SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Theme: Mary, Mother of God

 

1^st Reading: Numbers, chapter 6: 22-27

When God asked that his people be blessed with the words we are about to hear, he also intended that his name should thus be invoked upon all of us.

 

2^nd Reading: Galatians, chapter 4: 4-7

Because of Mother Mary's unique role, God freed us from sin and made us his sons so that we could share in his glorious kingdom.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 2: 16-21

The shepherds saw the baby Jesus lying in a manger and set off to spread the word about this wonderful child. We, too, have heard the Good News, and, like Mary, we must prayerfully reflect upon it in our hearts.

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

Theme: Family life

 

1^st Reading: 1 Samuel, chapter 1:20-22, 24-28

God’s gift to Hannah, Samuel, turned out to be Hannah’s gift to God. Children are a gift that sustains a family’s lineage, in much the same way that our way of raising them should be the legacy that fulfills God’s purpose for the family.  

 

2nd Reading: 1^st Letter of John, chapter 3: 1-2. 21-24

We are members of God’s family and thus share his Spirit. We remain in this family as long as we play by the divine rules of belief in Christ, obedience to his will, and love for one another.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 2:41-52

Joseph and Mary did not understand why Jesus chose to stay behind in Jerusalem. Jesus, for his part, did not understand why his earthly parents should worry about him. For our part, we should strive to accept the mystery of Christ’s special mission with unwavering faith.

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS DAY)

Theme: God’s word made flesh

 

1^st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 52: 7-10

From the ruins of the Temple, God’s people rejoice. They rejoice because they see God restoring Jerusalem. We rejoice because God is restoring our dignity by sending us the Saviour.

 

2^nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 1: 1-6

God used to speak to his people through a variety of channels. Now, he speaks to us through his son, Jesus Christ.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 1: 1-18

Jesus was present as the Word, during the Creation. In fact, everything was made through him, and for him. He is the Word of God, and the light, that dispels the darkness around us.

CHRISTMAS VIGIL

Theme: God cares

1^st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 62: 1-5

God says that he would not remain aloof while Jerusalem, or his beloved people, suffer. We shall experience the goodness of the Lord in his extra tender and loving care.

 

2^nd Reading: The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 13: 16-17, 22-25

St Paul recounts a bit of salvation history by telling his audience how God saved their ancestors in the past. God continues to save us as well, through his son, Jesus Christ.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 1: 1-25

St Matthew traces the genealogy of Christ, to emphasize that even though the Lord is one of us by human birth, Jesus is the being through whom God became man in order to save us. 

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C

Theme: Faith and obedience of Mary to be followed 

 

1^st Reading Micah, chapter 5:1-4a

The prophecy of Micah traces the origin of the Messiah from an eternal source, through his birth in Bethlehem, to his reign of peace on earth.

 

2^nd Reading Hebrews, chapter 10:5-10

Jesus replaced the early sacrifice, the sacrifice of animals, with the sacrifice of his own body, a sacrifice that is pleasing to God. This was done according to God’s will, which our Lord came to fulfill.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 1:39-45

Mary’s focus and commitment to the goal of bearing the Messiah earned her the title “Blessed.” If we also trust that the Lord’s words to us, especially about the coming of the Saviour would be fulfilled, then we also shall be blessed.

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C

Theme “God is indeed my Saviour; I am confident and unafraid (Isaiah, 12:3)

 

1^st Reading: Zephaniah, chapter. 3: 14a-18

This scripture invites all God’s people to rejoice and be glad, because the Lord is among us, and has delivered us from our foes.

 

2^nd Reading: Philippians, chapter 4: 4-7

St Paul offers a morale booster for our preparation to meet the Lord: we are to remain in a joyful and grateful mode, confident that the Lord will take care of our concerns.

 

Gospel Reading Luke, chapter 3: 10-18

All the people who heeded John’s call to be baptized were anxious to know what to do next.  Now that John has told us the nature of the Messiah, it is up to us to search our hearts in anticipation of what the Lord requires of us.

2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C

Theme: All mankind shall see the salvation of God 

 

 1^st Reading: Baruch, chapter 5:1-9

This scripture invites all who are downcast or gloomy to look up and enjoy the favours that God is pouring upon them.  For a people who were led into exile, the day to liberation is indeed a day of glory.

 

2^nd Reading: Philippians, chapter 1:4-6, 8-11

Paul is confident that the Lord, who has called us unto himself, will ensure that the mindset of good discipleship that he has implanted in us will remain intact till the end of time.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 3:1-6

The message of John the Baptist is straight to the point. Repentance calls for a complete change of attitude, so that we, the faithful, could position ourselves to welcome our Saviour.