Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Dec 24)

Please Note: the thematic summary given below is one possible strategy that can be used to incorporate all the texts in a sermon, scripture study, or meditation. Other points may be suggested for the individual readings.

VIGIL MASS FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

READINGS AND OFFICE: Thematic Summary of Today’s Readings~after the Babylonian exile God promised to bring “vindication” and “victory” [Hebrew: yeshû‛âh, literally salvation] to Zion/Jerusalem, capital of David’s kingdom (1st reading). God thus manifested His goodness in the covenant promises He made to David and his posterity (Ps). Because of those promises, and through the line of David, God has brought His people a savior (2nd reading. Gosp.), the “Immanuel”, Jesus [Heb. Yeshua] who “will save [yâsha‛] his people from their sins” (Gosp.).

Today’s Mass Readings.

COMMENTARIES ON TODAY’S FIRST READING: Isaiah 62:1-5. God’s actions towards Virgin Zion in verses 4-5 are played out in the lives of St Joseph and Our Lady. The Virgin Mary ran the risk of being forsaken by Joseph (compare Is 62:4 with Mt 1:19). At the divine behest Joseph does for her what God promised to do for his people who were once thought forsaken and desolate (compare Is 62:5 with Mt 1:20, 24).

Navarre Bible Commentary on Isaiah 62:1-5.

Pending: Haydock Commentary on Isaiah 62:1-5. Very brief notes.

My Notes on Isaiah 62:1-5.

COMMENTARIES ON THE RESPONSORIAL: Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29.

Father Boylan’s Introduction to Psalm 89.

St Augustine’s Notes on Psalm 89. Entire psalm.

St Robert Bellarmine’s Commentary on Psalm 89. Entire psalm.

Patristic/Medieval Commentary on Psalm 89. Entire psalm.

Pending: My Notes on Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29.

COMMENTARIES ON THE SECOND READING: Acts 13:16-17, 22-25.

Father MacEvilly’s Commentary on Acts 13:16-17, 22-25.

Father Callan’s Commentary on Acts 13:16-17, 22-25.

Navarre Bible Commentary on Acts 13:16-17, 22-25.

St John Chrysostom’s Homiletic Commentary on Acts 13:16 ff. Begins at verse 16.

Homilist’s Catechism Notes Acts 13:16-17, 22-25.

COMMENTARIES ON THE GOSPEL: Matt 1:1-25. Note: One can chose between the longer reading (1-25) or the shorter reading (18-25).

Maldonado’s Commentary on Matthew 1:1-25 in Two Parts:

Part 1: Maldonado’s Commentary on Matt 1:1-17.
Part 2: Maldonado’s Commentary on Matt 1:18-25. Shorter reading.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Matthew 1:1-25 in Two Parts:

Part 1: Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Matt 1:1-17.
Part 2: Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Matt 1:18-25. Shorter reading.

Cornelius a Lapide’s Commentary on Matt 1:18-25. Shorter reading.

Navarre Bible Commentary on Matt 1:1-25.

Homilist’s Catechism on Matt 1:18-25. Shorter reading.

GENERAL RESOURCES:

The Sacred Page: The  Christmas Readings. Comments and reflections on all the readings for the various Masses from Catholic biblical scholar Dr. John Bergsma.

PODCASTS:

Fr. Guilbeau’s Homily – Christmas Vigil: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

St Irenaeus Ministries Podcast Study of Matthew 1.

Father Philips’ Podcast Study of Acts 13. Begins at verse 14.

St Leo the Great on Christmas. Video by Fr. Francis Martin.