December 16
Wednesday, week 3 of Advent
Today, the Church observes an Advent weekday, known simply as a 'feria' within the liturgical calendar. During Advent, such ferial days hold a particular significance as they invite the faithful to pause amid the anticipation of Christ’s coming, fostering an atmosphere of hopeful expectation, prayer, and penance. Unlike feast days dedicated to particular saints or major events, a feria in Advent focuses our attention on the unfolding mysteries of the season, marked by the readings and prayers that gradually prepare hearts for the celebration of the Nativity.
Advent itself, deriving from the Latin word for 'coming,' is a period of spiritual preparation marked by themes of prophecy, repentance, and joyful longing for the Messiah. The violet liturgical color reminds us of the season’s penitential character, yet it is lighter than that of Lent, signifying a hopeful, rather than somber, anticipation. The lectionary readings on this weekday reflect on God’s promises through the prophets and the figures who awaited the Messiah with faith. The Church invites all the faithful to enter into silence and watchfulness during these days, living with greater attention to prayer, works of charity, and spiritual renewal. This rhythm culminates in the celebration of Christmas, when the waiting gives way to joyful fulfillment.
While today has no specific saint or feast, the Church values these days for their quiet teaching: that salvation enters in the midst of ordinary days, and that preparing our hearts in humility is itself a form of worship.
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Questions about Wednesday, week 3 of Advent (Novus Ordo Missae)
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Mass readings
ReadingIs 45, 6b-8.18.21b-25
"I am the Lord, there is no other:
I form the light and create the darkness,
I make peace and create calamity.
It is I, the Lord, who do all these things.
Heavens, rain down your dew from above,
and let the clouds pour forth righteousness,
let the earth open, bring forth salvation,
and let righteousness also spring up.
I, the Lord, have created all this."
Thus says the Lord, the Creator of the heavens,
he, God, who made the earth and shaped it,
he who established it,
who did not create it as a wasteland,
but shaped it to be inhabited:
"I am the Lord:
there is no other!
Is it not I, the Lord?
Apart from me, there is no God;
a just and saving God,
there is none but me!
Turn to me and be saved,
all the ends of the earth!
Yes, I am God: there is no other!
I swear by myself!
From my mouth comes righteousness,
an irrevocable word.
Before me every knee shall bend,
every tongue shall swear:
In the Lord alone – it will be said of me –
are righteousness and strength!"
To him will come, covered in shame,
all those who were enraged against him.
By the Lord shall justice and praise be found,
all the descendants of Israel.
– The word of the Lord.
PsalmPs 84 (85), 9ab.10, 11-12, 13-14
I will listen: what will the Lord God say?
What he says is peace for his people and his faithful ones.
His salvation is near to those who fear him,
and glory will dwell in our land.
Love and truth will meet,
justice and peace will embrace;
truth shall spring from the earth
and justice will look down from heaven.
The Lord will grant his goodness,
and our land will yield its fruit.
Justice will go before him,
and his steps will show the way.
GospelLc 7, 18b-23
At that time,
John the Baptist called two of his disciples
and sent them to ask the Lord:
"Are you the one who is to come,
or should we wait for someone else?"
When they came to Jesus, they said to him:
"John the Baptist sent us to ask you:
Are you the one who is to come,
or should we wait for someone else?"
At that moment,
Jesus healed many people of their diseases,
of their infirmities and the evil spirits that afflicted them,
and to many who were blind he gave sight.
Then he answered the messengers:
"Go and tell John what you have seen and heard:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
the lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
the poor receive the Good News.
Blessed is anyone who does not stumble because of me!"
– Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org