December 2 - Monday, 1st Week of Advent

Theme: UNIVERSAL SALVATION

Readings:
Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9;  
Mt 5:8-11

Introduction

Today's message speaks of universal salvation. Isaiah preaches that all are called to believe in God, to worship him, to live according to God's plans and laws, and to enjoy his peace. Jerusalem stands here for God's believing people. (In year A, another reading from Isaiah is taken, so as not to duplicate that of the first Sunday A: God will protect the remnant that has been faithful to him and live among his people.)

The centurion's faith is remarkable. He is symbolic of the gentiles who will be called, for the kingdom is open to all, without any privilege of race or culture. With Christ, salvation has become available to anyone of good will.

Opening Prayer

Lord God, Father of all,
in your Son Jesus Christ
you invite everyone and all to know and love you
and to live in your unending peace.
Keep alive in us the zeal
to bring the light of your truth
and the riches of your life and love to all,
without any distinction
of race, language or culture.
May everyone on earth come to know you
as the merciful Father of all
through our brother and Savior,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Scripture Readings

First Reading: Is 2:1-5

The vision of Isaiah, son of Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In the last days, the mountain of Yahweh's house shall be set over the highest mountains and shall tower over the hills.

All the nations shall stream to it, saying, "Come, let us go to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in his paths. For the Teaching comes from Zion, and from Jerusalem the word of Yahweh.

He will rule over the nations and settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not raise sword against nation; they will train for war no more.

O nation of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!"

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9

R Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the Lord."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.
R Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, "Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the Lord, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Gospel Reading: Mt 5:8-11

When Jesus entered Capernaum, an army captain approached him to ask his help, "Sir, my servant lies sick at home. He is paralyzed and suffers terribly." Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."

The captain answered, "I am not worthy to have you under my roof. Just give an order and my boy will be healed. For I myself, a junior officer, give orders to my soldiers. And if I say to one: 'Go,' he goes, and if I say to another: 'Come,' he comes, and to my servant: 'Do this,' he does it."

When Jesus heard this he was astonished and said to those who were following him, "I tell you, I have not found such faith in Israel. I say to you, many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven."

(Commentary)

General Intercessions

Let us pray that the Lord Jesus may be known and accepted by all: Lord, hear our prayer:

- For people who drift through life without someone to believe in, that they may discover God and his Messiah, we pray:

- For the many cultures all over the world, that the gospel may enrich them, we pray:

- For peace and lasting friendship among nations, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord God, bread and wine
food and drink, life and joy -
these you have destined for all
through your Son Jesus Christ.
Let it be a life and a joy
that cannot be taken away
and that we can make real among us
by the strength of him
who is our food and drink,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Lord, God of the promise,
you have nourished us
with the body of your Son.
By the strength of this food
make us the body of your Son to the world,
not on account of our merits
but for the sake of what you do in us.
Make visible in us
the mercy and justice of Jesus Christ,
that people may recognize his presence among us
and through him give you all honor and praise
now and for ever.

Blessing

"Many will come from east and west and eat with us at the table of the kingdom." This is happening much in our day. Are we ready to respect and welcome them as equals with us before God? May almighty God bless you and them, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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