The BreadCast

(Gn.49:2,8-10; Ps.72:3-4,7-8,17; Mt.1:1-17) "May He rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth." Since "the scepter shall never depart from Judah," the reign of Jesus, His descendant, His fulfillment, is without end – He is King forever. And so, "tribute is brought to Him, and He receives the peoples' homage," which is in itself their salvation. Who is this Lion of Judah, fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic blessing of his son? What sort of king have we? It is in the words of our psalm we find His kingship revealed: "He shall defend the afflicted among the people, save the children of the poor." For Jesus, though fierce as a lion in His judgment – for there is nothing untrue in Him – reveals primarily the love of God the king must embody. In His reign, "the mountains shall yield peace for the people, and the hills justice." First is the love He brings to this generation; second, its complement, justice. And of what worth is the "family record of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham," we find in our gospel today? Be not overly bored by it, my brothers and sisters, for in its mundaneness it holds the key to our salvation. For it reveals how very real Jesus is, that He is part of our human family; and should this not make us rejoice, that the Son of God is also Son of Man? And though the forty-two or so names may not be familiar to our ears, we should know at least that there are all kinds in this family tree of Jesus, from great men and women of faith humble before their God, to wicked kings and a prostitute. There is thus hope for us all. Jesus is indeed the fulfillment of the promised son of Abraham, and son of David, the king who sits on the throne forever. It was of Mary He was born, and Mary's husband was Joseph. And since husband and wife are one – and though there's was only a spiritual communion, it is in the spiritual communion unity is truly found – we trace His line through this humble man. And we pray we shall enter into communion with the Lord ourselves and live in the reign of this King in whom "all the tribes of the earth shall be blessed." Today we praise our brother in the flesh and pray to be made one in His Spirit. May He indeed rule over all. ******* O LORD, because your Son judges justly, peace shall reign to the ends of the earth – for this He has come among us. YHWH, your Son rules over all; from sea to sea and to the ends of the earth His rule extends, for He has been born into our midst, He has become part of our generation, and so all in our midst, every generation, is under His reign. Alleluia! All the tribes of the earth should rejoice in Him, O LORD. Though David's Son and so of your Chosen people, yet your prophets have foretold that every people shall bow down before Him, even as all David's sons. This Lion of Judah shall govern all with justice, shall bring peace to all who call upon His Name. Alleluia, LORD! For this grace we thank you. Truly the Name of Jesus shall remain as long as the sun – forever His Name shall be blessed in our midst. For He has come among us to save us; He is indeed one of us and brings divine blessings in His wake. O LORD, in every heart let Him reign!

(Zep.3:1-2,9-13; Ps.34:2-3,6-7,17-19,23; Mt.21:28-32) "I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord." All have been "rebellious and polluted"; all have been as she who "hears no voice" and "accepts no correction." But the Lord now comes to "change and purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord." Who is it who hears the voice of the Lord to "not be ashamed of all [our] deeds, [our] rebellious acts against [Him]"? "Let me make it clear that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you," Jesus states simply and directly to the chief priests and elders. These lowest of society, these most polluted, have put faith in John's preaching of "a way of holiness," but those most esteemed, the elder son whose words bear the stamp of God but whose actions are far from Him, are held back from entering the kingdom by their pride, perhaps thinking they are already there. How sad. How can it be that those so steeped in the holy Scriptures do not hear the words of David's psalm: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves"? Or how are they blind to the vision of the "humble and lowly" the Lord deems to bless? For that matter, how do they hide themselves from the great prophet's declaration that the Lord "will remove from [their] midst the proud braggarts"? Our words alone will not save us, brothers and sisters. However great the lines of the scribe or the preaching of the priest, it will mean nothing if not lived in flesh and blood. Better to say no to God, as the younger son, and then turn to Him and do His will. Certainly we all stray; and this we must recognize. But just as certain is that all must turn to Him, after regretting our sin, and do as He commands. Do not be afraid. The Lord will "destroy remembrance of evildoers," but count not yourself as in allegiance with them. Be among those who "speak no lies" and you "shall pasture and couch [your] flocks with none to disturb [you]." The vision of God and His Spirit shall be your own. ******* O LORD, let us speak no lie before you but let our actions meet our words of praise. YHWH, we must do your will to enter your kingdom, this your Son makes clear to all. We cannot merely honor you with our lips but must make our holiness incarnate as His. O the woe of the proud, dear LORD! How terrible their separation from you. For they are blind even to their separation, and so, what shall save them? Let them be saved by seeing the humble come to you; let them know your mercy and love by witnessing your forgiveness toward the lowly sinner… and let them accept your mercy upon their own hearts. Purify our lips, O LORD, from all lies, all deceitful words. Let it be your holy NAME that is upon our tongues, that we might dwell in truth and peace and humility, and praise your glory forever. You are close to the brokenhearted, LORD; you gather even the rebellious into your arms. Let us accept the correction of your Son and cry out to you, that we may indeed be saved and come to serve you.

(Nm.24:2-7,15-17; Ps.25:4-9; Mt.21:23-27) "A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel." And the light of that star is reflected in the eyes of Balaam, who, though a pagan, is gifted by God with the clear vision to see the beauty and wonder of "Israel encamped, tribe by tribe," "like gardens beside a stream," "like the cedars planted by the Lord." And as He is seen in the nation of Israel blessed by the Lord, so His glory is reflected in the heart and words and actions of everyone who believes and proclaims in truth that Jesus is that star, that Jesus is the Son of God. Those who remain close to the teaching of Jesus, and to His ways, "shall have the sea within reach." There shall be an abundance of wisdom at the ready for those who are graced with ears to hear His words. "He teaches the humble His way," yes, and guides us on straight paths which lead directly to the Most High. And "with eyes unveiled" we shall gaze not only on His reflection in the fields of this earthly existence, but on Him Himself as He is in heaven. The teaching of Jesus is divine and He Himself is divine, above whose authority there is no other. But His light can only be seen, His words can only be understood by those whose hearts are open to truth and willing to walk the path He sets. If the "chief priests and elders of the people" closed themselves off from Him in a political quandary, we must not do so. Instead we must be as His apostles, in whom the tribes of Israel are truly aligned perfectly, and have as ready a response as we know Peter had on the shores of Galilee, as Thomas had when He appeared in their midst: He is our Lord, our God. This we must see. This we must know. And this we must proclaim. The star has risen in our midst; the Savior has come. Now we await the fulfillment of that light and must bring it to bear in this generation. Now we must follow that star where it leads. ******* O LORD, let our eyes see the coming of your Son, and our hearts put faith in His authority. YHWH, let our eyes not be blind, blind to the glory that stands before us in your only Son. Let our eyes be open to vision of your kingdom, the kingdom He brings to this earth. Let our tents be set in line with your will, O LORD; let our hearts be humble before you. LORD God, you show the humble your way; you bless them with your presence in their souls and your light shining in their lives. Teach us this day the way we should walk, the way marked out for us by your Son. Upon Him your authority rests – let us not question His divinity but believe in His power and so in your own. May His Word transform our souls. The wisdom of the ages comes to us this day in Jesus and in His words. Here is the ocean at our hands, before our eyes, that all we might know of your goodness, LORD. Let us honor Him as our King who has come and follow in the way He leads.

O mystical doctor – help us by way of the Cross to find wisdom and knowledge of Christ and union with God; let us desire to enter the suffering of the Lord, that by this means we may draw closer to His glorious presence and there remain in joy. Let us fear not the dark night the soul must endure but bear it well, that we might be purged of all blindness; pray the Lord will shine upon us His holy light and we might soon look upon His face with you. May the Lord's Cross overshadow all and anoint every soul with the peace that surpasses understanding, with His undying love.

(Is.35:1-6,10; Ps.146:6-10,Is.35:4; Jas.5:7-10; Mt.11:2-11) "Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand." Hope. What hope have we. And so we should "be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord." Indeed, we must endure "the early and the late rains" – having been converted to the Lord we shall be purged of all sin on the last day – but, though "hardship" be with us now, our hope should be firm in Him who comes, in Him who "is standing before the gates" even now. Jesus is the fulfillment of the vision given Isaiah and the salvation sung of by our psalmist. By Him, "the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them." Should not He who has power over all maladies, and even death, bring us hope in the kingdom to come? Should not our seeing these wonders wrought by Jesus instill great faith in our hearts? Should we not even rejoice now in our suffering, knowing well that "sorrow and mourning will flee away" when He comes, that the very suffering we experience now will then be no more? Patience. Indeed, patience brings us hope, enables us to endure all, even joyfully. And does Jesus not seek to encourage greater hope, greater faith in our hearts by His words about John the Baptist? "What did you go out to the desert to see?" He asks the crowds, addressing their longing for truth, their desire for hope, and confirms that the prophet they sought was indeed greater than all "among those born of women." But He does not stop there. How much farther He leads them: "The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Remarkable. What hope have we, to be greater than the Baptist. For the Baptist is himself a man, who himself suffers and struggles, inquiring if Jesus is "the one who is to come," and must himself be assured by the Lord. But in heaven no question will remain. This desert in which we seek the Lord will come to full bloom "with abundant flowers." Keep the faith in joy, brothers and sisters. We have every reason for hope; we have firm witness of His grace, at work in us even now. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music:"Hold On, Here We Go" from Bearing the Birth Pangs, tenth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, come with your Word to heal our souls that we might enter your kingdom. YHWH, the coming of your Son is close at hand, when all your children will dance and sing for joy. Though He has come once to open our eyes, to clear our ears, yet in some measure we remain blind and deaf, waiting for the day when your kingdom shall be fulfilled in our midst. And so, we thank you for the release from sin Jesus has wrought, and we wait in hope for His return. Give us the patience we so desperately need. John was the greatest of men, the greatest of prophets, who prepared the way for your only Son, O LORD. To this parched earth, this desert wasteland, he proclaimed a baptism of repentance that brought healing to our souls. Yet all he has done is but a shadow when compared to the glory of the eternal kingdom to which the Christ does carry us. Strengthen our hands, dear LORD; make firm our weak knees. Let all sorrow and mourning flee from us as we humbly await Jesus' return and our becoming one with you.

O bride of our Lord Jesus Christ, in your virginity and in your dying you have given yourself entirely to the Lord of Heaven and earth. O how like Him you were in your purity and in your suffering! and so how close to Him you must be in Heaven – pray that a ray of His light might come to us who sit in darkness, we whose hearts are not as strong as your own. His heavenly light we wish to enter; by your prayers may we see His glory.

(Sir.48:1-4,9-11; Ps.80:2-4,15-16,18-19; Mt.17:10-13) "Like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace." Elijah has come, to "restore everything." The word has fallen like fire from heaven to prepare a path for the Lord to tread. The Baptist has cried out as a voice in the wilderness for us to make our hearts ready for the coming of the Lord. But, sadly, "they did not recognize him and they did as they pleased with him." They rejected the voice crying to them and attempted to cover over the way the word had cleared before them. He who came "to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob," was himself turned back; and they cast him into prison and beheaded the great prophet. Yet the way remains open to us. He whom the prophet hailed has come into our midst, and His presence cannot be taken away – even to the end of the age (which is upon us). And we must join with our psalmist today in calling upon Him to "come to save us," to "look down from heaven, and see," to "take care of this vine" planted by His right hand. "Give us new life, and we will call upon your name," must be our prayer, especially in this Advent season, for we must awaken and enliven the path to God the Baptist has served to blaze in our hearts. We must know now Him whom he has hailed. And, yes, with this Elijah and with the Son of Man, we too will suffer at the hands of those who would silence the Word, who would extinguish the fire set upon the earth. But the fire is eternal and its light and power cannot be dimmed, much less extinguished. It will purify those who seek the face of God and destroy those who turn from Him. It cannot be otherwise. Now that the Lord has come, His angels wait in expectation to purge the world. Once more only the prophet Elijah will appear and the flaming furnace his words prepare will be fulfilled in God's eternity by the return of the Son of Man. In absolute glory the Lord will reign. ******* O LORD, Elijah has come and the way of the Cross has been prepared; your Son is now present to save us. YHWH, rouse your power and come to save us; purge us in the fire your Son has set upon the face of the earth. The Baptist has come in the spirit of Elijah – the way of the Savior is now prepared in our midst. But we must walk this way of fire; we must be sanctified by the Holy Spirit, if we are to walk in the way of your Son. If our hearts are to be turned to you, LORD, we must have faith in the One to come. And this path is one of persecution; it is one that reduces us to straits. For nothing unholy can enter your presence, and so we must be prepared along the narrow way. O LORD, make us strong in following you this day! The Son of Man is now among us, He who has suffered and died for our sake. May the fire of the Spirit He sends, LORD, make us ready to share in His death, and so His glory.

O Patroness of the Americas and Protectress of the Unborn, look upon our troubled state, where lust and greed abound, where thousands are killed in the womb every day, where the poor and the rich are separated by steel walls and thirsting souls die in the desert – help us, dear Mother, to discover life, to find your guidance in this land of opportunity and broken dreams, in these hearts that have grown so cold that more are sacrificed on unholy altars than when you first came to turn our hearts to the Lord! Pray for us, Our Lady, or we shall surely die in a soulless pride.

(Zec. 2:14-17; Lk.1:46-55; Lk.1:29-47) "Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD! for He stirs forth from His holy dwelling." And His own stirring forth causes John the Baptist to stir forth, to "leap for joy" – thus is opened the mouth of the one who will proclaim His way. On this the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe we celebrate the Lord's stirring forth in astounding fashion in the Americas. As the Lord looked upon His humble servant Mary to bring forth the only Son of God, so He smiles upon the humble Juan Diego, to bring the conversion of a continent. His Mother comes humble and with child to bring new birth to a land in darkness… And how that land sits in darkness now, awaiting renewal by the graces from His hand. "He has looked upon His handmaid's lowliness" once, and again; let us pray a humble spirit He shall once more find in this place and on this earth, that indeed "the hungry shall be filled with good things," that He who has "lifted up the lowly" will remember them now that they are trodden down, now that the most humble are destroyed in the womb. "Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day." And many have. But how sincere is their commitment to Him? Are they truly "His people," and so will "He dwell among" them? Have we cause to "sing and rejoice," to be as she who "proclaims the greatness of the Lord" – or to cry tears of sorrow for the land to which we have come? For the womb is barren; the spirits are proud – and in these the Lord takes no joy. Silence before Him we must find once again, that He might turn to us and bring new birth to this land. "Stir forth, O Lord, from your holy dwelling," and renew our languishing souls. Written, read & chanted by James Kurt; produced by Roger Fortney. Music by Roger and Carie Fortney; used by permission. ******* O LORD, may our hearts stir to life at the sound of Mary's voice, at the approach of your Son. YHWH, you sent the Mother of your Son to a land in darkness, to a barren place, that the people might be converted to the faith, that the blood upon their hands might be washed away. May she come again to this continent and this world that unholy sacrifice might again be stopped by her humble presence. O LORD, bring us new life! LORD, we would rejoice in you and in your presence in our midst. We would see all the nations gathered into your arms. But how can you come to a place that despises life, that kills its children in the womb? Have pity on us, dear LORD, and send Mother Mary to prepare the second coming of your Son. The Baptist awoke and leapt in his mother's womb when Mary brought his Savior to him. O let us awake this day, dear God, awake from our slumber in such darkness and come into the light of your day. Let us be humble and lowly as she who bore your Son, and we shall be lifted with her to your side. Save us, O LORD our God.

O bishop of Rome who guided the bark of Peter through difficult waters, who kept her on the course set for her by the Lord even as she grew in this world from a Church of the blood of martyrs to one entering the light of day, of acceptance by the city of man… you who sought so diligently to preserve the memory of the martyrs lest it should pass away, and the Cross of Christ with it – pray that today, too, the Church will remember its root, the root of Jesse and His sacrifice, and that as she grows our Mother on earth will be well understood by those called into her walls. Pray the martyrs pray for us, that in their blood we always find our growth.

(Is.41:13-20; Ps.145:1,8-13; Mt.11:11-15) "I will make you a threshing sledge, sharp, new, and double-edged." A "worm" and a "maggot" are we. We are "the afflicted and the needy [who] seek water in vain, [our] tongues… parched with thirst." But holding our right hand, the Lord speaks to us: "Fear not, I will help you." "I will open up rivers on the bare heights… I will turn the desert into a marshland, and the dry ground into springs of water." And has not John the Baptizer come, into the desert, into the wilderness, and there poured the water of God's compassion upon us for the forgiveness of sins? Lush trees now grow in the desert: we who were once empty are now filled with God's grace. And yes, "the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it." For all these wonders accomplished in our midst are but to "make known to men [His] might and the glorious splendor of [His] kingdom." Indeed, we now "thresh the mountains and crush them, to make the hills like chaff," but all this is done in His power. And how then do we understand Jesus' words: "From John the Baptizer's time until now the kingdom of God has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force"? We know that John spoke boldly in the name of God; unafraid of his oppressors, he called all to repentance. We should all learn from the power of God he displayed in crying out in the wilderness. We know also that at the time Jesus spoke the above words, John was imprisoned in Herod's dungeon, suffering genuinely the violence of this generation. We know Jesus Himself will be crucified. We know all the apostles (save John) will be martyred for the faith – all His children suffer under the weight of the cross imposed by the violent of this world. But we know also that this very cross is the means God has chosen to most poignantly reveal His powerful hand at work. For the nails which fix our hands to the wood have no power over us, and so by the humble acceptance of the violence of this age we do most dramatically destroy, crush into dust, the mountains of this world. And we upon whom the greatest violence is inflicted indeed effect the greater violence upon our oppressors, for by this sacrifice wickedness is destroyed and the righteous enter the kingdom of heaven. Let us act with such strength from God, brothers and sisters, for the sake of the kingdom. ******* O LORD, let there be springs of water in the desert of this world, that we poor souls might not die but enter into your kingdom. YHWH, Elijah has come as a threshing sledge preparing the way for your Son – and now all souls may enter your kingdom! To the desert of our lives you have brought your water, O LORD. We who were parched and lifeless have heard the Baptist's call to repentance and known the grace that comes to us thereby. Your Son, your very Son has come among us and opened the gates of Heaven; in His sacrifice you show your great compassion, and now this tree of life flourishes in our midst. To the Cross we must all be nailed, dear LORD; all the evil in us must die. But what blessing such violence brings! For joining ourselves to your Son's sacrifice, the glorious splendor of your reign is revealed to our eyes. Though we must die, LORD, you live in us and remain in us until the end of time. And so for such grace we bless you; so this day we heed your Son's voice. Let us be washed clean in the water from His side and come quickly to eternal life.

(Is.40:25-31; Ps.103:1-4,8,10; Mt.11:28-30) "My yoke is easy and my burden light." How we do become "weary and find life burdensome." How we can "faint and grow weary," "stagger and fall" from the burden of sin and our inherent weakness. But oh how "He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak He makes vigor abound." For indeed He is the creator of the universe – "by His great might and the strength of His power" all things come to be – and His Son is the redeemer of our souls. "The Lord is the eternal God" and "they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar as with eagles' wings." Trust in Him who "pardons all your iniquities" and "heals all your ills." What a promise Jesus holds forth for those who come to His "gentle and humble" heart: "Your souls will find rest." We know that the great St. Augustine has told us that only in God do our souls find rest. How we wander aimlessly in trackless wastes seeking comfort for our souls, rest for our weary bodies, taking refuge in the various attractions of the world and the vain promise they hold. How late in life all of us come to the fulfilling promise of Jesus, for any time spent apart from Him is but wasted. And thank the Lord that He is "merciful and gracious." Thank Him that "not according to our sins does He deal with us." For what hope would we have then? But this great God who has no equal, who holds the world in His hand, "redeems your life from destruction, He crowns you with kindness and compassion" despite your sins, if you but come to Him as He calls. How patiently Jesus waits for each of us, this only Son of God, this image of the Father and embodiment of His love. How gracious He is toward us poor creatures. Will you not take His "yoke upon your shoulders and learn" from Him? Will you not find refreshment from all your sins and forgiveness of all your crimes? Will you continue to turn your face away from Him who watches over all and weigh yourself down with anxiety? Or will you come to Him, your only hope? Take the light burden of His gracious Word upon your souls and do His will in this world. ******* O LORD, how shall your compassion come to dwell in our hearts, and your strength renew our own? – let us be blessed in Jesus your Son. YHWH, you make our burden light by the Cross of your only Son. He takes our sins upon Himself and carries them away, and we need but turn to Him and walk with Him to find rest for our souls. How great is your announcement to us, O LORD; how great your blessing! For you who are Creator of Heaven and earth promise your own strength to those who believe in you, who turn to your grace and mercy. Our sins you remember not, our iniquities you pardon; and finding no condemnation at your hands, we are free to soar as with eagles' wings – for what punishment can there be if it comes not from you? O LORD, for all your benefits let all men bless you and your holy NAME. Let us come this day to your only Son and share the blessings upon Him. He will carry our burden in this world and so our yoke will be light. Deep in our souls let us know your compassion, and we shall soar on your heights.

O humble child of the Lord whom our Lady blessed with her presence, to whom she gave roses in winter – pray for us who are not humble as you, whose obedience is cold and grown so weak, that she might come to us, too, that she might speak a word to our hearts and we might as children listen and do as she directs, she who directs us only to Jesus, only to His love. Pray this continent be once again renewed by the grace of God; may Our Lady's image be upon our hearts that we too might proclaim the glory of the Lord and His love for His children.

(Is.40:1-11; Ps.96:1-3,10-13,Is.40:10; Mt.18:12-14) "Like a shepherd He feeds His flock; in His arms He gathers His lambs." His is the voice which "speak[s] tenderly to Jerusalem." It is He who "give[s] comfort to [His] people." For "it is no part of [the] heavenly Father's plan that a single one of these little ones shall ever come to grief." Like a shepherd He leads us. With great concern He watches over His flock, careful that none is led astray. And diligent is He in finding the one who "wanders away." This is indeed "good news." These are indeed "glad tidings," which make even "the trees of the forest exult." For He cares about each one of the many of His creatures, and shall bring all back to Him by the sound of His gentle voice. And of His sweet voice we must cry out. "Sing to the Lord; bless His name; announce His salvation day after day." For all the earth must know that "He shall rule the world with justice and His peoples with constancy." And so "a voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord!" May all hearts be ready to meet Him. When "every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low… then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all mankind shall see it together." O that that glorious day might come! "Though the grass withers and the flower wilts, the word of our God stands forever." And so He stands behind us, whispering into our ears of the way we should walk. And so He calls to our hearts, carrying us "in His bosom" with care. And so His eternal presence ever comes to our tired bodies, our fading souls, and gives them life, and brings them back from their straying paths upon this dying earth. And so it is that all "exult before the Lord, for He comes; He comes to rule the earth." It is only in His eternity that we shall find a home, brothers and sisters. And into these arms He now gathers us. And with His food He now feeds us. Let us partake of His presence in Word and in Sacrament as we await His coming. ******* O LORD, we praise you for the merciful justice and peace you have brought into our midst through your Son Jesus. YHWH, truth has sprung out of the earth, for justice has looked down from Heaven and our redemption has come – Jesus has been born among us. He is the holy way, the way that leads to the splendor and glory of your kingdom. He is as the stream in the desert that cleanses our souls of all sins and so prepares us to dance and sing with Him in your eternal presence. We who were lame now leap like a stag for the blessing we have received from our Savior; yes, we have been forgiven, and are now crowned with everlasting joy. O let your splendor come to us this day, dearest LORD and God. May we hear these blessed words from the mouth of your Son: "Your sins are forgiven." O let us rise and walk with Him to our heavenly homeland! The parched land cries out to you; let your water pour down upon us that in the power of the Holy Spirit we might blossom forth with His gifts. Strengthened by such grace let us do your holy will in all things.

O pure Mother, you are she who is full of grace; it is you who have found the Lord's favor. Preserved from all sin from the womb, overflowing with all His blessings, you are the hope of our race, the one created soul most like to God – pray for us this day, dear Mother, that we might be kept from the snares of the world, from the enticements of the devil. O help us be pure as you, obedient to the will of the Father, bringing His Son into this world by the Holy Spirit's power. You who now reign in Heaven with the Lord, your only Son, intercede for us who toil on earth that we too might enter God's presence; you who are blessed to be one with Him, pray the Church you bear be so well founded. Hail, Full of Grace! Your name be blessed forever by all generations.

(Gn.3:9-15,20; Ps.98:1-4; Eph.1:3-6,11-12; Lk.1:26-38) "He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before Him." And she is the sign of such preservation from evil. "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." And so the Virgin Mother is greeted by the power of the Most High. So she is called – "full of grace" is her title. She whom all generations will call blessed is revealed in this simple greeting as having "found favor with God." And so, "the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God," the Son of her who has been preserved by grace. "In accord with the favor of His will, for the praise of the glory of His grace," this has been done – she has been immaculately conceived, kept from the stain of sin. Not that she herself might be worshiped is the Virgin kept pure, but indeed she does "exist for the praise of His glory." "My soul magnifies the Lord," she has proclaimed… and it is so. She is but the sign that "His right hand has won victory for Him"; she is the instrument through which "the Lord has made His salvation known." How wonderfully this is expressed in her own words of consent to His call: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Here in this blessed obedience she sets in motion the cleansing of our sin of disobedience she shall bring by the fruit of her womb, a disobedience painfully recounted for us in our first reading – a disobedience which has caused us to hide from the face of God. But no longer will we be trapped in this hell. No more will we flee from the presence of Him who is our Creator, for by her humble obedience, and our own, in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we will have our nakedness covered over and become holy as He. The Virgin is our Mother. She who has "no relations with a man" has brought about the salvation of all men "in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of His will." And so the curse is removed from us. And so we might "sing joyfully to the Lord," for "in the sight of the nations He has revealed His justice"; through this simple virgin He has brought us His grace. And now we may be pure as He. Written, read & chanted by James Kurt; produced by Carie Fortney. Music By Carie Fortney; used by permission. ******* O LORD, the serpent comes to Eve, and we fall; the angel comes to Mary, and we rise – in selfish disobedience we do the devil's work; in selfless obedience we serve you… O let us be your children! YHWH, full of grace is the Mother of your Son; by your will you have made her pure that she might carry Him who is perfect into this world. We praise you for your goodness to her, for it means goodness to us – it means our salvation has come! With every spiritual blessing in the heavens you have showered us by your grace and mercy, O LORD, by the love you offer us in Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord. And so we might stand holy and without blemish before you; and so we might be even as Mary our Mother, even as Jesus her Son. O let us be incorporated into your glory, dear God! Our sin has been grievous. We have turned away from you. Our disobedience has wrought your just punishment, LORD. But salvation you bring to us this day by the word of the angel. And so we praise you for your faithfulness in saving us; and so we offer our lives with Mary your handmaiden – in our lives let your Word be accomplished.

O good bishop and wise doctor of the Church – pray for us, that the water that is Christ might pour upon our souls, especially His chosen apostles, your fellow bishops, and fill all with wisdom from on high, leading us away from all lies to the truth that is Jesus. Pray our hearts shall be filled to overflowing with this Word, that the Gospel might be preached by lips anointed with the Body and Blood of our Lord; may the darkness of error be dispelled and God's pure light shine in our midst. Pray for us, good doctor, pray for us; lead us indeed to the truth that is Christ.

(Is.40:1-5,9-11; Ps.85:9-14; 2Pt.3:8-14; Mk.1:1-8) "Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way." And so, "John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." And so comes "the voice of one crying out in the desert," in the desert that is our fallen lives: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths." Turn from your sins, brothers and sisters. Repent. It is the Lord's will that "all should come to repentance," that all should be "found without spot or blemish" on the day of His coming, on the day all "the elements will be dissolved with fire." With the fire of the Holy Spirit does the Lord Jesus come now to baptize, that what John has cleansed from our souls might be gone forever – that the new person we become by this baptism of water might be made complete, might become hardened and lasting in the furnace of His love. God "proclaims peace to His people. Near indeed is His salvation to those who fear Him." Hear what His prophet says, for he cries "out at the top of [his] voice" that indeed all hearts might listen: "Here is your GOD! Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by His strong arm." Yes, "the mouth of the Lord has spoken," and now the WORD is in our midst, walking amongst us as our shepherd and "leading the ewes with care." The "justice [that] shall walk before Him, and prepare the way of His steps," has come, and now the level highway that leads to His kingdom we must tread – there is no denying the road that is set before us. Christ is coming, brothers and sisters, and Christ has come. The Baptist has prepared His path, and He, the Son of God, has walked it. And now we await His return in glory. And "the Lord does not delay His promise"; His return is sure. Already we see the "glory dwelling in our land." He waits for you to come now to Him. In patience He looks for you to turn. Turn to Him now in earnest; with all your soul cry out His Name. "Jesus Christ the Son of God" dawns on the horizon. Embrace His love; walk His sacred path. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "Under God" from The Innocent Heart, first album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, may all souls come from this desert of sin to your holy mountain. YHWH, let us be gathered into your barn, into your reign of peace, where, the viper having been defanged, all your creatures live in harmony, glorifying you as God and Father. In your Son let us make our home. Jesus comes into our midst endowed with your justice and judgment, O LORD. And the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire, but His wheat He will draw into His heart. With fire shall all men be baptized – may that fire be for us a purging light for entering your kingdom. The Spirit that was upon John shall anoint all who hear his voice, who seek your way, O LORD and God. And so we must make straight our paths to you, following closely in the footsteps of your Son. O let there be fruit upon our trees! to prove our repentance genuine. Your NAME shall be blessed forever, dear God; in peace shall all your children dwell. May we be covered with knowledge of you, and so live always in the light of your glory.

O bishop of Myra, shepherd of the Lord's sheep who has with a generous heart cared so well for His little ones… all became as your children, for you loved your flock with the love of Christ Himself; their needs were your own – pray our hearts will be like yours, that just so generously we will give to those in need, provide for those in our care. I pray you will see us now as your children here and beg the bearer of all good gifts to provide for all those most in need, that in joy all souls may welcome His coming, ready for the joys of Heaven. May our love be one with the love of our Good Shepherd, now and in eternity.

(Is.30:19-21,23-26; Ps.147:1-6,Is.30:18; Mt.9:35-10:1,6-8) "On the day the Lord binds up the wounds of His people, He will heal the bruises left by His blows." "Cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons." With these words Jesus sends His disciples forth proclaiming, "The reign of God is at hand!" The prophecy of Isaiah has been fulfilled. The Savior has come. The Teacher is at our side now speaking into our ears, "This is the way; walk in it." And of all our sins He cleanses us; from all our sickness He heals us. Indeed, "as soon as you call He will answer you," for He is ready to wipe all tears from your eyes. And what must be our response to a Lord who "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." We must be the same as He. We must go forth as He has, teaching, proclaiming "the good news of God's reign," and curing "every sickness and disease." It is our call to make others whole in heart, mind, soul, and body; and so, to whatever need is present – and there are many or the Lord would not ask us to "beg the harvest master to send out laborers to gather His harvest" – we must apply the grace of God. He will do the work that is needed, but He needs us to work through. To what glory all are called; what a wonderful message we have to bring forth! Isaiah, the great prophet, only touches upon it when he cries out that the Lord "will give rain for the seed that you sow in the ground" (see how He will bless your work!) and when he proclaims: "The light of the moon will be like that of the sun and the light of the sun will be seven times greater." This vision is for all who turn to the Lord for healing. We have been bruised, brothers and sisters. No doubt, our sins have brought wounds to our souls. But the Lord will bind up all these; in His surpassing pity He will raise us all from death as He "rebuilds Jerusalem." Let us bring this message forth. ******* O LORD, heal us of all ill and teach us to walk in the way that leads unto Heaven. YHWH, we lie prostrate from exhaustion, do we not? We thirst for your presence; we hunger for the Bread you provide. Come to us. Send your laborers to teach us and to heal us of every disease, to bring us your grace. Have pity on your sheep, O LORD! We are broken, but when we cry out to you, O LORD, you hear our voice and quickly answer our prayers. And what promise you make to our waiting hearts! Abundance of blessing shall be ours as you heal the wounds of our sin and bring us into your glorious presence. Seven times greater than the light of the sun will be your light on that Day, O LORD. Streams of running water will fill our thirst for you and by your teaching we will be led in our every step. Come, LORD, fulfill your promise in our midst. Let all men know your reign is at hand.