PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

Theme: Jesus Christ, a sign that is opposed

 

1^st Reading: Malachi, chapter 3: 1-4

This scripture speaks about the coming of God’s messenger, whose duty is to refine the hearts of the clergy, so that they, in turn, would prepare the hearts of many for the kingdom of God.

 

2^nd Reading: Letter of Paul to the Hebrews, chapter 2: 14-18

St. Paul explains that Jesus had to become man, like us, in order to experience all that our frail human nature goes through. This way, he is able to intercede for us.

 

Luke, chapter 2: 22-40

Jesus is presented in the temple in accordance with Jewish custom. The prophesies of both Simeon and Anna show that the Messiah will bring light to many, and upset others.

3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: God’s Living Word in the Bible

 

1^st Reading: Nehemiah, chapter 8: 2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Scripture recounts what happened as the congregation listened to Ezra. Like all people of God, we are to listen actively to the word as it is read, absorb it wholeheartedly as it is explained and add a resounding “Amen!” as we affirm our acceptance of the word.

 

2^nd Reading: 1^st letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 12: 12-30

St Paul reminds us that although we may be different from each other in several ways, we are all parts of the one body of Jesus Christ, in the same way that the human body is made up of many parts. We are to complement each other’s talents and abilities.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 1: 1-4, and chapter 4: 14-21

St Luke places Jesus in the context of prophecy, as recorded by those who witnessed the events unfold. At the end of his narration, we hear how Jesus himself fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah about himself.

2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: For the Lord delights in you.

 

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

God loves us in such an extraordinary way that he will do everything to prevent us from coming to any harm. We shall experience the goodness of the Lord, in his extra tender and loving care for us.

 

2^nd Reading: 1^st letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 12: 4-11

God gives his Spirit to each person according to his own will for us. What we need to understand is that the different gifts that we exhibit come from the same Spirit.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 2: 1-11

Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding at Canaan. By turning water into the choicest wine, a miracle which, no doubt astounds us even today, Jesus invites us to know him as the God who is closer to us than we think.

BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Theme: The servant of Yahweh

 

1^st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 40: 1-5, 9-11

God affirms that he will release his people from bondage. He assures us that he is near, and brings with him the rewards and the loving care that he has reserved for us.

 

2^nd Reading: Titus, chapter 2: 11-14, and chapter 3: 4-7

While we await the second coming of the Lord, we must turn our backs on ungodly behaviours, and live in great expectation of our Saviour, who has claimed us for himself through baptism.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 3: 15-16, 21-22

The Father’s declaration: “You are my beloved Son!” is a command to all baptized Christians to follow the Saviour, on whom God’s favour and Holy Spirit rest!

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Theme: Jesus’ Royal Messiahship of both Jews and Gentiles

 

1^st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 60:1 – 6

Jerusalem is portrayed as the city to which all the nations of the earth shall converge.  Jerusalem shall be their destination because God’s own light shines forth from it.

 

2^nd Reading: Ephesians, chapter 3: 2 – 3, 5 –6

The long-kept secret of God is that non-Jews, through the light of Christ, shall become joint heirs with the Jews, because we all share a common Christ-centred destiny.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 2: 1 – 12

The Three Wise men followed the light of the Star, and found Jesus.  It is our turn, dear Brother and Sisters, to follow the light of Jesus, with thankful gifts from our hearts.