25th Sunday after Pentecost/6th after Epiphany

Tomorrow is the 25th Sunday after Pentecost, or, the 6th after Epiphany. Either way, we are nearing the beginning of Advent 2012. We hear about the mustard tree, being the smallest in size by its seed, yet, becoming a very substantial tree after maturation. This, of course, represents the Church. The Catholic Church, in particular. It started out the smallest of religions, yet has become the largest believing community in the world. Of course, the muslims are increasing at an alarming rate. Soon, we will have the opportunity to become martyrs for the Faith. The word martyr means 'witness'. Will we be a witness for Christ and His Church or not?

25th Sunday after Pentecost (6th after Epiphany)

This year there are 26 Sundays after Pentecost. Therefore on the 24th Sunday, the mass for the 5th Sunday after Epiphany was celebrated; on the 25th Sunday, the mass for the 6th Sunday after Epiphany; and on the 26th Sunday, the mass for the last Sunday after Pentecost.



For the 4th, 5th and 6th Sundays after the Epiphany, when they are used after Pentecost, the chanted propers of the mass - Introit, Gradual, Alleluia, Offertory, and Communion - are repetitions of those for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost.

The Gospel brings out again the divinity of Christ. Jesus is God, for He reveals to us "things hidden from the foundation of the world." HIs word, compared by Him to a small seed cast into the field of the world, and to a little leaven put in the lump, is divine, for it stills our passions and produces in our hearts the wonders of faith, hope and charity of which the Epistle speaks. The Church, stirred to greater effort by the word of Christ, is admirably represented by these three measures of meal that the energy of fermentation has "wholly leavened" and by the mustard plant, the largest of its kind, where the birds of heaven gladly come for shelter.


Praesta, quaesumus, omnípotens Deus: ut, semper rationabília meditántes, quae tibi sunt plácita, et dictis exsequámur et factis.
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that ever meditating on the truths Thou hast proposed for our intelligence, we may in every word and work of ours, do that which is pleasing to Thee.
(Collect)