Saturday, December 31 : Saint Bonaventure
Under the reign of Caesar Augustus, the quiet silence (Wis 18:14) of universal peace had brought such calm to an age which had previously been sorely distressed that through his decree a census of the whole world could be taken. Under the guidance of divine providence, it happened that Joseph, the Virgin’s husband, took to the town of Bethlehem the young girl of royal descent who was pregnant. When nine months had passed since his conception, the “King of Peace like a bridegroom from his bridal chamber (cf. 1 Chr 22:9; Ps. 18:6), came forth from the virginal womb. He was brought forth into the light without any corruption just as he was conceived without any stain of lust. Although he was great and rich, he became small and poor for us. He chose to be born away from a home in a stable, to be wrapped in swaddling clothes, to be nourished by virginal milk and to lie in a manger between an ox and an ass. Then “there shone upon us a day of new redemption, restoration of the past and eternal happiness. Then throughout the whole world the heavens became honey-sweet” (Roman breviary). Now, then, my soul, embrace that divine manger; press your lips upon and kiss the boy’s feet. Then in your mind keep the shepherds’ watch, marvel at the assembling host of angels, join in the heavenly melody, singing with both voice and heart: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of goodwill.”
Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team