Entering into the Mystery of Incarnation – December 2014
The Gabriel Project
Creating - Celebrating Incarnation
Angels We Have Heard On High - The Piano Guys
Mary Did You Know? - Pentatonix (Official video)
Liturgy: Collect of the Mass at Dawn
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that, as we are bathed in the new radiance of your incarnate Word,
the light of faith, which illumines our minds,
may also shine through in our deeds.
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.
+Amen
Ask Theologika
Dear Theologika,
In the new translation of the Nicene Creed at Mass we say that Word of God “became incarnate of the virgin Mary.” What does “incarnate” or “incarnation” mean?
Puzzled
Dear Puzzled,
The answer to your question is laid out in two passages from Scripture. The prologue of St. John’s Gospel and the opening of St. Luke’s Gospel.
Spirituality in Daily Living: Las Posadas
In Mexico, Central America, and Mexican-American culture, it is customary to prepare for Christmas through nine days of celebration known as Las Posadas, literally, "the inns" or "the lodgings". A girl and a boy, dressed as Mary and Joseph, go with family and friends from house to house for nine days in a row, singing and asking for shelter. This celebration reminds all who share in it that the stranger we meet on the streets or who comes to our door may be a visitor from God who will touch our hearts and lives.
Revolución de la Ternura
Praying with Our Holy Father
General Intention: That the birth of the Redeemer may bring peace and hope to all people of good will.
Evangelization: That parents may be true evangelizers, passing on to their children the precious gift of faith.
Living in Faith
Growing in Faith: Incarnation and the Pastoral Mystery
Originally published October 1, 2012 under Standard YouTube license.
Pope Francis: Grace cannot be packaged and controlled
Pope Francis, in his homily on December 11, 2014, described God’s grace as God’s closeness to us and loving attention. It is like a mother’s closeness to her child. God’s love is free. However to be safe we are tempted to turn it into a type of merchandise, to become a sort of bookkeeper.
The Pope states his main point very clearly. “If, in your relationship with the Lord, you do not feel that He loves you tenderly, you are missing something, you still have not understood what grace is, you have not yet received grace which is this closeness.” Referring to St. Paul, the Pope says that there is nothing we can do to make ourselves right with God except to accept the tenderness of God’s love and live freely and happily in that love.
Why Does Incarnation Matter?
“Incarnation” literally means “to put into flesh.” Dr. Susan Mahan explains that in the case of Christ, the concept points to the different ways a sacred being can be present in the world. Christ is present in a unique way, as truly human and truly divine.
Looking Ahead - Epiphany!
The Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night, is traditionally celebrated on January 6 in western Christian Churches. Rosca de Reyes or Roscón de Reyes (King’s Bread) is a traditional pastry served on the Feast of the Epiphany.
Here's a recipe for Rosca de Reyes for those who like to bake and would like to try a special treat.
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