8TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: YEAR C

Theme: Honesty in Christian witness

Ist Reading: Sirach chapter 27: 4-7

The faithful are called upon to guard what they speak. This is because speech reveals the innermost thoughts of man.

2^nd Reading: 1^st letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 15: 54-58

Paul reiterates that eternal life awaits us. He emphasizes, however, that we should avoid being complacent, and rather remain focused on the ways of the Lord.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 6: 39-45

Jesus teaches that what we say, and what we do, as well as how we behave, speaks volumes about our character. We must not be hypocrites; we must be honest in our Christian living.

7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: Growth into the image of the heavenly Father

 

1^st Reading: 1 Samuel, chapter 26: 2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

David had what might be called a golden opportunity to kill King Saul. The maturity that he displayed when he spared the king’s life can only be explained as maturity that is deeply rooted in his reverence for all that is divine.

 

2^nd Reading: 1^st letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 15: 45- 49

The comparison between Adam, the human being, and Jesus, the divine being, provides pointers as to whose likeness we should grow into, if we profess to be followers of Christ.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 6: 27-38

The words of this scripture outline specific courses of action for all who aspire to grow in the Lord. These words are a source of motivation in our search for Christian growth and maturity.

6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: Search for happiness

 

1^st Reading: Jeremiah, chapter 17: 5-8

Scripture teaches that it is far better to place our trust in God, and experience his joy and happiness, than to trust in human beings, and reap frustration, loneliness and emptiness.

 

2^nd Reading: 1^st letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 15: 12, 16-20

The Christian faith is based on the philosophy and evidence of the Resurrection. Christian hope, therefore, extends into life after death.

 

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 6: 17, 20-26

The Beatitudes uplift those who are at the receiving end of the unpleasant things of this life, and reserve all that is good and joyful to a life in eternity. The Christians’ hope for a better tomorrow therefore lies in the search for happiness through Christ-like attitudes.

5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: Awareness of God’s presence

 

1^st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 6: 1-2a, 3-8

In the presence of the Almighty God, Isaiah felt unclean, and not worthy to be anywhere near the Lord of Hosts. The same Lord cleansed his lips so that he could respond to the call to be a prophet.

 

2^nd Reading: 1^st letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 15: 1-11

Paul acknowledges his nothingness in the presence of the Lord, whose church he had persecuted in the past. He notes that it is by the grace of this same God that he became an Apostle. God can turn the unworthy into instruments of his love.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 5: 1-11

The miraculous catch became the turning point in the life of Simon Peter. The Lord used that event to create the awareness of his presence in him. Peter’s reaction was that of acknowledgement of his sinful nature, and total submission to the Lord.