Friday 16 December 2022
Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8. O God, let all the nations praise you! – Psalm 66:2-3, 5, 7-8. John 5:33-36.
Lord, bring to us your peace
Today for people from the Philippines, and other cultures, begins the Novena to Christmas with Simbang Gabi (Filipino for Night Mass). It ends on Christmas Eve with Missa Di Galli (Spanish for Roosters’ Mass). The Mass on these days must be heard before sunrise. Of course, the celebration of Simbang Gabi is accompanied by hospitality and a feast of traditional foods. These days in Advent moving towards Christmas remind us of the fervent joy of Our Lady. They remind us of simplicity, poverty of spirit, humility, kindness, sacrifice and self-gift. The Gospel acclamation reminds us to ‘rejoice . . . with a perfect heart’. How are you willing to be a gift with an open and perfect heart?
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