The readings today throb with a sense of joyful expectation The prophet Baruch echoes a hope for release from exile and oppression by portraying Lady Jerusalem as a priest who takes off the robes of mourning and puts on the cloak of God rsquo s justice and the miter that displays the glory of God r

As we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus in history, the readings remind us that Christians should shape their faith in terms of hopes as well as of memories.

This celebration is especially appropriate at the beginning of Advent when we recall the two great figures of expectation who prepared for the coming of Christ John the Baptist and Mary Forming a virtual liturgical Ode to Joy the readings resound with affirmations of the gracious love of God sho

To celebrate Christ as king is to enter into the deepest mysteries of faith.

s the days grow shorter and the trees become bare ruin rsquo d choirs where late the sweet birds sang Shakespeare Sonnet 132 the liturgical year winds down with images of the end of history Daniel speaks of a time unsurpassed in distress but followed by a general resurrection of the dead when

As Mark’s Jesus walks toward Jerusalem and his death, he comes across an assorted group of little people who embody Gospel values.