Readings and Reflection for January 13, Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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Readings and Reflection for January 13, Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING

“Let us therefore strive to enter that rest. ”

A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 4:1-5, 11)

Brethren: While the promise of entering his rest remains, let us fear lest any of you be judged to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them; but the message which they heard did not benefit them, because it did not meet with faith in the hearers. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall never enter my rest,”’ although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way, “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this place he said, “They shall never enter my rest.” Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, that no one fall by the same sort of disobedience.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 78:3 and 4bc.6c-7.8 (R. 7b)

R/. Never forget the deeds of the Lord!

The things we have heard and understood,

the things our fathers have told us,

but will tell them to the next generation:

the glories of the LORD and his might. R/.

They should arise and declare it to their children,

that they should set their hope in God,

and never forget God’s deeds,

but keep every one of his commands, R/.

R/. Never forget the deeds of the Lord!

So that they might not be like their fathers,

a defiant and rebellious generation,

a generation whose heart was fickle,

whose spirit was not faithful to God. R/.

ALLELUIA Luke 7:16

Alleluia. A great prophet has risen among us, and God has visited his people. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 2: 1- 12)

When Jesus returned to Capemaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like this? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they questioned like this within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question like this in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”— he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

The Gospel of the Lord.

TODAY’S REFLECTION

The four men in the gospel manifested their trust in Jesus and brought a paralytic to his side hoping for a cure. Jesus manifested his divinity as he forgave the sins of the paralyzed man and cured him of his ailment. The message of today’s readings is that we should be ready to face the consequences of the choices we make in life. Hence the need to trust in God rather than on our own strength and thus make the right choices so that the paralyzing situations of our life can be cured and our sins forgiven by God.

Readings and Reflection for January 12, Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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Readings and Reflection for January 12, Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING

“Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today.”’

A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 3:7- 14)

Brethren: As the Holy Spirit says, “Today, when you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their hearts; they have not known my ways.’ As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall never enter my rest.”’ Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 95:6-7abc.7d and 8-9. 10-11 (R. 8a)

R/. O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.

O come; let us bow and bend low.

Let us kneel before the God who made us,

for he is our God and we

the people who belong to his pasture,

the flock that is led by his hand. R/.

O that today you would listen to his voice!

“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,

as on that day at Massah in the desert

when your forebears put me to the test;

when they tried me, though they saw my work.” R/.

R/. O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.

For forty years I wearied of that generation,

and I said, ‘Their hearts are astray;

this people does not know my ways.’

Then I took an oath in my anger,

‘Never shall they enter my rest. ”’ R/.

ALLELUIA (Matthew 4:23)

Alleluia. Jesus was preaching the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every infirmity among the people. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“The leprosy left him, and he was wade clean.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 1:40-45)

At that time: A leper came to Jesus begging him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And he sternly charged him, and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people.” But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

The Gospel of the Lord.

TODAY’S REFLECTION

knowledge is acquired not only by personal experience but also by learning and hearing. The wise tortoise said that he would learn from what happened to the lion and avoid a repeat in his own life. The sad story of the evil that come upon Israel of old should teach us the danger of disobedience to God, so that we do not share the same destructive fate that they did. Without obedience to God none of us shall enter the eternal place of rest prepared for us. The man cured in the Gospel did not follow the instructions of Jesus, but prevented Jesus from freely going to others. We must not give way to our feelings and desire to go against God’s command.

Readings and Reflection for January 11, Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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Readings and Reflection for January 11, Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING

“He had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become merciful.”

A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 2:14-18)

Since the children share in flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 105:1-2. 3-4. 6-7. 8-9

R/. The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

Or: Alleluia.

Give thanks to the Lord; proclaim his name.

Make known his deeds among the peoples.

O sing to him, sing his praise;

tell all his wonderful works! R/.

Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.

Turn to the Lord and his strength;

constantly seek his face. R/.

R/. The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

Or: Alleluia.

O children of Abraham, his servant,

O descendants of the Jacob he chose, he,

the Lord, is our God;

his judgements are in all the earth. R/.

He remembers his covenant forever:

the promise he ordained for a thousand generations,

the covenant he made with Abraham,

the oath he swore to Isaac. R/.

ALLELUIA John 10:27

Alleluia. My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“He healed many who were sick with diseases.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 1:29-39)

At that time: Jesus left the synagogue, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother- in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them. That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered together about the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him followed him, and they found him and said to him, “Every one is searching for you.” And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

The Gospel of the Lord.

TODAY’S REFLECTION

The mystery of God’s love for man is seen in Jesus, the incarnation of God, who condescended to take human flesh. To be like us He took upon Himself everything of ours, save sin. This divine union brought man salvation from the powers of death. Such a union makes Jesus our brother in the faith of Abraham. The mercy of God comes to us through this union, since He has passed through our nature. The benefits we have from this union are many. This is why Jesus goes around doing good and healing all our infirmities. We must utilize the grace of this union and adoption in Christ by faithfully and spiritually inviting Him into our home and heart.

Readings and Reflection for January 10, Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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Readings and Reflection for January 10, Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING

“It was fitting that he should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.”

A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 2:5-12)

It was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, “What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels, You have crowned him with glory and honour, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you!”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 8:2ab and 5.6-7a.7b-9 (R. cf. 7a)

R/. You have given your Son power over the works of your hands.

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic

is your name through all the earth!

What is man that you should keep him in mind,

the son of man that you care for him? R/.

Yet you have made him little lower than the angels;

with glory and honour you crowned him,

gave him power over the works of your hands. R/.

You put all things under his feet,

all of them, sheep and oxen,

yes, even the cattle of the fields,

birds of the air, and fish of the sea

that make their way through the waters. R/.

ALLELUIA 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Alleluia. Accept the word of God, not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“He taught them as one who had authority.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 1: 21b-28)

[In the city of Capernaum,] Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and taught. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

The Gospel of the Lord.

TODAY’S REFLECTION

Today we are reminded of the fact that what is in us is greater than what is in the world. And that: “We are from God and have overcome all things.” Often, men does not recognize the power that God has bestowed on him. We allow fear to take the best from us. This truth, spoken by the psalmist, is echoed in the first reading: that God make man higher than the angels and placed all things under his authority. This is what we have inherited through our adoption in Christ Jesus. This authority issues from CHRIST, who puts fear into evil forces and they obey Him. We must remain attached to Jesus to do greater works that HE did.

Readings for Monday January 9, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

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Readings for Monday January 9, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

FIRST READING

“Behold my servant, my chosen one, in whom my soul delights. ”

A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 42: 1-4.6-7)

Thus says the Lord: Behold my servant, whom I uphold, chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him, he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not fail or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the islands wait for his law. “I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; 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.”

The word of the Lord.

OR

“God anointed him with the Holy Spirit. ”

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 10:34-38)

In those days: Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the word which he sent to the sons of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), the word which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 29:1a and 2.3ac-4.3b and 9c- 11 (R.11b)

R/. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly powers,

ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;

bow down before the Lord, majestic in holiness. R/.

The voice of the Lord upon the waters,

the Lord on the immensity of waters;

the voice of the Lord full of power;

the voice of the Lord full of splendour. R/.

The God of glory thunders;

in his temple they all cry, “Glory!”

The Lord sat enthroned above the flood;

the Lord sits as king forever. R/.

ALLELUIA Cf. Mark 9:6

Alleluia. The heavens opened and the Father’s voice was heard: “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“When Jesus was baptised the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God came upon him. ”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 3: 13-17)

At that time: Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptised by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptised, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and behold, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

The Gospel of the Lord

Reflection for Sunday January 8, Solemnity of The Epiphany of the Lord

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Reflection for Sunday January 8, Solemnity of The Epiphany of the Lord

FIRST READING

“The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 60:1-6)

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Loan will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall walk by your light, and kings in the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes round about, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be carried in the arms. Then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 72:1-2.7-8.10-11.12- 13 (R. cf. 11)

R/. All nations on earth shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord

O God, give your judgement to the king,

to a king’s son your justice,

that he may judge your people in justice,

and your poor in right judgement. R/.

In his days shall justice flourish,

and great peace till the moon is no more.

He shall rule from sea to sea,

from the River to the bounds of the earth. R/.

R/. All nations on earth shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord

The kings of Tarshish and the islands

shall pay him tribute.

The kings of Sheba and Seba

shall bring him gifts.

Before him all kings shall fall prostrate,

all nations shall serve him. R/.

For he shall save the needy when they cry,

the poor, and those who are helpless.

He will have pity on the weak and the needy,

and save the lives of the needy. R/.

SECOND READING

“It has now been revealed that the Gentiles are fellow heirs of the promise.”

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:2-3a.5-6)

Brethren: I assume that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that is, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

The word of the Lord.

ALLELUIA Matthew 2:2

Alleluia. We have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship the Lord. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“We have come from the East to worship the king.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthews 2:1-12)

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise Men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel. ”’ Then Herod summoned the Wise Men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” When they had heard the king they went their way; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

The Gospel of the Lord.

TODAY’S REFLECTION

The celebration of the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is a commemoration of God’s revelation of Himself to all of humanity, unhindered by any human limitation. The Magi received this revelation through their astrology, which shows that God can reveal himself through any means or person he chooses. This calls us to guard against discrimination of any kind in our Christian living. God is for all of us and reveals himself to all in different ways. Pay attention to the events around you; God could be talking to you through them. When it becomes difficult for you to understand, God will provide you with a star to direct you. He did not fail the Magi; he will not fail you.

Readings and Reflection for January 7, Saturday before Epiphany

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Readings and Reflection for January 7, Saturday before Epiphany

FIRST READING

“He hears us in whatever we ask.”

A reading from the first Letter of Saint John (1 John 5: 14-21)

Beloved: This is the confidence which we have in the Son of God, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him. If any one sees his brother committing what is not a deadly sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not deadly. There is sin which is deadly; I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not deadly. We know that any one born of God does not sin, but He who was born of God keeps him, and the Evil One does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the Evil One. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, to know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

The word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 149: lb-2.3-4.5-6a and 9b (R. 4a)

R/. The Lord takes delight in his people.

or: Alleluia.

Sing a new song to the Lord,

his praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Israel rejoice in its Maker;

let Sion’s children exult in their king. R/.

Let them praise his name with dancing,

and make music with timbrel and harp.

For the Lord takes delight in his people;

he crowns the poor with salvation. R/.

Let the faithful exult inl glory,

and rejoice as they take their rest.

Let the praise of God be in their mouths.

This is an honour for all his faithful. R/.

ALLELUIA Luke 7: 16

Alleluia. Alleluia. A great prophet has risen among us, and God has visited his people. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 2: 1- 11)

At that time: There was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “O woman, what is that to you or to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast.” So they took it. When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Readings and Reflection for January 6, Friday before Epiphany

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Readings and Reflection for January 6, Friday before Epiphany

FIRST READING

“The Spirit, the water, and the blood.”

A reading from the first Letter of Saint John (1 John 5:5-13)

Beloved: Who is it that overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the witness, because the Spirit is the truth. There are three witnesses, the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has borne witness to his Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne to his Son. And this is the testimony that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life. I write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

The word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 147: 12- 13.14-15.19-20 (R. 12a)

R/. O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord!

Or: Alleluia.

O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord!

O Sion, praise your God!

He has strengthened the bars of your gates;

he has blessed your children within you. R/.

He established peace on your borders;

he gives you your fil1 of finest wheat.

He send‘s out his word to the earth,

and swiftly runs his command. R/.

He reveals his word to Jacob;

to Israel, his decrees and judgements.

He has not dealt thus with other nations;

he has not taught them his judgements. R/.

ALLELUIA Mark 9:6

Alleluia. Alleluia. The heavens opened and the Father’s voice was heard: “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 1:7- 11)

At that time: John preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptised you with water; but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Or the following:

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 3:23-38)

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of Adam, the son of God.

At that time: Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Janna-i, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Nagga-i, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Seine-in, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of She-alti-el, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi, the son ofAddi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elm- adam, the son of Er, the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, the son of Mele-a, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Ami, the son of Hez- ron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Ca-inan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Maha1ale-e1, the son of Ca-inan, the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

The Gospel of the Lord

TODAY’S REFLECTION

God the Father established the true sonship of Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, and the Word made flesh through the tree witness of water, blood and the Holy Spirit. Jesus turned the water of Baptism into a source of regeneration, reconciliation and forgiveness of sins for all baptized Christians through the power of the Holy Spirit which He sealed with his blood on the cross of Calvary. Thus, He made Jesus the source of salvation for all humanity and all who believe in Him. He is the beloved Son of the Father in whom God is well pleased. Each of us has become God’s beloved child through our baptism in Christ.

Readings and Reflection for January 5, Thursday before Epiphany

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Readings and Reflection for January 5, Thursday before Epiphany

FIRST READING

“We have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren.”

A reading from the first Letter of Saint John (1 John 3:11-18)

Beloved: This is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, and not be like Cain who was of the Evil One and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not wonder, brethren, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love remains in death. Any one who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we show love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But if any one has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or speech but indeed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth, and reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 100: 1-2.3.4

R/. Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Serve the Lord with gladness.

Come before him, singing for joy. R/.

Know that he, the Lord, is God.

He made us; we belong to him.

We are his people, the sheep of his flock. R/.

R/. Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with songs of praise.

Give thanks to him, and bless his name. R/.

Indeed, how good is the Lord,

eternal his merciful love.

He is faithful from age to age. R/.

Alleluia,

Alleluia. A hallowed day has shone upon us: come, O nations, and adore the Lord; for today a great light has come down to earth. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 1: 43-51)

At that time: Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

TODAY’S REFLECTION

“What is in a name?” Today, we commemorate the naming of Jesus. In tradition, names are action words that signified and encompassed the actual life and destiny of the bearers. Jesus’ name and titles designate his actual life, work and destiny, especially in relation to us. As an object of faith, early Christian converts were invited to believe in Jesus’ name (Jn 20:31, 1 Jn 5:13, Acts 2:38). The name represents the saving presence of Jesus in our midst. There is power in the name; power that heals, encourages, delivers, fills our needs, and inspires us to share the same gift with others. Loving God, sustain us in the name of Jesus, your Son. Amen.

Readings for January 4, Wednesday before Epiphany

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Readings for January 4, Wednesday before Epiphany

FIRST READING

“He cannot sin because he is born of God.”

A reading from the first Letter of Saint John (1 John 3:7-10)

Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does right is righteous, as he is righteous. He who commits sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. Any one born of God does not commit sin; for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God. By this it may be seen who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not do right is not of God, nor he who does not love his brother.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 98: 1.7-9ab-9cd (R. 3cd)

R/. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

O sing a new song to the Lord,

for he has worked wonders.

His right hand and his holy arm

have brought salvation. R/.

Let the sea and all within it thunder;

the world, and those who dwell in it.

Let the rivers clap their hands,

and the hills ring out their joy.

At the presence of the Lord,

for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. R/.

He will judge the world with justice,

and the peoples with fairness. R/.

ALLELUIA Hebrews 1: 1-2

Alleluia. Alleluia. In many and various ways God spoke of old by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“We have found the Messiah”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 1:35-42)

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying; and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

The Gospel of the Lord.

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