CALENDARIO / Calendario Cinquepani EN

01 dic 2024

12 December 2024

English translation, December 2024

1/12 SUN 1st Sunday of Advent Year C [I]

Jer 33:14-16; Ps 24; 1 Thess 3:12 - 4:2; LK 21:25-28, 34-36

Be alert at all times, praying

Lk 21:36

As we begin Advent, the Church invites us to prepare for the encounter with Jesus, in the poverty of the manger and in His glorious return. He Himself invites us to stay awake so as not to miss these precious appointments. He urges us to do so "praying at all times." Among the many forms of prayer, we can choose to repeat in our hearts the Word chosen for each day on this calendar.

2/12 MON 1st Week of Advent [I]

Is 2:1-5; Ps 121; Mt 8:5-11

I will come and cure him Mt 8:7

How good you are, Jesus: you have seen the suffering, the love, and the humility of that man, especially his faith in you! You are willing to listen to our cry. We also say to you: you don't need to come, just say a word. Your Word saves us!

3/12 TUE 1st Week of Advent [I]

Is 11:1-10; Ps 71; Lk 10:21-24

All things have been handed over to me by my Father Lk 10:22

Thank you, Jesus, for your example of humility. To you, who are obedient in all things to the Father, he reserves all His love. I want to learn from you, Jesus, to live as a child completely abandoned to him. You are the wisdom, the love of the Father for us poor sinners. In you dwells the fullness of divinity.

4/12 WED 1st Week of Advent [I]

(Memorial of St. John Damascene, priest and doctor, † 8th century)

Is 25:6-10; Ps 22; Mt 15:29-37

Jesus took the seven loaves and gave thanks Mt 15:36

Jesus, seeing the crowd’s need for food after following Him for three days, accepts the few loaves and fish that the disciples had. He thanks the Father and has them distributed. It is surprising that they are enough for everyone and still there is some left over! When we give Jesus what little we are and have, He makes it useful for many.

5/12 THU 1st Week of Advent [I]

Is 26:1-6; Ps 117; Mt 7:21, 24-27

The one who does the will of my Father will enter the kingdom of heaven Mt 7:21

The Kingdom of God is love, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit. Every time I willingly obey Jesus, His Word, even when it is given to me by others, I experience the beauty of His kingdom present among us.

6/12 FRI 1st Week of Advent [I]

(Optional memorial: St. Nicholas, Bishop, † 350)

Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 26; Mt 9:27-31

According to your faith let it be done to you Mt 9:29

When we turn to Jesus humbly and with full trust, in unity with our brothers and sisters in faith, He is ready to help us. The Gospel reminds us of this today. The eyes of the two blind men are opened: they had believed that Jesus could do it, and they had asked Him by mutual agreement.

7/12 SAT 1st Week of Advent [I]

(memorial: St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor, † 397)

Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 146;

Mt 9:35 - 10:1, 6-8

You received without payment; give without payment Mt 10:8

God's love is freely given: it does not demand restitution. We are blessed to be able to live out this same love. Jesus strongly urges His apostles to live out this love, so they may be witnesses and revealers of the Father.

8/12 SUN 2nd Sunday of Advent Solemnity of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Gen 3:9-15, 20; Ps 97; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12;

Lk 1:26-38

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High

Lk 1:32

Every Marian feast is an opportunity to know Jesus, the Son of Mary. She rejoices in this: she is a humble servant, seeking to fade away so that the Son, announced to her by the angel as the Son of the Most High, may be at the center. She was conceived without spiritual relationship with Adam, so as to be ready to become the mother of Him who takes away the sins of the world.

9/12 MON 2nd Week of Advent [II]

(Optional memorial: St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, † 1548)

Is 35:1-10; Ps 85; Lk 5:17-26

Friend, your sins are forgiven you Lk 5:20

Jesus, you have a paralyzed man before you; he was lowered through the roof because the crowd prevented him from reaching you. And you give him the greatest love: you forgive his sins. Now he is close to the Father's heart, he feels it beating for him... Whether I am healthy or sick, you, Jesus, see what makes me sad. Forgive my sin!

10/12 TUE 2nd Week of Advent [II]

Is 40:1-11; Ps 95; Mt 18:12-14

If a shepherd has a hundred sheep... does he not go in search of the one that went astray? Mt 18:12

Jesus reveals his heart to us. If one of the "little ones" who believe in him goes astray, he searches for him to bring him back to His fold. This happened to a young man who, after dedicating years and energy to sports, found himself empty inside. Jesus "found" him, rekindling his love through another young man who was leaving as a missionary.

11/12 WED 2nd Week of Advent [II]

(Optional memorial: St. Damasus I, Pope, †384)

Is 40:25-31; Pa 102; Mt 11:28-30

Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart Mt 11:29

Sometimes we are tempted to admire and imitate someone who is great in the eyes of the world. The result is that we find ourselves tired, oppressed, disappointed, and sad. "Learn from me," Jesus tells us; imitate my gentleness and humility. Your heart will find refreshment, peace, joy, and strength.

Jesus, you are my guide. It is sweet to follow you, because you love me.

12/12 THUR 2nd Week of Advent [II]

(Optional memorial: Our Lady of Guadalupe - 1531)

Is 41:13-20; Ps 144; Mt 11:11-15

Let anyone with ears listen!

Mt 11:15

Jesus praises John the Baptist by saying he is "the greatest born of woman." However, He also states that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. It takes the Holy Spirit to understand Jesus' words correctly. In the kingdom of heaven, all are small, but all are "great" because they are members of His mystical Body.

13/12 FRI 2nd Week of Advent [II]

(Memorial: St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, † ca. 404)

Is 48:17-19; Ps 1; Mt 11:16-19

I am the Lord, your God Is 48:17

Listening to these words, I feel as though I can see the kind face and reassuring hands of a father, the gentle eyes and tender caresses of a mother. Yes, my God, my Father, You want to speak to me to guide me to true goodness and to lead me to live in communion with You. When I am misunderstood and perhaps defamed, defamed for Your name, You will be by my side.

14/12 SAT 2nd Week of Advent [II]

(Memeorial: St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor, † 1591)

Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 79; Mt 17:10-13

The Son of Man is to suffer at their hands Mt 17:12

We are at the foot of the mountain, where Jesus, transfigured, was seen by three apostles. Jesus had told them to tell of that experience only after His resurrection. Yes, indeed, He would be killed, like John the Baptist, by the powerful. Still today, Jesus in His Church suffers violence and rejection from the great ones. However, He is alive, risen, and continues to lead His people.

15/12 SUN 3rd Sunday of Advent Year C [III]

Zeph 3:14-18; Ps: Is 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7;

Lk 3:10-18

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire Lk 3:18

We are awaiting Jesus. He will "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire": He will immerse us in the life of the Father, who is Love, a Love that warms, enlivens, and purifies. John the Baptist prepares us for such a beautiful and important encounter, that 'John the Baptist' whom Providence will put on our path.

16/12 MON 3rd Week of Advent [III]

Num 24:2-7, 15-17; Ps 24; Mt 21:23-27

The baptism of John, where did it come from? Mt 21:25

The work of your precursor, Lord Jesus, and your acting with "authority" come from the intimate, profound connection with the Father who sent you.

Before you, who come to transform and enrich my life, I will be humble, docile, and welcoming.

Come, Lord Jesus!

17/12 TUE Start of the CHRISTMAS NOVENA [P]

Gen 49:2, 8-10; Ps 71; Mt 1:1-17

The obedience of the peoples is his Gen 49:10

We are awaiting the birth of Jesus, who, having already come in history, continues to come in His Church as a Good Shepherd, Wonderful Counselor, Word, and presence of the Father in heaven.

Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of being able to open our hearts to you again this year, to welcome you and prepare ourselves to obey you more.

18/12 WED Advent Ferial [P]

Jer 23:5-8; Ps 71; Mt 1:18-24

They shall name him Emmanuel Mt 1:23

The prophecies are being fulfilled: from a virgin will come the Savior. His name will be Emmanuel, God with us, God who loves us even in our sin. And it is Joseph, a gentle and silent man, attentive only to fulfilling the will of the Father, who will give the Son of the Virgin the most beautiful name of God.

19/12 THU Advent Ferial [P]

Judg 13:2-7, 24-25; Ps 70; Lk 1:5-25

The Lord blessed him Judg 13:24

Our God, the merciful Father, has plans of peace for His people. In every era of slavery and consequent social poverty, He has raised up a liberator. Today we see that, surprisingly, from a barren woman, He brings forth Samson, who grows under His blessing. To us, then, the Father has wonderfully given Jesus, as the definitive Savior who frees us from sin, the cause of many evils.

20/12 FRI Advent Ferial [P]

s 7:10-14; Ps 23; Lk 1:26-38

His kingdom will have no end

Lk 1:33

Mary, do not be afraid! I too, son of Mary, son of the Church, have nothing to fear. The one the Father is about to give us will be great: "His kingdom will have no end." With Him in my heart, I can always live in peace.

Here I am, Father: I want to receive your gift, prepared for centuries; and with Him, I want to welcome your heart!

21/12 SAT Advent Ferial [P]

(Commemoration: St. Peter Canisius, priest and doctor, † 1597)

Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zeph 3:14-17;

Ps 32; Lk 1:39-45

Blessed is she who believed

Lk 1:45

Mary, our Mother, fully trusted the Word of God communicated to her by the angel. She made herself available to live it, thus finding joy and great serenity. When we commit ourselves to live some Word of Jesus, His blessing will come as a sure and lasting gift. A joy that repays the effort beyond measure!

22/12 SUN 4th Sunday of Advent Year C [IV]

Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 79; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

The child in my womb leaped for joy Lk 1:44

Jesus, the Savior, had now descended to earth: small, hidden in the pure womb of Mary, He was already giving joy, an indescribable joy; a joy that made another little one leap in the womb of cousin Elizabeth. We too will leap for joy at your new coming, Jesus, and we will bring you into the world.

23/12 MON Advent Ferial [P]

(Commemoration: St. John of Kanty, priest, † 1473)

Mal 3:1-4,23-24; Ps 24; Lk 1:57-66

The hand of the Lord was with him Lk 1:66

It was John the Baptist: a child born to elderly parents who, through prayer and faithfulness even in small things, had given their hearts and lives to the Lord. A light for us: "the hand of the Lord" will accompany, protect, and guide our children because we will give them a worthy place in our lives.

24/12 TUE Advent Ferial [P]

2 Sam 7:1-5,8-12,14,16; Ps 88; Lk 1:67-79

The Lord has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them Lk 1:68

How great is your goodness, Father: you have sent us Jesus, your only Son, to free us from the sin that enslaves us. Thank you, Jesus, for with your forgiveness you erase and remove from our hearts the oppressive weight of sin. Thank you for the precious service you have given to the Church, to forgive sins. Thank you for clothing us with forgiveness and granting us the grace to be stronger in times of trial.

25/12 WED CHRISTMAS DAY [P]

Mass at Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 95; Titus 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14

Mass during the Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 97; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18

To you is born a Savior Lk 2:11

While Caesar Augustus exerted his military power and political organization, God the Father sent His Son into the world in the greatest poverty and humility. This is the true Savior who frees us from the most powerful enemy, the one that prevents us from loving. He is the Savior because He establishes love among men without the need for any coercion. Thank you, Father, for the gift of Baby Jesus!

26/12 THU FEAST OF ST. STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR [P]

Acts 6:8-10.12; 7:54-60; Ps 30; Mt 10:17-22

It is the Spirit of your Father speaking through you Mt 10:20

We celebrate the feast of St. Stephen, the first witness, the first martyr of Jesus. The "true light" that came into the world, the love of the Father whom he had welcomed, was the source of his words: words of wisdom, of revelation, of forgiveness, even as hatred raged against him. Jesus, the light of your coming and the power of your resurrection, humbly welcomed, make us your witnesses. Glory to you!

27/12 FRI FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST [P]

1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 96; Jn 20:2-8

Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ 1 Jn 1:3

Today is the feast of the Apostle John, the disciple who at the Last Supper leaned his head on Jesus' chest. He enjoyed communion of life and love with Him and, in His name, with the Father. Through his writings, he continues to share these gifts with us. Today we thank him and are in particular communion with him.

28/12 SAT FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS [P]

1 Jn 1:5-2:2; Ps 123; Mt 2:13-18

If we walk in the light,... we have fellowship with one another 1 Jn 1:7

Saint John experienced true communion by following Jesus with the other apostles. We share with them the labor of proclaiming the Gospel, the joy of brotherhood, and being of one heart and one soul.

The children who were killed because of Jesus, though unaware, received a great reward. Innocent, shedding their blood, they became witnesses of His coming.

29/12 SUN FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY, JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Year C [P]

1 Sam 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 84; 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52

Jesus increased in wisdom

Lk 2:52

Jesus was found by Mary and Joseph in the temple, listening and questioning the Masters of the Scriptures, who were amazed by his interest and insights. He was aware that the Word of the Scriptures belonged to "His Father". Upon returning to Nazareth, He "was obedient to them", another characteristic of His growth "in wisdom". He who obeys is humble and lives as a grateful son.

30/12 MON 6th Day in the Octave [P]

1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 95; Lk 2:36-40

She spoke about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem Lk 2:38

Even Anna, who served in the temple for a lifetime, heard the prophecy of the pious Simeon, who had recognized in the child Jesus the "light of the gentiles, and glory of your people Israel." For Anna, there was no greater joy: she had to speak about it. She announced it to all those who, like her, were waiting for the promised Savior.

31/12 TUE 7th Day in the Octave [P]

(Commemoration: Saint Sylvester I, Pope, † 335)

1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 95; Jn 1:1-18

The Word was with God Jn 1:2

Saint John presents Jesus to us as the Word of the Father, who has been with Him since eternity and who became a man like us in all things except sin. He was and always is orientated towards the Father; he was, is, and will always be one heart and one will with Him. Indeed, He said: "I and the Father are one." Let us also live His life, which makes us taste the reality of heaven, and may the new year will be bright and rich in the fruits of love!