December 21

Friday of the Third Week of Advent 

Read

St. Peter Canisius was a renowned Jesuitpreacher and Doctor of the Church. Today is his feast day.

Reflect

"Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, 'Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.'" (Luke 1:39-45)

Pray

Add this "O Antiphon" to your daily or meal-time prayer today: "O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death." (Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, Revised Edition, 77)

Act

Pause to spend extra time relfecting on Mary's journey to see Elizabeth in the Gospel today. Many of us travel for Christmas to spend time with distant family. If you're traveling, what gift will you offer your hosts in thanks for their hospitality? If you're hosting guests, how will you make them feel welcome? 

Advent - Virgin Mary FB panel