People often ask me how the Sunday readings are selected. They are part of the Church’s three year cycle and are not chosen by the pastor or the parishioners. In this cycle, Year A centers on Matthew’s Gospel, Year B on Mark, and Year C on Luke. John’s Gospel is interspersed in all three years. We are currently in Year C.
Weekday Masses are divided into Year 1 and 2, so they are on a two year rotating cycle. So basically if you go to weekday Mass every day, over the three year cycle you will hear the majority of the Bible. Since the Readings are fixed in this manner, you know what is being read way into the future and can be assured you are not just hearing what the pastor wants to stress or is comfortable with for preaching.
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before December 25th. It always has four Sundays but can vary in length. For example: If Christmas falls on Monday, then Advent lasts just three weeks and one day. If Christmas falls on Sunday, then Advent last for four full weeks. This year Advent is one day short of the maximum length.
So let us use this time wisely to purify our faith every day !
DeColores,Deacon Doug
