Daily Readings for January 5, 2015

1ST READING

Our faith is encapsulated in our relationship with God. This relationship is at the heart of everything. If we are in a relationship with God, we will be able to discern the truth from the lies of the devil and the world; if we are out of relationship with God, then we will be unable to clearly discern these things. All relationships require time and effort. This is why we should never take our faith for granted because it means we are not giving God the time and effort that is due Him.

1 John 3:22 – 4:6

22 Beloved: We 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 whom he gave us. 4:1 Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, 3 and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist who, as you heard, is to come, but in fact is already in the world. 4 You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They belong to the world; accordingly, their teaching belongs to the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us, while anyone who does not belong to God refuses to hear us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.

P S AL M

Psalm 2:7-8, 10-12

R: I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

7 The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; this day I have begotten you. 8Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.” (R) 10And now, O kings, give heed; take warning, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before him; with trembling 12 rejoice. (R)

GOSPEL

The Gospels are quite clear that repentance comes first. Even without belief in God we ought to know that we are sinners. Thus, the first test of our faith in God will not be belief in Him but whether or not we are ready to let go of every rival to His authority in our lives. Sin occurs when God is displaced as our Lord and Master. Are we willing to let go of sin and put God back in His true place in our lives?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: 15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, 16 the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. 17 From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 23 He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. 24 His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. 25 And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for January 4, 2015

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

1ST READING

  

Jesus is an epiphany of God — He manifests the nature of God to the world. Our job as His disciples is to live lives of revelation. What the world needs most is to hear the truth of the Gospel and how it is to be applied to the problems faced by humanity today. There are too many unspeakable situations of horror where suffering and evil prevail. Why? Because people have not come to faith in Jesus Christ. What matters most is to live in faith no matter what the consequences.

Isaiah 60:1-6

1 Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory. 3 Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. 4 Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. 5 Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. 6 Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.

P S A L M

Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

R: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

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) 7 Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. 8 May he rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. (R) 10 The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. 11 All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him. (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)

2ND READING

The grace of God is present in our lives and we need it to accomplish His will. God is always with us in everything that He asks us to do. Let us never be afraid to embrace His will without reservation. God’s will is holy and always just. He desires that all men and women come to faith in Him and be saved. Our role is to carry out the aspect of His plan reserved for each one of us. Let us follow God’s will wherever it leads us.

 Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6

2 Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, 3 namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. 5 It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

GOSPEL

These kings traveled far to greet Jesus at His birth. Such travel would have been expensive, difficult and dangerous. They have set the bar very high when it comes to commitment to being in the presence of Christ. Let us not ignore their example and do whatever it takes so that we, too, may come to Jesus and follow Him. Let us remain faithful to His will so that His Gospel can be proclaimed to the ends of the earth.

 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.

Matthew 2:1-12

1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 6 And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” 7 Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” 9 After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for January 3, 2015

1ST READING

Righteousness tends to have negative connotations today. It carries with it religious connections that people are reluctant to embrace, such as commitment to an external and objective set of rules that underpin a person’s life. Modern individualism tends to locate the essence of truth within the individual, wholly dependent on his or her own judgment and choices. This is untrue. Unless there is an objective measure of truth that binds all people, chaos and anarchy will prevail. This is what the world is beginning to look like.

1 John 2:29 – 3:6 (or Philippians 2:1-11)

29 If you consider that God is righteous, you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness is begotten by him. 3:1 See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet 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. 3 Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure. 4 Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who remains in him sins; no one who sins has seen him or known him.

P S A L M

Psalm 98:1, 3-4, 5-6 (or Psalm 110:1-2, 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) 3 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)

GOSPEL

John the Baptist knows that Jesus is the measure of the message of God. John always points people in the direction of Jesus and never to himself. This is the problem with so much of the pseudo-spiritual nature of many self-help groups in the world today — they point within and not to God! They teach us structures and programs and not faith in Jesus Christ. The structures and programs have a place in our lives, but apart from faith in Christ, apart from the truth, they will be ineffective and meaningless in our search for true fulfillment and happiness.

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 1:29-34 (or Luke 2:21-24)

29 John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. 30 He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ 31 I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” 32 John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. 33 I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for January 2, 2015

Memorial of Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church

1ST READING

The Scriptures present the truth to us in no uncertain terms. The sacred authors are not afraid to tell it as it is. We should not be afraid to proclaim to the world what we believe as Christians, whether or not the world wants to hear what we have to say. There are many movements in the world that do not embrace moral truth. They embrace an emotive reaction to various life situations that do not fully represent the truth as we understand it as Christians. We need to learn the truths of our faith and stand by them no matter how difficult it becomes.

1 John 2:22-28

22 Beloved: Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist. 23 Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. 26 I write you these things about those who would deceive you. 27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him. 28 And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming.

P S A L M

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

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)

GOSPEL

The voice “crying in the wilderness” is often the lonely voice of truth in today’s world. The criteria of judgment often have nothing to do with truth, as modern society continues to build on pleasure, comfort and others as its foundation. It is like building on sand where the base is shifting because there is no firm foundation. It depends on the individual and what he or she happens to feel at any particular moment. Only objective truth can provide a firm basis upon which to build relationships and society.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

John 1:19-28

19 This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” 21 So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” 23 He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” 24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” 26John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for January 1, 2015

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

1ST READING

I like the image of the Lord’s face shining upon me. When someone’s face shines upon me, I know he or she is happy with me. It feels good to know that God looks upon me with joy and gladness, and this is how He always wants to look at us. God does not want to focus on our sin but to help us repent and get rid of it. Our God is a God who focuses on the good and tries to get rid of the bad. Let us follow His example in our lives and in the way we look at others.


Numbers 6:22-27
22 The Lord said to Moses: 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 The Lord bless you and keep you! 25 The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! 26 The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace! 27 So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.”


P S A L M

Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8
R: May God bless us in his mercy.

1[2] May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. 2[3] So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. (R) 4[5] May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. (R) 5[6] May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! 7[8] May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! (R)


2ND READING

The Incarnation is an incredible mystery. If God simply chose to forgive our sins, we would not have the same assurance of His absolute commitment to us when He sent Jesus to become one with us in our humanity and to redeem us. Jesus taking on our humanity is the highest possible level of identification that God can have with His creation. As all human beings have to die, so did Jesus to make this identification complete. God’s use of Jesus’ death, and the nature it took, only serves to show us that His commitment to us is total.


Galatians 4:4-7
4 Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.


GOSPEL

Mary reflects on the events of her life – something we need to remember about the significance of our accomplishments. Jesus’ life and ministry is filled with amazing and wonderful significance that it will take us more than a lifetime to fathom it completely. Let us not live ignorant of the wonders of God’s grace in our lives. Let usreflect on the mysterious nature of the gift of grace, grasp it for all it is worth, and live it as if there is no tomorrow.


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 2:16-21
16 The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. 18 All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. 19 And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. 21 When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com