By Brea Cannon
Liturgical Rhythm of Life
Happy new liturgical year! The liturgical year is made up of six seasons beginning with Advent and then continuing with Christmas, Lent, the Pascal Triduum, Easter and Ordinary Time. This Advent to Christmas, let us slowly shift from a season of preparing to a season of rejoicing.
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. The Incarnation is such a great mystery that it cannot be reflected upon for just one day. The Christmas season is a great time to grow in appreciation of God becoming man and call to mind how every Eucharist is like Christmas — Jesus is born anew on the alter at every Mass.
Throughout the Christmas season, we are encouraged by many memorials and feast days to inspire us to live solely for the glory of our new born King. Mark your calendar so you can live the Christmas season in prayer and celebration.
Dec. 25 — The Nativity of our Lord: Christmas is a Holy Day of Obligation and a great opportunity to invite loved ones and family members to Mass. Take some time on this day to reflect on the second person of the blessed trinity, God the Son.
Dec. 26 — Feast of St. Steven, the first martyr: Many faithful have gone before us defending and preserving the faith. On this day, make a small sacrifice for the lives given in faith and for the strength to stand firm in faith even in moments of persecution.
Dec. 28 — Feast of Holy Innocents, martyrs: Red vestments are worn on this day to commemorate the lives of the male children killed in Bethlehem at the hand of King Herod the Great to assure a Messiah would not rise to power and take the throne. On this day, we remember the lives lost and pray for the parents of innocent babies who have died. Reach out to a friend or family member who has experienced the death of an infant or unborn child. May we also pray for all parents who are contemplating the life of their own unborn child.
Dec. 29 — Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: This feast was established to draw attention to the holiness of the Holy Family as a model for families today. Let us pray for all families — may homes be the domestic church on earth.
Jan. 1 — Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Mother of God: This is a Holy Day of Obligation and a great opportunity to dedicate the new year to Jesus and his blessed mother, Mary. Take some time and write down some of your cares and worries from the previous year and give them completely to the Blessed Mother in the new year.
Jan. 3 — Most Holy Name of Jesus: Let us take some time this day to recall the words of St. Paul to the Philippians that God the Father gave Jesus “that name that is above every name.” Philippians 2:9
Jan. 5 — Epiphany of our Lord: The prophets foretold, Isaiah 60:6, “A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.” There are many traditions for this day from house blessings to kings’ cakes to, in some cultures, the giving of gifts. In our home from Christmas to the Epiphany the wise men “travel” at night throughout the house to the nativity set. On the Epiphany, their journey is complete.
Jan. 12 — The Baptism of our Lord: This day concludes the Christmas season in the Roman calendar and begins Ordinary Time. As you start to pack away those Christmas decorations, keep in mind that Jesus was born unto us a little baby with the ultimate mission to save us from sin and death with his passion, death and resurrection. This year, make Christmas more than just a day and celebrate the child Jesus for the entire season. Keep out some Christmas decorations and nativity sets and most importantly, welcome our Savior into your heart and home. I will pray that his light shine through each of you this Christmas and into the new year.
Brea Cannon is a Diocese of Evansville native and member of St. Peter Parish in Montgomery with her husband, three children and extended family.