SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES

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.

SOLEMNITY OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Theme: Real greatness

 

1^st 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.

 

2^nd 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.

THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI) YEAR C

Theme: Sharing life with Christ

 

1^st 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.

 

2^nd 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.

TRINITY SUNDAY YEAR C

Theme: The Ineffable Mystery of God

 

1^st Reading: Proverbs, Chapter 8:22-31

Scripture says that God’s wisdom was present when God created all things. God’s wisdom is the foundation on which all things were made.

 

2^nd Reading: Romans, Chapter 5: 1-5

Paul explains that God the Father, through Jesus the Son, has granted us a faith and a hope that are made complete by the Holy Spirit who was given to us in baptism.

 

Gospel Reading: John, Chapter 16: 12-15

Jesus assures us that even though we might not fully understand the next step in our life of faith, the Holy Spirit, who he would send from his father, would be our guide.

PENTECOST SUNDAY YEAR C

Theme: The Spirit at work

1^st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2: 1-11

The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, and they spoke in various tongues, to the amazement of all. The Pentecost event means that the Christian message is intended for all people.

2^nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12: 3b-7, 12-13.

The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people. No matter how they are manifested, the gifts are to be used for the good of all.

Through the Holy Spirit, we all have become members in the one body of Christ.

OR

2nd Reading: Romans, Chapter 8: 8-17

Our Lord Jesus Christ replaced our sin-to-death condition with His life-giving Holy Spirit. Through this act, we are privileged to live righteously and gain his glorious kingdom as our inheritance.

Gospel Reading: John, Chapter 20: 19-23.

John’s account of the Pentecost is based on Jesus’ appearance in the midst of his disciples, soon after the resurrection. He breathed the Holy Spirit into them and empowered them to continue his work. Christ invites us this day to receive his life-transforming Holy Spirit.

OR

Gospel Reading: John, Chapter 14: 15-16, 23b-26.

Jesus promises his followers his Holy Spirit, who will teach us everything, as well as the indwelling of Christ and God our Creator in us. These words of hope tell us the lengths Christ would go to keep us in his fold.