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Daily Mass Readings for Monday, 2 January 2023

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Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops, Doctors Obligatory Memorial

First Reading: First John 2: 22-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Alleluia: Hebrews 1: 1-2
Gospel: John 1: 19-28
Lectionary: 205

First Reading: First John 2: 22-28

22 Who is a liar, but he who denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is Antichrist, who denieth the Father, and the Son.

23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father. He that confesseth the Son, hath the Father also.

24 As for you, let that which you have heard from the beginning, abide in you. If that abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning, you also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father.

25 And this is the promise which he hath promised us, life everlasting.

26 These things have I written to you, concerning them that seduce you.

27 And as for you, let the unction, which you have received from him, abide in you. And you have no need that any man teach you; but as his unction teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie. And as it hath taught you, abide in him.

28 And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be confounded by him at his coming.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

1 Sing ye to the Lord anew canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

2 The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

3ab He hath remembered his mercy his truth toward the house of Israel.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

3cd All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Alleluia: Hebrews 1: 1-2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1-2 In times, past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets: in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: John 1: 19-28

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites to him, to ask him: Who art thou?

20 And he confessed, and did not deny: and he confessed: I am not the Christ.

21 And they asked him: What then? Art thou Elias? And he said: I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered: No.

22 They said therefore unto him: Who art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest thou of thyself?

23 He said: I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaias.

24 And they that were sent, were of the Pharisees.

25 And they asked him, and said to him: Why then dost thou baptize, if thou be not Christ, nor Elias, nor the prophet?

26 John answered them, saying: I baptize with water; but there hath stood one in the midst of you, whom you know not.

27 The same is he that shall come after me, who is preferred before me: the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose.

28 These things were done in Bethania, beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The readings on this page are taken from the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible. You can also read the Mass Readings taken from the New Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. (References, Copyrights).
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Daily Mass Readings for Sunday, 1 January 2023

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Mary, Mother of God Solemnity (Octave of Christmas)

First Reading: Numbers 6: 22-27
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8
Second Reading: Galatians 4: 4-7
Alleluia: Hebrews 1: 1-2
Gospel: Luke 2: 16-21

Also Read: Mass Reading Reflection for 1 January 2023 Homily for 1 January 2023 – Sunday

Lectionary: 18

First Reading: Numbers 6: 22-27

22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

23 Say to Aaron and his sons: Thus shall you bless the children of Israel, and you shall say to them:

24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee.

25 The Lord shew his face to thee, and have mercy on thee.

26 The Lord turn his countenance to thee, and give thee peace.

27 And they shall invoke my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8

R. (2a) May God bless us in his mercy.

2 May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may he cause the light of his countenance to shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us.

3 That we may know thy way upon earth: thy salvation in all nations.

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

5 Let the nations be glad and rejoice: for thou judgest the people with justice, and directest the nations upon earth.

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

6 Let the people, O God, confess to thee: let all the people give praise to thee:

8 May God bless us: and all the ends of the earth fear him.

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

Second Reading: Galatians 4: 4-7

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law:

5 That he might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons.

6 And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father.

7 Therefore now he is not a servant, but a son. And if a son, an heir also through God.

Alleluia: Hebrews 1: 1-2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1-2 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 2: 16-21

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.

21 And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb.

The readings on this page are taken from the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible. You can also read the Mass Readings taken from the New Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. (References, Copyrights).
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Wed 4 11 18 25
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Sat 7 14 21 28
Archive 2023 2024

Sunday Reflection – 27 March 2022

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, Second Scrutiny of the Elect

Also Read: Mass Readings for 27 March 2022 Homily for 27 March 2022 – Sunday

First Reading: Joshua 5: 9a, 10-12

Faith!

The manna ceased on the day, they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Ca’naan that year. (12)

We must not complain about losing out on the things taken away, but be grateful and utilize whatever is available to us. Time, talent, and resources are still available to us. If we look through the eyes of faith, there are blessings all around us.

Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Fear!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (4)

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them. (7)

Fear only The Lord! Amen!

Second Reading: Second Corinthians 5: 17-21

Christ the Antidote to Fear!

All this is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ. (13)

What have we to fear, then?

Gospel: Luke 15: 1-3,11-32

Repent and Rejoice!

But we had to celebrate and rejoice because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found. (32)

When our Father in heaven himself rejoices at our return, must we not hasten to him? Once we are reconciled, may we be generous in accepting our brothers’ who reconcile in like manner. True repentance is key to our salvation.

Amen!

Sunday Homily – 27 March 2022

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, Second Scrutiny of the Elect

Also Read: Mass Readings for 27 March 2022 Mass Reading Reflection for 27 March 2022

Where is the mother?

We have just heard arguably one of the best stories ever told. And it is a story that tells every sinner has a future, a bright future if he or she intends to mend the ways and return to the father. For a change let us reflect on a character missing in this wonderful story. Where is the mother gone?

In this lovely story, there is no mother. Not even someone with a shade of motherhood. With a mother, or an elder sister, or a sister-in-law, a tiny niece, or even with an elderly maid who had cared for the prodigal son during infancy, the story would have been different. Jesus, probably, avoided any woman to tell us something important.

Prodigals are easily born where mothers are rendered insignificant. Not that, women are living under the same roof, but they are rendered insignificant. Had there been a mother at home, she would not have let the prodigal son leave in the first place. If at all he had left, he would have returned much faster. A mother is a powerful magnet that holds children closer to home and the father. Alas, in a lot of lives mothers- and women- are ignored and taken for granted. Many women are reduced to being unpaid housemaids and cooks. Especially in oriental cultures, women are considered inferior to men. Even in developed countries, a lot remains to be improved. Prodigals are seldom born in balanced families, where women are loved and respected. It is the role of the father to teach his children to respect the mother by example. An ignored and insulted wife shall be easily an ignored and insulted mother; exceptions are rare. It is true the other way around as well; if the wife does not respect her husband, her children would neither respect him. Where parents are well respected, prodigals are seldom born.

As we near the end of the story, the elder son is almost becoming the second prodigal son. That he had to be told by a servant could have been one reason to revolt. But a loving mother surely would have sent one of the servants to inform him that his brother is home, asking him to rush back, leaving his work alone. A mother solves a lot of issues before they are born. Remember the old saying, a stitch in time saves nine!

Dear parents, please set examples of respect by respecting your partners. The children shall naturally learn to respect their parents.

We all need our parents to guide us no matter how old we are. That could be the reason it is given as a command to respect your parents. Respecting your parents is not a time-bound command. That one of your parents had a limitation is not an excuse for you to disrespect your parents.

Look up to your heavenly Father, and be perfect like Him. Learn from Jesus to stay close to the heavenly Father always. Thank them they have gifted us a heavenly mother too! No Christian can complain his mother is not home. Mother Mary is always home to all Christians and even non-Christians who look unto her.                                               

Amen.

Sunday Homily – 20 March 2022

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Also Read: Mass Readings for 20 March 2022 Mass Reading Reflection for 20 March 2022

The fig tree in the vineyard                         

It is strange that one should plant a fig tree in a vineyard. It was planted; it was neither accidentally sprouted, nor the owner let it remain among vines out of mercy. It was planted there on purpose! The fig tree was the result of a deliberate choice of the owner.  

You are unique, you are planned, and you are planted accordingly!

And God expects something unique from you. Every plant around the tree is producing grapes, but the owner does not expect grapes from that tree. You are not designed to be like everyone else in your group! That you are different is not an excuse for not producing fruits.

Beware of the temptation to be like someone else.  You are always surrounded by suggestions to be someone else. Look at the hundreds of advertisements you are bombarded with every day. They invariably suggest to dress alike, to eat like, to walk like, to appear like, and to live like someone else. The celebrities want you like one of their admirers. The political leaders want you to be one of their ardent followers. You could be targeted for being different from the rest. But the loving God wants you to stand tall and sturdy like the only fig tree in a vast vineyard. Our vocation is not to ape others.

St. Paul has articulated it well in 1Cor 12:12 onwards. We are all like parts of a single body, having well-defined roles to serve the body, the Christ. Our vocation is not for uniformity, but for union in Jesus Christ.

Just like you need space to be you, your neighbor needs space to be herself or himself. Don’t judge others for being themselves. The first part of the Gospel reminds us not to judge someone even for the tragic end they received. A tragic end is not a reason to allege a sinful life. Even if someone is sinful, Jesus is asking us to be kind to them and to learn from their mistakes, and to be a better person. Because you are left with too little time to judge others.

This lent reminds you that you have too little time to mess with other matters. Because He is looking for your fruits. You are given too little time to mend your ways. You will not be asked about what others have produced, or if at all they have produced anything at all! Be fruitful the way you are.

Because you are planned and planted to be fruitful!

Amen.

Sunday Reflection – 20 March 2022

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT, First Scrutiny of the Elect

Also Read: Mass Readings for 20 March 2022 Homily for 20 March 2022 – Sunday

First Reading: Exodus 17: 3-7

Find Your Jordan!

7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

The Israelites had begun to argue with Moses about why he brought them out of Egypt. Yet God provides water for them, from the rock! God doesn’t need to prove his presence, yet they put God to the test.  This is a satanic trait. Remember, he loves to tempt us and even tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness!

There may be times that we face certain difficulties and begin to question God like: why he allowed us to reach that point. But there is a lesson we need to learn through that situation. We are God’s Children and will have to face temptation. Instead of complaining, let us wash, and be renewed; as we heal in this period granted to us.

In our Massah and Meribah, let us find Our Jordan! Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9

7 For he is the Lord our God: and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.

Let us always remember to praise God, no matter how difficult it might seem in that moment!

Amen!

Second Reading: Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8

God Proves!

8 God proved his love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

May we not put God to the test!

Gospel: John 4: 5-42

Rejoice – The time is now!

35 Do you not say, “Four months more, then comes the harvest? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting.

The time is now!

42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”

The Samaritan woman kept wondering about ”how”, Jesus was to provide the living water. But Jesus patiently and compassionately responds to all her queries. Why? Because he knew her heart! She didn’t test him! Later, the people themselves acknowledge and accept Christ. It showed all of their willingness of heart.

Let not our hearts grumble, let us Rejoice at His Coming. Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 13 March 2022

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

Also Read: Mass Readings for 13 March 2022

First Reading: Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18

Darkness!

(6) And he believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.

(12) As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.

We may be reckoned by God as righteous, but we may still be in the terrifying darkness. That is when the Lord is about to make a covenant with us!

Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14

Even in darkness, the Lord IS my Light!

(1)The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

(13-14) I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage, wait for the Lord!

Second Reading: Philippians 3: 17 – 4: 1 or 3: 20 – 4: 1

Citizenship like no other!

(20) Our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

(19) Their end is destruction, their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.

St. Paul has clearly stated the traits of an enemy! Well, we must not be surprised now! We are in enemy territory – this world. And if so, we must be on the watch! The Holy Spirit will guide us if we remain in communication with him always. So, those lusting after greed, pride, and other materialistic success are the minions of the accuser.

We are to “observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” (17) The fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-26) were seen in the apostles of Christ! They were saints, true! But we too can try to walk in “the way”. We may stumble, but we must not repeat the old patterns! As St Paul calls us his beloved saying: Therefore my brothers and sisters whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. (4:1)

Amen!

Gospel: Luke 9: 28-36

Transfigured in The Light!

Jesus took with him, Peter, John, and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. (28)

It is important to have good, godly people close to us, especially when we pray. Peter spoke up (33) and it is alright to speak up in the presence of Our Creator – we have our mediator Jesus Christ with us! They were terrified as they entered the cloud (34) and it is only human to be terrified in the presence of God! But they too: Peter, John, and James had a transfiguration experience! Their spirits wouldn’t have remained the same. They had seen heaven as prophesied by Christ in the earlier verse. (Luke 9:27) They knew then, that their citizenship was from Christ’s Kingdom!

But they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. (36)  There is a time to remain silent and a time to proclaim. For a little later, when Peter proclaimed that day after Pentecost (Acts2:14-36); there were about three thousand persons converted on that single day! (Acts 2:37-42) When it is the Lord’s day to work, his glory will shine brighter than the sun.

I pray that we may be transfigured in HIM! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 06 March 2022

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Also Read: Mass Readings for 06 March 2022

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26: 4-10

“So, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, that you O Lord have given me.” (10)

We have been blest by God in many different ways, in the past and in the present times too. Our very being and our very faith are a few of these blessings. Then, we must be bringing to the altar of God; the fruits of these blessings! To begin with, let us dedicate time in deep reflection on the word of God. Other outward rituals are fine to practice, but it is in the depths of our hearts that we must yearn to communicate with the Highest God.

It is only through God’s infinite mercy, we are called; may we respond with a strong and deep faith in His Power. Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 91: 1-2, 10-15

You who dwell in the shelter of the Highest, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty. (1) – no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. (10)

We Believe Lord! Amen!

Second Reading: Romans 10: 8-13

The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” (11)

For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (13)

There is no distinction … the same Lord is Lord of all. Whether Jew or Greek, rich or scholarly, we all have the same opportunity to be saved!

May we see the signs and turn our steps to Him!

Amen!

Gospel: Luke 4: 1-13

The Temptation of Jesus!

First, the devil finds Jesus at his physically weakest moment and entices him with food-(bodily pleasure). Next, he tries to seduce him with the glamour of the power and riches of this world. And finally, when all else fails, he tries to coax Jesus off the pinnacle – abetting his suicide perhaps!

These are the same old bag of tricks that satan still tries to employ today! -our weaknesses are filed in his records at the top. When we try to overcome them, he ventures to disrupt or distract us with the glamour of the rich and famous lives. We get hooked to T.V serials, gossip channels, and hordes of useless cyber-activity, in the name of information and/or entertainment. Well, this isn’t by mere chance, it is the well-designed plan of the enemy! Then when all else doesn’t work for him, he attacks our family lives, mental lives, and the lives of those whom we love. He would love to see us jumping off the pinnacles of our marriages, churches, and off our minds! Abandoning either of ourselves –our physical and social, spiritual and psychological selves would mean victory for that crook.

Let us not be deceived anymore and take charge of our own actions. May we find the Word of God in our hearts as a shield from those deceptions. And may we earnestly believe and remind ourselves of our own redemption through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 27 February 2022

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Also Read: Mass Readings for 27 February 2022

First Reading: Sirach 27: 4-7

When a sieve is shaken, the refuse appears; so do a person’s faults when he speaks. (4)

These are precious words for us today, even as we hear different voices around us! Our sieves are shaken today and what are the words that we speak? This scripture is a framework not only for us to recognize others, but to correct ourselves too! May God put a guard on our lips. Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 92: 2-3, 13-14, 15-16

It is good to declare the Lord’s steadfast love in the morning, and his faithfulness by night. (2)

Second Reading: First Corinthians 15: 54-58

Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (58)

When we work for the Lord, we do not work in vain. Therefore we should remind ourselves, for example, the bad boss; isn’t our provider! Our Provider is God Almighty himself! Amen!

Gospel: Luke 6: 39-45

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. (42)

If only we could take a really good, long look at our own selves; we would get busy improving ourselves daily! May we concentrate on producing good fruit!

Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 20 February 2022

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Also Read: Mass Readings for 20 February 2022

First Reading: First Samuel 26: 2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

8 And Abisai said to David: God hath shut up thy enemy this day into thy hands: now then I will run him through with my spear even to the earth at once, and there shall be no need of a second time.

Vengeance tastes sweet in the spur of the moment. But do we stop to reflect on why and how our so-called enemy, has been placed into our hands at that particular time? It is definitely not our own doing that we find ourselves in such situations. Could God be testing us through these circumstances? We would have acted in vengeance before, vented out our hurt, or let them have it right then and there. Yet after the initial satisfaction would we have harbored true joy in our hearts, later on? Or would the bitterness just leave us detested?

Few occasions come our way when we could turn magnanimous and walk a higher ground! The challenge is whether we recognize those opportunities for greatness – greatness in the eyes of the Highest God. Then once we do, are we able to walk away like David?

Praised be God in our actions!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 103: 1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

10 He hath not dealt with us according to our sins: nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Who are we to hold grudges then? Releasing ourselves of vengeance is the best form of punishment to the so-called enemy. Remember, our real enemy is not flesh and blood!

Second Reading: First Corinthians 15: 45-49

49 Therefore as we have borne the image of the earthly, let us bear also the image of the heavenly.

Through Christ’s resurrection, we have been made righteous! Therefore, though we are earthly; we have been assigned the ability to transform into the heavenly image prepared for us!

May we rise to this understanding! Amen!

Gospel: Luke 6: 27-38

27 But I say to you that hear: Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you.

These are very tough words, we may not like them! But they are the words of the Messiah and Christianity was never meant to cater to popular tastes! Digesting each verse will give us an insight into Jesus’ expectations from us! We begin with the very first verse! Do we hear his voice? Remember the sheep know his voice and they follow him! (John 10:4)

Then as we try to live out those words, we are reminded that the measure we give will be the measure we get back – a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into our laps! (38)  Now, would we want kindness and mercy in our laps? We would like that for sure!

Amen!

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