ADVENT STATION 7:
The Immaculate Conception
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 6:13-22
[GOD] SAID TO NOAH: “I have decided to put an end to all mortals on earth; the earth is full of lawlessness because of them. So I will destroy them and all life on earth. “Make yourself an ark of gopherwood, put various compartments in it, and cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you shall build it: the length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. Make an opening for daylight in the ark, and finish the ark a cubit above it. Put an entrance in the side of the ark, which you shall make with bottom, second and third decks. I, on my part, am about to bring the flood [waters] on the earth, to destroy everywhere all creatures in which there is the breath of life; everything on earth shall perish. But with you I will establish my covenant; you and your sons, your wife and your sons’ wives, shall go into the ark. Of all other living creatures you shall bring two into the ark, one male and one female, that you may keep them alive with you. Of all kinds of birds, of all kinds of beasts, and of all kinds of creeping things, two of each shall come into the ark with you, to stay alive. Moreover, you are to provide yourself with all the food that is to be eaten, and store it away, that it may serve as provisions for you and for them.” This Noah did; he carried out all the commands that God gave him.
Meditation
Noah’s ark was built for the highest of stakes—the continuation of life on earth. It had to be perfect, for any defect would jeopardize the safety of those who had taken refuge in it. The ark was their only hope of surviving the fatal waters of the flood, the only chance things could begin anew. But the ark could not eliminate sin. Thus the Blessed Virgin Mary, the new Ark, was created with an incomparably greater perfection—the fullness of grace and freedom from sin. She was prepared by God to be the Mother of the Savior, and in her the entire human family can take refuge. Through her childbearing a new flood ensues, one we should not try to escape—the flood of mercy poured out in the Precious Blood of Christ. Our last Advent station invites us to meditate on the wondrous effect that the sacrament of baptism has upon us—the destruction of original sin and a flood of grace and virtue into our souls.
New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-22
NOW WHO IS GOING to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit. In it he also went to preach to the spirits in prison, who had once been disobedient while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark, in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water. This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.
Prayer
All-wise and provident Father, in the Mother of Jesus we find refuge from the storm of sin and death. You chose her to be the vessel of our salvation, the privileged one who would give the Savior his sacred humanity. And though we no longer see Jesus, for he is now seated at your right hand in glory, we know that he continues to dwell among us and sanctify us through the Church. Through the intercession and merits of our Lady, Mother of the Church, keep us ever faithful to what you gave us through the saving waters of baptism. We ask this through Jesus, Emmanuel, the Son of God and Son of Man. Amen.
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Excerpts taken from Magnificat. 2023 Magnificat Advent Companion; Magnificat, Inc.
Saturday Mass Schedule:
4:00 PM-ST. CATHERINE SIENNA MISSION PARISH (HUMANSVILLE)
6:30 PM-SACRED HEART (BOLIVAR)
Sunday Mass Schedule
8:00 AM-SACRED HEART (BOLIVAR)
10:30 AM-SACRED HEART (BOLIVAR)
Sacred Heart Catholic Church: 1405 W Fair Play St, Bolivar, MO, 65613
Office Hours:
8:00 AM-4:00PM (Closed for Lunch from 12:00PM-1:00PM and on Holy Days)
Phone Number: 417-326-5596