General. The Incarnation, Life, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus are celebrated during the Eucharist. The Incarnation is a great mystery whereby the Son of God intervened in the history of the world in an act of utter condescension, belittling Himself to become man. This should fill Christians with joy for the redemption achieved of sinful humanity (Heaven rejoices when sinners repent) and hope for our future resurrection from the dead with Jesus (Once you have been baptised in Christ you have also put on Christ – St Paul).

Isaiah. Jerusalem signifies a town of peace and blessing. The Jews returning from exile go up to Jerusalem to give praise to the Lord for their renewed freedom and God promises to console His people in the same manner as a mother does to her children. While the exile into Babylon meant a throwing out of the people into the wilderness for past sins and abandoning God’s ways, the come-back to Jerusalem means God’s acceptance of those who want to return to Him, even if they are hardened sinners.

Epistle to the Galatians. St Paul concludes his letter to the Galatians referring to the new law of the Cross by means of which the world is crucified for him and he for the world. Circumcision has no further value after the coming of Christ and it is only being a new creature through Baptism that really counts. Baptism gives character and makes one another Christ – no wonder he carries the marks of Jesus on his person.

St Luke. Christ sends the disciples to preach the Word, accompanied with the making of miracles, all over the land. He gives them specific powers and instructions about the work to be done, which is a greater harvest but where the reapers are few. Vocations are needed throughout the world, nowadays especially. On their return the disciples tell Jesus they have wrougth wonders, a word any worker in the field of the Lord can say at the end of his life on earth. Jesus promises life everlasting for those who accomplish the Father’s Will, and the best reward one could have is that of having one’s name written in heaven.

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