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Third Week of Advent

First Light

Monday, December 14, 2026

First Light for Monday, December 14, 2026. You can scroll the whole Hour, or use Prayer space. Light is shorter.

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Hours Depth: Light
About today

John of the Cross (1542–1591), Carmelite reformer with Teresa of Ávila, taught the dark night as a mercy: God weans the soul from what is less than God. Poet and Doctor of the Church, he suffered from his own brothers and would not return injury. His memorial is 14 December, in the last stretch of Advent. Ask today for a love that will go through darkness without bargaining, and for a poverty of spirit that can receive the Word made flesh.

Original – Prayer on Fire.

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening

Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Psalm I

Antiphon

Speak, Lord — your servant is listening in the quiet.

Psalm 90 (89):1–2, 14

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

Psalm

O Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. Before the mountains became, or the land was formed along with the world: from ages past, even to all ages, you are God. We were filled in the morning with your mercy, and we exulted and delighted all our days.

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon

Speak, Lord — your servant is listening in the quiet.

First Reading

Isaiah 52:7–10

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger and the preacher of peace! Announcing good and preaching peace, they are saying to Zion, “Your God will reign!” It is the voice of your watchmen. They have lifted up their voice. They will praise together. For they will see eye to eye, when the Lord converts Zion. Be glad and rejoice together, O deserts of Jerusalem! For the Lord has consoled his people. He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has prepared his holy arm, in the sight of all the Gentiles. And all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

Intentions

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Shared by the community

For Mary and Dewey as they prepare for their upcoming wedding, may the Holy Spirit be with them and help grow their love for one another through Holy Matrimony.

R. Lord, have mercy.

For us, that the Word may make us generous.

R. Lord, have mercy.

Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, go with us toward the people we will meet. Let no one leave our presence unblessed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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An original Prayer on Fire offering for the hours of the day