I saw my first Christmas tree of the year at a big warehouse store last month. Christmas in July! How about Advent in August? Because that’s what today’s Gospel from Luke is presenting us. It begins with a continuation of last Sunday’s teaching on priorities:
Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell all your belongings and give alms. . . For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
In other words, the Kingdom of God is more valuable than the squabbles of earthly possessions. And almsgiving is symbolic of sharing one’s material goods with the community. Jesus then teaches on the importance of waiting for the full establishment of God’s Kingdom:
Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like the servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. . . You must be prepared for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
I have questioned the idea of “seasonal compartmentalization” when it comes to the unfolding of the liturgical year. We must always be mindful and grateful for Jesus’ saving death on the Cross, and not just on Good Friday. And we must always celebrate his Resurrections, and not just on Easter Sunday. So also must we always be prepared and ready when God calls us to bring Christ to the world, and not just during Advent. Being alert and ready for the coming of Christ energizes us to bring his healing, justice, and peace to a world that is starved for his love.
In the Second Reading, from the Letter to the Hebrews, the unknown sacred writer presents the faith of Abraham, a faith that certainly underscores today’s Gospel:
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. . . By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. . . By faith he sojourned in the Promised Land as in a foreign country. . . By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age – and Sarah herself was sterile. . . By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promise was ready to offer up his only son.
Faith gave Abraham the courage to deal with the unknown. And it is faith that will help us Christians to wait courageously against all opposition for the coming of Christ and the full establishment of the Kingdom. Until that day, we let go of those material things that may distract us from God. So let our music today speak of our readiness, our faith, and the promise of God’s Kingdom.
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon Look to Your Covenant, O Lord (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #154
Today’s antiphon text from Psalm 74 dovetails nicely with Jesus’ Gospel call to be mindful of those in need. “Look to your covenant, O Lord, and forget not the life of your poor ones forever.”
Entrance Chant Enter the Journey (Mark Friedman and Janet Vogt)
Never Too Young #125; Breaking Bread #638
This popular song of ministry and mission helps us to enter into the teaching of today’s readings.
Responsorial Psalm Blessed the People the Lord Has Chosen (Jackie Francois)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 286
Jackie Francois’ verbatim setting of Psalm 33 sings of the confidence of the community in their God.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Renewal (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 288
The acclamation text has a definite Advent feel: “Stay awake and be ready!”
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Christ the Lord (Robert Feduccia and Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Song #194; Breaking Bread #591
An Advent song in August. Why not? Jesus is coming to bring light to the world.
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon O Jerusalem, Glorify the Lord [Option 1] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #155
This antiphon text from Psalm 147 is a song of praise for the God who fills our every need.
Communion Chant Find Us Ready (Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #209; Never Too Young #150
Not just for Advent, “Find Us Ready” is a song of encouragement as we build up the Kingdom of God.
Sending Forth May Your Kingdom Come (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Song #328
“May your kingdom come, that justice may reign.” This is our mission as we are sent forth from this liturgy.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
If you want to use songs that are not in any of the books you have, you can license the songs through ONE LICENSE. Paying for the usage of songs will ensure the Church will have quality songs for years to come.
