Fr. John Zuhlsdorf: The Nativity of Our Lord: Let No One Disregard You.

I have been tasked to help you prepare your full, conscious and active participation at Holy Masses on Sundays.  This year I am giving primary attention to the first reading in the Vetus Ordo, usually from one of the Letters, or Epistles, in the New Testament.  This Sunday presents a happy problem.  This year, Christmas falls on Sunday, which means that there are not just one set of Mass texts but three different sets, one each for the three Masses of Christmas, the first Mass in nocte (at night, the famous “Midnight Mass”), the second in aurora (at dawn), and third in die Nativitatis Domini (during the day of the Lord’s Birth).  How to choose?  My ramblings are already far too long.  Tackling all three Epistles this week would have you reading until Epiphany.  Hence, my choice. This week we will look at the brief yet rich Epistle reading for the famous Midnight Mass.   In most places where the Vetus Ordo is celebrated, it will begin at Midnight. …

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