Daily Readings for December 31, 2017

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

1ST READING

God is the Master of Life. He chooses to bestow life where He wills. We can intercede and pray for things, but we also have to be aware that God has a plan for the salvation of the world. We ought to do what we can to help God make it happen. Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family where Mary and Joseph have taken heed of God’s call and took the responsibility of caring for Jesus as their own child.

Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3 (or Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14)

1 The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great.” 2 But Abram said, “O Lord God, what good will your gifts be, if I keep on being childless and have as my heir the steward of my house, Eliezer?” 3 Abram continued, “See, you have given me no offspring, and so one of my servants will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “No, that one shall not be your heir; your own issue shall be your heir.” 5 The Lord took Abram outside and said: “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.” 6 Abram put his faith in the Lord, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. 21:1 The Lord took note of Sarah as he had said he would; he did for her as he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time that God had stated. 3 Abraham gave the name Isaac to this son of his whom Sarah bore him.

P S A L M

Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

1 Give thanks to the Lord, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. 2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. (R) 3 Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! 4 Look to the Lord in his strength; constantly seek his face. (R) 6 You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He, the Lord, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. (R) 8 He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations 9 which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. (R)

2ND READING

A virtuous life should be every Christian’s goal. It is by taking on the attributes of Christ and living them out that we might give a good witness to others, especially to non-believers of the Gospel. Family life is an important aspect of this witness. Christian families, with their commitment to loving one another and caring for those around them, will always stand out as a beacon of love and the Gospel in a world that is more and more centered on itself.

Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 (or Colossians 3:12-21)

8 Brothers and sisters: By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. 11 By faith, he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age — and Sarah herself was sterile — for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. 12 So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore. 17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.” 19 He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol.

GOSPEL

Jesus experienced family life as every young Jew would. The Scriptures tell us that Mary and Joseph kept their legal responsibilities regarding children, such as giving the right offerings in the Temple and traveling to the Temple once in a while for various celebrations. Jesus was no exception to the responsibilities of family life. He knew what it meant to live as a human being when He became one of us. Let us take comfort in this. This very act of humility made Him our true Redeemer and Savior.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.

Luke 2:22-40

22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they 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 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and 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.” 36 There was also 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.

Daily Readings for December 30, 2017

1ST READING

This is a text that the Fathers of the Church refer to when discussing the need to reject the ways of the world, and to choose the way of Christ above all other things. This is at the heart of discipleship, and John tells us that the lures and enticement of the world and sin are very strong. The only way to overcome them is to follow the path of Christ. This is the daily challenge of every disciple.

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 must have been a great intercessor, living her life in fasting and prayer. Sometimes, we underestimate the power of intercession, which leads to our lack of commitment to it today. For centuries, thousands of men and women in contemplative monasteries around the world commit to praying for the Church and Her mission. Their numbers are dwindling today and we need to take up the slack. Let us pray and fast for the Church and Her mission a little more than what we do at the moment.

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.

Daily Readings for December 29, 2017

1ST READING

Hatred has no part in the life of a Christian. The only thing we are allowed to hate is sin. We are called to love all people without exception. This is what our human dignity demands of us. We are called to love and respect even those who sin against us. This is a challenge, but imagine how much better is a world where forgiveness and love reign than one where hate and resentment prevail.

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. (R)

GOSPEL

There were signs even at an early age that Jesus was different, and here we have a couple of prophecies that indicate it. A little later we will have Jesus conversing with the elders and chief priests in the Temple. In life, there are signs all around us. We simply have to learn how to recognize and read them. This will help us in discovering what God wants of us.

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 my eyes have seen the salvation, 31 which you prepared in the sight of every peoples, 32 a light to reveal you to the nations, and the glory of 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.”

Daily Readings for December 28, 2017

Feast of Holy Innocents, martyrs

1ST READING

A true disciple of Jesus lives and walks in the light of God and the truth of the Gospel. This is the only sure way we can avoid most of the temptations of the devil. The devil’s work is done in the darkness of fear, doubt and sin. As disciples of Jesus, we have to cling to Him, the perfect antidote to the snares of the devil.

1 John 1:5-2:2

5 Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. 10 If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 2:1 My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.

P S A L M

Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7-8

R: Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

2 Had not the Lord been with us — when men rose up against us, 3 then would they have swallowed us alive, When their fury was inflamed against us. (R) 4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us; the torrent would have swept over us; 5 over us then would have swept the raging waters. (R) 7 Broken was the snare, and we were freed. 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (R)

GOSPEL

One of the greatest tragedies and injustices of the modern world is abortion. It is a travesty of justice as it takes an innocent person’s life even before they are capable of any sort of self-defense. Abortion is a modern-day holocaust, the height of irresponsibility and self-centeredness. If there is one mark of a society in decline, it is its acceptance of the right to abortion.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the white robed army of martyrs praise you.

Matthew 2:13-18

13 When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” 14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.16 When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. 17 Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: 18 A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.

Daily Readings for December 27, 2017

Feast of St. John, Apostle, Evangelist

1ST READING

Fellowship with God and the Holy Spirit is an important aspect of discipleship, like the fellowship among the members of the Body of Christ. The First Letter of John links the love of God and such that we cannot really have one without the other. It is essential that we make a concerted effort to bring the Good News of Salvation to the ends of the earth.

1 John 1:1-4

1 Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life — 2 for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us — 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.

P S A L M

Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12

R: Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

1 The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. 2 Clouds and darkness are round him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. (R) 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. (R) 11 Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart. 12 Be glad in the Lord, you just, and give thanks to his holy name. (R)

GOSPEL

Sometimes there is no logical explanation for our faith experiences. We simply have to believe what our faith tells us. Our experience alone is enough to convince us of its veracity. Of course, people may interpret a similar encounter differently. It is up to each one of us how to regard the many miracles that God does in our lives.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

John 20:1, 2-8

1 On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, 2 ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.” 3 So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; 5 he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. 6 When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, 7 and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. 8 Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

Daily Readings for December 26, 2017

Feast of St. Stephen, protomartyr

1ST READING

Today, we reflect on the commitment of a disciple of Jesus. We live at a time of relative peace, compared to those who followed Christ in the first three centuries of Christianity. For them, there was a daily treat to be martyred for their faith. We who live in the free world — especially in the Philippines which is predominantly Christian — have no idea of the level of commitment required to sustain our faith through such persecution.

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

The ways of men are far from the ways of God. It is men and women of faith who provide the greatest threat to many of the quasi-humanist movements of society such as abortion rights. As Christians, we must never allow our voice to go unheard, particularly on important moral issues. Even to the point of raising the ire of influential groups or individuals, we must remain resolute in speaking the truth in love.

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.

Daily Readings for December 25, 2017

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

1ST READING

We celebrate today the revelation of the Redeemer — His birth to a lowly family in a nondescript town called Bethlehem. This is hardly what one would expect of the Son of God or, for that matter, one who will become the Redeemer of the world. However, this humble beginning becomes the pattern for the future. When we study the history of the Church and the lives of the saints, one thing we see without any doubt is their profound humility.

Isaiah 52:7-10

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

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

For 2,000 years, God has been using various patriarchs, judges and prophets to communicate with His people, but now He sends us His Son, Jesus. This brings to a close the era of revelation (revelation is complete with the death of the last apostle of Jesus). It is now time for us to respond to the Good News of salvation brought by Jesus and, in doing so, demonstrate our willingness to be saved. That is, to enter into the economy of salvation according to the mind of God.

Hebrews 1:1-6

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

The Word of God is the Light of the World and the Savior of All. It is important to reflect on how we see our relationship with God today. We are given the opportunity to welcome Him again into our lives. This is one of the great beneficial dynamics of the Church’s liturgy being circular or repetitive — we always come back to the same feasts and celebrations every year.

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

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.

Daily Readings for December 24, 2017

Fourth Sunday of Advent

1ST READING

David is concerned that he has a splendid palace to dwell in, but the Lord’s lacks in splendor. Something needs to be done about this, but God has decided that this will be the role of Solomon not David, as the latter has done enough already in establishing the Kingdom of Israel. His forte is in guiding armies, not building temples.

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)

2ND READING

Paul reminds us that all glory belongs to God. It is only through His grace that we can accomplish anything good. It is important to remember this so that we do not become full of pride with our achievements. We can be happy for the good things we have accomplished — even proud to a certain degree — but let us remember to be grateful to the Lord and to give Him the glory as without Him none of it would have been possible.

Romans 16:25-27

25 Brothers and sisters: To him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages 26 but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL

Mary needs the grace of God. By avoiding sin, she would not just be grateful to God for this gift of holiness but always ready and willing to respond to God’s call whatever it may be. She did not expect to hear that she would become the mother of His Son. However, her response proves that she was ready to accept a responsibility as great as this. Let us pray that we, too, will be as ready to accept God’s will for us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 1:26-38

26 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Daily Readings for December 23, 2017

1ST READING

As sinners, we all have to be purified not just of our sins but of the effects of sin in our lives. This purification is painful as it involves ridding ourselves of sin and coming into an ever deeper conversion to Christ. So no matter how painful, let us welcome any opportunity for conversion and purification. It draws us closer to God whom we want to spend the rest of eternity with.

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 the 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

Redemption comes to Zechariah when he affirms that the name of the child will be John. He does it in obedience to what God revealed to him nine months earlier. By obeying God’s will, we will discover our life’s greatest blessings and we will grow in holiness. To know God’s will is a blessing because it gives us clarity to what He expects of us.

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.

Daily Readings for December 22, 2017

1ST READING

Samuel is another child born after an intervention in the life of his mother — a barren woman desiring to have a child. God has a special plan for him. Samuel acts as a guide and advocate between God and His people. It is also interesting to see Hannah’s willingness to commend her son to the service of God through Eli. May all mothers be supportive of their children’s desire to become priests and nuns if they so choose to respond to the Lords’ calling.

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

The text of the Magnificat is not original to Mary. It is based on the prayer of Hannah when she discovers that God heard her call for a child and she becomes pregnant. This prayer rejoices in the blessings that God gives to the poor. It is almost as though God has favorites — the poor and suffering.

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 the help of his servant Israel, for he remembered his promise of mercy, 55 the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” 56 Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

Daily Readings for December 21, 2017

1ST READING

The two readings for today speak of rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord to His people. They use different imagery and words to describe the joy we experience, but they tell us the same thing. How often do we stop and think about being joyful in the Lord? We have every reason to be joyful because of His love and mercy towards us. Let us always thank Him with joy for His goodness to us.

Song of Songs 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

Mary visits Elizabeth because she knows her age can cause difficulties in her pregnancy. The Scriptures remind us through Mary of the need to be sensitive to the people around us and be aware of their situations. There may be times when we should stop focusing on ourselves and think of the needs of others instead. This readiness to serve is fundamental to any disciple of Jesus.

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 in those days 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.”

Daily Readings for December 20, 2017

1ST READING

Ahaz is given the promise that Jerusalem will be delivered from its siege within nine months. Matthew has applied this text to Mary, and the Fathers of the Church have interpreted it as a direct prophecy of the Messiah’s future birth.

Isaiah 7:10-14

10 The Lord spoke to Ahaz: 11 Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!” 12 But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” 13 Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

P S A L M

Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R: Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.

1 The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. 2 For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (R) 3 Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. (R) 5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior. 6 Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (R)

GOSPEL

Mary’s yes to God’s call remains one of the greatest examples of obedience that inspire us to do greater works. It is almost impossible to comprehend the magnitude of Mary’s response, both in the faith it required and its consequences. We should never underestimate what the future fruit of our responses to God’s call could be. Mary gave birth to the Son of God — literally. We are called to continually give birth to His will in our lives.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named  Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Daily Readings for December 19, 2017

1ST READING

When God works a miracle to give a child to a barren couple, we can be sure that there is something special in store for that child — in this case, Samson. God asks his parents to refrain from cutting his hair to remind them that Samson is a special gift to them. It is amazing how God chooses to use weak individuals like you and me to bring blessings to His people. Ultimately, He will send His Son, but for the time being, He is content to use people like us.

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 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

Today we have another miracle birth of a son who was raised up to prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus. John the Baptist will preach a message of repentance and conversion to prepare us to receive the Gospel of Jesus — His offer of salvation and eternal life. God also chooses you and me. Maybe we do not have a significant role as John had, but we are still called to live and proclaim the Gospel daily.

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, 1saying, 25 “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

Daily Readings for December 18, 2017

1ST READING

The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy — that the people of God will again live in their own land — is when we receive the gift of eternal life in heaven. God wants us to have an enjoyable life here, amidst sin and suffering. When we get to heaven, that will all end and we will live the fullness of life that God has prepared for us. This is the true Promised Land.

Jeremiah 23:5-8

5 Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him “The Lord our justice.” 7 Therefore, the days will come, says the Lord, when they shall no longer say, “As the Lord lives, who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt”; 8 but rather, “As the Lord lives, who brought the descendants of the house of Israel up from the land of the north” — and from all the lands to which I banished them; they shall again live on their own land.

P S A L M

Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19

R: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.

1 O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; 2 He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. (R) 12 For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. 13 He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. (R) 18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds. 19 And blessed forever be his glorious name; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. (R)

GOSPEL

It must have been pretty tough for Joseph to take as his wife a woman who was already pregnant with a child that was not his own. With some encouragement from a dream, he persevered in this plan. Can you imagine being the only sinner in your immediate family? Mary was sinless and Jesus is the Son of God. Tough life, but he did not shirk from his responsibilities. Let his determination inspire us to do our best in following God’s plan for our lives.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

Matthew 1:18-25

18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your  home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 25 He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.