Christians celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God shares our nature, he has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh.
Mass during the Day Theme: We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in our world, though he was with God the Father before all ages. His birth opens up for us a glorious new identity, as children of God. 1st Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 The joy of the faithful watchmen; the Lord comes to save his…
The first pair of readings are for the morning Mass on 24th December, Thursday in Week 4 of Advent. (See further down for the Midnight Mass of Christmas Eve) 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, etc. David is promised a “house” or dynasty Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had…
1st Reading: Malachiah 3:1-4, 4,4-6 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight — indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of…
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Hannah dedicates her young son to a life of service to God When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh; and the…
Saint Peter Canisius, optional memorial 1st Reading: Song of Songs 2:8-14 Lyrical love-poetry from king Solomon, about the beloved who is coming The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our wall,…
Advent draws to a close this week, so we have just a couple of days left to prepare for the birth of Christ. On this Sunday, we’re invited to follow Mary’s example of concern for others.
Would you send us homily-notes? See below. 1st Reading: Micah 5:2-5 Salvation would come from insignificant Bethlehem — to unite the nation under God The Lord says this: But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule…
1st Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25 Manoah’s wife yearns for a son. Samson will be dedicated to God There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no children. And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to…
1st Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8 A righteous Branch who will rule with wisdom and justice “The days are surely coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will…
1st Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 The dying Jacob predicts future glory for the tribe of Judah Jacob called his sons and said to them: “Assemble and hear, O sons of Jacob; listen to Israel your father. Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons…
1st Reading: Isaiah 45:6-8 The living God, creator of all, than whome there is no other They shall know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make weal and…
1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 The people’s future conversion: the humble shall seek refuge in the Lord. Ah, soiled, defiled, oppressing city! It has listened to no voice; it has accepted no correction. It has not trusted in the Lord; it has not drawn near to its God. At that time I will change the…
1st Reading: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 Balaam predicts the glorious future, the Age of the Messiah Balaam looked up and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. Then the spirit of God came upon him, and he uttered his oracle, saying: “The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is clear,…
Traditionally, today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing.’ The reason for celebration is that the day of the Lord’s coming is nearer.
Like to post some homily-notes? See below. 1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18 Jerusalem rejoices because salvation is near and God himself will protect his people Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away…
Our Lady of Guadalupe, optional memorial 1st Reading: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Lyrical praise of Elijah, whose prophetic word burned like a torch Then Elijah arose, a prophet like fire, and his word burned like a torch. He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number. By the word…
Saint Damasus, optional memorial 1st Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19 If you kept my commandments, your name would last forever Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way you should go. O that you had…
1st Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20 The Lord says to his weary people, “Do not fear, for I will help you” For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, for I will help you.” Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you insect Israel! I will…
1st Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31 Encouragement for the weary people, from God, who strengthens the powerless. To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by…
