Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 30 December 2028

12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

13 I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him, who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one.

14 I write unto you, babes, because you have known the Father. I write unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

15 Love not the world, nor the things which are in the world. If any man love the world, the charity of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, is the concupiscence of the flesh, and the concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the concupiscence thereof: but he that doth the will of God, abideth for ever.

R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

7 Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour:

8a Bring to the Lord glory unto his name.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

8b Bring up sacrifices, and come into his courts:

9 Adore ye the Lord in his holy court. Let all the earth be moved at his presence.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

10 Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: he will judge the people with justice.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon the earth.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity.

37 And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day.

38 Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.

39 And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth.

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him.

Anna shows us what it means to remain faithful while waiting for God’s work to appear. She stays in the temple, serving through fasting and prayer, and when the child is brought in, she recognizes the moment and speaks of him to all who are looking for redemption. Her witness grows from a life rooted in God, not in passing things.

The first reading gives the same foundation: the world and its desires pass away, but the one who does God’s will abides forever. The Word of God remains in those who overcome the wicked one, and the psalm calls every nation to rejoice and adore the Lord. The holy day has dawned because God’s light has come upon the earth. Anna teaches us to receive that light with attentive faith, then to speak of the hope we have found. Prayer, fidelity, and obedience prepare the heart to recognize Christ and to point others toward him.

Lord God, keep my heart faithful when your work seems hidden. Teach me, like Anna, to remain close to you in prayer and to recognize the light of Christ when he comes. Free me from attachment to desires and pride that pass away, and let your Word abide deeply within me. Give me courage to speak of your mercy to those who seek redemption, and make my life a quiet witness to your enduring love. May my worship, choices, and daily service give you glory and help others rejoice in the hope you bring. Amen.