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.