RELIGION AND ART

PAULINE PRAYER OF THE CHURCH:  Readings for today Christ, born of the Father before the ages, splendour of his glory, image of his being, your words holds all creation in being, we ask you to give new life to our world through your Gospel. Christ, you were born into the world at the fullness of time to save mankind and to give freedom to every creature, we ask you to extend the liberty of our sonship in you to all people. Christ, consubstantial Son of the Father, begotten before the dawn of day, and born in Bethlehem in fulfilment of the Scriptures, we ask you to make your Church a notable example of poverty and simplicity. Christ, God and man, Lord of David and Son of David, fulfilment of all prophesies, we pray that Israel may recognise you as its Messiah.

FEAST OF HOLY FAMILY You know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Cor. 8:9 Honour your father and mother, as the Lord, your God has commanded you, that you may have a long life and prosperity in the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you.  Deut. 5:16 REFLECTION Lord Jesus pour out special grace on all families on earth, especially husbands and wives. Show them how powerful you would want to work in them to create a better world.  May all families be like the Holy Family                                             of Nazareth.  Jesus, Mary and Joseph make our families like yours.

In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe.  Heb. 1:1-2 KNOWLEDGE We have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding; so that you will grow in knowledge of God.  Col. 1: 9 and 10 Readings

Holy Innocents In Ramah is heard the sound of moaning, of bitter weeping. Rachel mourns her children, she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Prayer of the Church : The Holy Innocents gave witness not by words but by their life's blood, give us strength to be your witnesses before people, both by words and actions. You knew persecution and exile as a child, protect all children whose lives  are in danger from famine, war, and disasters

Peter and John, said to them in reply, "Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges.  It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard".  Acts 4:19-20 Saint John the Evangelist Images of Saint John Prayer of the Church: God our Father, you have revealed the mysteries of your Word through John the apostle.  By prayer and reflection may we come to understand the wisdom he thought. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.

It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at the table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint  to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The proposal was accepted to the whole community.  Acts. 6:2b-5a Readings Images of Stephen Prayer of the Church: Lord, today we celebrate the entrance of Saint Steven into eternal glory.  He died praying for those who killed him.  Help us to imitate his goodness and to love our enemies. We ask this  through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace  to men of goodwill. May the blessings of the Season by yours. Readings Nativity Images