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Sunday Reflection – 19 January 2025

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 19 January 2025

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 19 January 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 62: 1-5

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. (1)

At the beginning of this new year of ‘Hope’, good tidings are proclaimed to us yet again! We know that the Lord does not remain silent forever! As Isaiah prophesies about Jerusalem, we too are promised hope! Let us strengthen the fort of our soul with the praise of our King. Let us purify our minds with the words from scripture daily!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-3, 7-10

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. (1)

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts. (7,8)

Second Reading: First Corinthians 12: 4-11

All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. (11)

We have been blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit teaches our heart to call God “Our Father” so we are reminded daily that we are co-heirs with Christ! As we walk in the light of the Holy Spirit, we have bestowed the gifts necessary for us at that particular time! We must read the Word of God as a priority every morning! Only when we are in touch with God’s word, will we be able to silence the doubts and fear, allowing the Holy Spirit to be activated in our hearts! We receive the Wisdom required at each moment to remain fruitful in every aspect of our lives! Whether great or small, our actions can be aligned with the will of our Father, if we remain in his word!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: Second Thessalonians 2: 14

Alleluia, Alleluia!! For this purpose, he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

Gospel: John 2: 1-11

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (5)

This could very well be the most powerful words of Mother Mary, after her Fiat! Every time we turn to her, she redirects us to her Son. But how do we hear or know what Christ is telling us? Again, the answer first lies in the Holy Bible, the word of God! Every time we read the Word, we position ourselves in hearing distance or in the frequency bandwith of the Most High! When reading the word becomes a priority and practice, we are disposed to acquiring newer, undiscovered talents in us! We can find the resources necessary to slowly and surely create wine-making miracles, from the springs of our lives too! But first like Mother Mary, we must turn humble and obedient, and vice versa! Obedience requires humility! Therefore, today we ask Mother Mary for her intercession, to let our hearts turn humble and obedient to the Words her Son speaks to us!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 12 January 2025

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 12 January 2025

Baptism of the Lord Feast

Also Read: Mass Readings for 12 January 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. (1)

I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. (7)

Prophesying about Jesus many centuries earlier; Isaiah was enlightened to describe the Messiah! We pray today that we recognize our blindness and captivity of heart! We ask the great Prophet to intercede for us, that our eyes may see the “Light” which he was eagerly yearning to see!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 104: 1b-4, 24-25, 27-30

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. (24)

When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. (30)

Alleluia!

Second Reading: Titus 2: 11-14; 3: 4-7

He is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. (14)

St. Paul’s letter to Titus reminds us to live godly, Christian lives. Christ redeemed us by his death and resurrection, but we must elevate our lives to be worthy of that redemption! He further wrote: “Those who believe in God must excel in good deeds…and avoid stupid arguments!” (ch.3:8-9) We have been saved by the grace of God in His mercy, let us be aware of this great blessing and try to emulate his goodness in our daily lives! Let us be generous in our thoughts, words, and actions. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: Luke 3: 16

Alleluia, Alleluia!! John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22

The Holy Spirit came down upon him in the bodily form of a dove, and a voice from heaven was heard, “You are my Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (22)

At Jesus’ baptism, God anoints him as a prophet and king, therefore initiating his ministry work. We can turn to St. John the Baptist and remember his ministry too! He was the voice in the wilderness and proclaimed: “He who is mightier than I is coming!” (16) Let us always remember “He who is mightier than I” especially when we are faced with temptations or trials. We know we can rely on his power and not on our own strength! He is mightier than all our problems! We thank the Lord for His mercy and grace, bestowed on us through Christ Jesus. Amen!

Happy Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, Everyone! May we see the Light of Christ always before us. May we radiate His Light to all around us, Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 05 January 2025

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 05 January 2025

Epiphany of the Lord Solemnity

Also Read: Mass Readings for 05 January 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. (1-2)

We praise and Thank God that his light has shone on us through the birth of Christ Jesus! Along with the three kings we adore him today in the manger of our heart! Let us carry the light with us and not hide it.

In Jesus name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-13

In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound until the moon is no more. May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. (7-8)

Alleluia! Amen!

Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6

In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (5-6)

St Paul reminds us, how the incarnation of Christ has been revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. We are now called fellow heirs in the promise in Christ – how blessed we are!! Let us remember this promise in the New Year 2025 and walk in Hope, Faith, and Love in Christ Jesus. Amen!

Alleluia: Matthew 2: 2

Alleluia, Alleluia!! “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12

 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. (9-10)

The star that has guided us thus far, will guide us onwards. As we begin a New Year, we must follow the light that Christ shines forth for us. Let us not be distracted or misled by the so-called people in power! We have seen the Lord work mightily in our lives before let us remain steadfast in seeking Him! On the way, let us reach out to the wise men around us. Let us beware of the Herods, who may inquire but with ulterior motives. May the Lord Holy Spirit guide us in every step we take.

We turn to Mother Mary and St. Joseph to intercede for us in this Jubilee Year, through Christ our Lord, Amen

Happy New Year 2025, Everyone! May Jesus Christ’s Light Shine forth and bring peace in our hearts, homes, and the world. Amen!

The Most Holy Name of Jesus

Cecilia Vinita
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The Most Holy Name of Jesus

A great way to usher in the New Year is to begin it in the Name of our Lord Jesus, the name above all names. And rightly so, the Roman Catholic Church commemorates 3rd January as the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. St Paul in his epistle acknowledges the greatness of the name of Jesus saying–“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” (Philippians 2:10).

Worthy of all praise and honor, this name so highly exalted by His faithful ones is connected with healing, liberation, wholesomeness, transformation, love, joy, peace and considerably more. To the one who believes in Him, the name of Jesus is the calm to one’s storm. It dispels fear, eases pain and quells the power of darkness when called upon with faith. For this reason, the Holy Name of Jesus must always be assigned a place of high honor.

Etymology of the Name Jesus

The name of Jesus has its roots in Aramaic (Isho), Hebrew (Yeshua), and Classical Latin (Iesus) and is also related to another biblical name, Joshua. Essentially, the name means the Lord is Salvation indicating His mission to save people from their sins.

Wonder of His Name

Through the name of Jesus, every grace and blessing is received as promised by Christ “If you ask the Father anything in my name, he will give it to you.” (John16:23). Therefore, the Church has made it its customary practice to conclude prayers in the name of Jesus. Even Our Lord’s prayer begins with “Our Father, Holy be your Name…” recognizing that God’s Name is Holy.

Mark 16: 17-18 speaks of the inconceivable things this wondrous Name can do – “In my Name, they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.”

Further in Acts 3:6, on encountering a lame man, the apostles Peter and John tell him that they have no silver or gold to give him as alms but can give him what they can. Saying so, they continue to say, “In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. Instantly, the man’s feet and ankles become strong and he begins walking and praising God.

Deep love of St Bernadine of Siena for the Name of Jesus

A notable Saint who had reverenced the Holy Name of Jesus and worked hard to foster its devotion was St Bernadine of Siena. During his mission of preaching in the cities of Italy, he carried a copy of the monogram of Christ’s Name (IHS) which had been painted on a wooden tablet. (Although there is a Greek interpretation of IHS, in Latin it is interpreted as Iesus Hominum Salvator which translates as Jesus, Savior of Men. During the blessing of the sick, the symbol was held aloft to be venerated by the devout seeking God’s help. And during the veneration, many miracles of healing were reported. The saint was also known to encourage people have the monogram placed on the gates of their cities and doors of their homes to act as a means of securing divine favors. 

Much is being spoken of concerning the mighty Name of Jesus worldwide and the miracles that follow on merely pronouncing His Name. This reminds me of a miracle that one of my family member experienced in the year 2022 when he had severe abdominal pain. He was rushed for scan suspecting inflammation of the gall bladder. The doctors were expecting the worst. Given the severity of pain he was in, he just couldn’t pray so I reminded him on the phone that merely uttering the name of Jesus would bring healing. With faith, he repeated the name of Jesus and went through the scan. To everyone’s surprise, the pain subsided and the report turned out to be normal.

By our experiences, we know that the Holy Name of Jesus fills our soul with sweetness and relief, works as remedy for our infirmities and is a refuge to the penitent sinner. We have on different occasions been given to understand the pervasive power and salvific nature of this beautiful name. So, why not consider nurturing a good habit of invoking Jesus’ Name with faith in all circumstances in the coming years? Let’s begin with the pious recitation of the Litany to the Most Holy Name of Jesus, one of the litanies that is said to carry partial indulgence. Ring in the New Year in the Name of Jesus and savor its sweetness.

Sunday Reflection – 29 December 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 29 December 2024

Holy Family Feast

Also Read: Mass Readings for 29 December 2024

First Reading: Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14

Mum and Dad!

For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and will be credited to you against your sins. (14)

On the feast of the Holy Family, we are reminded today to honour our parents. As told to us in the fourth commandment, we must follow it as a decree! Today, we praise and thank God for our parents, who have ingrained the gospel values in us. We pray for all parents today, even those who have gone to their heavenly abode. We ask pardon of our parents, if we have hurt them in anyway. We ask the Lord to forgive us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 128: 1-5

Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. (1)

The Lord bless you from Zion. May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. (5)

Alleluia!

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12-21

The Clothing!

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. (12)

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. (14-15)

The clothes we put on help us in different ways. We dress according to the need, whether at work, or play, in different seasons, or occasions, etc! Do we likewise think about our internal clothing that helps us spiritually, and emotionally? Most of the time, we don’t! The clothing mentioned here in the passage: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience are not the first choice most often for us! “Above all, love binds everything in perfect harmony!” Therefore, if we have the love of Christ, we will find harmony! To have the love of Christ we must first know Him! If we know Him, we will strive to work from the love we have experienced in Christ!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b

Alleluia!

A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 2: 41-52

Then Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. (51)

Jesus, the son of God was the perfect son while here on earth! This episode of the trauma that his earthly parents would have gone through, reminds us of how human and Godly, his family was! We are challenged today to live like the holy family of Nazareth!! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Sunday Reflection – 22 December 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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1
Sunday Reflection – 22 December 2024

Third Sunday of Advent

Also Read: Mass Readings for 22 December 2024 Homily for 22 December 2024 – Sunday

First Reading: Micah 5: 1-4a

The Humble clan from the Little town!

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old. (2)

The little clan of Ephrathah from Bethlehem is remembered even today with admiration and affection! The little town of Bethlehem cradled the Infant Saviour in its manger! The holiest family in the world trod those humble fields. God exalted not only the people but even the small and humble land!

How much more, will he exalt the humble and faithful children of his flock? In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. (3)

Alleluia, Amen!

Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 5-10

The body that God “prepared”!

When Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me. (5)

And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (10)

The reading explains to us today, how by Lord Jesus’ birth, life, passion, and resurrection we have been saved once and for all. He came in human form and ultimately left us a piece of his eternal self in the Holy Eucharist! By establishing and sharing the Holy Communion with us, Christ grafted us into his body! Therefore, we become his Body here on earth! Through God’s wondrous working, we get to become the “Body of Christ” – the body that God “prepared”! (v.5)

Thus, we can glorify the Lord through our body – by the way we live, think, do, and say!

In Jesus’ name, Alleluia! Amen!

Alleluia: Luke 1: 38

Alleluia, Alleluia! Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45

The humble girl and her cousin!

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (41)

This passage offers many layers of teachings. One of them is that Mother Mary made haste to visit her cousin! Mary may have been rejoicing in her heart about her own ‘good news’; but the moment she learnt that her cousin too was miraculously blessed, she rejoiced doubly! Are we joyful for others’ “good news”? 

Her joy carries her over miles on foot and she greets Elizabeth! The sound of her greeting fills Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit! Let us pay attention to Mother Mary’s greetings in our ears daily, so that we may be inspired by the Holy Spirit! Let us feel her gentle touch as we go about preparing our hearts and homes! Let us sing with Mama Mary, throughout our day! Let us care with our hands like Mary did. Let us seek the barren and greet them, so that the light and warmth of the Lord within us may touch those that need it!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Maranatha!

Sunday Homily – 22 December 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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Sunday Homily – 22 December 2024

Fourth Sunday of Advent (O Rex Gentium)

Also Read: Mass Readings for 22 December 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 22 December 2024

Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45

Luke 1: 24 reads thus, “After this, Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.” Her self-imposed seclusion came to a halt when her cousin Mary visited her during the sixth month of her pregnancy.

As we are ready to celebrate Christmas, we are encouraged to go through those holy events once again. The news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy was revealed to Mary as a sign from above. It did not rest with her as a casual information. She took it upon herself to go all the way to Elizabeth’s house, some hundred miles away from her home. It was not a courtesy visit, Mary stayed with her for the rest of her pregnancy helping her through.

Ordinary news becomes Good News when it is shared. When you extend a helping hand during difficult times, you become their good news. Christmas is a call to become good news for someone in need. Mary took it on herself to serve her through the pregnancy in her advanced age. She gently helped her out of the self-imposed seclusion. Thus, Mary not only carried the Good News in her womb, but also transformed herself to be good news for Elizabeth.

Christmas, for us Christians, is a call to carry the Good News and to transform ourselves into good news. Carry the Good News like Mary. Carry it like the angels, the shepherds and the Magi. They did not try to conceal it, but went loud about it, and shared it with joy. Christmas will be reduced to a seasonal festival if we restrict ourselves from proclaiming the Good News: Jesus. The orchestrated efforts to remove Christ from Christmas is evident today. They wish us happy holidays, rather than Merry Christmas.

These are not ‘holidays’, these are holy days.  Beginning today we are entering holy days that celebrate the incarnation of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us invite our family and friends to celebrate the holy days of the birth of Jesus and the surrounding events. Jesus is the reason for the season.  Let us be bold in proclaiming the Good News of Christmas.

Let us receive the good news as Our Lady received it. She received it with humility and shared it with joy. We receive it because God is merciful. We proclaim it proudly because He has chosen us to be His instruments in spreading the joy of Incarnation. Let our lives witness that God is with us. It is our privilege and sacred duty.

When Mary visited Elizabeth, the child in her womb leaped with joy. Let our words and deeds cause a leap in faith for those around us.

Amen.  

Sunday Reflection – 15 December 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 15 December 2024

Third Sunday of Advent

Also Read: Mass Readings for 15 December 2024

First Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-18a

The Lord is near!

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. (16)

“The Lord has taken away the judgments against you!” (14) We are blessed by Our Lord God and we are dealt mercifully by him. We praise and thank the Lord for his mercies. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12: 2-6

Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Alleluia!

Second Reading: Philippians 4: 4-7

Let Judah (praise) go up first!

And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (7)

When we pray we are urged to pray with an expectant attitude. In ancient times, while facing an enemy the tribe of Judah would be positioned at the front. Judah in Hebrew translates to “praise” or “praised”. Therefore, let our praises be made known loud and clear before petitioning the Lord. We praise God in anticipation of the prayers being answered.

St. Paul reminds us of this powerful practice, that we must praise God continually in all circumstances first! Then we will receive the peace that comes from the Lord. We may even find means to resolve some of the issues, once we operate in the “Peace that surpasses all understanding!”

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: Isaiah 61: 1

Alleluia, Alleluia!

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to release to the prisoners. (1)

Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 3: 10-18

The Proclamation of John The Baptist!

 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with[e] the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. (16-18)

If St. John the Baptist were here among us today, what would he say? Would he shudder at the hardness of our hearts, that even after knowing all that we know today; we fail to repent! He teaches those who were willing to listen: the tax collectors, the crowds, and the soldiers! He teaches them charity, integrity, and contentment!

Being charitable in our thoughts and words along with our resources can be our first steps. Functioning in integrity of intentions and being content with the blessings Our Lord has poured on us; is another step toward preparing our hearts for the Lord’s little crib to be enshrined there!

We ask this through the intercession of Mother Mary, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Sunday Homily – 08 December 2024

Fr. Bobby Joseph CMI
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Sunday Homily – 08 December 2024

Second Sunday of Advent

Also Read: Mass Readings for 8 December 2024

Gospel: Luke 3: 1-6

John the Baptist is giving us a final call to prepare the road for the Messiah. He is repeating the call made by the prophet Isaiah, asking centuries back to prepare the way for the Lord. When the guest is unprecedented, the preparations need to be unprecedented. The existing roads are insufficient to welcome Messiah. We need to be prepared both as a people as well as individuals.

The call to mend our ways is both personal and communitarian. Last week, the gospel asked us to start with our end in mind: welcoming Jesus, our Lord, at his glorious second coming. When the guest is unprecedented, so shall be the preparations. We cannot welcome the royal guest through our uneven and crooked roads. The forerunner, John the Baptist, is giving us an urgent call to make our roads good. The call is to straighten the roads, to fill the valleys, and to level the mountains.

There are things that need to be straightened. It is a call to be truthful and sincere in all our dealings. It calls us to be just. We have to look into our spiritual and moral commitments. It is about being totally faithful to God and to one another.

We have to fill all the valleys in our lives. We have to work like the servant who doubled the five talents he received. We have to be like the five smart bridal maids ready with oil enough to last until the end. We have to fill the valleys created by our sins with repentance and reconciliation with God.

Christmas is a clarion call to level the mounts of arrogance and pride. Let the bulldozers of humility and truth level them. Pride is a great obstacle for Jesus to come to our lives.

Although we made our start at the time of baptism, over a period of time we might have drifted away from the royal path, and made some short-cuts here and there. It is a call to return to the royal path to salvation.

Through the centuries, Christmas has transformed to a cultural celebration than a spiritual event. Christmas is, above all, about Jesus Christ. We need to remind it ourselves over and over. Christmas is about Jesus. Advent is about preparing ourselves for the arrival of Jesus. The decorations, the lights, the sweets, and the gifts are meaningful as far as they inspire us to straighten our ways, to fill the valleys and to level the mountains to welcome Jesus.  

Let us make it our daily habit to welcome Jesus. Welcome Jesus daily by actively reading the Bible. Welcome Jesus by being in communion with Him through prayers and sacraments. Welcome Jesus continuously by being faithful to Him and to one another. Above all welcome with great love and joy in our hearts.

One final reminder, Christmas is all about Jesus.

Amen.

Sunday Reflection – 01 December 2024

Maryanne Cardoz-Mascarenhas
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Sunday Reflection – 01 December 2024

First Sunday of Advent

Also Read: Mass Readings for 01 December 2024 Homily for 01 December 2024 – Sunday

First Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14-16

In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” (15-16)

At the beginning of Advent we are reminded about our salvation history, through Jesus Christ the son of David! Christ came to earth and restored our life in Him! We praise God and know today that the branch that sprang up was Jesus Christ of Nazareth! We have been blessed to be grafted into his family! Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-5, 8-10, 14

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. (8-9)

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them. (14)

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Second Reading: First Thessalonians 3: 12 – 4: 2

And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (13)

Our Lord Jesus Christ strengthens us in our hearts every time we turn to him; -this miracle is especially experienced during the Holy Eucharistic celebration! Let us strive to receive the Holy Communion not only on Sundays but during the weekdays too! The Eucharistic meal is nourishment for our hungry souls! We know when we come to the Lord’s Supper in a state of grace; we are blessed in boundless ways not describable in words!

Let us thank the Lord for the sacraments – outward, physical signs of the grace that is poured out to us internally!

Alleluia: Psalms 85: 8

Alleluia! Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. (8) Alleluia, Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36

“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (34-36)

Dissipation is the over-indulgence of sensual pleasures, according to a dictionary. The things we assume will relieve the stress in our lives, are the very things that take us away from God. The moment we rely on the goodness of God’s plan in our lives, we will receive peace in our hearts naturally. We are built to be anchored on the rock of our salvation Jesus Christ. Therefore, when we give in to our sensual desires and keep worrying about the future; we cast away from the joy of the Lord. St Peter beautifully reminds us: “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you!” (1Pet 5:7)

This new preparation time has been given to us today so that we prepare our hearts to receive the Lord! May this advent season bless us with the light and joy of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that receiving his light and joy we may disperse it to those around us, In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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Catholic Gallery offers Daily Mass Readings, Prayers, Quotes, Bible Online, Yearly plan to read bible, Saint of the day and much more. Kindly note that this site is maintained by a small group of enthusiastic Catholics and this is not from any Church or any Religious Organization. For any queries contact us through the e-mail address given below.

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