Ss Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops & doctorsWeekday of Christmas : Thursday 2nd January 20201 Jn. 2:22-28; Ps. 98(97):1,2-4; Jn. 1:19-28 (Ps Wk I) In his letter, John addresses the crisis that had arisen in his community. There were some who had left the community because the teachings of false teachers misled them.…
Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God. World Day of Peace Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God : Wednesday 1st January 2020Num. 6:22-27; Ps. 67(66):2-3,5,6,8; Gal. 4:4-7; Lk. 2:16-21 (Psalter proper) In ancient Israel, the naming of a child was a sacred event. Its name had deep significance, signalling to all the…
And the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us7th day within Octave of Christmas : Tuesday 31st December 20191 Jn. 2:18-21; Ps. 96(95):1-2,11-13; Jn. 1:1-18 (Ps Wk I) As we come to the end of another year, we need to hear John’s message about Jesus the Word bringing light into the darkness of our world.…
Presentation of Jesus6 day within Octave of Christmas : Monday 30th December 20191 Jn. 2:12-17; Ps. 96(95):7-9,10; Lk. 2:36-40 (Ps Wk I) The Gospel is a continuation of yesterday’s reading about the Presentation in the Temple. It deals with the second person who was present on that day. Her name was Anna and she is…
God is light and in him is no darknessTHE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH (A) : Sunday 29th December 2019Sir 3:3-7,14-17; Ps. 128(127):1-2,3,4-5; Col. 3:12-21; Mt. 2:13-16,19-23 (Ps Wk I) The Scriptures do not talk about Mary and Joseph as much as we might hope. What were they like? We can get some…
God is light and in him is no darknessFEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS : Saturday 28th December 20191 Jn. 1:5-2:2; Ps. 124(123):2-3,4-5,7,8; Mt. 2:13-18 (Ps Wk IV) Although we celebrate today the Feast of the Holy Innocents, rather than focusing upon the Gospel passage, I suggest we turn to our first reading from the First…
St John Apostle, and EvangelistSt John Apostle, and Evangelist : Friday 27th December 20191 Jn. 1:1-4; Ps. 97(96):1-2,5-6,11-12; Jn. 20:2-8 (Ps Wk IV) The last words of today's Gospel are as moving as they are significant. John entered the tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid. The burial clothes were there, neatly arranged. He “saw…
St Stephen, the first martyrSt Stephen, the first martyr : Thursday 26th December 2019Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59; Ps. 31(30);3-4,6,8,16,17; Mt. 10:17-22 (Ps Wk IV) It has been noted that in the New Testament, there is no major passage dealing with the virtue of hope. St Paul frequently speaks of faith, hope and love. Faith and love are…
Nativity of Our Lord JesusChristmas Day : Wednesday 25th December 2019Is 52:7-10; Ps. 97(96):1-6, 11-12; Hebr.1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 (Psalter proper) Perhaps we can remember a time when we had some wonderful news to share and we couldn’t wait! We ran and breathlessly blurted out the good news. Isaiah paints a similar picture – someone running…
4th Week of Advent4th Week of Advent : Tuesday 24th December 20192 Sam. 7:1-5,8-12,14,16; Ps. 89(88):2-3,4-5,27,29; Lk. 1: 67-79 (Ps Wk IV) What does God need? Nothing – except our love and our fidelity. David was carried away by feelings of gratitude for all that God had done for him. He wanted to build God…