Monsignor Charles Pope gets us ready for Holy Mass this Sunday with a look at the Mass readings. Then we take a look at some misconceptions about the Nativity narrative. Finally, we discuss the Vatican's new restrictions for priests to celebrate the liturgy of their own Church unless the law establishes otherwise or unless he has obtained a ‘special faculty from the Apostolic See’.

Show Links:
Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family
3 Things I Didn’t Know About Christmas
How the Accounts of Jesus’ Childhood Fit Together
Vatican stresses strict rules on ‘biritual’ clergy for Eastern Churches

O sweet Child of Bethlehem,
grant that we may share with all our hearts
in this profound mystery of Christmas.
Put into the hearts of men and women this peace
for which they sometimes seek so desperately
and which you alone can give to them.
Help them to know one another better,
and to live as brothers and sisters,
children of the same Father.
Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity.
Awaken in their hearts
love and gratitude for your infinite goodness.
Join them all together in your love.
And give us your heavenly peace.

Amen.

Monsignor Charles Pope prepares us for the 4th Sunday of Advent, then we look into some headlines. We discuss Cardinal Cupich asks Catholics not to kneel, The slippery slope for euthanasia in the Netherlands, and the faithful petitioning against a former high altar being turned into a bar.

Show Links:
A Summary of Our Salvation – the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Cardinal of Chicago asks not to kneel at communion Cardinal of Chicago asks not to kneel at communion
How the Dutch Church has addressed euthanasia
Maryland community petitions against cocktail bar on high altar of historic former chapelsixkids6