Daily Readings for December 10, 2016

1ST READING

A parent’s first work of evangelization is his family. The faith of a child depends on the witness of his parents and a strong faith environment at home. Let us foster faith in our homes and places of work and study so that we are constantly challenged to live and proclaim the Gospel every day.

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11

1 In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. 2 Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; 3 by the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. 4 How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? 9 You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. 10 You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. 11 Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship.

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. (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)

GOSPEL

The disciples begin to understand that Jesus is the Messiah. Unlike them, we are privileged to know the identity of Jesus from the beginning. It must have been a shock to them, especially when Jesus told them that He will die and be raised from the dead. Let us be grateful that we have 2,000 years of Christian reflection to guide us as we follow Jesus.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Matthew 17:9, 10-13

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, 10 the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.