Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton First Reading: 1 John 3:22–4:6 Beloved: We receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit whom he gave us. Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist who, as you heard, is to come, but in fact is already in the world. You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They belong to the world; accordingly, their teaching belongs to the world, and the world listens to them. We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us, while anyone who does not belong to God refuses to hear us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 2:7BC-8, 10-12A R. I will give you all the nations for an inheritance. The LORD said to me, “ou are my Son; this day I have begotten you. Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.” R. I will give you all the nations for an inheritance. And now, O kings, give heed; take warning, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him; with trembling rejoice. R. I will give you all the nations for an inheritance. Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him. NAB Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, wife, mother, founder of Sisters of Charity, and first native-born American citizen to be canonized. This was a woman who got things done! How? She echoes Saint John in the First Reading: What was the first rule of our dear Savior's life? You know it was to do his Father's will. Well, then, the first purpose of our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills; and thirdly, to do it because it is his will. We know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life. We know that he gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty. She asked God what was next and then she just did the next thing. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was a firm believer in discerning His will and then going about it with firm resolve, doing it cheerfully, even when being cheerful wasn't her first reaction. She believed that "cheerfulness prepares a glorious mind for all the noblest acts of religion—love, adoration, praise, and every union with our God." It wasn't the noble act that made her cheerful, nor was it the glorious mind. It was instead her cheerfulness that paved the way for the mind and the body to do the will of God with nobility. Can we begin with cheerfulness? Practice intentional cheerfulness? It isn’t a forced smile through gritted teeth. Instead, it’s the prayerful plea for the ability to reflect God’s own joy in the image of the Creator that is you. It is His will for you to be cheerful. It is His will for you to exude His joy. [bctt tweet="It is His will for you to exude His joy."] Ask God today to make you truly cheerful. Begin with cheerfulness. And then, go cheerfully to do the next holy thing on your list. photo by Jacqueline Kayleigh Elizabeth Foss is a wife, the mother of nine, and a grandmother. She finds the cacophony of big family imperfection to be the perfect place to learn to walk in the unforced rhythms of grace. You can learn more about her here.

The Epiphany of Our Lord First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him. R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6 Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. NAB There’s nothing like a teenager to make you take stock of your gifts. Or, in my case, 700 teenagers. Our former parish hosted a large youth rally each spring and one of our speakers, Father Stan Fortuna, shared his insight on gifts and God’s generosity. “God gives everyone a gift. Everyone. The problem? We don’t like the gift God gives us.” Ouch. Gift giving has been around for thousands of years. The Magi offered their very best to Jesus upon his birth. They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Can you imagine if Mary looked at them and said, “Um, where’s the massage? The monogrammed onesie? The Kate Spade diaper bag?” I mean, those are all things I might’ve wanted upon giving birth. In a barn. With mooing and stinky animals. But, Mary took them gratefully. She saw the sacrifice those Magi made, traveling from afar, to properly welcome the King. God shares that same generosity for us every day. He pours out His gifts into us. And what do we do? We complain. We covet the gifts of others. We wish ours away. We beg him for gifts He knows we do not need. Instead of complaining, begging and wishing our gifts away, let’s give God the very best of us. Our words of thanks for the gifts He bestows upon us is never enough. Instead, use your gifts. Use them for His glory. His purpose. His will. It’s time to start passing out your gold, frankincense and myrrh—with joy, with love and with the heart of the Magi. [bctt tweet="Our words of thanks for the gifts He bestows upon us is never enough."] Today, think about a gift you possess and how you can use it to bless another person. And be generous, God is worth your best. photo by Sara Miller Kathryn Whitaker is married to Scott and together they have 6 awesome kids. She is a former public relations consultant turned freelance graphic designer who hails from the Lone Star state. You can find out more about her here.

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen First Reading: 1 John 2:22-28 Beloved: Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. I write you these things about those who would deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him. And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4 R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Gospel: John 1:19-28 This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. NAB I am often fascinated by the position I find myself in when it comes to my ministry work. I speak to teenagers all across America—young people from all different backgrounds, socioeconomic classes, and states. I speak to them in theaters, gymnasiums, churches, halls, cafeterias, you name it—I have spoken to teens there. When I am brought in to speak at these retreats and nights of worship, I am most often asked to give a talk to a room full of teenagers right before they meet Jesus in the Eucharist in adoration. It is an overwhelming role to play in the building of the Kingdom among our young people. It is also a peculiar position, because many teenagers I speak to look at me foggy-eyed, without a care about who Jesus Christ is or wants to be in their life. I receive 25 to 30 minutes to help set up this encounter with Christ for broken, hurting, tired, indifferent young people . . . and all I get to share with them is words. In my humanity I want to move their hearts and make them recognize God's limitless, unchanging, fierce love for them. My humanity wants to help them identify the answer to all of their suffering. I want to get them to believe that following Jesus is the one way to a life of fulfillment before they leave for the night. But I cannot—it is not my job—it is Jesus' job. I can only do what I am called to do—speak words for the time I am given about who Jesus Christ is and then? Jesus takes care of the rest. It is His job to work in hearts, to help these teens see, to guide them to the right path. I would venture to guess there are people in your life you want to help understand—who you want to make believe in the power of our unchanging God. Perhaps it's your uncle, boyfriend, sister, best friend, or your husband. There are people suffering in your life who you want to help point toward Christ. All we can do is witness. All we are called to do is set things up for God to move—to speak love and truth and power and beauty into their lives—through our words and actions—and allow God to cultivate those seeds planted in their minds and hearts in the beautiful way He does. We are to be like John, the voice crying out in the desert—making straight the way of the Lord by witnessing to who He is and who He wants to be in the life of each person born to this Earth. We help set things up. Trust that He will take care of the rest. [bctt tweet="All we can do is witness. All we are called to do is set things up for God to move."] Do you recognize the beautiful role you play in being that voice in the desert of the deserted hearts that surround you? Do you utilize that role and then trust God to do the rest? photo credit Emily Wilson planned her whole life to become a sports reporter but turned out to be a Catholic musician and speaker at the hand of God. She lives out of her suitcase and travels across the world speaking to people of all ages. The heart of her ministry is offering encouragement to teen girls in search of their true identity, and she loves ever second of it. You can find out more about her here.

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27 The LORD said to Moses: “Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 R. May God bless us in his mercy. May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. R. May God bless us in his mercy. May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. R. May God bless us in his mercy. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! R. May God bless us in his mercy. Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7 Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God. Gospel: Luke 2:16-21 The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. NAB What a wonderful way to start of the New Year—by celebrating the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. When I was younger (and not practicing my faith), I always wondered why the Church would have a Marian feast on New Year’s Day. It seemed like the day should be centered on sleeping in, being with family and friends, and watching the Rose Parade or football. Now I understand that this feast day serves as a needed reminder that celebration is well and good but there is a bigger picture that can’t be ignored. We are called to look beyond the temporal and our own lives and reflect on the universality of God’s family and the role that Mary’s motherhood played in our salvation. When I think of Mary, two things immediately come to mind. First, her complete surrender to God’s will, whether she was accepting the mind-blowing call to be the Virgin Mother of the Savior or letting go of her beloved Son as she watched his violent crucifixion. Mary accepted God’s will and her heart always remained focused on God. The second aspect that comes to mind is Mary’s peace and calmness. When I read today’s Gospel my mind’s eye could picture the shepherds in the stable relaying God’s message to Mary and Joseph. I can’t help but imagine what I would have been like in a similar situation. Most likely, I’d have been freaking out. But the Gospel says, “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” You can almost feel Mary's calmness and her surrender to God’s will. Even if she was troubled, knowing that God was in charge of the bigger picture gave Mary peace. I thought about this again the other day when I read a quote from Pope Paul VI in his apostolic exhortation Marialis Cultus. He referred to the Solemnity of Mary as “a fitting occasion for renewing adoration of the newborn Prince of Peace, for listening once more to the glad tidings of the angels, and for imploring from God, through the Queen of Peace, the supreme gift of peace.” There it is again—peace. It is something that we need so desperately in these violent times. We need peace in the world, in our community, in our family, in our hearts. Mary's example points us to her Son, the Prince of Peace. [bctt tweet="We need peace in the world, in our community, in our family, in our hearts."] Today let’s turn to Mary as our Mother and ask her to pray for us that we may accept God’s will with humble surrender and live as instruments of peace to those around us, especially to those who need it most. photo by Madi Myers-Cook Bobbi Rol is a wife, a mama of four and a blogger learning to love God in the midst of dishes, laundry and swinging light sabers. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: 1 John 2:18-21 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. Thus we know this is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of our number; if they had been, they would have remained with us. Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number. But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13 R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name; announce his salvation, day after day. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! The LORD comes, he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Gospel: John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him. NAB Children, it is the last hour. I’ve always wanted to be among the sea of humanity pressed shoulder to shoulder in Times Square on this night, layered in festive scarves and wool hats and puffy coats, squinting up into the sky to catch the very first glimpse of the New Year as it comes in. The last hour . . . the last minutes . . . the final seconds, as everyone breathes together, counting down the waning moments of a year lived, eager to taste the first air that belongs to a year yet unseen. What will it bring? Will it be better than the one we are leaving behind? Whether we sailed through this year with a tailwind or struggled hard against it, whether we wrestled it to the ground as it drew to a close or lowered our heads in defeat, we know one thing. The same Word that was in the beginning is in every beginning. The Word (the very Word that was with God and was God!) became flesh and made His dwelling among us. That Word, that God-with-us, is still with us. He goes before us, the way He always has. And from His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace. The new year stretches out ahead of us as we hold our breaths, waiting to see what it will bring . . . but no matter what it brings, we know He is already there. Happy New Year, sisters. May God’s richest blessings fill your hearts with joy in the 365 days to come . . . and in the moments when you fear and struggle and wonder if you can go on, know that you can. You can and you will, because grace and truth came to us through Jesus Christ that first Christmas, and they never left us. You are enough, because He is enough for you, no matter what lies ahead for you this year. [bctt tweet="No matter what the new year brings, we know He is already there."] As you lay the past year to rest and look over its triumphs and disappointments, picture Jesus standing beside you, loving you just as you are. No matter how the last year went, you are enough. No matter what comes for you this year, you are enough . . . and Jesus is enough for you. Abbey Dupuy is a homeschooling mama to preschooler twins, a first grader, and a new baby. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: 1 John 2:12-17 I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the Evil One. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the Evil One. Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:7-8A, 8B-9, 10 R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise; give to the LORD the glory due his name! R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Bring gifts, and enter his courts; worship the LORD in holy attire. Tremble before him, all the earth. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Gospel: Luke 2:36-40 There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. NAB Anna is both an interesting and mysterious biblical figure to me. She is presented in Scripture as an older woman, who basically hangs around the temple night and day praying and fasting. She isn’t just an ancient ‘church lady,’ but rather a prophetess who recognizes the infant Christ child for who He really is—Our Savior. I find the reading a bit understated when it ways she “gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem,” but let’s think about what she was actually giving thanks for. The birth of the Messiah! The redemption of her people. After decades of fasting and prayer she gets to meet and recognize our Infant King. Reading the Psalms I can hear her voice proclaiming the words (even though they weren't actually hers), for surely her blessed heart was on fire for Him. A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon the earth. As we celebrate his Birth during this season of Christmas, we have the opportunity to continue to proclaim His Lordship and Divinity. This is His season. It is easy to be distracted by the secular aspects that seem to take over Christmas, but regardless of how this world treats His birthday, it is still His day. It is up to us to turn from the secular and proclaim who and what Christ is. He is the King of King and Lord of Lords. He is the Great Light, which has come upon the earth. And like Anna, we have known Him who is from the beginning. So let us give him honor by giving Him our lives. [bctt tweet="Let us give him honor by giving Him our lives."] How do we recognize the Christ among us? Are we able to turn from the distractions of the world to see Him? How you proclaim His coming as you celebrate this season of His birth? MaryRuth Hackett is a full-time wife and mother doing her best to teach her four children to love God and country. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 Beloved: The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked. Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall. Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2A, 2B-3, 5B-6 R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! The LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Gospel: Luke 2:22-35 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” NAB Maybe you have heard this before: God's voice calms, comforts, convicts, encourages, enlightens, leads, reassures, and stills. Satan's voice obsesses, worries, condemns, discourages, confuses, pushes, frightens, and rushes. I never find this to be more true than when I am reading Scripture. In the First Reading, we hear, "The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments." The Devil tells us, "You never seem to keep all of the Commandments. You're always messing up and running to Confession. You don't know Jesus." In the Gospel, we are warned about the tragic fate of the child Jesus. It's easy to see defeat and forget that we win in the end. If you're reading Scripture and find yourself focusing on the negatives or worrying that you don't stack up to what is being called of you, ask yourself if your thoughts are of God. If they don’t fit in with that list up at the very top there, guess what? They aren’t. God will show you where you need to grow, and He will encourage you, convict you, and fortify you. So, today, instead of reading these passages and worrying about how far you have to go and how much sin you need to conquer, let’s go a different route: praise. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! God has provided so much good for us in this life. We are worthy of His love. We are given new chances to show our love for Him every single moment of the day. He loves us because we exist. His love does not hinge on our past mistakes and future slips. He gives abundantly. He allows us to cast our worries and fears onto Him. He loves us. He loves us. He loves us. And we are wonderful because we are loved. [bctt tweet="He loves us. He loves us. He loves us. And we are wonderful because we are loved."] Make a list of five reasons you are a wonderful daughter of God. Believe those reasons—because they are true. Jenna Hines has teeny army of three children and is married to a bearded fellow named Mike. A former high school English teacher, she now stays at home where she blogs and runs a crafty embroidery business. You can find out more about her here.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother. My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins —a house raised in justice to you. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged. Gospel: Luke 2:41-52 Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man. NAB Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family. That most perfect family consisting of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. In her wisdom, our Church draws our attention to the importance of this holy family and how it is the most perfect model for our family life. In the days leading up to my big move from my parents' home in California to my first apartment in Minnesota, my mom called me out to our patio. She had me sit down and she handed me item after item. Mixing bowl, a can opener, a pot to boil beans just like the one I grew up watching her use. Simple things. Ordinary. Perhaps mundane to some. But my mother was passing down her wisdom. It wasn’t just a mixing bowl, it was a tool to prepare and serve those who would be a part of my new home. Every time I start to boil water for beans, I recall my parents sorting, cleaning, and washing those beans. Making them stretch for days because we don’t waste, we use our things wisely. I imagine Mary did this too. Jesus watched her mend clothes because they didn’t waste. He heard Joseph recite the prayers that other Jewish families said in their homes. Jesus probably saw Mary prepare meals for family and friends who were visiting on a feast day. All simple and ordinary parts of family life. In their day-to-day activities, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, sanctified ordinary life. That first Christian home was a model of care, protection, and virtue. Our Christian homes, whether they consist of a gaggle of children, a few good friends or a husband and wife, are meant to imitate the little house of Nazareth. Our homes are a place where we learn to know God and make life a more beautiful and peaceful for those who enter it. Centered around Christ, our ordinary and simple life is sanctified. [bctt tweet="Centered around Christ, our ordinary and simple life is sanctified."] Is Christ the center of your family home? Are we giving our home the time and attention that it deserves? Jacqueline Skemp is a daughter, sister, wife and mother who endures living in Minnesota after leaving California for her one true love. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the LORD restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my son; this day I have begotten you? Or again: I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me? And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him. Gospel: John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him. NAB When this month's assignments arrived in my inbox, I noted that somehow, some way, I get to write to you on Christmas. My first thought was "Is anyone online on Christmas Day?" My next thought was, "Christmas! Jackpot! I get Christmas!" Really, is there a better day at all? Okay, maybe Easter, but it's close and Easter wasn't in the running. So, Merry Christmas! In the beginning was the Word . . . John . . . came to testify to the Light . . . we have received grace in place of grace . . . . This is the Gospel. The great, glorious, most beautiful Gospel of the day. The Word. Read it again. Close your eyes. Let it soak it in. His light and grace are yours; they are His gift to you. Go testify to the Light. There’s a good chance you’re tired. There’s a good chance your nerves are fraying. There’s a good chance you are in need of the promises of the Savior. Guess what? You are just the person He wants to bring light and joy to this day. You are the very instrument of grace in His perfect plan. You—weary before the day even began—you are His messenger. Pray for grace. He'll shower you with it today. Grace in place of grace. And you will grant that grace with light to everyone you meet. Now, turn off your computer. Quiet your phone. With trumpets and the sound of the horn, sing joyfully before the King! Right there, in your own sweet Bethlehem. God bless your Christmas. [bctt tweet="Now, turn off your computer. Quiet your phone. And sing joyfully before the King."] In the chaos and commotion that come with Christmas, shine the light of the Lord's love on the people He has chosen for you today. Look at them. Hear their stories. Hold the small faces in your cupped hands. Intertwine the weathered fingers with your own. Take your time. It’s not yours, you know. Time is really His. Use it well. Testify to His light with your own peaceful sweetness. Even when it's hard, even when you're fatigued, testify to the Light. Elizabeth Foss is a wife, the mother of nine, and a grandmother. She finds the cacophony of big family imperfection to be the perfect place to learn to walk in the unforced rhythms of grace. You can learn more about her here.

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16 When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you.” But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in? “‘It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 AND 29 R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’ Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.” R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Gospel: Luke 1:67-79 Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” NAB Jesus has come to save us! Tonight we celebrate this "O Holy Night" in which Jesus really and truly comes to dwell among us. What a great event we celebrate tonight! Christmas can be a hard time. Let's be honest. It's not really always "the most wonderful time of year." It can be, of course, because it is truly a time of great beauty, a time together with family, time of celebration of special traditions, and the great graces of this most mysterious event of the Incarnation. But it can also be a very difficult or challenging time for many. Maybe your family is not so "put together" and you are just trying to "make it through the holidays" without any major blowups. Maybe you have experienced a great loss this year and the absence of your child, friend, or family member is excruciating as you go this time of celebrating without him and her. Maybe you feel a great loneliness and emptiness because it is yet another Christmas in which you are still single, and you are still searching for the ways in which you will give of yourself through your vocation. Maybe it's financial stress, or illness, or the absence of loved ones that make it difficult for you to gleefully sing out that this is the "most wonderful time of the year." But that's the point, ladies. This is what we are celebrating. Jesus has come to save us—in the midst of all that! He has come in the midst of all our sufferings, our wounds, traumas, fears, sin, brokenness, stress, irritations, heartbreak, and loss. And that's why we can celebrate. Zechariah's Benedictus summarizes it well, "In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." This is what it is all about. The light is breaking for us. In God's compassion, He's come into our darkness and even into the sorrow and grief of death. He's leading us and guiding us. He is giving us His peace. Jesus has come to save us! We can truly say that this is "the most wonderful time of the year"! May we have hearts open to receive this Christchild, our Savior and King! Wishing you a blessed Christmas! [bctt tweet="Jesus has come to save us—in the midst of all our sufferings."] If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or hurting, take a moment to step out in faith to RECEIVE this gift of Jesus' presence that He gives today. Jesus comes to YOU! In all your pain and darkness. He comes to save you—to give you His peace and His joy. Mary Catherine Craige is a lover of creativity and learning new things. When she is not guiding the development of young children through Montessori methods, you can find her behind her harp, taking an art class, or writing in her journal. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in the days of old, as in years gone by. Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, Before the day of the LORD comes, the great and terrible day, To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the land with doom. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5AB, 8-9, 10 AND 14 R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Gospel: Luke 1:57-66 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” NAB Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; Teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, For you are God my savior. Ps. 25: 4-5 If you were to open my Bible to Psalm 25 you would see a well-read page. Tattered and wrinkled, marked up with different colors of ink and highlighter from using these words over the years to cry out to God in times of uncertainty. Teach me your paths! Guide me! I remember praying these words as a teenager trying to decide which college to attend. Then again as a young woman discerning marriage, and entering the Catholic Church. After settling into married life I used these words during a two year period of infertility, wondering if God’s plan for my life included motherhood, or if He was calling me to something else. During each of these epochs in my life I felt like God’s plan for me was completely hidden, no matter how hard I sought it. At times I had to advance even though I had no idea where I was going. And as hard as that was, I know it was during those times of uncertainty that I was closest to God, because of how fervently I was seeking Him. In today’s First Reading we hear a prophesy, and in the Gospel, the fulfillment: Saint John the Baptist, the messenger sent to prepare the way of the long-awaited Savior. But the person I want to focus on is Zechariah, the father of this messenger. Zechariah gets the shock of a lifetime when an angel appears to him and tells him he and his wife would have a baby, even though they were unable to have children their entire lives. Naturally he has some doubts, and he’s made mute until his child is born. Zechariah learned obedience and to trust God’s plan, even though it didn’t make any sense. So when his son was born he gave him an obscure, non-family name, not knowing what God had planned for him, but trusting that “the hand of the Lord was with him.” Advent is a time of waiting. The days are short, there’s darkness all around, and we are waiting for the Great Light to break in on our lives. I find myself in yet another period of uncertainty. With two small children and a husband who’s a fulltime student, my days are long, lonely, and stressful. Sometimes I wonder if we made the right decision and how I will ever survive the next two years. We are trusting that God has lead us to this place and that He will see us through. [bctt tweet="The days are short, there’s darkness all around, and we are waiting for the Great Light to break in on our lives."] Are you waiting in darkness or uncertainty? Is God’s will hidden from your sight? Know that the Lord is with you while you wait, use this time of uncertainty to draw closer to Him. And be encouraged by the words of the Psalm refrain: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Anna Coyne is a wife, mother, knitter, gardener, and convert to the Catholic faith. Read more about her here.

First Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left Samuel there. Responsorial Psalm: 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “The LORD puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “He raises the needy from the dust; from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. Gospel: Luke 1:46-56 Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home. NAB I do not know about you, but I have a difficult time articulating the sense of peace, praise, and love that fills my entire being and electrifies my soul when reading the Canticle of Mary. It is as if my soul recognizes this hymn of praise, sung throughout the ages. My skin tingles. My eyes fill with tears. My arms lift to the sky. Age to age, she sings to me, reminding me to be the servant and praise His name above all others. Mary was just like me. She was a woman who loved God. But unlike me, she wholly and completely trusted the plan of the Lord and free from sin. I have enough trouble quieting my own thoughts to allow God to whisper to my heart. I think she knew my heart. And the hearts of all God’s children. It is difficult to praise when we suffer and even harder to understand why we should endure what we do. But she called us to remember that He raises the needy. He makes poor and He makes rich. He humbles. He exalts. He formed us from the dust itself. She sung this praise for all of us. For me. For you. For us to remember and for us to also believe as she did. What unshakable faith. What enduring love. What everlasting belief. [bctt tweet="He humbles. He exalts. He formed us from the dust itself."] She believed in the promises of the Lord and she was blessed. Samantha Aguinaldo-Wetterholm is a wife, mom, and dentist currently living in the Bay Area, California. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Song of Songs 2:8-14 Hark! my lover–here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. My lover speaks; he says to me, “Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come! “For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance. Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come! “O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see you, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness. R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song. Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song. Gospel: Luke 1:39-45 Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” NAB "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." Psst! Did you catch that? Those first few words? In some translations, it's actually Blessed is she . . . . That's right! Blessed Is She! It's like our own little ministry holiday today! And seeing it in context right before Christmas really brings it all together. The elements we need to understand what it's all about-—faith, trust, love, giving—they're all here. These elements reveal the meaning and truth of Elizabeth's words to Mary, and they help us understand God's unique will for each of us this season. Consider these incredible (and very different!) women: We have Elizabeth—no stranger to middle age, married to a well-respected leader in the community. A faithful woman who clung to God throughout a lifetime of infertility, who in her suffering held her heart open to His will long after it made sense to keep hoping for a child. She continued to serve and to recieve with that open heart. God did not take away the suffering—but He brought her through it, and out of her openness He brought impossible joy. The miracle of a child. A child whose very presence brought Mary and Jesus to her, a child who would prepare a way for His cousin, the Christ. And then we have the one and only Mary. Young, unmarried, Mary, from a small town, so vulnerable, without many connections. Pregnant out of wedlock, with no one to grasp that she was was indeed espoused—not to a man, but to the Holy Spirit. Despite her vulnerability, despite the almost certain shame, she too bared her heart to God's will. And in return she recieved Christ. In order to give Christ to the world. God gave these women a purpose. He made a promise. One without many details at the time. But they still trusted. God gives each of us a purpose. A purpose that not one of the other 7 billion souls in the world can fulfill except us. It's easy to get bogged down by the questions and stuck in the details, but at its core our mission is really very simple. Just two ingredients. First: our unique, one-of-a-kind self. Second: Christ—to be both received by us with an open heart, and given to the world without fear or reservation. And just like Mary and Elizabeth, He makes each of us a promise. A promise that the singular mission He gives us is enough to change us and change the world. In the recieving and giving of His Son, God created us to make a completely new and needed and everlasting impact on the world—just like Mary, Elizabeth, and all the other Saints who came before us. That's all it takes—then truly, we too can say, "Blessed are we who have believed what was spoken to us would be fulfilled!" [bctt tweet="God gives each of us a purpose. A purpose that no one else fulfills except us."] We, like these women, are meant to be vessels bringing the gift of Christ to others. This Christmas, let's place a higher value on this gift than the material ones we're rushing to buy or wrap. Let's let go of some of the questions, the details, and give to our Creator the gift of our one-of-a-kind heart and soul—so we can make room to receive the Greatest Gift of all. photo by Edenn Yorks Megan Hjelmstad is a wife, mom, writer and sometimes soldier whose real passion is equal parts faith and chocolate. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4A Thus says the LORD: You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, and the rest of his kindred shall return to the children of Israel. He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; and they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power, and come to save us. R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10 Brothers and sisters: When Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.’“ First he says, “Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.” These are offered according to the law. Then he says, “Behold, I come to do your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. By this “will,” we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Gospel: Luke 1:39-45 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” NAB Several years ago, while browsing in my local Catholic book store, I happened upon the most beautiful image I’d ever seen. There, on the wall, in a modest frame, hung Albertinelli’s masterful rendition of The Visitation. I’d seen dozens of artistic representations of the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth in years past, but none of them ever made me cry. In fact, I’d never cried because of any painting before. Ever. Regardless, there I stood, dead in my tracks, with tears rolling down my cheeks as I gazed upon the loveliness of the encounter of these two women. There was something in the brushstrokes of that replica that tugged at my heart. That “something,” I believe, was the artist’s amazing depiction of the intimate bond of love and mutual support between two women—a bond that embodied the joys, sufferings, longing, and fulfillment of God’s promises. “This,” I said to myself, “is what Christian sisterhood should be like.” Our Gospel reading today tells us that Mary hastens to meet Elizabeth’s need in charity and humility. Elizabeth, in turn, recognizes that something undeniably powerful has happened within her younger cousin. Elizabeth acclaims Mary as “the mother of my Lord”—as Theotokos—God bearer. What an incredible privilege and grave responsibility young Mary chose to take on with her fiat, and how physically difficult it must have been for Elizabeth to be pregnant in her old age. And yet these two faithful women shared their burdens of joys and sorrows in the most beautifully feminine way—together, with loving encouragement, support, and service. It is not always easy to bear the light of Christ in the world. Some days we falter, some days we are discouraged. Some days it is joyful, and some days it seems a load too difficult to handle on our own. And yet, Elizabeth and Mary remind us by their example that we are never truly alone when two or more are gathered. With the scene of The Visitation as your inspiration, consider how you may come to the aid of a sister in need during these last days of Advent. A phone call, an email, a cup of coffee—little things can go a long way. Perhaps you are the one in need of help right now. If so, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Blessed is She community for assistance in ways either small or large. [bctt tweet="Elizabeth and Mary remind us by their example that we are never truly alone."] Let us bear one another’s burdens, dear friends, as we joyfully await the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Heather Renshaw is a writer, speaker, and uplifter on a mission to love and serve God with her husband and five children in the Pacific NW. You can learn more abut her here.

First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25A There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had borne no children. An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean. As for the son you will conceive and bear, no razor shall touch his head, for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb. It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines.” The woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed. I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name. But he said to me, ‘You will be with child and will bear a son. So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, until the day of his death.’” The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; the Spirit of the LORD stirred him. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 71:3-4A, 5-6AB, 16-17 R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory! Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory! For you are my hope, O LORD; my trust, O God, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength. R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory! I will treat of the mighty works of the LORD; O God, I will tell of your singular justice. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory! Gospel: Luke 1:5-25 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” NAB You were set apart—chosen for the particular life God has written for you—before you were born. God calls YOU and you alone for this life He has sketched. No one else can fulfill your purpose. Think on that for a minute. In the First Reading and Gospel today, we are given a glimpse into the birth announcements of two particular men, set apart. An angel appears to a woman thought barren (talk about a surprise in what you thought was your vocation!) in each instance. It is announced that they are both to be consecrated to God as Nazarites—set apart for a special purpose. Samson and John the Baptist are two of only three people in the Bible (Samuel being the third) who are given this designation from birth for the entirety of their lives. God has a special task for each of these men: Samson is to bring deliverance to Israel from the Philistines; John the Baptist is to prepare the hearts of the Israelites for their coming Savior. No small undertaking for either of them. I’m sure when they discovered their vocations, they were filled with more than a little trepidation. Just how am I going to carry that out?! surely crossed their minds more than once. But it is what God had in mind for them. It is the purpose for which they were created. What is God calling you to do? Are you following the plan He has for your life? Are you listening as He speaks to you in the quiet moments, nudging you towards the specific tasks He has chosen for your life? Is He asking you to sit a little longer with a grieving friend? Is He asking you to play that game for the seven millionth time with your little one? Is He asking you to share the words I love you more often with the ones you love? Is He asking you to restructure your company’s entire system of operating? Is He asking you to offer a meal to that homeless man? Is He asking you to be still? These moments are the way we live out our vocations. They are the way we fulfill the vocation of friend, colleague, sister, daughter, mother, wife. But, more so, they are the way YOU live out the task God has set apart for you to live in Him and for Him. [bctt tweet="What is God calling you to do? Are you following the plan He has for your life?"] As we near closer and closer to the birth of our Savior, it is a good time to help clear those distractions which make it difficult for us to hear His whispers in our hearts. Are you ready and willing to go along with what God has set apart for you? photo by Madi Myers-Cook Laurel Muff is a creator and appreciator of beautiful things. She resides with her husband and daughters in Northern California. You can find more about her here.

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8 Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; As king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: “The LORD our justice.” Therefore, the days will come, says the LORD, when they shall no longer say, “As the LORD lives, who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt”; but rather, "As the LORD lives, who brought the descendants of the house of Israel up from the land of the north” and from all the lands to which I banished them; they shall again live on their own land. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds. And blessed forever be his glorious name; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25 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 be with child 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. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus. NAB Consider all the friends and family we know who have experienced unexpected pregnancies. Maybe we the world are a little surprised because the couple wasn't married, or wasn't really together. Maybe we the world are surprised because we think they have too many kids already. How do we support them? How do we love them as Saint Joseph gently loved the Blessed Mother? Here he must have thought she had been intimate with someone else. Here he must have not wanted her to face the death by stoning adulterers suffered. He is our example of selfless kindness. In a culture that lies to a pregnant mom and tells her abortion is a quick and forgettable fix, are we loving the mom who goes through it and offering her resources for healing? Are we supporting the single mom who keeps her baby? Are we supporting moms who want to place their child with an adoptive family? Do we offer a listening shoulder, a baby shower, a meal in her time of need? And the friend who has an unexpected pregnancy with a houseful of children eagerly awaiting the arrival of their already-loved sibling, what about how we treat her? Is it okay for her to unload her surprise, her perplexed and complicated feelings? Can she be both thrilled to accept a new little soul to care for, and mourn the now-hurried babyhood of her former-youngest? Can we support her in her struggle within herself, and give her the love and safe space to process her gift of that child? Do we offer to babysit so she can take a nap or drop off a meal so she doesn't have to worry about dinner? That single unmarried mom. That mom of many with more coming. That unexpected gift of life. Let's cherish the baby. Let's be gentle and supportive as Saint Joseph was for whatever the mom is undergoing. Love in action is how I want to live. The Psalmist cries out that the king "shall rescue the poor when he cries out, / and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. / He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; / the lives of the poor he shall save." Shouldn't we get about the business of helping the King in His work? [bctt tweet="Let's be gentle and supportive just as Saint Joseph was with Mary."] Who in your life is unexpectedly pregnant? If not someone you know personally, what about a crisis pregnancy center or home in your area? Can you drop off a meal or volunteer your time? Let's make these babies as loved as the Christ Child will be in our heart's come Christmas. photo by Edenn Yorks Nell O'Leary is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom to three lovelies. She and her husband live in the great city of Saint Paul. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Genesis 49: 2, 8-10 Jacob called his sons and said to them: “Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob, listen to Israel, your father. “You, Judah, shall your brothers praise your hand on the neck of your enemies; the sons of your father shall bow down to you. Judah, like a lion’s whelp, you have grown up on prey, my son. He crouches like a lion recumbent, the king of beasts–who would dare rouse him? The scepter shall never depart from Judah, or the mace from between his legs, While tribute is brought to him, and he receives the people’s homage.” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72: 1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 17 R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. The mountains shall yield peace for the people, and the hills justice. He shall defend the afflicted among the people, save the children of the poor. R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness. R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. Gospel: Matthew 1: 1-17 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations. NAB Did you catch all of those names? Did you notice the five women mentioned in Jesus, the Son of God’s genealogy? Go back, and look. Who do you find? Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, the wife of Uriah, and last of all Mary. We all know about Mary, conceived without sin, asked to be the mother of God by the angel Gabriel. We wait with her now for the birth of her Son. But who are these other women? These other women are far from sinless. First there is Tamar, a Chezibite woman (Genesis 38), who had children with Judah, but she was not his wife, you know. She was his first son Er’s wife, but Er died childless and by law she was married to Onan, the second son. Onan is who we get the word “onanism” from (a word used by the Church for contraception), and because he did not allow Tamar to conceive a child, he died as well. Judah was supposed to marry her to his third son, but instead sent her back to her family. She took matters into her own hands, pretended to be a prostitute, enticed her father-in-law, and that is where Perez came from, who is in the line of Jesus. Then there is Rahab (Joshua 6:25), the prostitute who hid the Israelites spying in Jericho. She was saved from the total destruction of the city by Joshua because of her good works, and became the mother of Boaz who married the Moabite Ruth (Book of Ruth) who was faithful to her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi and whose son Obed was the father of Jesse. The wife of Uriah the Hittite is Bathesheba, the mother of Solomon, whom King David saw bathing from his roof, impregnated while her husband was at war, and had her husband left alone on the field of battle to die. Why are these women and their Gentile backgrounds in the genealogy of the Messiah? Why are these women tainted with sexual sin named? Is God telling us something about His plan for salvation through this? First of all, we are shown that through these women, Gentiles who had faith in the Old Covenant, were included in the covenant. God accepted these faithful women, and their acceptance into the genealogy, the line of His Son, shows us that God intended to bring all peoples, not just the Jews, into a covenant with Him. Second of all, He is showing us that sexual sin (and all sin) is not too great for Him to overcome. He can and will make you new no matter what you have done, and He will let you be apart of His plan for the salvation of others if you just let Him and love Him. He wants to love you. He wants to heal you. [bctt tweet="God is shows us that sexual sin (and all sin) is not too great for Him to overcome."] Whatever you have done, whatever you are struggling with, know that God wants you in His family. Come to Him, accept His love, and He will make you new. And the last woman of the genealogy? She is your mother. photo by Edenn Yorks Susanna Spencer once studied theology and philosophy, but now happily cares for her three adorable little girls, new baby boy, and her dear husband in Saint Paul. She loves beautiful liturgies, cooking delicious meals, baking amazing sweets, reading good books, raising her children, casually following baseball, and talking to her philosopher husband. You can find out more about her here.