Daily Readings for December 31, 2015

1ST READING

There will always be false prophets in the world. There will always be men and women who want to have the powers that belong to God alone. It is up to us Christians to be examples of faith and trust in God alone for our salvation. This is the challenge we face as we try to be faithful to our calling as disciples of Jesus. We will never be greater than our Master.

1 John 2:18-21

18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. Thus we know this is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not really of our number; if they had been, they would have remained with us. Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number. 20 But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21 I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.

P S A L M

Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13

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

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all you lands. 2 Sing to the Lord; bless his name; announce his salvation, day after day. (R) 11 Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; 12 let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult 13 before the Lord. (R) The Lord comes; he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. (R)

GOSPEL

This is a beautiful text to reflect on. It can lead to a deep contemplation of the divinity of Christ and His unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit, Jesus obedience to His Father, and many more. John begins his Gospel with a profound meditation, intent on presenting a theological understanding of the mandate and ministry of Christ.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God.

John 1:1-18

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be 4 through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; 5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. 12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only begotten Son, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, 17 because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 30, 2015

1ST READING

Christ has conquered the evil one. We no longer need to fear his power. Jesus has defeated the powers of sin and death and has shared this victory with all of us. Through baptism, we share the victory of Christ. Let us pray that we may use the grace of our baptism and allow the victory of Jesus to shine through our lives for all to see.

1 John 2:12-17

12 I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one. 14 I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one. 15 Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.

P S A L M

Psalm 96:7-8, 8-9, 10

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

7 Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and praise; 8 give to the Lord the glory due his name! (R) Bring gifts, and enter his courts; 9 worship the Lord in holy attire. Tremble before him, all the earth. (R) 10 Say among the nations: The Lord is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity. (R)

GOSPEL

Anna is a person of deep and trusting faith. Luke mentions a man, Simeon, and a woman, Anna in the context of the infancy narratives to demonstrate that the Gospel faith is for all people. Faith is the same for men and women; it does not make different demands on one or the other. Faith is an inclusive reality. Let us always remember this truth as we share the Gospel with those around us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 2:36-40

36 There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 29, 2015

1ST READING

Love is inclusive. This does not mean that there are more than two participants in a marriage, but even married people seek to reach out to those in need around them. Love does not seek separation from others. Jesus does not exclude anyone because of sin. He forgives our sins. What remains to be seen is whether we accept that forgiveness or not.

1 John 2:3-11

3 Beloved: The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: 6 Whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked. 7 Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall. 11 Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

P S A L M

Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 5-6

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

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all you lands. 2 Sing to the Lord; bless his name. (R) Announce his salvation, day after day. 3 Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. (R) 5 The Lord made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary.

GOSPEL

Simeon has a deep faith in the Lord. He waited for the day when he can set his eyes upon the Savior of the world, and it has finally come. Now he is happy to die, maybe because he believes his salvation is near at hand. Let us pray that we may deepen our belief in the Gospel and never doubt its efficacy, even in the most trying situations.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

A light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.

Luke 2:22-35

22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, 24 and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 29 “Lord, now let your servant go in peace, your word has been fulfilled: 30 my own eyes have seen the salvation, 31 which you prepared in the sight of every people, 32 a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory for your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 28, 2015

Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

1ST READING

There are a number of examples in Scripture where God works a miracle so that a woman who is barren is able to conceive and give birth. This includes Mary giving birth to Jesus. Here we read about Hannah and Samuel. We see Hannah’s gratefulness as she offers Samuel to the service of the Lord. Samuel ends up serving God in a significant way – just like Isaac, John the Baptist, and so on.

1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28

20 In those days Hannah conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the Lord for him. 21 The next time her husband Elkanah was going up with the rest of his household to offer the customary sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vows, 22 Hannah did not go, explaining to her husband, “Once the child is weaned, I will take him to appear before the Lord and to remain there forever; I will offer him as a perpetual nazirite.” 24 Once Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the Lord in Shiloh. 25 After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli 26 and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my request. 28 Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.” Hannah left Samuel there.

P S A L M

Psalm 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10

R: Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.

1 [2] How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 [3]My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (R) 4 [5] Happy they who dwell in your house! Continually they praise you. 5 [6] Happy the men whose strength you are! Their hearts are set upon the pilgrimage. (R) 8 [9] O Lord of hosts, hear my prayer; hearken, O God of Jacob! 9 [10] O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of your anointed. (R)

2ND READING

Our conscience is an important aspect of the moral structure of the human person. Knowing the difference between right and wrong is inherent in us. St. Augustine tells us that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. We should form our conscience in the truth and in the ways and teachings of the Church.

1 John 3:1-2, 21-24

1 Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. And so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God 22 and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. 24 Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit that he gave us.

GOSPEL

The Holy Family of Nazareth — Jesus, Mary and Joseph — is a model for all families. God gave them many unique graces but this is not an excuse for us to fall short of their example. The grace for holiness is available to us at all times. God does not expect us to do anything without the grace to accomplish it. Let us grow in holiness as a family. Perhaps we can look for an outreach, advocacy or ministry that we can serve as a family. There will be many blessings both for your own family and the recipients of your ministry.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

Luke 2:41-52

41 Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, 42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. 43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 27, 2015

Feast of the Holy Family

1ST READING

There are a number of examples in Scripture where God works a miracle so that a woman who is barren is able to conceive and give birth. This includes Mary giving birth to Jesus. Here we read about Hannah and Samuel. We see Hannah’s gratefulness as she offers Samuel to the service of the Lord. Samuel ends up serving God in a significant way – just like Isaac, John the Baptist, and so on.

1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28

20 In those days Hannah conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the Lord for him. 21 The next time her husband Elkanah was going up with the rest of his household to offer the customary sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vows, 22 Hannah did not go, explaining to her husband, “Once the child is weaned, I will take him to appear before the Lord and to remain there forever; I will offer him as a perpetual nazirite.” 24 Once Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the Lord in Shiloh. 25 After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli 26 and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my request. 28 Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.” Hannah left Samuel there.

P S A L M

Psalm 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10

R: Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.

1 [2] How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 [3]My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (R) 4 [5] Happy they who dwell in your house! Continually they praise you. 5 [6] Happy the men whose strength you are! Their hearts are set upon the pilgrimage. (R) 8 [9] O Lord of hosts, hear my prayer; hearken, O God of Jacob! 9 [10] O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of your anointed. (R)

2ND READING

Our conscience is an important aspect of the moral structure of the human person. Knowing the difference between right and wrong is inherent in us. St. Augustine tells us that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. We should form our conscience in the truth and in the ways and teachings of the Church.

1 John 3:1-2, 21-24

1 Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. And so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God 22 and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. 24 Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit that he gave us.

GOSPEL

The Holy Family of Nazareth — Jesus, Mary and Joseph — is a model for all families. God gave them many unique graces but this is not an excuse for us to fall short of their example. The grace for holiness is available to us at all times. God does not expect us to do anything without the grace to accomplish it. Let us grow in holiness as a family. Perhaps we can look for an outreach, advocacy or ministry that we can serve as a family. There will be many blessings both for your own family and the recipients of your ministry.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

Luke 2:41-52

41 Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, 42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. 43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 26, 2015

Feast of St. Stephen, protomartyr

1ST READING

Paul seems to have played a part in the martyrdom of Stephen. This shows the extraordinary nature of his conversion to Christianity. From condemning Christians, Paul becomes one of them. This demonstrates the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation when proclaiming the Gospel. Imagine the apprehension of the Christians in welcoming Paul into their homes, given his history of siding with their persecutors. Yet, this is what they must have done.

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

8 Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, 10 but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. 7:54 When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. 58 They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

P S A L M

Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17

R: Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

2 [3] Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. 3 [4] You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me. (R) 5 [6] Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God. 7 [8] I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy. (R) 15 [16] Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. 16 [17] Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. (R)

GOSPEL

As the first martyr of the Christian faith, Stephen is an example of discipleship. The call to live and proclaim the Gospel is of the highest importance, higher even than preserving one’s life. For the first 300 years of its existence, the Church experienced persecution and so  martyrdom was relatively common and seen as a second baptism this time in blood, the first having been by water.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord: the Lord is God and has given us light.

Matthew 10:17-22

17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. 19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. 20 For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 25, 2015

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

1ST READING

 

There is no greater gift than God’s offer of salvation to all who have faith in Him. We do not deserve such a precious gift. We should in turn offer the same gift to all whom we meet. Let us live the Gospel to the full so that others will desire the same.

Isaiah 52:7-10 (or Isaiah 9:1-6 or Isaiah 62:11-12)

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” 8 Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the Lord restoring Zion. 9 Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the Lord comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. 10 The Lord has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 (or Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 or Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12)

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

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (R)

 

2ND READING

 

The birth of Jesus is no accident. God has prepared for it for about 2,000 years from the time of Abraham. God loves us deeply that He left no stone unturned, so to speak, over a long period of time to prepare the world for the birth of His Son. Human history experiences a watershed moment that changes its direction forever with the birth of Christ.

 

Hebrews 1:1-6 (or Titus 2:11-14 or Titus 3:4-7)

1 Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; 2 in these last days, he has spoken to us through the son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, 3 who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my son; this day I have begotten you? Or again: I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me? 6 And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him.

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus comes to live among us. A Greek word used here means “to pitch one’s tent,” a very descriptive and personal act. I remember from my childhood where my family went camping and we had to pitch our tent. Sometimes it was an easy task; sometimes difficult especially when it was raining. Jesus’ life in our midst had its ups and downs, just as our lives in His service will, too.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

John 1:1-18 (or Luke 2:1-14 or Luke 2:15-20)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be 4 through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; 5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. 12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ ” 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, 17 because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 24, 2015

1ST READING

God does not want a man with blood on his hands to be the builder of the Temple where He will dwell. David will have to leave this task to his son, Solomon. And Solomon will do a magnificent job. However, it is during Solomon’s time that the people of Israel begin to understand what it means to have a king in the image and likeness of other nations. There will be taxes to pay, armies to raise, and so on. Did they ever doubt the wisdom of choosing a monarchical structure for their nation?

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16

1 When King David was settled in his palace, and the Lord had given him rest from his enemies on every side, 2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” 3 Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.” 4 But that night the Lord spoke to Nathan and said: 5 “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Should you build me a house to dwell in? 8 “‘It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be  commander of my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. 10 I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, 11 since the time I first  appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. 12 And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. 16 Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’ ”

P S A L M

Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29

R: Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

1 [2] The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: 4 [5] Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” (R) 26 [27] “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’ 28 [29] Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my  covenant with him stands firm.” (R)

GOSPEL

Zechariah’s prayer of thanksgiving and prophecy has become a part of the Church’s prayer life from ancient times. Known as the Benedictus, it is sung every morning in the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours. Let us reflect on our faith and the hope it instills in our hearts. Let us remember that our faith came at a price — the death of Jesus on the cross. Let us always treasure its blessings with immense gratitude and joy.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in the shadow of death.

Luke 1:67-79

67 Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. 69 He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. 70 Through his prophets he promised of old 71 that he would save us from our enemies, from the hand of all who hate us. 72 He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. 73 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to set us free from the hand of enemies, free to worship him without fear, 75 holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. 76 You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, 78 in the tender of compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, 79 to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

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Daily Readings for December 23, 2015

1ST READING

The Lord sent His messengers to every generation. If there are no messengers, then it is a sign that that generation is blind and deaf to the call of the Gospel. There are many options available to the people today and this is why they do not hear and follow God’s call in their lives. If we reflect on our lives and cannot see a God in the middle of it, then we are either hard-headed or completely blind. Paul reminds us that God’s truth is available to all, only if they form and listen to their consciences properly.

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24

1 Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. 3 He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord. 4 Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord, as in days of old, as in years gone by. 23 Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day, 24 to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with doom.

P S A L M

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

R: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

4 Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) 8 Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R) 10 All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. 14 The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. (R)

GOSPEL

Zechariah learned his lesson. Nine months of being mute taught him not to doubt God but to place his trust in His Word. Let us also learn from him. There is no point in committing mistakes when we know them from the beginning. That is willful stupidity. We do not need to test God. We should listen to His Word and obey it.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Luke 1:57-66

57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 22, 2015

1ST READING

Hannah is one of the women who miraculously gave birth and defied medical understanding. If God wants to do something, then He will do it. Nothing is outside the reach of His power. Hannah generously offers her son, Samuel, to the Lord for service in the Temple, as the Law calls for all first-born sons. It will be the same with Jesus when He is born. Serving God should always be seen as an honor and a privilege.

1 Samuel 1:24-28

24 In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her, along with a three year- old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the Lord in Shiloh. 25 After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli 26 and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my request. 28 Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.” She left Samuel there.

P S A L M

1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8

R: My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

1 “My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.” (R) 4 “The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. 5 The well fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.” (R) 6 “The Lord puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. 7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.” (R) 8 “He raises the needy from the dust; from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, to seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.” (R)

GOSPEL

A clear focus is essential in the spiritual life. If we are not clear who it is we serve, namely God, Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, then we will easily lose our ways in the midst of a world full of distractions and illicit pleasures. Mary knows that God’s plan for her life is the most important thing for her and it is this that she will focus on for the rest of her life — she is with Jesus at many of the important events of His life, including His death. She is also there as His mission continues beyond His Resurrection and Ascension (Pentecost). Mary is a disciple of Jesus above all other things. Can we say the same about ourselves?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church; come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Luke 1:46-56

46 Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 48 For he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: 49 the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. 50 He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. 51 He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. 52 He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has come to help of his servant Israel, for he remembered his promise of mercy, 55 the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and to his children for ever.” 56 Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 21, 2015

1ST READING

Let us reflect on the imagery and message of the Song of Songs. It is one of the most intimate books in Scripture. It gives an incredible insight into the mystery and reality of God’s love for us, and for us to return that love by loving one another. We need to be intimate with God or we will never realize the great depths of His love for us.

Song of Song 2:8-14 (or Zephaniah 3:14-18)

8 Hark! My lover — here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. 9 My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. 10 My lover speaks. He says to me, “Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come! 11 “For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. 12 The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land. 13 The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance. Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come! 14 “O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, let me see you, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.”

P S A L M

Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21

R: Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. 3 Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness. (R) 11 But the plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. 12 Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. (R) 20 Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield, 21 for in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. (R)

GOSPEL

When Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, she showed her willingness to give herself in the love and service of her neighbor. We need to develop this selflessness as disciples — to be aware of the needs of others and to be willing to provide for those needs if and when we can.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God.

Luke 1:39-45

39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 20, 2015

1ST READING

The prophets tried to know where the Messiah would come from. It does not really matter what tribe Jesus was born into – the tribe of Benjamin and the House of David. What matters is He is born in our hearts and minds. What matters is that we embrace the Gospel with all our heart, mind and strength. What matters is that we follow where He leads. These things are within our own individual control – we get to choose whether we accept the gift of redemption or not.

Micah 5:1-4

1 Thus says the Lord: You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. 2 Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, and the rest of his kindred shall return to the children of Israel. 3 He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord, his God; and they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; 4 he shall be peace.

P S A L M

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

R: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. 3 Rouse your power, and come to save us. (R) 15 Once again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, 16 and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. (R) 18 May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. 19 Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. (R)

2ND READING

It is the sacrifice of our self-will that is most pleasing to God. The Old Testament focused on the actual sacrifice of animals as burnt offerings to God that took away our sins. In the liturgy of the Church, we “sacramentalize” these offerings. What God really wants is the actual sacrifice they all signify— our surrender to His will out of love for and trust in Him. This is the best gift we can give God this Christmas.

Hebrews 10:5-10

5 Brothers and sisters: When Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. 7 Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.’” 8 First he says, “Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.” These are offered according to the law. 9 Then he says, “Behold, I come to do your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. 10 By this “will,” we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

GOSPEL

Spiritual men and women can recognize in the Holy Spirit their kindred spirits. Simply put, like attracts like, except of course in the case of magnets. We are dealing with holiness and righteousness. Where there is holiness, it will eventually flourish. Jesus tells us that where two or three gather in His name, He is there in their midst. Holiness works like this, too. Let us contribute to the growth of holiness in our families and communities.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.

Luke 1:39-45

39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for December 19, 2015

1ST READING

The Church’s liturgy prepares us for the extraordinary nature of the virgin birth of Jesus by sharing other examples in history. Samson is born to a woman who is barren and past the age of fertility. Conditions related to the birth of Samson indicate that he is not simply a gift to the barren couple – something will be expected of Samson in the years to come.

Judges 13:2-7, 24-25

2 There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had borne no children. 3 An angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. 4 Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean. 5 As for the son you will conceive and bear, no razor shall touch his head, for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb. It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines.” 6 The woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed. I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name. 7 But he said to me, ‘You will be with child and will bear a son. So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, until the day of his death.’ ” 24 The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the Lord blessed him; 25 the Spirit of the Lord first stirred him.

P S A L M

Psalm 71:3-4, 5-6, 16-17

R: My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!

3 Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. (R) 5 For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. 6 On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength. (R) 16 I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord; O God, I will tell of your singular justice. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (R)

GOSPEL

Elizabeth is another example of a barren woman past the reproductive age. Yet she becomes pregnant and gives birth to John the Baptist. God intervenes in human history, as established time and again in Scriptures. He can do it whenever He wants — He is the Lord of Creation after all. However, there is always a good reason forHis interventions. Let us seek to understand what He wants to say to us through His actions.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

Luke 1:5-25

5 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. 8 Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, 9 according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. 10 Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, 11 the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, 16 and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 18 Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 20 But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. 23 Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 24 After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com