Christmas Weekday/ Thomas Becket, Bishop, Martyr
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
Alleluia: Luke 2: 32
Gospel: Luke 2: 22-35
First Reading: First John 2: 3-11
3 And by this we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He who saith that he knoweth him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But he that keepeth his word, in him in very deed the charity of God is perfected; and by this we know that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also to walk, even as he walked.
7 Dearly beloved, I write not a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you have heard.
8 Again a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true both in him and in you; because the darkness is passed, and the true light now shineth.
9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
10 He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and there is no scandal in him.
11 But he that hateth his brother, is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth; because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
1 Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2a Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
2b Shew forth his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
5b The Lord made the heavens.
6 Praise and beauty are before him: holiness and majesty in his sanctuary.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Alleluia: Luke 2: 32
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
32 A light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 2: 22-35
22 And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord:
23 As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord:
24 And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons:
25 And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him.
26 And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law,
28 He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said:
29 Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace;
30 Because my eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:
32 A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted;
35 And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.
Reflection
Simeon recognizes in the child Jesus the salvation prepared for all peoples: a light that reaches the nations and brings glory to Israel. Yet this light is not a decoration added to life; it reveals what is truly in the human heart. Christ will be welcomed by some and contradicted by others, and his presence will bring hidden thoughts into the open.
The first reading shows how we remain in that light. It is not enough to say that we know Christ. We abide in him by keeping his word and walking as he walked, especially by loving our brother. Hatred darkens our vision; love keeps us from stumbling and makes the light of Christ visible. The psalm’s call to proclaim God’s salvation becomes concrete when our conduct gives others a reason to recognize his goodness. Holding Jesus close, as Simeon did, means allowing him to expose whatever keeps us from love and to lead us into a life of faithful obedience.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Light prepared for every people, come into the hidden places of my heart. Give me the honesty to receive your truth, even when it reveals resentment, pride, or indifference. Teach me to keep your word through patient and faithful love, so that I may walk as you walked. When obedience becomes difficult, strengthen me by your grace. Make my life a clear witness to your salvation, and help me welcome those whom I find difficult to love. May your light guide my steps and bring peace to my heart. Amen.
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