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.