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 intended that his powerful name should thus be invoked on us all.

2^nd 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.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 2: 16 –21

The Shepherds saw the baby Jesus lying in a manger, and went out 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 HOLY FAMILY

Theme: Family Life

 

1^st 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.

 2^nd 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.

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 2: 13-15, 19-23

The Lord God shielded the Holy Family from those who sought to destroy it. God’s message to us is that he will go to great lengths to protect his own.

THE BIRTH 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: Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, chapter 1: 1-6

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

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter. 1: 1-18

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.

CHRISTMAS VIGIL 2025

Theme: God Cares

 

1^st 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.

 

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 all of us as well, through his son, Jesus Christ.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 1:1-25

 

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.

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A

Theme: Faith

 

1^st 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.

 

2^nd 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.

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A

Theme: Joyful in hope

 

1^st 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!

 

 

2^nd 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!

2ND SUNDAY IN ADVENT YEAR A

Theme: Christ’s leadership

 

1^st 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.

 

 2^nd 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.