Theme: Mary, Mother of God
When
God asked that his people be blessed with the words we are about to hear, he
intended that his powerful name should thus be invoked on us all.
2nd
Reading: Paul’s
letter to the Galatians, chapter 4: 4 - 7
Because
of the unique role played by Mother Mary, God freed us from sin, and made us
his sons so that we can share in his glorious Kingdom.
Theme: Family Life
1st
Reading: Sirach,
chapter 3:2-6, 12 – 14
The
timeless message of this scripture is that those who honour their parents shall
be abundantly blessed by God. Our duties
and obligations towards our parents can atone for our sins.
2nd Reading: Paul’s letter to the Colossians, chapter 3: 12 – 21
The
first part of this reading speaks about how we can use Christian virtues such
as kindness, humility, patience and love to nurture harmonious relationships
among ourselves.
In the
second part St. Paul outlines the complimentary roles of husbands, wives and
children in promoting and maintaining a happy family life.
Theme: God’s Word made flesh
Jesus was present as the Word,
during 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.
Theme: God Cares
1st
Reading: Isaiah, chapter 62:1 – 5
God
says 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 for us.
2nd
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 all of us as well,
through his son, Jesus Christ.
St
Matthew traces the genealogy of Christ, to emphasize the fact 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.
Theme: Faith
1st
Reading: Isaiah, chapter 7: 10 – 14
Although King Ahaz refused to
ask God for an intervention, our Creator went ahead to show him a sign. The
message for us is that even when we set God aside, he goes out of his way to
demonstrate his steadfast love for us.
2nd
Reading: Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 1: 1 – 7
Paul used his salutation to
the Romans as an opportunity to explain that our Saviour is both man and God,
and that it is through him that God calls us to himself.
Gospel
Reading: Matthew, chapter 1: 18 – 24
God entrusted a responsibility
to Joseph, a righteous man. God was with him, as the name of the child implies.
God is, indeed, with all who walk in his ways.
Theme: Joyful in hope
1st
Reading: Isaiah, chapter 35: 1 – 6a, 10
The prophet Isaiah paints a
picture of hope for a people who are in exile, and for many of us who are about
to give up because of hardships and uncertainties. Our suffering, he says,
shall soon be a thing of the past, because our God is here!
2nd
Reading: The letter of James, chapter 5: 7 – 10
As the farmer waits patiently
between planting and harvesting, or as the prophets of old kept their faith and
hope alive, so must believers wait for the return of the Lord.
Gospel
Reading: Matthew, chapter 11: 2 –11
We sometimes wonder, as John
the Baptist did, whether Jesus is the Messiah. The Lord invites all of us to
see the miracles that are occurring before our own eyes!
Theme: Christ’s leadership
1st
Reading: Isaiah, chapter 11: 1 – 10
This scripture can be
interpreted to mean God’s answer to the prayer of his people for a new king, a
king who would turn their fortunes around. God’s promise, however, is that of a
Messiah of unparalleled peace, justice and harmony.
2nd Reading: Paul’s letter to the
Romans, chapter 15: 4 – 9
God’s word teaches us
Christ-like virtues such as hope and patience, among several others. These,
then, shape our attitudes of tolerance for each other, and the willingness to serve
one another, like Christ did for us.
Gospel
Reading: Matthew, chapter 3: 1 – 12
The call to repentance is as
real to us now as it was in the days of John the Baptist. Repentance calls for
a complete change of life-style and mindsets, and not a mere proclamation. The
time to repent is now.
Theme: Be watchful!
1st
Reading: Isaiah, chapter 2: 1 – 5
Isaiah’s vision of the world
to come in the wake of the Messiah’s advent is a world of peace and love, as
well as a yearning for the knowledge of God and his word.
2nd
Reading: Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 13: 11 – 14
Paul reminds us of the rapidly
approaching day of salvation. This is the best time for us to shed the clothes
of base desires, and embrace all that Jesus stands for.
Gospel
Reading: Matthew, chapter 24: 37 – 44
Jesus uses the element of
surprise to compare his second coming to the flood in the days of Noah; people
were taken unawares. The message for us is that we must be prepared.
Theme: The God-given
leadership of our Lord
1st Reading:
Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 5: 1 – 3
This scripture identifies the leader of God’s people as an
“anointed king,” or a “Messiah.” In doing obeisance to David, the people
acknowledge that his kingship is God-given.
2nd Reading:
Paul’s letter to the Colossians, Chapter 1: 12 – 20
Paul throws more light on who Christ is: he is the all in all
for his followers, the beginning and the end of everything, and through whose
blood we receive pardon for our sins.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter 23: 35 – 43
The kingship of Jesus, as seen through the paradox of cross,
suffering and crown, means that his kingdom is beyond our understanding. He is
the king who can forgive sins, even from his throne on the cross.
Theme: The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice
1st Reading:
Malachi, Chapter 3: 19 – 20a
On Judgment Day, the enemies of Christ will receive their sanctions
in good measure, while the righteous shall find comfort in the arms of the
Lord.
2nd Reading:
Paul’s Second letter to the Thessalonians, Chapter 3: 7 – 12
Paul requires us to follow his example of continuous hard
work and independence so as not to be a burden on anyone.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter
21: 5 – 19
The events that will precede the second coming of the Lord
will include persecution of the faithful, wars and plagues. Jesus urges us to
go through all these with perseverance.
Theme: Christians are God’s living temple
1st Reading: Ezekiel, Chapter
47: 1-2, 8-9, 12
The water flowing from the temple in all directions, bringing
life, freshness and nourishment to all things in its way symbolises what mankind
would experience in the new life that Christ brings.
2nd Reading: 1
Corinthians, Chapter 3: 9c-11, 16-17
Paul emphatically states that Jesus Christ is the foundation upon
which we, the people of God, are building. The kind of building we put up will
be put to the test on judgment day.
Gospel Reading: John, Chapter
2: 13 – 22
Jesus drives out those who were putting God’s Temple to wrong
use and predicts his resurrection. What this scripture teaches us is that
Christ is ever ready to purge our bodies of all evil and to restore or
resurrect them to a condition that will please God.
Theme: For faithful people, life is changed, not ended
1st Reading: Wisdom, Chapter
3: 1-9
Scripture paints a picture of unsurpassed peace and unparalleled
bliss in the hereafter. Even though the world thinks our passing away is for
the worse, these verses should strengthen our faith in what God, our Creator, has
in store for us.
2nd Reading: Romans, Chapter
5: 5-11
This scripture teaches that salvation is God’s own initiative
that is meant to show us how much he loves us, though we are unworthy of his
saving grace.
OR
Our baptism into Christ ushers us into a life that is dead to
sin but alive in Christ. Sin’s power over us is broken, and so we should see ourselves
as sharing a new life with Christ, the Messiah.
Gospel Reading: John, Chapter
6: 37-40
We hear the reassuring promise that God wants all of us to be
saved.
Nobody who turns to our Lord will be rejected. And because of
his meritorious death and resurrection, Jesus has the power to raise us up to
everlasting life with him.
Theme: The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds
1st Reading
Sirach, Chapter 35: 12-14, 16-18
Scripture says that God treats all of us equally and fairly,
but he pays particular attention to the needs of the deprived and downtrodden.
2nd Reading:
2 Timothy, Chapter 4: 6-8, 16-18
This event in the life of St Paul teaches us that when we are
lonely or feel rejected, we should not be dejected. We should find strength in
prayer.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter
18: 9-14
Jesus condemns the self-righteousness of the Pharisee. The
lesson for us is that he whose prayer is acceptable to God, is the one who
approaches the Most High in humility.
Theme: The sacred scripture, source of wisdom
1st Reading:
Exodus, Chapter 17: 8-13
God’s word to us is that the God who fought for our ancestors
in the faith many years ago will continue to be on our side now and forever.
2nd Reading:
2 Timothy, Chapter 3: 14, to Chapter 4: 2
The Word of God is the source of wisdom that should guide the
Christian when he teaches or trains or interacts with other believers in God’s
ways.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter
18: 1-8
Christ’s lesson for us is that persistent and purposeful
prayer does not go unanswered.
Theme: Was there no one to return to give thanks?
1st Reading:
2 Kings, Chapter 5: 14-17
This scripture teaches that when God works his miracles in
us, we, like Naaman, have only one option: to worship the God of Israel in
gratitude, all the days of our lives.
2nd Reading:
2 Timothy, Chapter 2: 8-13
Paul says that living in Christ, difficult as it sometimes
may be, must be done with appreciation and gratitude because Christ will always
remain faithful.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter
17: 11-19
This scripture teaches that it is possible to receive God’s
grace by faith. When we receive with thankful hearts and return God’s kindness
with gratitude, he is pleased with us.
Theme: Increase our faith
1st Reading:
Habakkuk, Chapter 1: 2-3, and Chapter 2: 2-4
Habakkuk complains to God about the wrongdoings which were
prevalent in his day. God’s word to us this day is that his response to our
lamentations will surely come, if only we have the faith to wait upon him.
2nd Reading:
2 Timothy, chapter 1: 6-8, 13-14
Paul reminds us that God has placed his powerful Holy Spirit
in us. He encourages us to hold firm onto, and jealously guard our faith, even
in times of difficulties.
Gospel
Jesus says that a little faith, which must, of necessity, be
the right kind of faith, is all that we need. This kind of faith translates
into the knowledge that it is a privilege to serve the Lord.
Theme: “They have Moses and the prophets. Let them hear them”
1st Reading: Amos, Chapter 6: 1a, 4-7
The prophet Amos criticises the
lack of compassion by the wealthy for the poor in our society. With time, he
says, their wealth would be a thing of the past.
2nd Reading: 1Timothy, Chapter 6: 11-16
Paul reminds Timothy, and all of us,
to live virtuous lives and to continually renew our baptismal vows until the
end of time.
The fate that befell the rich man
in the parable should remind us that those who are the most insignificant
socially may be the ones who have a value in God’s kingdom. It is unwise to
ignore the Lazarus in our community.
1st Reading: Amos, Chapter 8: 4-7
Amos preaches against social
injustice and warns that God will not spare those who oppress the lowly.
2nd Reading: 1Timothy, Chapter 2: 1-8
Paul intimates that one kind of
prayer that pleases God is prayer that seeks to intercede for all people.
Jesus condemns the manager’s
dishonesty, but applauds his shrewdness. Children of the light can learn useful
lessons on how to use their God-given talents to earn the favour of God.
THE TRIUMPH OF THE HOLY CROSS YEAR
C
Theme: We should glory in the cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ
1st Reading: Numbers, Chapter 21: 4a-9
The Israelites were bitten by
poisonous snakes because of their short memory of God’s power, as well as their
complaining attitude. Yet God provided an antidote through their obedience to
his instruction to look up at the bronze serpent.
2nd Reading: Philippians, Chapter 2: 6-11
Jesus Christ humbled himself, and
so God gave him a name high above every other person, so that we all may look
upon him as the Lord!
Gospel Reading: John, Chapter 3: 13-17
Jesus refers to the healing that
came to the Jews when they looked upon the bronze serpent lifted, and draws
similarities between that event and our salvation from sin, which can only come
when we look up, in faith, to him crucified.
Theme: Wisdom and the demands of discipleship
1st Reading: Wisdom, Chapter 9: 13-18b
This scripture emphasises the need
to pray for and to obtain wisdom from God, like the holy people of old did.
God’s within us enables us to understand even the ordinary things that happen
to us.
2nd Reading: Philemon,
verses 9-10, 12-17
Paul’s admonition to Philemon to
take the runaway slave back as a brother breaks conventional wisdom. The
practice of clemency, which Paul is obviously advocating, is in line with
divine wisdom.
Jesus says that those who feel
called to follow Him must, like the builder of the tower and the king in the
scripture, diligently weigh the options, assess their strengths and weaknesses
and take a decisive step.
Theme: He who humbles himself shall be exalted
1st Reading: Sirach, Chapter 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29
Scripture explains that a humble
person is appreciated by God, our Creator, and is highly regarded by his fellow
men.
2nd Reading: Hebrews, Chapter 12: 18-19, 22-24a
In contrast to the old perceptions
about the manifestations of God’s greatness, it is soothing for followers of
Christ to know that the God we worship is as approachable as he is affable.
This scripture is as much a lesson
in good social behaviour, with regard to self-esteem, as it is a caution about
the need to be humble in order to attain a place of honour at the Lord’s
banquet.
Theme: Shall all be saved and you be rejected?
1st Reading:
Isaiah Chapter 66: 18-21
The Lord assures us that his saving grace will be available
to all people all over the world. In fact, he would use some of the Gentiles as
instruments to spread the Good News.
2nd Reading:
Hebrews Chapter 12: 5-7, 11-13
When the Lord disciplines us, he only intends to lovingly whip
us back on the track to salvation.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter
13: 22-30
We read that salvation belongs to those who go to Jesus
through the narrow door, as well as to people from any part of the world who
repent and follow a Christ-like lifestyle.
Theme: Can we stand correction?
1st Reading:
Jeremiah, Chapter 38: 4-6, 8-10
Like Jeremiah, those who stand up against the standards of the
flesh are at risk of condemnation by the powers that be. God is, however, ever
ready to deliver them from their foes.
2nd Reading:
Hebrews, Chapter 12:1-4
St. Paul compares our call to be Christians to running a
race. We must remain focused on Christ, our coach, and what he went through for
us, so we do not give up.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter
12:49-53
Jesus says that our decision to follow him might entail
giving up even close relationships. All the same, our Saviour demands a
clear-cut response from us.
Theme: Faith in God gives hope for a destiny to come.
1st Reading:
Wisdom, Chapter 18: 6-9
The night of the Exodus, or the night of our freedom from
bondage from sin, was known by our ancestors in the faith long ago. The same
faith gives us hope for salvation.
2nd Reading:
Hebrews, Chapter 11: 1-2, 8-19
Like Abraham, our journey of faith would become meaningful
when we accept the simple truth that God is trustworthy.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter
12:32-48
Waiting for the Lord with unwavering faith would ensure us a
place of honour in his presence when he comes again.
Theme: What makes life meaningful?
1st Reading: Ecclesiastes, Chapter 1: 2 and Chapter 2:
21-23
The writer of this
scripture cautions that all our struggles, all our anxieties and concerns are
of no lasting value if we leave God out of the equation.
2nd Reading: Colossians, Chapter 3:1- 5, 9 - 11
Our new life as
Christians must be lived continually in the company of Christ. This way, our
past behaviours will be put to death, and then we can really grow to be like
Christ.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter 12: 13-21
The parable of the rich
fool teaches that it is pointless to be complacent with our achievements. God
should be the foundation of our well-being.
Theme: Ask and you shall receive
1st Reading: Genesis, Chapter 18: 20-32
Abraham’s prayer
encounter with God and God’s response at each turn of the dialogue is a lesson
in the power of persistent prayer. We also learn that God’s mercy is abundant.
2nd Reading: Colossians, Chapter 2:12-14
St. Paul reminds us that
the Grace that was poured into us at baptism leads to new life in Christ, and,
consequently, to salvation.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter 11: 1-13
Jesus teaches us the
basic elements of prayer, and stresses the importance of persistence in prayer.
Theme: Hospitality
1st Reading: Genesis, Chapter 18:1-10a
Abraham’s attention to
detail, as he served the strangers, shows what is expected of every child of
God in his or her line of duty.
2nd Reading: Colossians, Chapter 1:24-28
Paul says he remains joyful despite the suffering he experiences while bringing the good news
or the mystery of Christ to the Gentiles.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter 10: 38-42
Martha and Mary show two
different ways of serving the Lord. From the scripture, we see that it is more beneficial
to spend time with Jesus, rather than to be seen to be busy doing things for
him our own way.
Theme: Christian love guided by faith.
1st Reading: Deuteronomy, Chapter 30: 10-14
Obeying God’s laws is not
a difficult task. It is as easy as listening to the promptings of the Spirit of
God, which is already in us.
2nd Reading: Colossians, Chapter 1: 15-20
The divine nature of
Christ is summed up in the fact that all things were made through him and for
him. Jesus remains the centre of everything in heaven and on earth.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter 10: 25-37
The parable of the Good
Samaritan teaches us that love of God cannot be separated from love of
neighbour. We cannot say that we love God, and, at the same time, refuse to
show concern for his children, our neighbours.
Theme: The “Already” and the “Not Yet” of God’s reign
1st Reading: Isaiah, Chapter 66: 10-14c
Scripture urges us to be
glad and grateful because of the freedom we have now. We should have hope that
God’s guidance shall surely rain prosperity over us in future.
2nd Reading: Galatians, Chapter 6: 14-18
Paul’s message to us is
that we must cherish our status as “new creatures” by virtue of our faith in
the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter 10: 1-12, 17-20
As workers in the Lord’s
vineyard, we shall be victorious here on earth, even in the face of obstacles.
All the same, the Lord expects that we should look forward even more to our
heavenly inheritance.
Theme: Peter and Paul, examples to be followed
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 12: 1 – 11
We read a vivid account
of Peter’s miraculous escape from prison.
His affirmation of the
Lord’s hand in his rescue must reinforce our belief in God’s protection for
those who fear him.
2nd Reading: 2 Timothy, Chapter 4: 6 – 8, 17 – 18
Paul looks back on his
life as an Apostle, a life that was full of hard
work and persecution. He
is confident of receiving his due reward, in
as much as he looks
forward to the continuous spreading of the Good
News.
Gospel Reading: Matthew, Chapter 16: 13 – 19
Peter’s declaration of
faith that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, thrust him into the role of “Rock”
on which Jesus built his church. Our confession of faith must, of necessity,
lead us to the roles we should play in building the church.
Theme: Real greatness
1st Reading: Isaiah, Chapter 49:1-6
Our call to discipleship,
or greatness for that matter, begins even before our birth. God equips us for
the job, and though we may feel inadequate, he assures us of our reward because
we remain a beacon of hope to the nations.
2nd Reading: Acts, Chapter 13: 22-26
Paul draws on the
reverence of King David by the Hebrews, and compares that to Jesus, the
Messiah. The role of John the Baptist in the scheme of things is that of
fore-runner to the King of kings.
Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 1:57-66, 80
The events of the day
when John the Baptist was named confirm the greatness God placed on the child
even before his birth.
Theme: Sharing life with Christ
1st Reading:
Genesis, Chapter 14: 18-20
Melchizedek, a God-loving
King and priest, offered Abram bread and wine, an act which is symbolic of the
Holy Eucharist as we know it today.
2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, Chapter 11:23-26
Paul invites us to focus
on the real meaning of the Eucharist. The Body and Blood of our Lord signifies
oneness with him and togetherness with fellow believers.
Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter 9:11b-17
The feeding of the crowd
with five loaves and two fish shows that even if we, like the disciples, do not
have the resources with which to feed or tend the Lord’s sheep, Jesus is ever
ready to place his miracles at our disposal.
