December 17, 2012 
Monday of the Third Week of Advent
Saint of the day
Saint Jose Manyanet y Vives (1833-1901)
Saint Jose Manyanet y Vives was born into a large, religious family. He was dedicated to Our Lady at the age of five by his mother, and was ordained into the priesthood several years later. Jose founded the Congregation of the Sons of the Holy Family as well as the Missionary Daughters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Both orders were devoted to ministering to Christian families, teaching, and parish ministry. Jose also wrote books and pamphlets urging devoutness to the Holy Family, offering resources for families in trouble, and giving tips on school management. He started the magazine "La Sagrada Familia." Saint Jose Manyanet y Vives died in 1901 and was canonized in 2004.
Reflection
The family is one of the best examples of Christian love. Saint Jose Manyanet y Vives knew how important ministering to Christian families was. How do you share Christ's love with your family, and with other Christian families? Spend a few minutes thanking God for welcoming you into his family.
Prayer
Gentle Parent of us all, thank you for making me part of your family and for connecting me to so many wonderful people. May I always be grateful for my family. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 193
Place in Year: Advent
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Purple
Daily readings
Reading 1: Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
The Gospel today may seem a bit boring and redundant - but we must keep in mind the audience for whom St Matthew's Gospel was written. Each Gospel writer was inspired by the Holy Spirit and, when writing, used various literary techniques and emphasized different parts of Jesus' life in order to appeal to different audiences. St Matthew, scholars believe, was writing to an audience that was predominantly Jewish, which sheds light on why he includes this long lineage at the start of his Gospel. It would have been especially valuable to the Jewish listeners that Jesus is really, truly the Messiah they've been awaiting. Matthew illustrates that Jesus is of the right lineage, considering his ancestors include Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jesse and David. Jesus' lineage would have been one factor that convinced Matthew's audience that Jesus was truly the Messiah.
