Letters From Home

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fourth Week of Advent by Dr. John Bergsma.

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The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent by Ms. Joan Watson.

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The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent by Dr. John Bergsma.

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The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent by Dr. Shane Owens.

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The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent by Dr. Scott Hahn.

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Readings:
Isaiah 7:10–14
Psalm 24:1–6
Romans 1:1–7
Matthew 1:18–24

The mystery kept secret for long ages, promised through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, is today revealed (see Romans 16:25–26).

This is the “Gospel of God” that Paul celebrates in today’s Epistle—the good news that “God is with us” in Jesus Christ. The sign promised to the House of David in today’s First Reading is given in today’s Gospel. In the virgin found with child, God Himself has brought to Israel a savior from David’s royal line (see Acts 13:22–23).

Son of David according to the flesh, Jesus is the Son of God, born of the Spirit. He will be anointed with the Spirit (see Acts 10:38), and by the power of Spirit will be raised from the dead and established at God’s right hand in the heavens (see Acts 2:33–34; Ephesians 1:20–21).

He is the “King of Glory” we sing of in today’s Psalm. The earth in its fullness has been given to Him. And as God swore long ago to David, His Kingdom will have no end (see Psalm 89:4–5).

In Jesus Christ we have a new creation. Like the creation of the world, it is a work of the Spirit, a blessing from the Lord (see Genesis 1:2). In Him, we are saved from our sins, are called now “the beloved of God.”

All nations now are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to enter into the House of David and kingdom of God, the Church. Together, through the obedience of faith, we have been made a new race—a royal people that seeks for the face of the God of Jacob.

He has made our hearts clean; He has made us worthy to enter His holy place, to stand in His presence and serve Him.

In the Eucharist, the everlasting covenant is renewed, the Advent promise of virgin with child—God with us—continues until the end of the age (see Matthew 28:20; Ezekiel 37:24–28).

Lecturas:
Isaías 7,1–14
Salmo 24,1–6
Romanos 1,1–7
Mateo 1,18–24

El misterio que se mantuvo en secreto por generaciones, prometido por los profetas en las Sagradas Escrituras, se revela el día de hoy (cf. Rm 16,25–26).

Este es el “Evangelio de Dios” que Pablo celebra en la epístola de este día: la buena noticia de que “Dios está con nosotros” en Jesucristo. En el Evangelio de hoy se nos da la señal prometida a la Casa de David en la primera lectura. En la Virgen que ha concebido un hijo, Dios mismo ha traído a Israel un salvador de la estirpe real de David (cf. Hch 13,22–23).

Hijo de David según la carne, Jesús es el Hijo de Dios nacido del Espíritu. Será ungido con el Espíritu (cf. Hch 10,38) y por el poder del Espíritu será levantado de entre los muertos y se sentará a la derecha de Dios en los cielos (cf. Hch 2,33–35; Ef 1,20–21).

Él es el “Rey de la Gloria” de quien cantamos en el salmo de este día. La tierra entera le ha sido entregada. Y según lo que Dios juró hace mucho tiempo a David, su reino no tendrá fin (cf. Sal 89,4–5).

Tenemos una nueva creación en Jesucristo. Como la creación del universo, también es obra del Espíritu, una bendición del Señor (cf. Gn 1,2). En Él somos salvados de nuestros pecados y somos llamados “los amados de Dios”.

Ahora, todas las naciones están llamadas a pertenecer a Jesucristo, a entrar en la Casa de David y Reino de Dios: la Iglesia. Juntos, mediante la obediencia de la fe, hemos sido constituidos una nueva raza: un pueblo real que busca el rostro del Dios de Jacob.

Él ha limpiado nuestros corazones; nos ha hecho dignos para entrar en su lugar santo, para estar en su presencia y servirle.

En la Eucaristía se renueva la alianza eterna; continúa hasta el final de los tiempos la promesa de Adviento sobre una Virgen con niño—Dios con nosotros—(cf. Mt 28,29; Ez 37,24–28).

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Third Week of Advent by Mr. Clement Harrold.

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The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week of Advent by Dr. John Bergsma.

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The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Third Week of Advent by Ms. Joan Watson.

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