whiter than snow”!).

You will let me hear gladness and joy (joy in place of my heaviness of heart). . . .

My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit (a contrite spirit: the sincere, humble heart of a reo, which draws upon it God’s mercy);

A contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn (our God receives such prayer from such hearts). (Ps. 51:3, 9–10, 19)

Also

Out of the depths I call to you, LORD (from that place of burden in my heart);

LORD, hear my cry! May your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy (Lord, hear the cry of my heart, my prayer for mercy!).

If you, LORD, keep account of sins, LORD, who can stand? (you know our fragility; you are not a harsh judge; you love the humanity you created). . .

Let Israel hope in the LORD, For with the LORD is mercy, with him is plenteous redemption (plenteous, abundant, overflowing mercy, redemption, healing). (Ps. 130:1–3, 7)

And

Now, our God, hear the prayer and petition of your servant; and for your own sake, Lord, let your face shine upon your desolate sanctuary.

Give ear, my God, and listen; open your eyes and look upon our desolate city upon which your name is invoked. When we present our petition before you, we rely not on our just deeds, but on your great mercy.

Lord, hear! Lord, pardon! Lord, be attentive and act without delay, for your own sake, my God, because your name is invoked upon your city and your people! (Dan. 9:17–19).

Gallagher, Fr. Timothy; Gallagher, Fr Timothy. A Biblical Way of Praying the Mass: The Eucharistic Wisdom of Venerable Bruno Lanteri (pp. 80-81). EWTN Publishing Inc.. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in the A Biblical Way of Praying the Mass with Fr. Timothy Gallagher podcast series, visit here

You can find A Biblical Way of Praying the Mass here

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola.” For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio, which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org

For other Discerning Hearts Fr. Timothy Gallagher Podcasts visit here

Easter Sunday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Easter Sunday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week, at the first sign of dawn, they went to the tomb with the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, but on entering discovered that the body of the Lord Jesus was not there. As they stood there not knowing what to think, two men in brilliant clothes suddenly appeared at their side. Terrified, the women lowered their eyes. But the two men said to them, ‘Why look among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here; he has risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee: that the Son of Man had to be handed over into the power of sinful men and be crucified, and rise again on the third day?’ And they remembered his words.
When the women returned from the tomb they told all this to the Eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary of Magdala, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them also told the apostles, but this story of theirs seemed pure nonsense, and they did not believe them.
Peter, however, went running to the tomb. He bent down and saw the binding cloths but nothing else; he then went back home, amazed at what had happened.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

On the first day of the week, at the first sign of dawn, they went to the tomb with the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, but on entering discovered that the body of the Lord Jesus was not there. As they stood there not knowing what to think, two men in brilliant clothes suddenly appeared at their side. Terrified, the women lowered their eyes. But the two men said to them, ‘Why look among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here; he has risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee: that the Son of Man had to be handed over into the power of sinful men and be crucified, and rise again on the third day?’ And they remembered his words.
When the women returned from the tomb they told all this to the Eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary of Magdala, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them also told the apostles, but this story of theirs seemed pure nonsense, and they did not believe them.
Peter, however, went running to the tomb. He bent down and saw the binding cloths but nothing else; he then went back home, amazed at what had happened.

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

On the first day of the week, at the first sign of dawn, they went to the tomb with the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, but on entering discovered that the body of the Lord Jesus was not there. As they stood there not knowing what to think, two men in brilliant clothes suddenly appeared at their side. Terrified, the women lowered their eyes. But the two men said to them, ‘Why look among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here; he has risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee: that the Son of Man had to be handed over into the power of sinful men and be crucified, and rise again on the third day?’ And they remembered his words.
When the women returned from the tomb they told all this to the Eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary of Magdala, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them also told the apostles, but this story of theirs seemed pure nonsense, and they did not believe them.
Peter, however, went running to the tomb. He bent down and saw the binding cloths but nothing else; he then went back home, amazed at what had happened.

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on 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

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

SP 35 – Episode 35 – The Mystery of Holy Saturday – In Search of the Still Point with Dr. Regis Martin – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 35 – The Mystery of Holy Saturday

Discerning Hearts is honored to host the reflections of Dr. Regis Martin. Filled with profound insights, wisdom, and joy, he is one of the most trustworthy guides one can have on the spiritual journey.

For years Regis Martin, STD, has been regaling audiences about the mysteries of God and Church, most especially his students at Franciscan University of Steubenville where he teaches theology. Author of half-dozen or more books, including The Suffering of Love (Ignatius, 2006), The Last Things (Ignatius Press, 2011), Still Point (Ave Maria, 2012), The Beggar’s Banquet (Emmaus Road, 2012), Witness to Wonder (Emmaus Road, 2017) his work frequently appears in Crises and The Catholic Thing.

IP#352 Dr. Peter Kreeft – Probes on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Podcast

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“Probes: Deep Sea Diving into St. John’s Gospel” is a beautiful union of Scripture Study and the prayer experience of Lectio Divina. I’ve never seen anything quite like it (and I hope I see more). What the reader will find is that diving deeper is actually climbing higher. Under Dr. Kreeft’s guidance, we learn to ask penetrating questions of Sacred Scripture, but more importantly, we learn to listen to the Word for the answers. Designed for community study or individual reflection, this is the “John” book I have been waiting for! Thank you once again Dr. Kreeft!

You can find the book here

From the book description:

This is no ordinary book. It is a set of probing questions (1,450 in fact) designed to help individuals or groups, especially groups, to dive deeply into Saint John’s Gospel. No answers are provided, but the questions are phrased in such a way as to set a person in a reliable direction for finding the answers.

The questions correspond to the verses of the Gospel and require active and personal interaction. Some of the questions are easy, some difficult, and they are marked accordingly. Some questions include background information or hints that help the reader along. Some were written with a fair bit of humor. Any person or group using these questions to explore John will find themselves entertained as well as informed and inspired.

IP#315 Fr. Robert Spitzer – The Light Shines On In The Darkness on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor podcast

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Simply one of the finest works ever compiled on the mystery of suffering. Fr. Robert Spitzer’s “The Light Shines On In The Darkness: Transforming Suffering through Faith (Happiness, Suffering, and Transcendence)” could be considered a “catechism of suffering,” but not one rooted in misery, but rather anchored in the experience of God’s great mercy and redemptive sacrifice. This is a book of hope and one that should be experienced by all Christians, and in particular, those who minister in any way, shape, or form in the New Evangelization. Why would a loving God allow suffering? Is there any good that can be brought forth from our trials? So much more is addressed in this opus. I could not put this book down. Pick it up, you won’t regret it!

You can find the book here

“Suffering has the power to break or elevate the human spirit. Lived in the spirit of the Gospel and borne for the sake of others, it’s the most redemptive, transfiguring force in creation. Fr. Spitzer has written a magisterial work on the meaning of suffering, a work remarkable both for its depth and beauty.”
— Most Rev. Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia

“In this trenchant and searching book, Fr. Spitzer responds to the most powerful objection to the proposition that God exists, namely, the problem of suffering. And he dares to do what very few are willing to do today: to articulate how evil and pain are ingredients in the providential design of a loving God.”
—Bishop Robert Barron, Host, Catholicism film series

SPECIAL EDITION – The Contemplation to Attain the Love of God – complete/without interruption w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V. Podcast

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This is a special edition of the reflection offered by Fr. Timothy Gallagher on the “Contemplation to Attain the love of God” by St. Ignatius of Loyola as found in the “Spiritual Exercises.” What we original provided to you as two separate episodes, we now combine into a single extended episode without interruption. We hope this will enhance your experience of this Ignatian exercise.

CONTEMPLATION TO ATTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, [1914], at sacred-texts.com

Note. First, it is well to remark two things: the first is that love ought to be put more in deeds than in words.

The second, love consists in the interchange between the two parties; that is to say in the lover’s giving and communicating to the beloved what he has or out of what he has or can; and so contrary, the beloved to the lover. So that if the one has the knowledge, he gives to the one who has it not. The same of honors, of riches; and so the one to the other.

CONTEMPLATION TO GAIN LOVE

Prayer. The usual Prayer.

First Prelude. The first Prelude is a composition, which is here to see how I am standing before God our Lord, and of the Angels and of the Saints interceding for me.

Second Prelude. The second, to ask for what I want. It will be here to ask for interior knowledge of so great good received, in order that being entirely grateful, I may be able in all to love and serve His Divine Majesty.

First Point. The First Point is, to bring to memory the benefits received, of Creation, Redemption and particular gifts, pondering with much feeling how much God our Lord has done for me, and how much He has given me of what He has, and then the same Lord desires to give me Himself as much as He can, according to His Divine ordination.

And with this to reflect on myself, considering with much reason and justice, what I ought on my side to offer and give to His Divine Majesty, that is to say, everything that is mine, and myself with it, as one who makes an offering with much feeling:

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my intellect, and all my will — all that I have and possess. Thou gavest it to me: to Thee, Lord, I return it! All is Thine, dispose of it according to all Thy will. Give me Thy love and grace, for this is enough for me.

Second Point. The second, to look how God dwells in creatures, in the elements, giving them being, in the plants vegetating, in the animals feeling in them, in men giving them to understand: and so in me, giving me being, animating me, giving me sensation and making me to understand; likewise making a temple of me, being created to the likeness and image of His Divine Majesty; reflecting as much on myself in the way which is said in the first Point, or in another which I feel to be better. In the same manner, will be done on each Point which follows.

Third Point. The third, to consider how God works and labors for me in all things created on the face of the earth — that is, behaves like one who labors — as in the heavens, elements, plants, fruits, cattle, etc., giving them being, preserving them, giving them vegetation and sensation, etc.

Then to reflect on me.

Fourth Point. The fourth, to look how all the good things and gifts descend from above, as my poor power from the supreme and infinite power from above; and so justice, goodness, pity, mercy, etc.; as from the sun descend the rays, from the fountain the waters, etc.

Then to finish reflecting on myself, as has been said.

I will end with a Colloquy and an OUR FATHER.

Be sure to check out Fr. Timothy Gallaghers latest book

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org

For other Discerning Hearts Fr. Timothy Gallagher Podcasts visit here

SP 34 – Episode 34 – The Strongest Argument… – In Search of the Still Point with Dr. Regis Martin – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 34 – The Strongest Argument..

BWPM 10 – Give Us This Day – A Biblical Way of Praying the Mass w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V. Podcast

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Episode 10 – Give Us This Day – A Biblical Way of Praying the Mass with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Take a moment and pray:

Our Father: Father: ponder the love, the security, and the providential care of the heavenly Father that this word signifies. Our: all of us share this Father; we are all his sons and daughters, one family.

who art in heaven: lift your gaze of faith to the infinite joy of heaven where this Father resides with the Son and Holy Spirit, the communion to which we are called when earthly life is done.

hallowed be thy name: ask, beg, petition that this Father’s name be held in love and reverence in your heart, in your family, in the Church, and in the world. thy kingdom come: pray that the kingdom of God — his love, truth, life, holiness, grace, justice, and peace — grow and be increasingly rooted in this world. Desire this. Ask for this.

thy will be done: with the sentiments and heart of a mendico, seek the grace to do God’s will in your life, in all things, day by day.

on earth: pray that God’s will be done in the Church and in the world. Raise this cry from your heart.

as it is in heaven: contemplate the joy, the harmony, the communion, the peace of heaven, in which God’s will is the single guide. Ask that this joy and communion be granted to our world.

Give us this day: What are your needs this day? What do your family members need this day? The Church? The nation? The world? Ask to be given what you need today.

our daily bread: the material bread we need for our lives and for the sustenance, health, education, and well-being of those entrusted to our care; and the spiritual bread: the Eucharist, Holy Communion.

and forgive us our trespasses: ask for the loving encounter with the Father that is forgiveness (Luke 15:11–32), for healing from the burdens of our hearts.

as we forgive those who trespass against us: Has anyone hurt you? Mistreated you? Misunderstood you? In these deep places of the heart, ask for the grace to forgive. “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Eph. 4:32).

and lead us not into temptation: pray for freedom from all that could cause spiritual harm. Make this prayer for yourself, your family, the Church, and the world.

but deliver us from evil: ask for protection and safety from all evil. Ask this “of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Pet. 2:9).

Gallagher, Fr. Timothy; Gallagher, Fr Timothy . A Biblical Way of Praying the Mass: The Eucharistic Wisdom of Venerable Bruno Lanteri (pp. 75-76). EWTN Publishing Inc.. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in the A Biblical Way of Praying the Mass with Fr. Timothy Gallagher podcast series, visit here

You can find A Biblical Way of Praying the Mass here

For other Discerning Hearts Fr. Timothy Gallagher Podcasts visit here

The Joyful Mysteries – Scriptural Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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The Scriptural Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Three Hail Mary’s:

I live now not with my own life but with the life of Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in this body I live in faith: faith in the Son of God who loved me and who sacrificed himself for my sake. (Galatians 2:20)
I know the plans I have in mind for you – it is Yahweh who speaks – plans for peace, not disaster, reserving a future full of hope for you. Then when you call to me, and come to plead with me, I will listen to you. When you seek me you shall find me, when you seek me with all your heart; I will let you find me. (Jeremiah 29:11-14a)
3. Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

For the entire Discerning Hearts Scriptural Rosary visit here

The Joyful Mysteries

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, (Luke 1:26)
To a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. (Luke 1:27)
He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ (Luke 1:28)
She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, (Luke 1:29)
The angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favor (Luke 1:30)
Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. (Luke 1:31)
Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ (Luke 1:34)
‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. (Luke 1:35)
Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God’ (Luke 1:36-37)
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her. (Luke 1:38)

The Visitation of The Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth

Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-40)
Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:41)
She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. (Luke 1:42)
Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. (Luke 1:43-44)
Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ (Luke 1:45)
And Mary said: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my savior; (Luke 1:46-47)
Because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid. Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed, (Luke 1-48)
For the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him. (Luke 1:49-50)
He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart. He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. (Luke 1:51-52)
The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away. He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy -according to the promise he made to our ancestors-of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’ (Luke 1:53-55)

The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

The time came for her to have her childand she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)
In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, (Luke 2:8-9)
But the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. (Luke 2:10)
Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ (Luke 2:11-12)
And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour'(Luke 2:13-14)
Now when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us’. (Luke 2:15)
So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him,(Luke 2:16-17)
and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.(Luke 2:18-19)
And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told. (Luke 2:20)
When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception. (Luke 2:21)

The Presentation at the Temple

And when the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord-(Luke 2:22)
observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons(Luke 2:23-24)
Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him.(Luke 2:25)
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord(Luke 2:26)
Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required,he took him into his arms and blessed God; (Luke 2:27-28)
He said: ‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see. (Luke 2:29-31)
A light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel’. (Luke 2:32)
As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him,Simeon blessed them (Luke 2:33-34a)
And said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected-(Luke 2:34b)
and a sword will pierce your own soul too-so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare’.(Luke 2:35)

The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

Every year his parents used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. (Luke 2:41-42)
When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it.(Luke 2:43)
They assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day’s journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere. (Luke 2:44-45)
Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions;(Luke 2:46)
and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies.(Luke 2:47)
They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’ (Luke 2:48)
‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?'(Luke 2:49)
But they did not understand what he meant.(Luke 2:50)
He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart.(Luke 2:51)
And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men.(Luke 2:52)

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.