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.