Tag: daily Gospel readings

Christmas Weekday: January 3

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

In Jesus, John recognizes the Son of God. John says that the “one who sent me to baptize with water” told him that he would recognize the Messiah by the Spirit coming down and remaining in him. John recognizes the divine presence of Christ by seeing and testifying that Jesus is the Son of God, as Simeon did when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple. “For my eyes have seen your salvation,” Simeon said. In my own recent experiences, words, and actions, how have I seen and testified that Jesus is the Son of God? What will I see today with my eyes that will confirm in me God’s presence through his Son?

God, help me understand that, like John, I am the one sent by you. John’s confidence in the Word of God, your Son, gave him a firm grasp of the reality of your presence; it spoke to him of his role in preparing the way for Jesus. John, freed of worldly distractions, heard your voice and followed your will. Thank you, Lord, for his example. What can I disconnect from today that will help me be more attentive to your voice so that I can grasp that you are truly present?

Lord, you seek me out and send me forth. Let me live today so that at its end, I can rest in your presence in the same way that your Spirit came down and remained with your Son. Throughout the day, grant me the grace to take courage as I listen for your voice and seek your guidance.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY

Readings

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Priests and Levites asked John: “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”

What priests and Levites (and later, Pharisees) ask John, they would later ask Jesus in so many ways? “Who are you?” They might also have asked John “By whose authority do you baptize” ask they asked Jesus “By whose authority do you cure the sick and drive out demons?” The questions strikes at the core of one’s identity: John’s identity, Christ’s identity, and by simple extension, my identity. “Who are you” that you practice your faith by following the teachings of the Church that Christ instituted and the magisterium? I can readily say I don’t have an answer as clear and authoritative as John’s: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’”

God, help me understand these readings that again focus on John the Baptist, as the readings have throughout Advent. Lord, who is John that I should listen to him? He said of your Son: “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” Help me take to heart John’s words, as relevant then as now in recognizing Christ’s presence even in his apparent absence: “but there is one among you whom you do not recognize.” Out of the desert comes a voice free of distraction, of modern-day entertainment and comforts, of the contemporary bombardment of things material and electronic that constantly demand attention. Thank you, Lord, for the voice of one crying out in the desert who through detachment of the things of this world made straight the way.

Lord, today is not straight but winding and bumpy. Through your grace let me be ready to answer the question that I ask of myself and that others ask: Who are you? Help me recognize you today in the words and actions I choose in answering that question.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

The Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

Today’s Gospel reading follows the passage that describes the appearance of an angel of the Lord to the shepherds. The angel found them keeping watch over their flock and told them: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The angel told them that a sign for them would be that of finding Jesus in Bethlehem wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Luke says that all at once there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on who his favor rests.” The shepherds went in haste to find Jesus and told Mary the message of the angel. And Luke tells us Mary’s response: “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” The shepherds then returned, glorifying and praising God for what they had heard and seen. This Advent and Christmas, I have also been a witness to these things. Now, how do I keep all these things, and what is the way to go about sharing the joy of this message?

God, through the Blessed Virgin Mary—through her yes—marvelous wonders from heaven have been brought to earth. At the announcement of an angel, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared in the sky and gave you the highest praise and glory, “and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” In the first reading, we see this same peace that God bestowed on the Israelites when he said to Moses: “The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!” Give me the grace, Lord, to know and receive your blessing.

The shepherds made known the message to Mary. Merciful Lord, be with me today to make me a messenger of your peace and mercy. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Let me remember the words of the psalmist: “May God bless us in his mercy.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

Today’s Gospel begins with the first words of the first chapter of John’s Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be.” The Word, Emmanuel, who was with God from the beginning came into the world through God. John says his own people did not accept him, as there will always be those who don’t accept him. But those who do believe in his name have power to become children of God, not by their choice but by God’s grace. The wording in today’s Gospel deserves rereading after rereading and never fails to nurture and edify. How can I remember just the few words “power to become children of God . . . nor by a man’s decision but of God.”?

God, help me understand the words John crafted through the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” Jesus, Emmanuel, you are and always have been consubstantial with the Father, one with Him; through Him, all things come to be so that you are itself “light [that] shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” To pray these words from the Nicene Creed is to profess the desire to be one with the Word: “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, one in being with the Father.” Incarnate Word, you are the light of the human race.

Lord, what lies hidden in mystery from the beginning you reveal to me in the infant Jesus. “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” born of Mary, ever virgin. In saying Jesus’ name, I take to the way of belief and pray for constancy in the moments of unbelief. Stay with me, Lord!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY

Readings

Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew tells us that an angel appeared to Joseph once again in a dream to tell him after Herod had died that “those who sought the child’s life are dead.” Joseph rose and took Mary and Jesus not to Judea, where Herod’s son now ruled, but to Nazareth. And in this way, what the prophets said would be fulfilled. Jesus was to be called a Nazorean. From today’s reading, the care Joseph gives his family is clear in his decision both to fulfill the word of the prophets and protect them from Herod’s son. Just as Joseph paid attention to the guidance of an angel of the Lord, how do I seek God’s guidance in order to accomplish his will?

Holy Family, see me and hear my prayers as a father and husband. Intercede for me to the Father that I know and understand his will. As the Responsorial Psalm says, “Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.” Lord, teach me to honor you and be obedient to your word.

Thank you, God, for your guidance! Without you, I wander aimlessly toward an uncertain end even in daylight; with you, even if traveling by night, I know you guide me safely along the way.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 

In today’s Gospel reading from Luke, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Jerusalem according to Jewish custom to present him to the Lord in the temple. Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would see Christ before his death. On taking Jesus in his arms, Simeon says, “Lord, now let your servant go in peace.” These same words are contained in the night prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. Simeon goes on to say: “Your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” Simeon was, Luke says, “righteous and devout . . . and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” Saint John, in the first reading, describes the key to Simeon’s devout life of hope and expectation: “But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.” How do I live each day so that the love of God is perfected in me?

God, as Simeon awaited the consolation of Israel, Emmanuel, so I wait for the understanding and consolation of the Holy Spirit. Help me learn how to keep your word so that your love can be perfected in me. What more in life is there left to desire once I see Christ the Lord? Yet, Simeon took in his arms and saw with his eyes what I can consume daily in the Eucharist: the body of Christ. Mary, Mother of God, as Simeon’s blessing and prophesy must have weighed unbearably on you, pray for me for the strength to endure any hardship as I await the consolation of Christ your Son.

Thank you, Lord, for your continuous presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Your body is true food; your blood, true drink. In your presence, there is no need of lamplight or sunlight because you yourself are the source of all light.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew says that Herod became enraged when the magi had deceived him. He then ordered that all of the boys two years old and younger in Bethlehem and the area to be murdered. Herod sought to destroy a truth he could not bear to come to the throne: Jesus, incarnate Truth. In Herod’s massacre of the Holy Innocents, great suffering and inconsolable grief came among the people of Bethlehem. As a baptism by blood, this martyrdom brought them into God’s perpetual light and mercy. Herod in his fury, would acknowledge no wrongdoing in this and deceived himself of the truth and redemption revealed in the infant Jesus. As Saint John says in the first reading: “If we say, ‘We are without sin,’ we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.” What do I do to speak for the Holy Innocents, the unborn, who have no voice to defend or protect them?

God, help me understand that the massacre of the Holy Innocents continues today. Turn my heart in prayer to you alone who can free the Holy Innocents from slaughter. As the psalmist says, “Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Father almighty, Truth and Mercy itself, take my hands and my voice to make me an instrument of your will. Help me know and do your will.

Jesus, dying on the cross you destroyed death; rising, you restored life. Massacred at the command of Herod, the Holy Innocents received a baptism by blood; born into heaven, they praise you forever. Grant me the grace, Lord, to acknowledge my sins so that you can cleanse me from every wrongdoing. Lord, have mercy!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

https://youtu.be/0jc9_eG_8No

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

Today’s Gospel reading from Saint John tells the story of the Resurrection, when Mary Magdalene ran to Peter and John to tell them that they had taken Jesus from the tomb. Both disciples ran to the tomb to discover that the burial cloths were placed beside where Jesus’ body had been. On seeing this, the passage says that John “saw and believed.” What prompted Peter and John to drop everything they were doing and run to the tomb? In my life, what kind of revelation would it take for my faith to elevate me to “see and believe?”

Lord, help me understand that you are God of the living. In the first reading, John writes: “What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life—for the life was made visible.” Jesus, Word of life, help strengthen my faith. You, who Mary Magdalene said they had taken from the tomb, sit at the right hand of the Father. Give me the grace to use the gift of my senses to know that you are present at every Mass in the Eucharist. From the Roman Missal: “For in the mystery of the Word made flesh a new light of your glory has shone upon the eyes of our mind, so that, as we recognize in him God made visible, we may be caught up through him in love of things invisible.”

Living God, thank you for your goodness. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner! Stay with me, Lord!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr

Jesus said to his disciples: “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

In today’s reading from Matthew, Jesus speaks about the persecution that results from sharing the Gospel. “Brother will hand over brother to death,” he says, “and the child his father.” The kind of persecution that Jesus speaks of has taken place throughout all of Church history but today focuses on the most extreme form of persecution: martyrdom. Saint Stephen debated with members of a synagogue who could not withstand his wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. When Saint Stephen said he could see the heavens opened and the Son of Man, Jesus, standing at the right hand of God the Father, they became enraged and stoned him to death. As they stoned him, Stephen cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Although real martyrdom and persecution continues throughout the world, I myself will not likely face that. So the question becomes, how will I face the little persecutions of the day and allow the Spirit of the Father to speak through me?

Help me understand, God, that great things are at stake even in seemingly trivial matters. Give me the wisdom to see the events of the day as they are and to be able to witness to the Gospel by speaking your truth. As Jesus said it would be to his disciples, so it was with Saint Stephen. The Spirit of the Father spoke through him. Sometimes it is so hard to find time to hear your word even as I struggle intently to take it in. Because of this, I ask you for the gift of awareness of your presence and knowledge of your will.

Thank you, Lord, for sending Jesus your Son, for every good you give me. The day after Christmas, it feels strange to celebrate the feast of Saint Stephen, the first martyr. As in the Our Father’s “kingdom come,” Jesus’ words are comforting: “Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say.” Holy Spirit, let me be at peace with the day and receive the Father’s guidance. It is not mine to worry about the rest.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

The Nativity of the Lord

Mass during the Day: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

Today a light shines in the darkness that had never existed before. The true light, Jesus Christ, who enlightens everyone, has come into the world as the Christ child. Today, on the birth of Jesus, we proclaim that this day God took on flesh to come among the people he created to save us from sin and death. Along with the Responsorial Psalm, we sing: “Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.”

God, help me understand the profound joy of this moment in human history. Help me realize that although Jesus came once into the world, he continues to be born every time your beloved children return to you with a whole heart and seek you, Love Itself, for the salvation of humanity. God, help me be attentive today where I place my sense of wonder—astonishment!—at the birth of your Son, Emmanuel.

Through your grace, Lord, stay with me today as I dwell on the Nativity. Let me remember to take the Christ child in my arms and adore him, the Savior of the World. Pour forth your grace, Lord, to draw me ever closer to you as I ponder your majesty and mystery; hold me in your mercy.

From the Gospel acclamation: A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. For today a great light has come upon the earth.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings