Mass Reflection: Sunday - 28th December 2025

 

SIR 3:2-6, 12-14; PS 128: 1-5; COL 3:12-21 or COL 3:12-17; MT 2:13-15; 19-23

Today, as we continue our celebration of the Christmas season, we focus our attention in a special way on the Holy Family. This is a great time to thank God for the gift of family life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the family as the “domestic church,” so today’s feast is also a fitting time to consider the importance of the virtue of hospitality — a fundamental aspect of the stewardship way of life — within the context of our domestic churches.

Why is hospitality so important to a stewardship way of life, beginning with family life? Well, we can hardly expect our family members to pray together, study their faith, and serve others if we have a home where we are disconnected from each other, or the atmosphere is stressful and tense. Of course there will be moments like this. But we must be intentional in creating homes where everyone feels cherished, accepted and important. We want our homes to be the place where we can get recharged and filled up to go out and bring love to everyone we encounter outside our home.

Today’s first and second reading are full of practical wisdom on how to create an atmosphere of true hospitality within our homes.

Our first reading, from the Book of Sirach, speaks of the of the blessings that will come when children give honor to their parents — both young children who respect the authority of their mothers and fathers, and adult children who lovingly care for older parents. These are the actions and attitudes that create an atmosphere of respect, tenderness and unity in the family, all key elements of hospitality.

Our second reading, from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, gives still more specific instructions on fostering hospitality within our homes. Paul reminds us of our great dignity as “God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.” This applies to every member of the family, from youngest to oldest and all those in-between. In the daily drudge of family life, it is important to remember that each one of us is cherished by God. We are not just fathers, mothers, children, grandparents; we are all also brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul’s instruction to “put on” compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and forbearance towards each other is the best possible formula for family hospitality. Paul is reminding us that (especially in the messiness of family life) we won’t always feel the feelings of compassion, kindness, and so forth. What can we do? We can “put them on” — we can act in ways that a compassionate, kind, humble person would act. This will create a transformative atmosphere of hospitality within the home that will spill out in the family’s interactions with those outside the home. Of course this is not easy to do.

But we can turn to the Holy Family for help. Lest we think that the Holy Family is somehow unable to sympathize with our struggles, we see in our Gospel passage from Matthew that this Family was certainly not free from trials and stress; quite the contrary. The very life of the newborn Jesus was threatened by Herod’s extreme jealousy such that the family had to flee suddenly into a foreign land for protection until Herod’s death. Yet Mary and Joseph remained united and ever obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit for direction. Who better to turn to for help and inspiration for our own families?

Happy feast day to all families living a stewardship way of life!

Mass Reading: Sunday - 28th December 2025

First reading
Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6,12-14
He who fears the Lord respects his parents

The Lord honours the father in his children,
    and upholds the rights of a mother over her sons.
Whoever respects his father is atoning for his sins,
    he who honours his mother is like someone amassing a fortune.
Whoever respects his father will be happy with children of his own,
    he shall be heard on the day when he prays.
Long life comes to him who honours his father,
    he who sets his mother at ease is showing obedience to the Lord.
My son, support your father in his old age,
    do not grieve him during his life.
Even if his mind should fail, show him sympathy,
    do not despise him in your health and strength;
for kindness to a father shall not be forgotten
    but will serve as reparation for your sins.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 127(128):1-5

O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways!

O blessed are those who fear the Lord
    and walk in his ways!
By the labour of your hands you shall eat.
    You will be happy and prosper.

O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways!

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
    in the heart of your house;
your children like shoots of the olive,
    around your table.

O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways!

Indeed thus shall be blessed
    the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
    all the days of your life!

O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways!

________

Second reading
Colossians 3:12-21
Family life in the Lord

    You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful.

    Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God; and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

    Wives, give way to your husbands, as you should in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and treat them with gentleness. Children, be obedient to your parents always, because that is what will please the Lord. Parents, never drive your children to resentment or you will make them feel frustrated.

The word of the Lord.

 

________

Gospel Acclamation
Col3:15,16

Alleluia, alleluia!

May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts;
let the message of Christ find a home with you.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 2:13-15,19-23
The flight into Egypt and the return to Nazareth

After the wise men had left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, because Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him.’ So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod was dead. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:

I called my son out of Egypt.

After Herod’s death, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you and go back to the land of Israel, for those who wanted to kill the child are dead.’ So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, went back to the land of Israel. But when he learnt that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as ruler of Judaea he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he left for the region of Galilee. There he settled in a town called Nazareth. In this way the words spoken through the prophets were to be fulfilled:

‘He will be called a Nazarene.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Reflection: The road to Bethlehem

 

As Christmas draws near, God places before us a road - a simple road, a difficult road, a hidden road - leading to one small town. “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least”(Micah 5:2). Many walk toward this place in the days surrounding Christmas. Some complete the journey and find Jesus with ease. Some only after a long search. Some miss Him entirely. The reason for this is not due to the differences in our own respective journeys, but the posture of our hearts.

The Shepherds have the shortest journey. They are simple people, shaped by long nights beneath the heavens. Their lives unfold outdoors, where prayer comes naturally because wonder does. They know the rhythm of creation - the breath of animals, the words hidden in the wind, the silence of night, the turning of the stars. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). Their prayer is not polished, but it is constant. When the angel appears, they are afraid - but ready. “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place” (Luke 2:15). Their journey is not long - minutes, perhaps hours - because prayer has already prepared them. They do not need to be convinced; they only need to respond. And when they arrive, they find exactly what was promised. God reveals Himself swiftly to those who already live in awe.

The Wise Men travel the farthest. Learned men from the East, they seek God through the pursuits of the mind. They study the stars, read the signs, know the prophecies. “A star shall come forth from Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). Their road is long and costly - crossing deserts, enduring uncertainty, and a political trap set by a false king. They encounter Herod, who knows the prophecy but does not love the truth. Still, the Magi persist. They teach us that if you seek God with the intellect, you will find Him - but not quickly, and not without surrender. Knowledge alone can guide you only so far. It is in Bethlehem, kneeling before a child, that the journey is complete. “They prostrated themselves and did Him homage”(Matthew 2:11). The mind leads them to the door; the heart must step inside.

Mary shows us another way - the most complete way. She unites prayer and understanding, wonder and wisdom. She exemplifies the simple wisdom of the shepherds and knowledge of the Magi. When Gabriel greets her, she is not ignorant of what is being asked. She knows the Scriptures. She recognizes the prophesy and the promise. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Isaiah 7:14). And yet she does not argue. “Be it done unto me according to thy word”(Luke 1:38). Mary is learned, but she is also receptive. She ponders. “She kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). She does not merely go to Bethlehem - which means 'house of bread' in Hebrew - she carries the bread of Bethlehem within her. This is the Marian path: to seek God with the mind and to receive Him in prayer, until Christ is no longer only encountered, but embodied. Over time, we become what we behold. “Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning” (Proverbs 14:33).

Joseph walks beside Mary in silence, yet his presence is strong and steady. Scripture calls him “a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19) - just not in word alone, but in action. His justice is gentle, rooted in mercy, shaped by obedience. When God speaks, Joseph listens. When the angel comes to him in dreams, he rises without hesitation. “Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him”(Matthew 1:24). He asks no questions aloud, offers no recorded words, yet his prayer is constant because his life is surrendered. Joseph teaches us that holiness does not require recognition - only faithfulness. In his simplicity, he becomes protector, provider, and shield, standing between Mary and her Child and every danger. “The Lord is a shield for those who take refuge in Him” (Proverbs 30:5). Like Mary, Joseph does not merely go to Bethlehem; he guards the mystery unfolding there. He walks beside Mary and Jesus not as one who understands everything, but as one who trusts completely.

And then there are Herod and his soldiers, who I must mention as a warning and example we need to guard against. They seek Bethlehem too. They know the prophecy. They consult the scholars. “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet” (Matthew 2:5). But their will is disordered. They do not pray. They do not adore. They seek Christ not to worship Him, but to use - or destroy - Him. And so they miss Him. God cannot be found by those who refuse humility. “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile” (Psalm 94:11). Bethlehem is invisible to a heart bent inward on itself.

As we approach the final hours of Advent and prepare for the coming of Christ, these travelers walk beside us. We must ask ourselves: which road am I on? Do I marvel at creation like the shepherds? Have I sought God with my mind like the wise men? Do I pray, ponder, and receive like Mary? Do I seek justice and mercy, trusting in the Wisdom of God like Joseph? Or am I looking for Jesus for my own purposes, my own control?

If we commit to seeking Him rightly - with wonder, with intellect, and with prayer - I promise you this: the child Jesus will not merely come to you. Like Mary, He will begin to dwell within you. And you too will learn to ponder the wonder of the Lord in your heart.

Wishing you a blessed and holy Christmas.

Mass Reading: Christmas Day

First reading
Isaiah 52:7-10
Rejoice, for the Lord is consoling his people

How beautiful on the mountains,
are the feet of one who brings good news,
who heralds peace, brings happiness,
proclaims salvation,
and tells Zion,
‘Your God is king!’

Listen! Your watchmen raise their voices,
they shout for joy together,
for they see the Lord face to face,
as he returns to Zion.

Break into shouts of joy together,
you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord is consoling his people,
redeeming Jerusalem.

The Lord bares his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 97(98):1-6

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Sing a new song to the Lord
    for he has worked wonders.
His right hand and his holy arm
    have brought salvation.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

The Lord has made known his salvation;
    has shown his justice to the nations.
He has remembered his truth and love
    for the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

All the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth,
    ring out your joy.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp
    with the sound of music.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    acclaim the King, the Lord.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

________

Second reading
Hebrews 1:1-6
God has spoken to us through his Son

    At various times in the past and in various different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the last days, he has spoken to us through his Son, the Son that he has appointed to inherit everything and through whom he made everything there is. He is the radiant light of God’s glory and the perfect copy of his nature, sustaining the universe by his powerful command; and now that he has destroyed the defilement of sin, he has gone to take his place in heaven at the right hand of divine Majesty. So he is now as far above the angels as the title which he has inherited is higher than their own name.

    God has never said to any angel: You are my Son, today I have become your father; or: I will be a father to him and he a son to me. Again, when he brings the First-Born into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

A hallowed day has dawned upon us.
Come, you nations, worship the Lord,
for today a great light has shone down upon the earth.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
John 1:1-18
The Word was made flesh, and lived among us

In the beginning was the Word:
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things came to be,
not one thing had its being but through him.
All that came to be had life in him
and that life was the light of men,
a light that shines in the dark,
a light that darkness could not overpower.

A man came, sent by God.
His name was John.
He came as a witness,
as a witness to speak for the light,
so that everyone might believe through him.
He was not the light,
only a witness to speak for the light.

The Word was the true light
that enlightens all men;
and he was coming into the world.
He was in the world
that had its being through him,
and the world did not know him.
He came to his own domain
and his own people did not accept him.
But to all who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to all who believe in the name of him
who was born not out of human stock
or urge of the flesh
or will of man
but of God himself.

The Word was made flesh,
he lived among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father,
full of grace and truth.

John appears as his witness. He proclaims:
‘This is the one of whom I said:
He who comes after me ranks before me
because he existed before me.’

Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received –
yes, grace in return for grace,
since, though the Law was given through Moses,
grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God;
it is the only Son, who is nearest to the Father’s heart,
who has made him known.

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 21st December 2025

 

IS 7:10-14, 10; PS 24:1-6; ROM 1:1-7; MT 1:18-24

As our Advent preparations end and Christmas fast approaches, it is fitting that today’s readings demonstrate the intensity of the Father’s perfect and passionate love for each of us, culminating in the gift of His own Son, Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day. As we reflect on the enormity of this gift, let us ask ourselves what we can offer in return.

In our first reading, from Isaiah, the Lord invites King Ahaz to “ask for a sign from the Lord, your God.” And not just any sign. The Lord says, “let it be deep as the nether-world, or high as the sky!” Ahaz, though, cannot arouse himself from his bleak and limited outlook, and actually refuses this invitation. Undeterred by his negativity, the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah, that he himself will provide the sign: “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” and his name will be Emmanuel which means, “God with us.” What great love and patience our heavenly Father has shown his people throughout all ages!

In the second reading, from Paul’s letter to the Romans, St. Paul sends a blessing of “Grace…and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This — grace and peace — is precisely the gift we celebrate on Christmas Day. Through his incarnation, Jesus brings the intimate love of God right into our midst; and through His death and resurrection, He saves us from our sins and restores us to right relationship with the Father. This is the peace that the world cannot offer.

In response to such an overwhelming gift, what can we do except offer our lives as gift in return, embracing a stewardship way of life with all the love and strength we have to give?

In our Gospel passage from Matthew, we find an unparalleled example of one who embraced this way of life in St. Joseph, as he responds to God’s call to him through the message of an angel. St. Joseph immediately and humbly obeys the instruction from the angel: “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. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. ” Open to this extraordinary role, he did as the angel commanded and “takes Mary into his home.”

We never hear St. Joseph speak, but the Scriptures tell us he was always listening, attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit for his family. It was Joseph who found the stable where the baby Jesus would be born. No doubt it was Joseph who cleaned it up and prepared it for Mary and Jesus since we know that Mary was about to give birth. Joseph protected the family, guarded them, and tended to their safety, their comfort, and their well-being at the expense of his own plans and preferences. Though we do not hear any words from St. Joseph his actions clearly show that he offered himself, his whole life, as a gift to his family through his strong guidance, protection, and service.

Let us imitate St. Joseph, then, as good stewards, giving our very lives to those around us in love and gratitude to God who has given us everything we have, especially His own Son, Jesus Christ. We will no doubt find that the more we give ourselves away, the more our generous Father will fill us with His grace and peace — these are truly the best Christmas gifts we could receive.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 21st December 2025

First reading
Isaiah 7:10-14
The maiden is with child

    The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above.’ ‘No,’ Ahaz answered ‘I will not put the Lord to the test.’

    Then Isaiah said:

‘Listen now, House of David:
are you not satisfied with trying the patience of men
without trying the patience of my God, too?
The Lord himself, therefore,
will give you a sign.
It is this: the maiden is with child
and will soon give birth to a son
whom she will call Immanuel,
a name which means “God-is-with-us.”’

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 23(24):1-6

Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.

The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness,
    the world and all its peoples.
It is he who set it on the seas;
    on the waters he made it firm.

Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?
    Who shall stand in his holy place?
The man with clean hands and pure heart,
    who desires not worthless things.

Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.

He shall receive blessings from the Lord
    and reward from the God who saves him.
Such are the men who seek him,
    seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.

________

Second reading
Romans 1:1-7
Our apostolic mission is to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations

    From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus who has been called to be an apostle, and specially chosen to preach the Good News that God promised long ago through his prophets in the scriptures.

    This news is about the Son of God who, according to the human nature he took was a descendant of David: it is about Jesus Christ our Lord who, in the order of the spirit, the spirit of holiness that was in him, was proclaimed Son of God in all his power through his resurrection from the dead. Through him we received grace and our apostolic mission to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations in honour of his name. You are one of these nations, and by his call belong to Jesus Christ. To you all, then, who are God’s beloved in Rome, called to be saints, may God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send grace and peace.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Mt1:23

Alleluia, alleluia!

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son
and they will call him Emmanuel,
a name which means ‘God-is-with-us’.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 1:18-24
How Jesus Christ came to be born

    This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son 

and they will call him Emmanuel,

a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.

The  Gospel of the Lord

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 14th December 2025

 

IS 35:1-6A, 10; PS146:6-10; JAS 5:7-10; MT 11:2-11

Good news, Christian stewards — we are gaining ground on our Advent mountain climb, and it is time to take a moment to rejoice in the Good News that our Savior will come again in triumph one day. Today’s readings on this Gaudete (“Rejoice”) Sunday are filled with reminders of God’s final victory over suffering and injustice, and encouragement to remain steadfast in our mission to live as faith-filled disciples.

Our first reading from the prophet Isaiah seems to shout out good cheer as he paints a picture of what the long-awaited Savior will usher in: “the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf will be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag…the tongue of the mute will sing. Those whom the Lord has ransomed [that’s us!] will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.”

Such a day almost seems too good to be true, especially when we look around at the dire circumstances we face in our world at present. But by faith, we know this day is coming. Lest we grow weary as we await the glorious day of Christ’s return, St. James, in our second reading, offers wise counsel. “Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.” “Make your hearts firm….Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged.”

This is excellent advice for us Christian stewards as we face the challenges of everyday life in our broken world, especially in the hectic days that precede Christmas when stress can make us and those around us less than our best selves. St. James reminds us that we can choose our response to both the great strains and the minor annoyances of life.

In other words, we can be good stewards of our attitude, “making our hearts firm” by practicing patience with others and refusing to give in to the temptation to complain. We can choose to see and rejoice in God’s presence with us, no matter the circumstances surrounding us.

Our Gospel passage, from Matthew, connects the prophecy of Isaiah to the arrival of Jesus, almost word for word. In this passage, we find the imprisoned John the Baptist sending his disciples to ask Jesus if he is indeed the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus’ reply is almost identical to Isaiah’s prophetic words. He says, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised…” The Savior really has arrived just as promised! Yet that arrival was 700 years after Isaiah’s prediction. God always fulfills his promises, but patience and firmness of heart are required as we await his perfect timing.

As John’s disciples go off to report this wonderful news, Jesus has high praise for John. “Among those born of women, there has been none greater.” Yet, Jesus adds, “The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Honorable as it was for John the Baptist to serve as the one who would announce the Savior’s arrival, it is a much greater privilege to attain membership in His kingdom.

Let us rejoice in the knowledge that God has called us to enter this kingdom. Let us keep our hearts firmly fixed on this eternal goal and strive with all our might to give God and others the very best of ourselves in gratitude for such a privilege.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 14th December 2025

 

First reading
Isaiah 35:1-6,10
God himself is coming to save you

Let the wilderness and the dry-lands exult,
let the wasteland rejoice and bloom,
let it bring forth flowers like the jonquil,
let it rejoice and sing for joy.

The glory of Lebanon is bestowed on it,
the splendour of Carmel and Sharon;
they shall see the glory of the Lord,
the splendour of our God.

Strengthen all weary hands,
steady all trembling knees
and say to all faint hearts,
‘Courage! Do not be afraid.

‘Look, your God is coming,
vengeance is coming,
the retribution of God;
he is coming to save you.’

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
the ears of the deaf unsealed,
then the lame shall leap like a deer
and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy
for those the Lord has ransomed shall return.

They will come to Zion shouting for joy,
everlasting joy on their faces;
joy and gladness will go with them
and sorrow and lament be ended.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 145(146):6-10

Come, Lord, and save us.

It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever,
    who is just to those who are oppressed.
It is he who gives bread to the hungry,
    the Lord, who sets prisoners free,

Come, Lord, and save us.

It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind,
    who raises up those who are bowed down,
the Lord, who protects the stranger
    and upholds the widow and orphan.

Come, Lord, and save us.

It is the Lord who loves the just
    but thwarts the path of the wicked.
The Lord will reign for ever,
    Zion’s God, from age to age.

Come, Lord, and save us.

________

Second reading
James 5:7-10
Do not lose heart; the Lord's coming will be soon

    Be patient, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. Think of a farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has had the autumn rains and the spring rains! You too have to be patient; do not lose heart, because the Lord’s coming will be soon. Do not make complaints against one another, brothers, so as not to be brought to judgement yourselves; the Judge is already to be seen waiting at the gates. For your example, brothers, in submitting with patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Is61:1(Lk4:18)

Alleluia, alleluia!

The spirit of the Lord has been given to me.
He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 11:2-11
'A greater than John the Baptist has never been seen'

    John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’ Jesus answered, ‘Go back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’

    As the messengers were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces. Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says:

    ‘Look, I am going to send my messenger before you;
he will prepare your way before you.

    ‘I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 07th December 2025

 

IS 11:1-10; PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; ROM 15:4-9; MT 3:1-12

As we begin the second week of Advent, let us recall our motto for this season: we are climbing God’s holy mountain. Our readings inspire us and help us focus for this journey toward holiness.

Our first reading from the prophet Isaiah continues the theme of a journey towards the holy mountain, the Kingdom of God. The prophet gives us a beautiful glimpse of this mountain, where Christ will reign forever. It will be a place of peace, justice, and harmony among all God’s creatures. “There shall be no harm or ruin in all my holy mountain… [This] dwelling shall be glorious.”

Our second reading, from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, encourages us to focus our preparation in this way: “Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

How has Christ welcomed us? By becoming one of us through His incarnation, one with us through the Eucharist, and freeing us from our sins through His death and resurrection, so that we can finally live with him for all eternity in Heaven.

The idea of welcoming others as Christ welcomes us is the essence of Christian hospitality. This kind of hospitality involves seeing people as God sees them and being ready to invite others into our lives whenever and however God asks; it is an attitude we take with us wherever we go, whether at home, at the parish, or out and about at work, school, or in the community.

This kind of hospitality is a vital aspect of stewardship living. Fully embraced, it has the power to transform our lives and the lives of those who experience it through us.

The practice of Christian hospitality is also a way for us stewards to answer the call of John the Baptist in our Gospel passage from Matthew. John has the honor of preparing the people for the arrival of the Savior and the coming of the Kingdom of God. His words apply just as much to us in our own Advent preparations today. John says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” And he recalls the words of the prophet Isaiah, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”

Though it may not seem obvious at first, there is a definite connection between repentance and effective hospitality. By recognizing and repenting of our sins, we become aware of our need for a Savior and his great mercy towards us. With this awareness and the gratitude to God that comes with it, we are freed to see the good in others and welcome them into our lives just as Christ has welcomed us.

How can we put all of this into action? How can we make repentance a regular part of our everyday lives? We can make an “examination of conscience” a daily part of our prayers, thanking God for the times we said “yes” to Him, and asking forgiveness for the times we chose our own will. We can (and should!) go to Confession this Advent and then make it a regular part of our “Ordinary Time” too. We can reach out to a family member or friend where there is distance or discord and make peace.

As we “straighten the paths” of our own hearts and minds, we become more hospitable people, better stewards of God’s grace and mercy, and far more open and ready to invite others into our lives, homes, and parish. We climb farther up God’s holy mountain and attract others to join us on the path toward holiness. This is preparation fitting for our merciful Savior.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 07th December 2025

First reading
Isaiah 11:1-10
A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse

A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse,
a scion thrusts from his roots:
on him the spirit of the Lord rests,
a spirit of wisdom and insight,
a spirit of counsel and power,
a spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
(The fear of the Lord is his breath.)
He does not judge by appearances,
he gives no verdict on hearsay,
but judges the wretched with integrity,
and with equity gives a verdict for the poor of the land.
His word is a rod that strikes the ruthless,
his sentences bring death to the wicked.

Integrity is the loincloth round his waist,
faithfulness the belt about his hips.

The wolf lives with the lamb,
the panther lies down with the kid,
calf and lion feed together,
with a little boy to lead them.
The cow and the bear make friends,
their young lie down together.
The lion eats straw like the ox.
The infant plays over the cobra’s hole;
into the viper’s lair
the young child puts his hand.
They do no hurt, no harm,
on all my holy mountain,
for the country is filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters swell the sea.

That day, the root of Jesse
shall stand as a signal to the peoples.
It will be sought out by the nations
and its home will be glorious.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 71(72):1-2,7-8,12-13,17

In his days justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails.

O God, give your judgement to the king,
    to a king’s son your justice,
that he may judge your people in justice
    and your poor in right judgement.

In his days justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails.

In his days justice shall flourish
    and peace till the moon fails.
He shall rule from sea to sea,
    from the Great River to earth’s bounds.

In his days justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails.

For he shall save the poor when they cry
    and the needy who are helpless.
He will have pity on the weak
    and save the lives of the poor.

In his days justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails.

May his name be blessed for ever
    and endure like the sun.
Every tribe shall be blessed in him,
    all nations bless his name.

In his days justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails.

________

Second reading
Romans 15:4-9
Christ is the saviour of all men

    Everything that was written long ago in the scriptures was meant to teach us something about hope from the examples scripture gives of how people who did not give up were helped by God. And may he who helps us when we refuse to give up, help you all to be tolerant with each other, following the example of Christ Jesus, so that united in mind and voice you may give glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    It can only be to God’s glory, then, for you to treat each other in the same friendly way as Christ treated you. The reason Christ became the servant of circumcised Jews was not only so that God could faithfully carry out the promises made to the patriarchs, it was also to get the pagans to give glory to God for his mercy, as scripture says in one place: For this I shall praise you among the pagans and sing to your name.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Lk3:4,6

Alleluia, alleluia!

Prepare a way for the Lord,
make his paths straight,
and all mankind shall see the salvation of God.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 3:1-12
The one who follows me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire

    In due course John the Baptist appeared; he preached in the wilderness of Judaea and this was his message: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ This was the man the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he said:

A voice cries in the wilderness:

Prepare a way for the Lord,
make his paths straight.

    This man John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judaea and the whole Jordan district made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. But when he saw a number of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers, who warned you to fly from the retribution that is coming? But if you are repentant, produce the appropriate fruit, and do not presume to tell yourselves, “We have Abraham for our father,” because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe is laid to the roots of the trees, so that any tree which fails to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire. I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who follows me is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand; he will clear his threshing-floor and gather his wheat into the barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 30th November 2025

 

IS 2:1-5; PS 122:1-9; ROM 13: 11-14; MT 24:37-44

Today we begin the beautiful season of Advent. It is a season meant for preparation.

But what exactly are we preparing for?

Two things actually — the celebration of our Savior's birth and the anticipation of His second com-ing. These are weighty tasks that have eternal consequences. So, let us Christian stewards make the words of the Prophet Isaiah our motto for the season: “Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways and we may walk in his paths.”

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, it seems everywhere we turn we are pushed to spend more, do more, entertain more, and generally rush around at a frantic pace — all to create a “perfect” Christmas day. In contrast to this worldly pressure, the Church’s guidance to use these weeks as a time to focus on our spiritual lives can indeed seem like a mountain climb.

But the intentional and wise use of the gift of time is exactly what the Christian steward is called to do, and with even greater intensity during Advent.

St. Paul makes this so clear in his letter to the Romans, our second reading today. He instructs, “It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.” And what should we do once awake? We must be-come like Christ. St. Paul puts it this way: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.”

Our Lord Himself gives us several powerful images to fix in our minds as we travel through the Advent season.

First, He calls to mind for us the image of Noah preparing the ark in the days before the flood. While Noah used his time (and talents) to follow God’s instructions in preparation for the coming flood, everyone else around him was “living it up.” This is exactly what it can feel like for us as we attempt to focus our time on spiritual matters in the days leading up to Christmas! But when the flood came, those unprepared were carried away by the water while Noah endured unharmed. Je-sus warns that this is how it will be at His second coming.

To further illustrate the suddenness with which He will return, Jesus describes it as two men out in a field. One man gets taken while the other is spared; and as two women grinding at a mill, one taken, the other spared. Then he describes his return as a thief in the night, certainly the image of a sudden and unexpected event. “Therefore, stay awake!” He implores, adding, “So, too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, Son of Man will come.”

How can we Christian stewards prepare ourselves and our families for a holy celebration of Jesus’ birth on Dec. 25 and for his certain second coming at a date we do not know? We can push back against the world’s pressure to have the “perfect Christmas.” Scale back on the material kind of gift-giving, the complicated menus, and the unessential trappings of the season so that we have more time for spiritual preparation: Confession, weekday Mass, adoration, family prayer time, lighting the Advent wreath, performing acts of kindness.

It may feel like a mountain climb, but in the end, we will be prepared to celebrate a truly meaningful Christmas, we will have become more like our Savior, and we will be ready for Him to come again. Let’s go climb the Lord’s mountain!

Mass Reading: Sunday - 30th November 2025

First reading
Isaiah 2:1-5
The Lord gathers all nations together into the eternal peace of God's kingdom

The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In the days to come
the mountain of the Temple of the Lord
shall tower above the mountains
and be lifted higher than the hills.
All the nations will stream to it,
peoples without number will come to it; and they will say:

    ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the Temple of the God of Jacob
    that he may teach us his ways
    so that we may walk in his paths;
    since the Law will go out from Zion,
    and the oracle of the Lord from Jerusalem.’

He will wield authority over the nations
and adjudicate between many peoples;
these will hammer their swords into ploughshares,
their spears into sickles.
Nation will not lift sword against nation,
there will be no more training for war.

O House of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the Lord.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 121(122):1-2,4-5,6-9

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

I rejoiced when I heard them say:
    ‘Let us go to God’s house.’
And now our feet are standing
    within your gates, O Jerusalem.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

It is there that the tribes go up,
    the tribes of the Lord.
For Israel’s law it is,
    there to praise the Lord’s name.
There were set the thrones of judgement
    of the house of David.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
    ‘Peace be to your homes!
May peace reign in your walls,
    in your palaces, peace!’

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

For love of my brethren and friends
    I say: ‘Peace upon you!’
For love of the house of the Lord
    I will ask for your good.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

________

Second reading
Romans 13:11-14
Our salvation is near

    You know ‘the time’ has come: you must wake up now: our salvation is even nearer than it was when we were converted. The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon – let us give up all the things we prefer to do under cover of the dark; let us arm ourselves and appear in the light. Let us live decently as people do in the daytime: no drunken orgies, no promiscuity or licentiousness, and no wrangling or jealousy. Let your armour be the Lord Jesus Christ.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Ps84:8

Alleluia, alleluia!

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy
and give us your saving help.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 24:37-44
The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect

    Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.

    ‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 23rd November 2025

 

2 SM 5:1-3; PS 122:1-5; COL 1:12-20; LK 23:35-43

On this Feast of Christ the King, our readings show us that we serve the greatest of Kings, who is at the same time the humblest of Kings. Christ is the perfect model of servant leadership. And what an indescribable privilege that He has called us to be servant leaders — stewards in the work of advancing His Kingdom.

In our second reading, from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, Paul describes the great power and dignity that characterize Christ the King. “All things were created through him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together... For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.” It makes you want to stand up and cheer. That’s our King!

Yet, what a contrasting description of the same King we find in our Gospel passage, from Luke. Now we see our King nailed to the Cross. Everyone from rulers to soldiers, to the criminals on either side of Christ is mocking, sneering, and reviling him. They tauntingly urge him to prove His kingship by coming down from the Cross to end his suffering with a great show of power. “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.”

But He does not.

Amazingly, it is in this moment of seeming weakness and humiliation, when all appears hopeless and lost, that the full breadth of his greatness as king is displayed. Though all things were created through and for Him — Christ chooses to live entirely for others, for us!

What does this mean for us as his followers and stewards of His kingdom? Precisely that our lives are not about us. They are about Christ and others. And we will advance his kingdom to the extent that we embrace this mindset: my life is not about me; it is about serving Christ and others.

The “good thief” hanging on the cross next to Jesus realizes this just in time. Struck by our Lord’s perfect humility, he recognizes that Christ is indeed the King of kings. In his last moments of life, he becomes a steward of Christ’s kingdom as he counsels the criminal on our Lord’s other side to repent. What is the result? Jesus promises the good thief a place with him that very day in Paradise. Our God simply cannot be outdone in generosity.

What powerful lessons this King teaches us from the Cross. We learn that true leadership is displayed in emptying ourselves for others; that true greatness is displayed by way of humility; that none of us is worthy of the call to stewardship of His kingdom but that all of us, like the good thief, are welcomed and invited to take up this call. Following in His footsteps will involve suffering and sacrifice. Yet, how can we say no to the King who loves us so completely and promises that His faithful stewards will one day be with Him in Paradise?

Mass Reading: Sunday - 23rd November 2025

First reading
2 Samuel 5:1-3
They anointed David king of Israel

    All the tribes of Israel then came to David at Hebron. ‘Look’ they said ‘we are your own flesh and blood. In days past when Saul was our king, it was you who led Israel in all their exploits; and the Lord said to you, “You are the man who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you shall be the leader of Israel.”’ So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a pact with them at Hebron in the presence of the Lord, and they anointed David king of Israel.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 121(122):1-5

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

I rejoiced when I heard them say:
    ‘Let us go to God’s house.’
And now our feet are standing
    within your gates, O Jerusalem.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

Jerusalem is built as a city
    strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
    the tribes of the Lord.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

For Israel’s law it is,
    there to praise the Lord’s name.
There were set the thrones of judgement
    of the house of David.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

________

Second reading
Colossians 1:12-20
The Father has created a place for us in the kingdom of the Son that he loves

    We give thanks to the Father who has made it possible for you to join the saints and with them to inherit the light.

    Because that is what he has done: he has taken us out of the power of darkness and created a place for us in the kingdom of the Son that he loves, and in him, we gain our freedom, the forgiveness of our sins.

He is the image of the unseen God
and the first-born of all creation,
for in him were created
all things in heaven and on earth:
everything visible and everything invisible,
Thrones, Dominations, Sovereignties, Powers –
all things were created through him and for him.
Before anything was created, he existed,
and he holds all things in unity.
Now the Church is his body,
he is its head.

As he is the Beginning,
he was first to be born from the dead,
so that he should be first in every way;
because God wanted all perfection
to be found in him
and all things to be reconciled through him and for him,
everything in heaven and everything on earth,
when he made peace
by his death on the cross.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Mk11:10

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessings on the coming kingdom of our father David!

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Luke 23:35-43
'Today you will be with me in paradise'

    The people stayed there before the cross watching Jesus. As for the leaders, they jeered at him. ‘He saved others,’ they said ‘let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

    One of the criminals hanging there abused him. ‘Are you not the Christ?’ he said. ‘Save yourself and us as well.’ But the other spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all?’ he said. ‘You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus,’ he said ‘remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ ‘Indeed, I promise you,’ he replied ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 16th November 2025

 

MAL 3:19-20A; PS 98:5-9; 2 THES 3:7-12; LK 21:5-19

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, our readings offer a sober reminder that this life is not our aim and that God’s justice will triumph in the end. Now is the time to get our priorities in order, putting God above all else as his faithful stewards.

This theme of right priorities is rolled out in no uncertain terms from the first verse of our first reading from Malachi. “Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble and the day that is coming will set them on fire.”

But there is good news for those who are faithful. “For you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.” All the trials, any sufferings, or injustices we endure for the sake of the Gospel, will be healed and we will be rewarded in the end by our loving God who cannot be outdone in generosity.

Our second reading, from St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, reinforces the message that we must order our lives so that they direct the attainment of holiness and nothing else. We see in this passage that conducting ourselves as good stewards involves not only action in certain areas (intentional prioritizing of our time, talents, and treasure); it also means refraining from certain actions and areas that are none of our concern.

St. Paul puts it this way: “some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.” It can be tempting in family life, work life, and parish life, especially for those go-getters among us, to want to insert ourselves (to help, of course!) Into others’ way of doing things. But a good steward must have the humility to recognize that God has given gifts to everyone and that the way others use their gifts is between them and God. Besides, with a strong stewardship plan of life, we should have plenty to focus on without worrying about how those around us are operating.

Finally, our Lord brings home the urgency of right priorities in our Gospel passage from Luke, reminding the people around him who were looking at the temple nearby, “All that you see here — the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” All in this world is passing, our Lord reminds us. We must keep our focus on eternity.

Yet before the eternal bliss of heaven, we should expect to be tried and tested. “Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.”

Sounds scary. But if you are living a stewardship way of life, there is nothing to fear. You have a plan in place. All you need to do is stick with it. Put our Lord first in your time, with your talents, and through your use of treasure. This way of life is not meant to be easy. But Jesus promises it will lead to eternal salvation and the joy of union with Him. “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance, you will secure your lives.”

Onward, Christian stewards, the struggle is worth the joy that awaits!

Mass Reading: Sunday - 16th November 2025

First reading
Malachi 3:19-20
For you the sun of righteousness will shine out

The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 97(98):5-9

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp
    with the sound of music.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    acclaim the King, the Lord.

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

Let the sea and all within it, thunder;
    the world, and all its peoples.
Let the rivers clap their hands
    and the hills ring out their joy
    at the presence of the Lord.

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

For the Lord comes,
    he comes to rule the earth.
He will rule the world with justice
    and the peoples with fairness.

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

________

Second reading
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Do not let anyone have food if he refuses to work

    You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.

    We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Lk21:36

Alleluia, alleluia!

Stay awake, praying at all times
for the strength to stand with confidence
before the Son of Man.

Alleluia!

Or:
Lk21:28

Alleluia, alleluia!

Stand erect, hold your heads high,
because your liberation is near at hand.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Luke 21:5-19
The destruction of the Temple foretold

    When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’

    ‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

    ‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 9th November 2025

 

EZ 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; PS 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 COR 3:9c-11, 16-17; JN 2:13-22

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome — the Pope — and the mother church of all Christendom. While we honor a building, our readings invite us to look deeper: this feast is about the spiritual reality of God dwelling among His people. The readings remind us that the Church is not merely a structure of stone, but a living temple built of the faithful, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone.

In the first reading, Ezekiel envisions life-giving water flowing from the temple, bringing fruitfulness and healing wherever it goes. This water symbolizes God’s grace poured out upon His people. As stewards of that grace, we are called to let the living water of God’s Spirit flow through us — nurturing, healing, and renewing the world around us.

St. Paul builds on this theme, reminding us, “You are God’s building… Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:9,16). The apostle urges us to recognize our sacred dignity as members of the Body of Christ. Stewardship begins with this awareness — that our lives, our time, and our talents are not our own, but gifts of God meant to be offered back to Him in service and love.

In the Gospel, Jesus cleanses the temple in Jerusalem, driving out those who had turned His Father’s house into a marketplace. His zeal reminds us that our worship and our lives must be pure and centered on God alone. When Jesus declares, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up,” He reveals that His own body is the true temple. In His death and resurrection, Christ becomes the new dwelling place of God, and we become His living stones, united in faith.

The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica calls us to renew our dedication to the Church — not only to the physical building where we gather, but to the spiritual temple formed by the People of God. As Christian stewards, we are called to care for our parish communities as places where the presence of Christ is encountered and shared. We do this through generous participation in parish life, faithful support of our ministries, and lives that reflect the Gospel.

May today’s feast remind us that the Church is most fully alive when her members live as grateful stewards, allowing the living water of God’s grace to flow from our hearts into the world — building up the Body of Christ, the true temple of the Lord.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 9th November 2025

First reading
Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12
Wherever the water flows, it will bring life and health

    The angel brought me to the entrance of the Temple, where a stream came out from under the Temple threshold and flowed eastwards, since the Temple faced east. The water flowed from under the right side of the Temple, south of the altar. He took me out by the north gate and led me right round outside as far as the outer east gate where the water flowed out on the right-hand side. He said, ‘This water flows east down to the Arabah and to the sea; and flowing into the sea it makes its waters wholesome. Wherever the river flows, all living creatures teeming in it will live. Fish will be very plentiful, for wherever the water goes it brings health, and life teems wherever the river flows. Along the river, on either bank, will grow every kind of fruit tree with leaves that never wither and fruit that never fails; they will bear new fruit every month, because this water comes from the sanctuary. And their fruit will be good to eat and the leaves medicinal.’

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 45(46):2-3,5-6,8-9

The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is for us a refuge and strength,
    a helper close at hand, in time of distress,
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock,
    though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea.

The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

The waters of a river give joy to God’s city,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within, it cannot be shaken;
    God will help it at the dawning of the day.

The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

The Lord of hosts is with us:
    the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come, consider the works of the Lord,
    the redoubtable deeds he has done on the earth.

The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

________

Second reading
1 Corinthians 3:9-11,16-17
The temple of God is sacred, and you are that temple

    You are God’s building. By the grace God gave me, I succeeded as an architect and laid the foundations, on which someone else is doing the building. Everyone doing the building must work carefully. For the foundation, nobody can lay any other than the one which has already been laid, that is Jesus Christ. 

    Didn’t you realise that you were God’s temple and that the Spirit of God was living among you? If anybody should destroy the temple of God, God will destroy him, because the temple of God is sacred; and you are that temple.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
2Ch7:16

Alleluia, alleluia!

I have chosen and consecrated this house, says the Lord,
for my name to be there forever.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
John 2:13-22
Destroy this sanctuary and in three days I will raise it up

    Just before the Jewish Passover Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and in the Temple he found people selling cattle and sheep and pigeons, and the money changers sitting at their counters there. Making a whip out of some cord, he drove them all out of the Temple, cattle and sheep as well, scattered the money changers’ coins, knocked their tables over and said to the pigeon-sellers, ‘Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market.’ Then his disciples remembered the words of scripture: Zeal for your house will devour me. The Jews intervened and said, ‘What sign can you show us to justify what you have done?’ Jesus answered, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews replied, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this sanctuary: are you going to raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the sanctuary that was his body, and when Jesus rose from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the words he had said.

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 02nd November 2025

 

WIS 3:1-9, PS 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6, ROM 5:5-11 or ROM 6:3-9, MT 25:34, JN 6:37-40

On this commemoration of All Souls Day, the Church turns her gaze toward all the faithful departed, entrusting them to God’s mercy and proclaiming once again our hope in the Resurrection. The readings selected for this day speak with one voice: death does not have the final word, for those who live and die in Christ will share in His victory over the grave.

The Book of Wisdom sets the tone with its consoling declaration: “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them” (Wis 3:1). Though the world may see death as destruction, we know that for the faithful, it is a passage into life with God. The Psalm echoes this confidence in the familiar words, “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want” (Ps 23:1). Just as a shepherd cares for his flock, so does God guide and protect His people, even through the valley of death.

St. Paul’s words from Romans remind us that our hope is not abstract but rooted in Baptism. “Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Rom 6:3). To be joined to Christ in His death means that we will also share in His Resurrection. This is the central truth of Christian discipleship — we belong to Christ, in life and in death, and He will not abandon us.

In the Gospel, Jesus Himself assures us: “Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day” (Jn 6:40). These words are not merely a distant promise, but an invitation to live differently now. Eternal life is God’s greatest gift to us, yet like all gifts, it comes with responsibility. To believe in Christ is to entrust ourselves fully to Him and to shape our lives according to His will.

This is where the message of stewardship comes into focus. All that we are and all that we have is entrusted to us by God, not for our possession but for our faithful use. On this All Souls Day, the Church not only calls us to pray for those who have gone before us, but also to reflect on how we are living our earthly days. How are we using the gift of time? How are we sharing our talents in service to others? How are we offering our treasure in gratitude to God?

Today, we are reminded that our time on earth is limited, and every moment is an opportunity to love God and neighbor. Just as we entrust the departed to God’s mercy, we are called to entrust ourselves daily to His grace, living as stewards who long for the fullness of life in Him. May this All Souls Day renew our faith in Christ’s promise and inspire us to live each day as disciples who await the day when He will fulfill His word: “I shall raise him on the last day.”