The Nativity of the Lord Solemnity. Holy Day of Obligation / Dawn
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 97: 1, 6, 11-12
Second Reading: Titus 3: 4-7
Alleluia: Luke 2: 14
Gospel: Luke 2: 15-20
Select Mass – Vigil | Midnight | Dawn | Day
Mass during the Dawn
First Reading: Isaiah 62: 11-12
11 Behold the Lord hath made it to be heard in the ends of the earth, tell the daughter of Sion: Behold thy Saviour cometh: behold his reward is with him, and his work before him.
12 And they shall call them, The holy people, the redeemed of the Lord. But thou shalt be called: A city sought after, and not forsaken.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 97: 1, 6, 11-12
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
1 The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad.
6 The heavens declared his justice: and all people saw his glory.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
11 Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart.
12 Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
Second Reading: Titus 3: 4-7
4 But when the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour appeared:
5 Not by the works of justice, which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Ghost;
6 Whom he hath poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour:
7 That, being justified by his grace, we may be heirs, according to hope of life everlasting.
Alleluia: Luke 2: 14
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 2: 15-20
15 And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us.
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.
Reflection
The Scriptures place before us the arrival of a Savior whose coming brings light, peace, and a people no longer forsaken. This salvation is not something we achieve by our own goodness. It flows from the mercy and kindness of God, poured out abundantly through Jesus Christ and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. In Christ, we receive more than help for the present moment: we become heirs of the hope of eternal life.
The shepherds show how this gift is received. They hear the word, go with haste, find the child, and then return glorifying and praising God. Their faith moves their feet and then their voices. Mary receives the same mystery differently, keeping the words and pondering them in her heart. Both responses belong to a living faith: we go toward Christ, we treasure what God reveals, and we praise him for what we have seen. The light that shines on us is meant to lead us into grateful, attentive lives, trusting that the Lord truly seeks us and does not abandon us.
Prayer
Merciful God, thank you for revealing your saving kindness in Jesus Christ. Let his light reach the places in us that remain uncertain, wounded, or afraid. Renew us through the Holy Spirit, so that we may receive your grace with humility rather than rely on our own efforts. Give us the shepherds’ readiness to follow your word, Mary’s quiet attentiveness to ponder it, and a grateful heart that praises you for your faithfulness. Make our lives signs of the peace and hope you have given us, until we share fully in the life you promise. Amen.
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