Tag: the Son

The Baptism of the Lord

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 1:7-11)

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In Mark’s account of the baptism of Jesus, we see from John’s point of view the revelation of his identity as the Son of God. John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins to prepare the way for the Savior, who is anointed by the Holy Spirit as he emerges from the water. With this, the three persons of the Trinity are revealed as the Father’s voice from heaven is heard, saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Father confirms Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, Emmanuel. In the mystery of the Incarnation, God brings heaven to earth; in the resurrection and institution of the Eucharist, Jesus remains with us on earth.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. As high as the heavens are above the earth so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.” Father in heaven, help me recall your words as I begin a new week. Give me the grace to trust in your power, something I am incapable of understanding. In seeking to do your will, give me the peace of trusting in your strength and mercy. Let me take in the responsorial psalm for its depth and breadth in the result of giving glory to your name: “The voice of the LORD is over the waters, the LORD, over vast waters. The voice of the LORD is mighty; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The Lord will bless his people with peace.”

From the Gospel acclamation: “John saw Jesus approaching him, and said: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

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.

“We saw his star at its rising.” | The Epiphany of the Lord

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 2:1-12)

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Except for the star at its rising, it is not clear how the Magi became aware of the birth of the newborn king of Israel. “We saw his star at is rising,” they tell King Herod. Trusting in their insight, yet disturbed by what they say, Herod consults with the Jewish religious leaders to gather more information. They determine through the prophecies of Micah and Samuel that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem, and Herod sends the Magi there. Herod lies to the Magi, telling them that he wishes for them to find the infant so that he too may go and do him homage. Although darkness covers the earth, the source of light at its rising is the same light that Isaiah refers to in the first reading: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. . . . But upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory.” To see this happening, Isaiah says, “Raise your eyes and look about.” As the Magi came to recognize as they fall on their knees before the infant Christ, that’s where their journey of faith began.

Loving Father, help me set out today and every day to find you in the midst of darkness. Give me the grace, as Saint Paul says, to become a copartner in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. The solemn blessing from today’s Mass makes clear that the aim of this earthly journey is “to behold the beauty of your sublime glory.” From the blessing, let me recall these words: “And so when your pilgrimage is ended, may you come to him whom the Magi sought as they followed the star and whom they found with great joy, the Light from Light, who is Christ the Lord.”

From the Gospel acclamation: “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

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.

“You are my beloved Son.” | Christmas Weekday | Saturday, January 6

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 1:7-11)

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

John declares that someone greater than him is coming. “I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals,” he says. He emphasizes that while he baptizes with water, the one who is to come will baptize with the Holy Spirit. After the baptism of Jesus, as he comes up out of the water, the heavens open and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove. As a voice from the heavens, God affirms the divine identity of his Son. In the baptism of Jesus, we see his humility and connection to humanity. The Son of God is like us in every way but sin. In the voice of his Father, we hear how we are to respond to Jesus: “Listen to him.”

Father in heaven, you testified on behalf of your Son so that we might believe him. And the testimony you have given, John says, is this: “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life.” Help me today to listen to your Son, to imitate him in my words and actions, in what I say and do and what I stop myself from saying and doing. Give me the grace to realize that I am your adopted son through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son so that you may say to me at the end of this day and at the threshold of eternal life: “You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased.”

From the first reading: “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God.” Saint Joseph and Saint André Bessette, pray for us!

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.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:24-43)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches important truths about the kingdom of heaven through his parables as he recognizes the coexistence of good and evil in the world. In the reality of the fallen world we live in, it is striking how Jesus depicts those who cause others to sin and their final judgment. Elsewhere in the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus says: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” These little ones— ones who are innocent or poor in spirit or waiting for the Lord’s mercy with contrite hearts—have understanding of the mysteries of the kingdom and are precious in his eyes.

God, thank you for your patience and mercy. Just as the owner of the field allows the wheat and the weeds to grow together until the harvest, you give me an opportunity to repent and turn to you time and time again through my contrition and the sacrament of reconciliation. That you allow the evil one to sow weeds and yet bring good out of it is a mystery. Almighty Father, although evil is contrary to your being and you do not eliminate it, you allow me to make a choice to return to you to receive your grace and repentance. And you do this for all who turn to you.

Lord, intercede for me today when my spirit is weak and I forget you. As Saint Paul says, “And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.”

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.

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Jn 20:1-2, 11-18)

Jesus said to Mary Magdalene, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her.

Today’s Gospel is profound and places us at the moment of Christ’s resurrection, highlighting its reality and the transformative power it holds. Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus demonstrates the personal and intimate nature of Jesus’ relationship with any of his followers. Despite Mary’s initial confusion, Jesus calls her by name, revealing his identity and establishing a deep connection with her. Mary recognizes Jesus not through physical appearance but by the sound of her name being spoken by him. That is the true recognition of the risen Christ, which comes through personal encounter and a deepening understanding of his presence.

Lord, you appeared to Mary Magdalene after your resurrection. She obeys and becomes the first witness to you, the risen Christ, proclaiming the news to the disciples. Help me learn from her and recognize you in your desire to draw me to you. Just as Jesus entrusts Mary with the task of being a witness to the resurrection, show me how to go and proclaim the Gospel.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Tell us, Mary, what did you see on the way?
I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb.” Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

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.

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 12:1-8)

Jesus said to the Pharisees: I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus responds to the Pharisees, who are critical of his disciples. As they were going through a field of grain on the Sabbath, they became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. The Pharisees accuse Jesus and the disciples of doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath. Jesus challenges the rigidity of the Pharisees in their imposing the Sabbath laws. As Lord of the Sabbath, Lord of all, Jesus emphasizes that the Sabbath was made not to burden or restrict man but to benefit him. “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” Jesus tells them, placing mercy and compassion over strict legalistic observance.

God, help me see and avoid imposing codes of conduct in the same way the Pharisees did and instead be a means to others of your mercy, compassion, and your work on earth. Help me understand that you made all things for our benefit and to accept that with love and reverence for your will. Give me greater understanding of the identity and mission of your Son. Help me recognize his divinity in the Eucharist so that in taking the body and blood of Christ, I become more and more like him.

Lord, help me receive and pass on the mercy you desire for me. From the Gospel acclamation: “My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord, I know them, and they follow me.”

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.

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 11:28-30)

Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Jesus’ words from today’s Gospel are familiar and comforting, and many people —even people of non-Christian faiths—know them. Jesus simply says, “Come to me.” He knows human labor and burdens. He knows that work tires the mind, body, and spirit. So he invites anyone who hears his words to join their burden to his. “Take my yoke,” Jesus says, “and learn from me.” The yoke that Jesus bears is easy, and the burden is light. How does that compare to a yoke and burden borne alone? Jesus is meek and humble, and in humbling ourselves we lighten the awful burden of prideful self-sufficiency.

God, help me today to take upon me the invitation and the yoke of your Son. I am inclined to be driven by accomplishing tasks I deem as important, using the abilities and gifts you have given me. Help me recognize when I am being stubborn and prideful in putting my aims above your will. Give me the grace to remember instead to put on the easy yoke of doing the will of your Son, whose will is in perfect accord with yours. Help me be meek and humble today in all I say and do.

Lord, stay with me today so that I remember to rest in you. Help me call to mind your name, “I am who am,” and that just as you sent Moses, you send me to do your will and be a witness to your love.

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.

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Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 11:25-27)

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives praise to the Father. The spontaneity of his thanksgiving expresses the joy Jesus feels in seeing that what the Father withholds from the wise and the learned what he reveals to the childlike. In acknowledging his Father’s will, Jesus reveals the unique and intimate relationship between himself and the Father. He says that he alone fully knows the Father, and the Father has entrusted all things to him. The Son, in turn, has the authority to reveal the Father to whomever he chooses. To remain childlike in faith is to be open to receiving what Jesus reveals.

God, help me today to exercise childlike faith in your will. The way of assuming I am wise and learned obscures what Jesus has to reveal to me. Give me the grace to stay open to you and supple in recognizing your word and receiving it. By Jesus’ action of opening the way to a relationship with you, I have the means to remain childlike in coming to you and trusting you with all of my needs. Help me also let go of worry that is useless and keeps me from experiencing childlike joy in the gift of this day.

Thank you, Lord, for revealing your presence today in the Eucharist. From the responsorial psalm: “Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

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.

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