Feast of Our Lady of Loreto.

"Litany of Loreto,
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of Virgins,
Etc." (The Litany of Loreto has been in use in the Church since the 15th Century under Pope St Pius V).

“As they were coming down from the mountain, the ­disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

"He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.

"So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.  (Matthew 17: 11 - 12).

Saturday 10th December 2022 of the 2nd Week of Advent is the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto.
What is Loreto? According to tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived, born and raised in the Holy House of Loreto. The Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary in Loreto. This is how Loreto became a Holy House of Prayer.

The House of Loreto which was completed in the 16th century became a famous pilgrimage site. All the three recent popes: John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis have all made pilgrimages to the Holy House of Loreto.

Elijah the great prophet is the subject of the first Reading and the Gospel of today. Elijah came back in the persona of John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord, to make straight His paths. There is a striking similarity between Elijah and John the Baptist. Both messianic prophets called for repentance.

People did not recognize the hour or the opportunity John the Baptist represented.  Although he appeared like a fire whose words were as a flaming furnace, yet people took little notice. The noise in the world was too loud and impenetrable for the message of salvation to get through.

In less than fourteen days, we shall be in the season of Christmas and the Season of Advent with its opportunities and graces will be over. Arise from your sleep.  Do not allow Christmas shopping and any other frenzied activities to obscure the true meaning of the Season.

The Lord is surely coming in splendor to visit His people. Prepare to welcome Him.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com