Holy Family Feast
Also Read: Mass Readings for 31 December 2023
First Reading: Genesis 15: 1-6; 21: 1-3
The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised. (21:1)
As we are in the last few hours of the year gone by, we thank the Lord for the many blessings he has blessed us with. He dealt with Sarah, as he had promised. The Lord is a good father and deals with us according to his promise to us. Let us continue to be faithful in our words and deeds towards the Lord. Let us strive to be obedient to his word born among us!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 105: 1-9
O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. (1)
He is mindful of his covenant forever, of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac. (8-9)
Alleluia, Amen!
Second Reading: Hebrews 11: 8, 11-12, 17-19
By faith Abraham stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (9-10)
The Church is reminding us of the father of faith as we begin the new year a few hours from now. “The city that has foundations”, is built on the faith of our forefathers in the church. -The architect and builder is God. Let us place our plans and thoughts in the hands of the greatest architect ever and rest assured he will build our blueprints. When God is the builder we can expect much more than what we could ever imagine.
Just like Abraham, let us await The Lord’s promise in faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
Alleluia: Hebrews 1: 1-2
Alleluia!
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. (1-2)
Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (28-32)
Simeon was a righteous and devout man, looking forward to the consolation of Israel. (25) Simeon saw the Messiah and recognized him! In the New Year are we being called to shift our focus? What we look forward to, will be revealed to us; provided our hearts are righteous and devout! Let us strive to inculcate Simeon’s focus. When we look for the light we will find him!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Happy New Year Everyone, May we recognize the Light among us, all through the year! Amen!
