Saturday, December 24, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011: (Morning Mass)
Jesus said: “My people, you remember the Scripture when the angel appeared to Zechariah in the Temple to give him the news that St. Elizabeth would have a son to be named John. When Zechariah doubted because of their ages, the angel made him unable to speak. Once St. John the Baptist was born, then Zechariah could speak, and his first words were his canticle that is said every morning in the Liturgy of the Hours. This birth was a miracle, and St. John would come later into the desert and he called the people to repent and be baptized. St. John was My herald in the desert to prepare the people for My coming. This reading is very appropriate right before you celebrate My birth on Christmas.”
(Vigil of Christmas Mass) Jesus said: “My people, as you see the reasons why people die from cancer, heart problems, pneumonia, or other diseases, you start to see how fragile your life is here on earth. In fact you cannot even assure yourselves that you will be alive tomorrow. You live from day to day thinking that you will have a long life. Sometimes when you have medical check ups, you start to see some of your own failings and vulnerabilities. Even more so, you should also be conscious of striving to have a pure soul in preparation for the day when you will be called home to judgment before Me. It is a joy to share your love with Me, especially as you celebrate My birth at Christmas. Since you do not know which day you are going to die, you should be prepared to die every day. If you knew that you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do different from what you are doing today? In other words you could be living your life to the fullest every day thinking that this day is your last day on earth. Do not put off to tomorrow any preparations that you should be making today for your last day before your judgment.”