December 4
St John Damascene
Friday, week 1 of Advent
St John Damascene, who lived during the 7th and 8th centuries, is recognized by the Church as a Doctor of the Church and is revered for his contributions to theology, particularly regarding the veneration of icons. Born in Damascus into a prominent Christian family within the Islamic Caliphate, John received a broad education in both Christian and classical subjects. Eventually, he became a monk at the Mar Saba monastery near Jerusalem, dedicating much of his life to prayer, writing, and theological reflection.
His most influential work addressed the ‘Iconoclast Controversy,’ an era when the use of sacred images was intensely debated within the Byzantine Empire. St John advocated fervently for the use of icons, arguing that, because Christ became fully human, it is permissible and even beneficial to depict him and the saints in visual art. His theology remains foundational for both Eastern and Western Christian traditions.
Apart from his defense of holy images, St John Damascene composed hymns, theological treatises, and a celebrated summary of Christian doctrine called the 'Exposition of the Orthodox Faith.' The Church honors St John for his wisdom, eloquence, and steadfastness in defending the faith even amidst political and theological upheaval. St John Damascene’s optional memorial invites the faithful to learn from his intellectual depth and unwavering devotion to Christ.
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The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingIs 29, 17-24
Thus says the Lord God:
Do you not know?
In a little while, a very little while,
Lebanon will be turned into an orchard,
and the orchard will seem like a forest.
On that day, the deaf
will hear the words of the book.
As for the blind, coming out of darkness and gloom,
their eyes will see.
The humble will rejoice more and more
in the Lord,
the poor will exult
in God, the Holy One of Israel.
For it will be the end of tyrants,
extermination of mockers,
and all those will be cut off who are eager to do evil,
those who have someone condemned by their testimony,
who twist the course of justice
and, without cause, turn away the innocent.
Therefore the Lord, who freed Abraham,
speaks thus to the house of Jacob:
"From now on Jacob will have no more shame,
his face will no longer grow pale;
for when he sees among his people his children,
the work of my hands,
he will sanctify my name,
he will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob,
he will stand in awe before the God of Israel.
Those who have lost their way will gain understanding,
and the rebellious will accept being taught."
– The word of the Lord.
Psalm26 (27), 1, 4abcd, 13-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom should I be afraid?
There is one thing I asked of the Lord,
the only thing I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life.
I am sure I shall see the Lord's goodness
in the land of the living.
"Hope in the Lord, be strong and take heart;
hope in the Lord."
GospelMt 9, 27-31
At that time,
Jesus was on his way;
two blind men followed him, shouting:
"Have mercy on us, Son of David!"
When he had gone indoors,
the blind men came up to him,
and Jesus said to them:
"Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
They answered him:
"Yes, Lord."
Then he touched their eyes, saying:
"Let it be done for you according to your faith!"
Their eyes were opened,
and Jesus warned them sternly:
"Take care! Let no one know about this!"
But once they had gone out,
they spread the news about him throughout that whole region.
– Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org