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Saturday 6 December 2025

Saturday of the First Week of Advent

or Saint Nicholas, Bishop

Liturgical Colour: Violet

Year: A(II)

First Reading — Isaiah 30:19–21, 23–26

The Lord will be gracious to you and hear your cry.

Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel:

People of Zion, you will dwell in Jerusalem and weep no more. When you cry out, He will be gracious and answer. Though He has given you the bread of suffering and the water of distress, your Teacher will hide no longer—you will see Him with your own eyes. And whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying: “This is the way; walk in it.”

The Lord will send rain for the seed you sow, and the harvest will be rich and nourishing. Your cattle will graze in wide pastures, and even the oxen and donkeys that till the soil will eat seasoned fodder, winnowed with shovel and fork. On every mountain and hill streams will flow, on the day when strongholds fall. The moon will shine like the sun, and the sun will be seven times brighter—like the light of seven days in one—on the day the Lord heals the wounds of His people and binds up their bruises.

Message:

Isaiah offers a vision of restoration: God hears the cries of His people, guides them, and blesses them with abundance. Even after suffering, He promises healing and light. This passage reminds us that Advent is a time of hope, when God’s mercy breaks through darkness and leads us toward renewal.

Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 147(146):1–6

Response: Happy are all who hope in the Lord.

Praise the Lord, for He is good;

sing to our God, for He is loving;

to Him our praise is due.

The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem

and gathers Israel’s exiles.

Happy are all who hope in the Lord.

He heals the brokenhearted,

binding up their wounds.

He counts the stars,

calling each one by name.

Happy are all who hope in the Lord.

Our Lord is great and almighty;

His wisdom cannot be measured.

The Lord lifts up the lowly,

but casts the wicked to the ground.

Happy are all who hope in the Lord.

Message:

This psalm celebrates God’s power and compassion. He restores His people, heals their wounds, and knows each star by name. Advent invites us to place our hope in Him, trusting that His wisdom and mercy will lift us up.

Gospel Acclamation — Isaiah 55:6

Alleluia, alleluia!

Seek the Lord while He may be found,

call upon Him while He is near.

Alleluia!

Or: Isaiah 33:22

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Lord is our judge, our lawgiver,

our king and our Savior.

Alleluia!

Gospel — Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5–8

“The harvest is rich but the labourers are few.”

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom, and curing every disease and sickness.

When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion, for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples: “The harvest is rich but the labourers are few; ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His harvest.”

He summoned the twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, with power to cast them out and to heal every disease and sickness. These twelve He sent out with instructions: “Go to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received freely; give freely.”

Message:

Jesus reveals His compassion for the crowds and calls His disciples to share in His mission. The harvest is plentiful, but workers are needed. Advent reminds us that we too are called to labor in God’s kingdom, bringing healing, hope, and the Good News to those in need.

Friday 5 December 2025

Friday of the First Week of Advent

Liturgical Colour: Violet

Year: A(II)

First Reading — Isaiah 29:17–24

In a very short time, the deaf will hear and the eyes of the blind will see.

The Lord declares:

“In just a little while, Lebanon will be transformed into fertile land, and the fields will flourish like forests. On that day, the deaf will hear the words of a book, and out of darkness and gloom the eyes of the blind will see.

The humble will rejoice in the Lord, and the poor will exult in the Holy One of Israel. Tyrants will vanish, scoffers will be silenced, and those who plot evil will be destroyed—those who twist justice, trap the innocent, or dismiss the righteous without cause.

Therefore, says the Lord, the God of Jacob, the Redeemer of Abraham: Jacob will no longer be ashamed, nor will his face grow pale. He will see the work of My hands in his midst, and he will honor My name. They will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and stand in awe of the God of Israel. Those who stray will learn wisdom, and those who murmur will accept instruction.”

Message:

Isaiah proclaims a vision of renewal where the blind see, the deaf hear, and the poor rejoice. God promises justice and restoration, overturning oppression and vindicating the faithful. This passage reminds us that Advent is a season of hope, anticipating the coming of Christ who fulfills these promises.

Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 27(26):1, 4, 13–14

Response: The Lord is my light and my help.

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

before whom shall I shrink?

The Lord is my light and my help.

There is one thing I ask of the Lord,

for this I long:

to dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to savor His sweetness,

to behold His temple.

The Lord is my light and my help.

I am certain I shall see the Lord’s goodness

in the land of the living.

Hope in Him, be strong, take courage;

hope in the Lord!

The Lord is my light and my help.

Message:

This psalm is a prayer of trust. The Lord is our light and refuge, dispelling fear and guiding us into His presence. Advent invites us to renew our hope and courage, confident that God’s goodness will be revealed in our lives.

Gospel Acclamation — cf. Isaiah 45:8

Alleluia, alleluia!

Send victory like dew, you heavens,

and let the clouds rain it down.

Let the earth open and bring forth the Savior.

Alleluia!

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia!

Behold, our Lord will come with power

and will enlighten the eyes of His servants.

Alleluia!

Gospel — Matthew 9:27–31

“Your faith deserves it, so let this be done for you.”

As Jesus went on His way, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him, and Jesus asked, “Do you believe I can do this?” They replied, “Yes, Lord.”

Then He touched their eyes and said, “Your faith deserves it; let it be done for you.” Their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But once they left, they spread the news of Him throughout the countryside.

Message:

This healing story highlights the power of faith. The blind men’s trust in Jesus opens the way for their healing. Though Jesus asks for silence, their joy cannot be contained. Advent calls us to deepen our faith, trusting that Christ brings light to our darkness.

Thursday 4 December 2025

Thursday of the First Week of Advent

Liturgical Colour: Violet

Year: A(II)

Feast / Memorial:

Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor

First Reading — Isaiah 26:1–6

Open the gates; let the upright nation come in.

On that day, a song will be sung in Judah:

“We have a strong city; the Lord Himself has set walls and ramparts to protect us.

Open the gates, let the faithful nation enter—those who remain steadfast, whose minds are firm and at peace, because they trust in You.

Trust in the Lord forever, for He is the everlasting Rock.

He humbles those who dwell in lofty places; the proud city is brought down, cast into the dust.

And the feet of the lowly, the steps of the poor, will trample upon it.”

Message:

Isaiah’s vision contrasts the downfall of pride with the security of those who trust in God. The “strong city” symbolizes divine protection, while the “open gates” invite the faithful to enter. This passage reminds us that humility and steadfast trust in the Lord are the true conditions for belonging to His kingdom.

Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 118(117):1, 8–9, 19–21, 25–27

Response: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

His love endures forever.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

than to trust in human strength;

better to rely on Him

than on princes.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Open for me the gates of holiness;

I will enter and give thanks.

This is the Lord’s own gate,

where the just may enter.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

I will thank You, for You have answered me;

You are my Savior.

Grant us salvation, Lord,

grant us success.

Blessed is the one who comes in Your name.

We bless You from the house of the Lord;

You are our light.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Message:

The psalm celebrates God’s enduring love and the joy of entering His presence. The repeated refrain points to Christ, the one who comes in the Lord’s name, and invites us to place our trust not in human power but in God’s saving strength.

Gospel Acclamation — Isaiah 40:9–10

Alleluia, alleluia!

Shout with joy, messenger to Jerusalem:

Here comes the Lord God with power.

Alleluia!

Gospel — Matthew 7:21, 24–27

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father.

Jesus said:

“Everyone who hears my words and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rains fell, the floods came, the winds blew and beat against that house, but it did not collapse, for it was founded on rock.

But whoever hears my words and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rains fell, the floods came, the winds blew and struck that house, and it fell—and great was its fall.”

Message:

Jesus teaches that true discipleship is not about words but about action. Building on the “rock” means living out God’s will with faith and obedience. The parable warns against superficial faith and calls us to a life firmly grounded in Christ.

Wednesday 3 December 2025

Memorial on Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

Liturgical Colour: White
Year: A (II)

Feast / Memorial: Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest

FERIAL READINGS

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

First Reading — Isaiah 25:6–10

“The Lord will prepare a banquet for every nation.”

On this mountain,
the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples
a banquet of rich food, a banquet of fine wines,
of food rich and juicy, of fine strained wines.

On this mountain he will remove
the mourning veil covering all peoples,
and the shroud enwrapping all nations.
He will destroy Death for ever.

The Lord will wipe away
the tears from every cheek;
he will take away his people’s shame
everywhere on earth,
for the Lord has spoken.

That day it will be said:
“See, this is our God in whom we hoped for salvation;
the Lord is the one in whom we hoped.
We exult and rejoice that he has saved us.”
For the hand of the Lord rests on this mountain.

Message

Isaiah announces the great messianic banquet, a sign of God’s final victory over sorrow, shame, and death itself. God’s love is stronger than death, and His promise of eternal life begins to unfold even now. Advent invites us to hope in God’s saving power, trusting that no darkness can overcome His light.

Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 22 (23)

Response: In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me,
to revive my drooping spirit.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

He guides me along the right path;
He is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness
no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff;
with these you give me comfort.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

You have prepared a banquet for me
in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil;
my cup is overflowing.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me
all the days of my life.
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell
for ever and ever.

Message

The psalm assures us of God’s protection, guidance, and providence. Even in moments of darkness, the Good Shepherd remains with us. God prepares a banquet of grace for every believer, reminding us that His kindness follows us every day of our lives.

Gospel Acclamation — Isaiah 33:22

Alleluia, alleluia!
The Lord is our judge, the Lord our lawgiver,
the Lord our king and our saviour.
Alleluia!

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia!
Look, the Lord will come to save his people.
Blessed those who are ready to meet him.
Alleluia!

Gospel — Matthew 15:29–37

The crowds praised the God of Israel

Jesus went up into the hills beside the Sea of Galilee and sat down. Large crowds came to him bringing the lame, the crippled, the blind, the dumb, and many others. They laid them at his feet, and he cured them.

The crowds were astonished to see the mute speaking, the crippled healed, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they praised the God of Israel.

Then Jesus called his disciples and said,
“I feel sorry for all these people; they have been with me for three days now and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them off hungry; they might collapse on the way.”

The disciples answered,
“Where could we get enough bread in this deserted place to feed such a crowd?”

Jesus said,
“How many loaves have you?”
“Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”

He instructed the crowd to sit on the ground.
Taking the seven loaves and the fish, he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to the disciples, who gave them to the crowds.

They all ate as much as they wanted, and the scraps left over filled seven baskets.

Message

Jesus feeds not only bodies but hearts. His compassion moves Him to act — healing the sick and feeding the hungry. This miracle foreshadows the Eucharist, where Christ continues to feed His people in abundance. Advent invites us to trust in His provision, knowing that God never sends us away hungry.

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Wednesday 3 December 2025
Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest
Liturgical Colour: White
Year: A(II)

MEMORIAL READINGS

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

First Reading — 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

“I preach the Gospel as a duty entrusted to me.”

Brothers and sisters,
If I proclaim the Gospel, I cannot boast, for an obligation has been laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach it! If I were doing this on my own accord, I would expect a reward, but since it is a mission entrusted to me, I simply fulfil what is given.

My reward is this: to offer the Gospel freely, without insisting on my rightful support. Though I am free from all, I make myself a servant to everyone, that I may bring as many as possible to Christ.

To the weak, I became weak; I became all things to all, so that by all possible means I might save some. And I do all this for the sake of the Gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

Message:
Saint Paul reminds us that the Gospel is not a privilege but a sacred duty. He adapts himself to every person so that no soul is lost. This teaches us that evangelization is not only preaching—it is compassion, patience, gentleness, and humility toward those who struggle. Like Paul, we are invited to carry Christ to others not by force, but by love.

Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 116(117):1-2

**Response: Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.

O praise the Lord, all you nations;
acclaim Him, all you peoples!
Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.

Strong is His love for us;
His faithfulness endures forever.
Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.

Message:
This short psalm echoes the missionary spirit of the Church. God’s love is not limited to one people or place—His mercy extends to every nation. We are called to be witnesses of that love by our words, our actions, and our daily conduct. Every Christian becomes a messenger simply by living faithfully.

Gospel Acclamation — Matthew 28:19,20

Alleluia, alleluia!
Go and make disciples of all nations.
I am with you always, even to the end of time.
Alleluia!

Gospel — Mark 16:15-20

“Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to every creature.”

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved; whoever refuses to believe will be condemned.

“These signs will accompany believers: in My Name they will cast out evil spirits; they will speak new languages; they will handle serpents safely; if they drink anything deadly it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and the sick will recover.”

After speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God.
And the disciples went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed their message through the signs that accompanied them.

Message:
Christ sends us into the world with courage and trust. The mission is not ours alone—He works with us, strengthens us, protects us, and blesses our efforts. Our task is to proclaim the Gospel through our lives, bringing healing where there is hurt, peace where there is division, and hope where there is despair.

Monday 1 December 2025

Monday of the First Week of Advent

Liturgical Colour: Violet

Year: A (II)

First Reading — Isaiah 4:2–6

The fruit of the earth shall be the pride and adornment of Israel's survivors

That day, the branch of the Lord shall be splendid and glorious, and “the fruit of the earth shall be the pride and adornment of Israel’s survivors”.

Those who remain in Zion and dwell in Jerusalem shall be called holy, and those recorded in Jerusalem shall be preserved.

When the Lord has cleansed the daughter of Zion of her sins and removed the bloodshed in her,

He will dwell on all of Mount Zion with those gathered there,

as a cloud by day, smoke, and a bright fire by night.

Over all, the glory of the Lord will serve as a canopy, providing shade by day, shelter from storms, and protection from the rain.

Message:

God assures His faithful of hope, protection, and restoration. Even amid trials, His steadfast love purifies, shelters, and strengthens. Those who remain holy in His sight will witness His glory, experiencing His guidance, peace, and the joy of salvation, as He prepares hearts for the coming of Christ.

Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 121(122):1–2,4–5,6–9

Response: I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house.”

Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.

The tribes of the Lord go there, to praise His holy name.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house.”

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May peace dwell in your homes, in your walls, and in your palaces!”

I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house.”

For the love of my brethren and friends, I say: “Peace upon you!”

For the love of the house of the Lord, I will seek your good.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house.”

Message:

The psalm reminds us that entering the Lord’s presence brings joy and security. God’s faithful are called to rejoice in His house, to seek peace for communities, and to trust in His providence. Worship and prayer cultivate harmony, protection, and unity among His people.

Gospel Acclamation — cf. Ps 79:4

Alleluia, alleluia!

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.

Alleluia!

Gospel — Matthew 8:5–11

“Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; only speak the word and my servant shall be healed”

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached and said, “Sir, my servant lies at home paralyzed and suffers greatly.”

Jesus replied, “I will come and heal him myself.”

But the centurion answered, “Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; only speak the word and my servant shall be healed. For I am under authority myself and say to one man, ‘Go,’ and he goes; to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Jesus marveled and said, “Truly, I tell you, nowhere in Israel have I found such faith. Many will come from east and west to take their places with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”

Message:

Faith trusts God fully, even when unworthy. Like the centurion, we are called to depend on Christ’s authority, confident that His word brings healing and salvation. God’s mercy extends to all nations, and those who approach Him with humility and faith share in His kingdom. True faith transcends status, ritual, and proximity, embracing God’s grace and power.

Tuesday 2 December 2025

Tuesday 2 December 2025

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Liturgical Colour: Violet

Year: A (II)

First Reading — Isaiah 11:1–10

A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse

A shoot shall spring from the stock of Jesse, a branch shall grow from his roots: on him shall rest the Spirit of the Lord,

a spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and fortitude, knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by appearances, nor decide by hearsay, but with justice shall he judge the poor, and equity shall govern the lowly of the land.

His word shall strike the ruthless, and his judgments shall bring death to the wicked.

Integrity shall be the girdle around his waist, and faithfulness the belt about his loins.

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie with the kid, the calf and the lion shall feed together, and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze together, their young shall lie down in safety.

The lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The infant shall play near the cobra’s den, and the child shall place his hand upon the viper’s lair.

They shall not harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the land shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

On that day, the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal for the peoples; the nations shall seek him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Message:

This reading announces the coming Ruler, endowed with the Spirit of the Lord in fullness. His justice, wisdom, and integrity will establish peace, harmony, and equity, bringing the world back to God’s intended order. Even creation itself shall experience reconciliation, and the knowledge of the Lord will fill all hearts. Advent invites us to prepare for Christ, the source of perfect peace and righteousness.

Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 71(72):1–2,7–8,12–13,17

Response: In his days justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails.

O God, give your judgement to the king,

to a king’s son your justice,

that he may judge your people with righteousness,

and your poor with equity.

In his days justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails.

He shall rule from sea to sea,

from the Great River to the ends of the earth,

and all nations shall be blessed through him.

In his days justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails.

He shall rescue the poor who cry out,

and the needy who have no helper;

he shall have pity on the weak,

and save the lives of the poor.

In his days justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails.

May his name endure for ever;

may his glory fill the earth;

all nations shall bless him, and call him blessed.

Message:

The psalm celebrates God’s justice and mercy, revealing that His rule brings peace and care for the needy. We are called to trust in God’s righteous authority and to pray for His guidance in leadership and justice, reflecting His love and truth in our lives and communities.

Gospel Acclamation — Ps 84:8

Alleluia, alleluia!

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy

and give us your saving help.

Alleluia!

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia!

Behold, our Lord will come with power

and enlighten the eyes of his servants.

Alleluia!

Gospel — Luke 10:21–24

“No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, Jesus said:

“I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the wise, and revealing them to little ones. Yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, nor who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then, turning to his disciples, he said in private:

“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.”

Message:

This Gospel reminds us that the knowledge of God is a gift, revealed according to His divine plan. Christ invites us into the intimate relationship of the Trinity, sharing in the joy and confidence of His loving guidance. Advent calls us to cultivate humility, attentiveness, and receptivity to God’s revelation, rejoicing in the mysteries entrusted to us.

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12 December 2024 - Daily Reflection

First Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20 - I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Redeemer

Reflection:

1. God’s Promise of Strength

In Isaiah 41:13, God declares, “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” This is a promise of divine assistance, a reminder that God is always present to guide us through life’s challenges. No matter how daunting our circumstances may appear, God’s hand is there to uphold us, offering us strength and security. His presence is a constant reassurance that we are never alone.

2. A Call to Trust in God’s Power

God calls His people to trust in Him as their Redeemer, reminding them that He is the source of their deliverance. Even when we feel weak or powerless, God’s power is unshaken. He is the Holy One of Israel, the Almighty, and His sovereignty is beyond measure. This passage encourages us to place our trust in Him, knowing that His might is greater than any trial we face. When we surrender to His will, we are made strong through His power.

3. The Assurance of Divine Provision

Isaiah 41:17-20 highlights God’s provision for those in need. He promises to provide for the poor and needy, turning their deserts into lush gardens. In a world that often seems barren or without hope, God assures us that He can bring forth life and growth in the most desolate places. His faithfulness provides hope, and His presence transforms our circumstances, turning even our hardships into opportunities for His glory.

Isaiah 41:13-20 invites us to trust in God’s power and provision. He is our Redeemer, offering us strength when we are weak and hope when we face trials. As we reflect on this passage, may we draw closer to Him, knowing that with God on our side, we can face anything. Let us also recognize that God is the one who transforms our difficulties into testimonies of His grace and faithfulness.

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Gospel: Matthew 11:11-15 - A Greater Than John the Baptist Has Never Been Seen

Reflection:

1. The Greatness of John the Baptist

In Matthew 11:11, Jesus affirms the greatness of John the Baptist, saying, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” John is praised for his boldness in proclaiming the Kingdom of God and preparing the way for the Messiah. His unwavering faith and commitment to God's mission make him a powerful example of humility and courage. However, despite John's greatness, Jesus makes it clear that even greater things are yet to come through Him.

2. The Transition from the Law to the Kingdom

In verse 12, Jesus speaks of the violent way the Kingdom of Heaven has been advancing, indicating the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The Kingdom of God, inaugurated by Jesus, is not merely a future hope but a present reality that requires commitment and perseverance. It’s a radical call to follow Christ, often demanding a counter-cultural lifestyle. This passage invites us to be vigilant and proactive in pursuing God's Kingdom, understanding that it requires courage and sacrifice.

3. The Revelation of Jesus as the Greater One

Jesus goes on to tell the crowd that, although John the Baptist was great, “whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). This statement points to the extraordinary role Jesus plays in bringing salvation to the world. As the Messiah, Jesus ushers in a new era of grace and salvation, and those who belong to His Kingdom, though humble, are partakers of a greater promise than even John could have imagined. This passage calls us to recognize the profound significance of Jesus' mission and the blessings that flow from being His followers.

Matthew 11:11-15 is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ unique role as the fulfillment of God's plan of salvation. While John the Baptist was a remarkable prophet, Jesus is the fulfillment of all the promises made by God. As we reflect on His words, let us recognize the greatness of Jesus and the opportunity we have to be part of His Kingdom, a Kingdom of grace, hope, and eternal life.

Thursday 19 December 2024 - Daily Mass Reading

19 December

Liturgical Colour: Violet. Year: C(I)

Readings at Mass

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First reading

Judges 13:2-7,24-25

'You will conceive and bear a son'

There was a man of Zorah of the tribe of Dan, called Manoah. His wife was barren, she had borne no children. The angel of the Lord appeared to this woman and said to her, ‘You are barren and have had no child. But from now on take great care. Take no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For you will conceive and bear a son. No razor is to touch his head, for the boy shall be God’s nazirite from his mother’s womb. It is he who will begin to rescue Israel from the power of the Philistines.’ Then the woman went and told her husband, ‘A man of God has just come to me; his presence was like the presence of the angel of God, he was so majestic. I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not reveal his name to me. But he said to me, “You will conceive and bear a son. From now on, take no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be God’s nazirite from his mother’s womb to his dying day.”’

The woman gave birth to a son and called him Samson. The child grew, and the Lord blessed him; and the spirit of the Lord began to move him.

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Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 70(71):3-6,16-17

My lips are filled with your praise, with your glory all the day long.

Be a rock where I can take refuge,

a mighty stronghold to save me;

for you are my rock, my stronghold.

Free me from the hand of the wicked.

My lips are filled with your praise, with your glory all the day long.

It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,

my trust, O Lord, since my youth.

On you I have leaned from my birth,

from my mother’s womb you have been my help.

My lips are filled with your praise, with your glory all the day long.

I will declare the Lord’s mighty deeds

proclaiming your justice, yours alone.

O God, you have taught me from my youth

and I proclaim your wonders still.

My lips are filled with your praise, with your glory all the day long.

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Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

Root of Jesse, set up as a sign to the peoples,

come to save us,

and delay no more.

Alleluia!

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Gospel

Luke 1:5-25

'Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son'

In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. Both were worthy in the sight of God, and scrupulously observed all the commandments and observances of the Lord. But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both getting on in years.

Now it was the turn of Zechariah’s section to serve, and he was exercising his priestly office before God when it fell to him by lot, as the ritual custom was, to enter the Lord’s sanctuary and burn incense there. And at the hour of incense the whole congregation was outside, praying.

Then there appeared to him the angel of the Lord, standing on the right of the altar of incense. The sight disturbed Zechariah and he was overcome with fear. But the angel said to him, ‘Zechariah, do not be afraid, your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son and you must name him John. He will be your joy and delight and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord; he must drink no wine, no strong drink. Even from his mother’s womb he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and he will bring back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before him to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the disobedient back to the wisdom that the virtuous have, preparing for the Lord a people fit for him.’

Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel who stand in God’s presence, and I have been sent to speak to you and bring you this good news. Listen! Since you have not believed my words, which will come true at their appointed time, you will be silenced and have no power of speech until this has happened.’ Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were surprised that he stayed in the sanctuary so long. When he came out he could not speak to them, and they realised that he had received a vision in the sanctuary. But he could only make signs to them, and remained dumb.

When his time of service came to an end he returned home. Some time later his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept to herself. ‘The Lord has done this for me’ she said ‘now that it has pleased him to take away the humiliation I suffered among men.’

24_08

25 August 2024 - Daily Mass Readings

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II)

Readings at Mass

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First reading

Joshua 24:1-2,15-18

We will serve the Lord, for he is our God

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel together at Shechem; then he called the elders, leaders, judges and scribes of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. Then Joshua said to all the people, ‘If you will not serve the Lord, choose today whom you wish to serve, whether the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are now living. As for me and my House, we will serve the Lord.’

The people answered, ‘We have no intention of deserting the Lord and serving other gods! Was it not the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors out of the land of Egypt, the house of slavery, who worked those great wonders before our eyes and preserved us all along the way we travelled and among all the peoples through whom we journeyed? What is more, the Lord drove all those peoples out before us, as well as the Amorites who used to live in this country. We too will serve the Lord, for he is our God.’

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Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 33(34):2-3,16-23