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Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday, 7 January 2026

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Christmas Weekday/ Raymond of Peñafort, Priest

First Reading: First John 4: 11-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 10, 12-13
Alleluia: First Timothy 3: 16
Gospel: Mark 6: 45-52
Lectionary: 214

First Reading: First John 4: 11-18

11 My dearest, if God hath so loved us; we also ought to love one another.

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abideth in us, and his charity is perfected in us.

13 In this we know that we abide in him, and he in us: because he hath given us of his spirit.

14 And we have seen, and do testify, that the Father hath sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world.

15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God.

16 And we have known, and have believed the charity, which God hath to us. God is charity: and he that abideth in charity, abideth in God, and God in him.

17 In this is the charity of God perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment: because as he is, we also are in this world.

18 Fear is not in charity: but perfect charity casteth out fear, because fear hath pain. And he that feareth, is not perfected in charity.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 10, 12-13

R. (11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

1-2 Give to the king thy judgment, O God: and to the king’s son thy justice: To judge thy people with justice, and thy poor with judgment.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

10 The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts:

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

12 For he shall deliver the poor from the mighty: and the needy that had no helper.

13 He shall spare the poor and needy: and he shall save the souls of the poor.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Alleluia: First Timothy 3: 16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

16 Glory to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the Gentiles. Glory to you, O Christ, believed in throughout the world.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: Mark 6: 45-52

45 And immediately he obliged his disciples to go up into the ship, that they might go before him over the water to Bethsaida, whilst he dismissed the people.

46 And when he had dismissed them, he went up to the mountain to pray.

47 And when it was late, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and himself alone on the land.

48 And seeing them labouring in rowing, (for the wind was against them,) and about the fourth watch of the night, he cometh to them walking upon the sea, and he would have passed by them.

49 But they seeing him walking upon the sea, thought it was an apparition, and they cried out.

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he spoke with them, and said to them: Have a good heart, it is I, fear ye not.

51 And he went up to them into the ship, and the wind ceased: and they were far more astonished within themselves:

52 For they understood not concerning the loaves; for their heart was blinded.

The readings on this page are taken from the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible. You can also read the Mass Readings taken from the New Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. (References, Copyrights).
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Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday, 6 January 2026

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Christmas Weekday/ André Bessette, Religious

First Reading: First John 4: 7-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 3-4, 7-8
Alleluia: Luke 4: 18
Gospel: Mark 6: 34-44
Lectionary: 213

First Reading: First John 4: 7-10

7 Dearly beloved, let us love one another, for charity is of God. And every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not, knoweth not God: for God is charity.

9 By this hath the charity of God appeared towards us, because God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by him.

10 In this is charity: not as though we had loved God, but because he hath first loved us, and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 3-4, 7-8

R. (11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

1-2 Give to the king thy judgment, O God: and to the king’s son thy justice: To judge thy people with justice, and thy poor with judgment.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

3 Let the mountains receive peace for the people: and the hills justice.

4 He shall judge the poor of the people, and he shall save the children of the poor: and he shall humble the oppressor.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

7 In his days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, till the moon be taken sway.

8 And he shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Alleluia: Luke 4: 18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

18 The Lord has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: Mark 6: 34-44

34 And Jesus going out saw a great multitude: and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.

35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came to him, saying: This is a desert place, and the hour is now past:

36 Send them away, that going into the next villages and towns, they may buy themselves meat to eat.

37 And he answering said to them: Give you them to eat. And they said to him: Let us go and buy bread for two hundred pence, and we will give them to eat.

38 And he saith to them: How many loaves have you? go and see. And when they knew, they say: Five, and two fishes.

39 And he commanded them that they should make them all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties.

41 And when he had taken the five loaves, and the two fishes: looking up to heaven, he blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave to his disciples to set before them: and the two fishes he divided among them all.

42 And they all did eat, and had their fill.

43 And they took up the leavings, twelve full baskets of fragments, and of the fishes.

44 And they that did eat, were five thousand men.

The readings on this page are taken from the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible. You can also read the Mass Readings taken from the New Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. (References, Copyrights).
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Daily Mass Readings for Monday, 5 January 2026

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John Neumann, Bishop Obligatory Memorial

First Reading: First John 3: 22 – 4: 6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 2: 7bc-8, 10-11
Alleluia: Matthew 4: 23
Gospel: Matthew 4: 12-17, 23-25
Lectionary: 212

First Reading: First John 3: 22 – 4: 6

22 And whatsoever we shall ask, we shall receive of him: because we keep his commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in his sight.

23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ: and love one another, as he hath given commandment unto us.

24 And he that keepeth his commandments, abideth in him, and he in him. And in this we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

4:1 Dearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 By this is the spirit of God known. Every spirit which confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God:

3 And every spirit that dissolveth Jesus, is not of God: and this is Antichrist, of whom you have heard that he cometh, and he is now already in the world.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome him. Because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5 They are of the world: therefore of the world they speak, and the world heareth them.

6 We are of God. He that knoweth God, heareth us. He that is not of God, heareth us not. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 2: 7bc-8, 10-11

R. (8ab) I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

7bc The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.

8 Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.

R. I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

10 And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth.

11 Serve ye the Lord with fear: and rejoice unto him with trembling.

R. I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

Alleluia: Matthew 4: 23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

23 Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: Matthew 4: 12-17, 23-25

12 And when Jesus had heard that John was delivered up, he retired into Galilee:

13 And leaving the city Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capharnaum on the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim;

14 That it might be fulfilled which was said by Isaias the prophet:

15 Land of Zabulon and land of Nephthalim, the way of the sea beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:

16 The people that sat in darkness, hath seen great light: and to them that sat in the region of the shadow of death, light is sprung up.

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom: and healing all manner of sickness and every infirmity, among the people.

24 And his fame went throughout all Syria, and they presented to him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and such as were possessed by devils, and lunatics, and those that had palsy, and he cured them:

25 And much people followed him from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

The readings on this page are taken from the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible. You can also read the Mass Readings taken from the New Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. (References, Copyrights).
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Daily Mass Readings for Sunday, 4 January 2026

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Epiphany of the Lord Solemnity

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6
Alleluia: Matthew 2: 2
Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12
Lectionary: 20

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6

1 Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

2 For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

3 And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of thy rising.

4 Lift up thy eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side.

5 Then shalt thou see, and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the. strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee.

6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and shewing forth praise to the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

R. (11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

1-2 Give to the king thy judgment, O God: and to the king’s son thy justice: To judge thy people with justice, and thy poor with judgment.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

7 In his days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, till the moon be taken sway.

8 And he shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

10 The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts:

11 And all kings of the earth shall adore him: all nations shall serve him.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

12 For he shall deliver the poor from the mighty: and the needy that had no helper.

13 He shall spare the poor and needy: and he shall save the souls of the poor.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6

2 If yet you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me towards you:

3a How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known to me.

5 Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit:

6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and co-partners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel:

Alleluia: Matthew 2: 2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

2 We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12

1 When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.

2 Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him.

3 And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.

5 But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet:

6 And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them;

8 And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him.

9 Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.

10 And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.

The readings on this page are taken from the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible. You can also read the Mass Readings taken from the New Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. (References, Copyrights).
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Daily Mass Readings for Saturday, 3 January 2026

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Christmas Weekday/ Holy Name of Jesus

First Reading: First John 2: 29 – 3: 6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 3cd-4, 5-6
Alleluia: John 1: 14a, 12a
Gospel: John 1: 29-34
Lectionary: 206

First Reading: First John 2: 29 – 3: 6

29 If you know, that he is just, know ye, that every one also, who doth justice, is born of him.

3:1 Behold what manner of charity the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, and should be the sons of God. Therefore the world knoweth not us, because it knew not him.

2 Dearly beloved, we are now the sons of God; and it hath not yet appeared what we shall be. We know, that, when he shall appear, we shall be like to him: because we shall see him as he is.

3 And every one that hath this hope in him, sanctifieth himself, as he also is holy.

4 Whosoever committeth sin committeth also iniquity; and sin is iniquity.

5 And you know that he appeared to take away our sins, and in him there is no sin.

6 Whosoever abideth in him, sinneth not; and whosoever sinneth, hath not seen him, nor known him.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 3cd-4, 5-6

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

1 Sing ye to the Lord anew canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

3cd All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

5 Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm:

6 With long trumpets, and sound of comet. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king:

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Alleluia: John 1: 14a, 12a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

14a, 12a The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: John 1: 29-34

29 The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me.

31 And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

32 And John gave testimony, saying: I saw the Spirit coming down, as a dove from heaven, and he remained upon him.

33 And I knew him not; but he who sent me to baptize with water, said to me: He upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon him, he it is that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

34 And I saw, and I gave testimony, that this is the Son of God.

The readings on this page are taken from the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible. You can also read the Mass Readings taken from the New Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. (References, Copyrights).
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Daily Mass Readings for Friday, 2 January 2026

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Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops, Doctors Obligatory Memorial

First Reading: First John 2: 22-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Alleluia: Hebrews 1: 1-2
Gospel: John 1: 19-28
Lectionary: 205

First Reading: First John 2: 22-28

22 Who is a liar, but he who denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is Antichrist, who denieth the Father, and the Son.

23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father. He that confesseth the Son, hath the Father also.

24 As for you, let that which you have heard from the beginning, abide in you. If that abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning, you also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father.

25 And this is the promise which he hath promised us, life everlasting.

26 These things have I written to you, concerning them that seduce you.

27 And as for you, let the unction, which you have received from him, abide in you. And you have no need that any man teach you; but as his unction teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie. And as it hath taught you, abide in him.

28 And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be confounded by him at his coming.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

1 Sing ye to the Lord anew canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

2 The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

3ab He hath remembered his mercy his truth toward the house of Israel.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

3cd All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Alleluia: Hebrews 1: 1-2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1-2 In times, past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets: in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: John 1: 19-28

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites to him, to ask him: Who art thou?

20 And he confessed, and did not deny: and he confessed: I am not the Christ.

21 And they asked him: What then? Art thou Elias? And he said: I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered: No.

22 They said therefore unto him: Who art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest thou of thyself?

23 He said: I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaias.

24 And they that were sent, were of the Pharisees.

25 And they asked him, and said to him: Why then dost thou baptize, if thou be not Christ, nor Elias, nor the prophet?

26 John answered them, saying: I baptize with water; but there hath stood one in the midst of you, whom you know not.

27 The same is he that shall come after me, who is preferred before me: the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose.

28 These things were done in Bethania, beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The readings on this page are taken from the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible. You can also read the Mass Readings taken from the New Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. (References, Copyrights).
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Daily Mass Readings for Thursday, 1 January 2026

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Mary, Mother of God Solemnity (Octave of Christmas). Holy day of Obligation.

First Reading: Numbers 6: 22-27
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8
Second Reading: Galatians 4: 4-7
Alleluia: Hebrews 1: 1-2
Gospel: Luke 2: 16-21
Lectionary: 18

First Reading: Numbers 6: 22-27

22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

23 Say to Aaron and his sons: Thus shall you bless the children of Israel, and you shall say to them:

24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee.

25 The Lord shew his face to thee, and have mercy on thee.

26 The Lord turn his countenance to thee, and give thee peace.

27 And they shall invoke my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8

R. (2a) May God bless us in his mercy.

2 May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may he cause the light of his countenance to shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us.

3 That we may know thy way upon earth: thy salvation in all nations.

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

5 Let the nations be glad and rejoice: for thou judgest the people with justice, and directest the nations upon earth.

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

6 Let the people, O God, confess to thee: let all the people give praise to thee:

8 May God bless us: and all the ends of the earth fear him.

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

Second Reading: Galatians 4: 4-7

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law:

5 That he might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons.

6 And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father.

7 Therefore now he is not a servant, but a son. And if a son, an heir also through God.

Alleluia: Hebrews 1: 1-2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1-2 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 2: 16-21

16 And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.

17 And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child.

18 And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb.

The readings on this page are taken from the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible. You can also read the Mass Readings taken from the New Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. (References, Copyrights).
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Sunday Reflection – 15 September 2024

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Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 15 September 2024

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 5-9a

The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.

This passage of reading is also taken during the Lenten Season, in this prophecy about Jesus Christ’s passion. Prophet Isaiah described the suffering of the Son of God, even though he had the power to reject it. We are reminded that Christ accepted such humiliation for the redemption of mankind.

Our reflection today should be –how do we respond to insult and humiliation? In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 116: 1-6, 8-9

For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I walk before the Lord in the land of the living. (8-9)

Amen, Alleluia!

Second Reading: James 2: 14-18

 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? (14)

 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. (17)

St. James gives us practical life lessons today. He clarifies that faith must be backed up by the work that needs to be done! Offering us an example, he reckons that when we encounter a person in need of clothing or food; we must provide for their basic bodily needs first!

We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us, as to who may be in need and how we could provide for the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: Galatians 6: 14

Alleluia! May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 8: 27-35

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (34)

We ask the Lord GOD to let us recognize our crosses today. Let us keep our ears open. We also ask the Lord God to reveal to us our blind spots! Let us ask for the grace to worthily carry our crosses and follow Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Spreading the Gospel of Love with Love

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The Sacrament of Confirmation (also known as Chrismation in the Eastern Churches) confirms the baptized person in his/her faith, and it helps us grow intimate with God. Having been emboldened for selfless service to the Body of Christ, the Christian who has been confirmed is obligated to share the gospel. In doing so, we are fulfilling the great commission we have received from the Lord spelled out in Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”  In other words, evangelism is key to the practice of one’s faith and not just the prerogative of a few preachers. Every confirmed Christian has been conferred the privilege of making Christ known to a world that is unacquainted with the way of Salvation.

The Christian endeavor of sharing the gospel 

When we strive to spread the Gospel of Christ, we must clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience as instructed by St Paul in Colossians 3:12-14. Taking our Wounded Healer to a wounded world requires us to exemplify Him in every possible way.

Embodying His Divine Nature 

Imitating Christ is as difficult as it geṭs, nevertheless, His grace is there to make it possible. In Isaiah 42:1-4, God the Father gives a grand description of the person of Jesus “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”

The verse clearly emphasizes that while representing Jesus, we should be comforting to a bruised and battered world rather than being judgmental. Further, in the verse, we also see Prophet Isaiah highlighting the calm and tranquil bearing of Christ – He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.

Woefully, in today’s evangelism, this remarkable quality is missing. Christian preaching has been reduced to raucous shouts of Alleluias. Christians are seen strutting around with Bibles and doling out Biblical verses to people simply to be hypercritical of them while asserting one’s righteousness before God. This behavior for sure doesn’t support the mission of proclaiming Christ to the world. Contrarily, it amounts to a reckless squandering of God’s graces. Therefore if we have to be carriers of the Gospel, our demeanor should be quiet and sedate besides being loving towards one another.

Love above all 

As members of the body of Christ, Christians are bestowed with wide-ranging gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit. First Corinthians 12: 8-11 details these gifts “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

Each of these gifts given is beautiful in its own way and it is for us to use them wisely for the service of God alone. However, when we possess these gifts and have no love in us, it neither benefits us or the people around us. God is love and so we should have love in our hearts in order to be his faithful representatives. Love perfects everything and so it should be the one gift we should constantly seek. Let 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 serve as a guide for our daily fruitful living for it encapsulates the quintessence of a true Christian life which is indispensable for our salvation. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”

Let’s be imitators of Saints and not the resounding gong or the clanging cymbal 

Undoubtedly, Saints were the best-ever known preachers of Christ’s teachings as they preached through their Godly living. They actively lived the Word. An examination of their lives would reveal that although they were enriched with divine favors, graces, heavenly visitations, and dreams and abundant miracles occurred wherever they were present, today what remains etched in the hearts of many were their acts of charity. For instance, there’s hardly a soul in whom Mother Teresa’s service to the poorest of the poor hasn’t left a profound impact. Take the case of this wonderful St. Maximilian Kolbe, people remember him as one who volunteered to give up his life in place of another man in the German death camp during World War II. And so the list of works of love goes on. Through their acts of love, Saints have demonstrated the love of God to the needy and the afflicted. Hence let’s strive for love in our hearts above all.

Sunday Reflection – 8 September 2024

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Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 08 September 2024

First Reading: Isaiah 35: 4-7a

Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” (4)

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. (5)

Prophet Isaiah proclaims protection for us in the Lord GOD and prophesies Jesus’ ministry. We must remain hopeful and confident of the LORD’s return. This passage is titled “The Return of the Redeemed to Zion.” We know we are called because Christ Jesus bought us into his kingdom.

Let us therefore walk worthily with unblinded eyes and unblocked ears. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 146: 7-10

The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. (8)

Alleluia, Amen,

Second Reading: James 2: 1-5

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? (5)

Christ Jesus was born poor, he and his parents lived poor. Today St. James is admonishing those who are influenced by the outward appearance of people or things! A close witness along with Peter and John, to Christ’s greatest events; St. James warns us about the deceptiveness of this world and its riches! We ought to take him very seriously. We pray to St. James in a special way today that we may work with honesty and impartiality throughout our day.

We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen!

Alleluia: Matthew 4: 23

Alleluia! Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 7: 31-37

He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, Jesus sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. (33-35)

We may feel that our ears are blocked from hearing the Lord speak. Even though we may not lie, we may sometimes refrain from speaking the truth; which could amount to cowardice! But to receive the Lord’s Word and Speak the Truth, we need to go with the Lord, “aside in private away from the crowd”. We need to find it in us and in our day to step aside, and turn to the Lord; so that we too can hear him say: “Ephphatha!” Amen!

On this day of the Nativity of Our Blessed Mother Mary, we Thank her for her intercession for us. We ask her to continue to keep us under the mantle of her protection. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen!

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