SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI)

Theme: Sharing life with Christ

 

1st Reading: The Book of Deuteronomy, chapter 8: 2 - 3, 14b – 16a

Moses appeals to us not to forget that it is God, our Father, who leads us throughout life. It is this same God who satisfies our needs in the most extraordinary manner.

 

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 10: 16 - 17

Paul wants us to note that by sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ, we share a common future with the Lord, and a common salvation with fellow believers.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 6: 51 - 58

Jesus says that unless we fill our hearts and minds, indeed, our very selves with the personality of Christ, we cannot hope for the new and everlasting life.

TRINITY SUNDAY

Theme: The ineffable mystery of God

 

1st Reading: Exodus, chapter 34: 4b – 6, 8 – 9

God reveals his nature by declaring that he is full of compassion, extremely kind and always close to us. Our response to such show of love and faithfulness is to bow in deep reverence, like Moses did.

 

2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians, chapter 13: 11 – 13

Parts of the scripture we are about to hear are constantly on the lips of the faithful. Anytime we share the Grace, let us remember that we are invoking the Holy Spirit to come down and remain upon us.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 3: 16 – 18

God loves us so much so that out of his own free-will, he gave us Jesus Christ, his son, to save us. The only condition we have to fulfill is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

PENTECOST SUNDAY

Theme: The Spirit at work

 

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

The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, and they spoke in various tongues. The Pentecost event shows that the Christian message is meant for all people.

 

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

St Paul explains to the congregation at Corinth, and to all of us that the Holy Spirit manifests itself in several ways, and that through the same Holy Spirit, we all are members in the one Body of Christ.

 

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.

 

7TH SUNDAY OF EASTER: YEAR A

Theme: Prayerful waiting

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1: 12- 14

The disciples, Mother Mary, and the others who returned to the Upper Room demonstrate a key ingredient of Christian discipleship: prayerful waiting upon the Lord’s promises.

 

2nd Reading: 1 Peter, chapter 4: 13 – 16

Scripture says that when we suffer because of good Christian conduct, Jesus will be with us each step of the way.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 17: 1 – 11a

Jesus prays for his disciples and all who follow him, that we may know and believe the oneness of God and his Son, so that our lives would reveal his character and presence.

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD YEAR A

Theme: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.”

Ist Reading: The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1: 1-11                    Jesus died; he rose from the dead, and interacted with his disciples for forty days. Today, we commemorate his ascension into heaven with the prayerful affirmation that Christ will return in the same way as his disciples saw him going into heaven.

 

2^nd Reading: Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, chapter 1: 17-23                St Paul prays for the Ephesians and all believers that the Holy Spirit would open us up to the full knowledge of Christ, our hope, who shares power with God, our father.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 28: 16-20                                     Jesus Christ, to whom all power has been given, sends us, his followers, to go out, and take his message to the world. He assures us that he will be with us until the end of time.

6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A

 

Theme: Diversity in Unity

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 8: 5 – 8, 14 – 17

The Samaritans accepted the Good News and were received into the Christian fellowship. This proves that the Holy Spirit can, and indeed, unite people from all cultures into the one Body of Christ.

 

2nd Reading: 1 Peter, chapter 3: 15 – 18

A life in the Spirit of God often attracts jeers and cynicism. Peter urges the believer to remain resolute and to respond appropriately and fearlessly.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 14: 15 – 21

Jesus promises his eternal presence, through the Holy Spirit, to all who love him and obey his word. To such as these would Christ show himself. 

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A

Theme: Kairos – Time of favour

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 6: 1- 7

The Apostles did not allow the material needs of the people to distract them from pursuing their spiritual agenda. The message for us is that when we pursue Gospel values, the Spirit of our Lord opens up ways and means for addressing our other needs.

 

2nd Reading: 1 Peter, chapter 2: 4 – 9

We understand from this scripture that we are inextricably linked to Jesus, the cornerstone. As the building blocks, we are enjoined to participate in the ministry of the Messiah.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 14: 1 – 12

Faith in Jesus is faith in God. This also means that we can open up to God through his Word to us, Jesus Christ. We must seize this God-given chance to take Jesus at his word.

4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A

Theme: The Good Shepherd

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2: 14a, 36 - 41

Peter’s declaration and explanation of the Lordship and divinity of the crucified but resurrected Christ so moved his listeners that about three thousand of them received the Lord in that single day.

 

2nd Reading: 1 Peter, chapter 2: 20b – 25

Following Jesus, the Good Shepherd, means sharing in his trials, his joys and ultimately experiencing his loving and tender care.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 10: 1 – 10

In this scripture, we see the Lord’s twin role of gate and sheep-fold, as indicative of the total security Jesus provides for the people that he pastures.

3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A

Theme: Word and Sacrament

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2: 14, 22 – 33

Peter’s sermon is meant to place Christ’s death and resurrection in the context of God’s plan for our salvation.

 

2nd Reading: 1 Peter, chapter 1: 17 – 21

In order to consolidate the Graces received from God, Peter urges the faithful to make God the anchor of our faith and our hope.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 24: 13 – 35

What the disciples experienced on the road to Emmaus can be interpreted as our own encounter with Christ, when our hearts yearn for his word, and as we see him present when we break bread together.

2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY) YEAR A

Theme: Faith and fellowship

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles chapter 2: 42 – 47

The early church in Jerusalem grew rapidly because of the common identity of faith and fellowship among the congregation. The church today can benefit immensely from the examples of our ancestors in the faith.

 

2nd Reading: 1 Peter, chapter 1: 3 – 9

Peter compares our rebirth through baptism, to the resurrection of Jesus. This regeneration positions us to access what Peter describes as our imperishable inheritance.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 19 - 31

Jesus greets his disciples with the peace offering, and breathed the Holy Spirit on them, to empower them. Christ’s statement: “Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed,” underscores the importance of faith in the life of the Christian.

EASTER SUNDAY

Theme: The Lord has indeed risen

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 10: 34a, 37 - 43

Peter’s homily summarises what the Gospel is all about: that is, Jesus’ perfect life of servanthood, his death on the cross, his resurrection, his fulfilment of the scriptures, and the imperative need for each of us to have personal faith in him, for our salvation.

 

2nd Reading: Colossians, chapter 3: 1 - 4

The implication of having been resurrected with Christ is that we should no longer be preoccupied with the petty things of this life; rather, we should focus on our heavenly inheritance.

 

OR

 

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 5: 6b - 8

St. Paul challenges us to celebrate Christ’s resurrection with a new mindset that is based on Christ-centred values.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 1 - 9

Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and the other disciple  must have rushed to the tomb with mixed feelings. They found out, as we also do by faith, that Christ is risen!

 

OR

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 28: 1 - 10

In the scenario of an earthquake, an angel rolling away the stone, trembling guards and other frightening incidents, it is reassuring for the two Marys, the disciples and, indeed, all Christendom, that Christ is risen!

COMMENTARY ON THE READINGS: GOOD FRIDAY

Theme: We have a great High Priest

 

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 52: 13 to chapter 53: 12

The Lord’s servant was despised, rejected and maltreated; innocent, but had to suffer and die to save us from damnation. At the end of it all, he was glorified by God.

 

2nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 4: 14 – 16, and chapter 5: 7 – 9

Jesus Christ is able to stand by us and to defend us because he has been this way before and knows our weaknesses. We can confidently approach him, and ask for mercy.

 

GOSPEL: THE PASSION OF OUR LORD, ACCORDING TO JOHN

PASSION SUNDAY/PALM SUNDAY YEAR A

Theme: Death and life

 

1^st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 50: 4-7

This scripture describes the nature of the ideal servant of God. We hear how well-intentioned his thoughts are, and also how he humbly bears the suffering that sometimes goes with his calling.

 

2^nd Reading: Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 2: 6-11

St. Paul entreats us to adopt Jesus’ attitude of humility, a character trait that earned him God’s approval and a name that is above all other names.

 

 

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

 

 

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to St. Matthew

5TH SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A

Theme: Newness of life

 

1^st Reading: Ezekiel, chapter 37:12-14

The Lord promises that even if life’s circumstances make us feel as good as dead, He will raise us up, fill us with His Spirit, and settle us where we belong.

 

2^nd Reading: Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 8:8-11

Scripture teaches us that mankind’s sinful nature leads nowhere. God’s Spirit which dwells in us is the guarantee of eternal life.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 11:1-45

From the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection, we learn that God can bring good out of a bad situation, such as the ultimate glorification of His Son through death. Christ declares that he has power over life and death, and this is a call to all who aspire to a new life, to believe in him.

4TH SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A

Theme: Faith and unbelief

 

1^st Reading: 1 Samuel, chapter 16: 1, 6-7, 10-13

In choosing David to succeed King Saul, we learn that God does not judge by appearances or what society admires and applaudes. He looks into our hearts to determine our true value.

 

 

2^nd Reading: Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, chapter 5:8-14

God’s word demands that we take a stand as “Children of the Light.” This way, we can avoid and even condemn lifestyles which are too scandalous to be talked about.

 

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 9:1-41

This scripture portrays four attitudes people still adopt towards God’s word: non-involvement, as shown by the blind man’s parents; indifference, as portrayed by the neighbours; unbelief, as was displayed by the Pharisees; and true faith and belief as shown by the blind man himself. The question is: “To which of these categories do you belong?”

3RD SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A

Theme: Is the Lord in our midst or not?

 

1^st Reading: Exodus, chapter 17:3-7

God’s people tested the Lord through bickering and various acts of impatience. By giving them water from the rock, God is telling us that he, certainly, is in our midst, providing us with our needs, even through seemingly impossible channels.

 

2^nd Reading: Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 5: 1-2, 5-8

God’s love for us is so amazing that he gave us the grace of salvation through Christ, even at a time when we were deep in sin.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 4: 5-42

The Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well teaches us several lessons, such as acknowledging Jesus as the source of life-giving water for our souls; the importance of attitude in our worship; and the necessity of regarding doing God’s work as sufficient food for our journey.

2ND SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A

Theme: God’s call and our response

 

1^st Reading: Genesis, chapter 12:1-4a

God called Abram out of his ancestral home for a specific mission, with the promise of a reward. In the same way, the Lord freely chose us for a purpose, which has divine rewards as the benefit.

 

2^nd Reading: The second letter of Paul to Timothy, chapter 1: 8b-10

God has called us by the Grace of our Saviour to be a holy people. The promise of eternal life thus belongs to us.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 17:1-9

The three disciples followed the Lord to the mountain and were eyewitnesses to the transfiguration, an event which can be seen, for now, as the hidden but true reality of God’s promise.

1ST SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A

Theme: Temptation and sin

 

1^st Reading: Genesis chapter 2:7-9, and chapter 3:1-7

The story of the fall of Adam and Eve outlines the process we also go through when we fall into temptation. First, we weigh the options; then, all the same, we go ahead and succumb to temptation. We only become aware of our grave mistake when it is too late.

 

2^nd Reading: Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 5:12-19.

St. Paul assures the faithful that although mankind was condemned to sin and death by the action of Adam, we have been acquitted, discharged and granted the chance of life eternal through Christ’s sacrifice.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew chapter 4: 1-11

Jesus was tempted by the devil, with three very attractive offers. The Lord walked away from these temptations by standing firm on the word of God.

6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

Theme: Law and freedom

 

1^st Reading: Sirach, chapter 15: 15-20

God has given us the freedom of choice. All the same, he makes us aware of the preferred options which can only lead to salvation and not to condemnation.

 

2^nd Reading: The first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 2: 6-10

St. Paul lifts the veil off what is generally accepted as wisdom; we are to know that although the wisdom of God is beyond our understanding, it is accessible to those who seek him.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 5: 17 – 37

Jesus Christ cautions against creating ambiguities by way of superficial interpretation of the commandments to serve our narrow interests. We must be firm in our “Yes” or in our “No”.  

5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

Theme: Who are we?

 

1^st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 58: 7-10

God demands that we practice charity and show compassion towards our neighbour. Our deep commitment to the well-being of all will thus be pleasing to God.

 

2^nd Reading: The first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 2: 1-5

St. Paul writes that his mission to us is not to evangelise with sweet words nor with words of flattery, but to demonstrate that true faith is the power of God’s spirit. 

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 5: 13 – 16

Jesus uses the imagery of salt, and its power to season, and light, and its usefulness when it is well positioned, to throw a challenge to the faithful to make themselves relevant and valuable to the rest of mankind.

4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

Theme: Humility

 

1^st Reading: Zephaniah, chapter 2: 3, and chapter 3: 12 – 13

We can avert God’s punishment if we humble ourselves. God says that he will place among us people who are humble; whose lives will be an example of his expectations of us.

 

2^nd Reading: The first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 1: 26 – 31

God does not place his divine value on our human treasures. If there is anything that we must boast of, then it must be that special relationship we have with him through Christ Jesus.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 5: 1 – 12

The Beatitudes or “The Beautiful Attitudes” summarise the nature or attributes of Christ, which we are expected to emulate. This new teaching is grounded in God’s expectation of humility from us.

3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

Theme: Discipleship

 

1^st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 8: 23, to chapter 9: 3

In the past, God punished his people for their sins. Now he has brought them relief, so that they would be full of joy without measure.

 

2^nd Reading: The First letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 1: 10–13, 17

St. Paul sounds a word of caution against certain divisive tendencies in the congregation at Corinth. For him, what should matter to us Christians is the message of Christ which enjoins all of us to a common discipleship.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 4: 12 – 23

Jesus begins his missionary activities, as prophesied by Isaiah, to bring hope to a people without hope. All followers of Christ are called to our Lord’s ministry: to bring joy and light to all men.

2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

Theme: Do we know Jesus Christ?

 

1^st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 49: 3, 5 – 6

God speaks about his servant, through whom he would show his glory and bring the message of salvation to all nations.

 

2^nd Reading: The first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 1: 1 – 3

St Paul’s greetings to all followers of Christ contain the reminder that we have been sanctified in Christ and have therefore been called to righteousness.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 1: 29 – 34

John the Baptist, after his encounter with Christ, testifies that Jesus is the great one who is to come, the one whom he had been preaching about. Our worship of Christ must give meaning John’s testimony.

BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Theme: The servant of Yahweh

 

1^st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 42: 1-4, 6-7

This scripture outlines the mission of the Messiah. He is this servant of God who would restore justice to all the earth, and free us from the bondage of sin.

 

2^nd Reading: The Acts of the Apostles, chapter. 10: 34-38

St. Peter draws our attention to the fact that Jesus was anointed through baptism to fulfill his great mission. Our own baptism into the body of Christ should enable us to resolutely respond to our calling.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 3: 13-17

The Father’s declaration: “This is 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: Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, chapter 3: 2 – 3, 5 –6

 

The long-kept secret of God is that non-Jews shall, through the light of Christ, 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 Brothers and Sisters, to follow the light of Jesus, with thankful gifts from our hearts.