When asked if he was the Christ, John the Baptist redirected the crowd to the coming of Jesus. His humility offers us an example about how to live our lives as we follow the Lord.
Mass Readings – Baptism of the Lord
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Category Archives: Feasts & Solemnities
Baptism of the Lord: The humility of John the Baptist. Catholic Inspiration
Study, Pray, Serve: The Baptism of the Lord
Let’s take a look at some of the key themes that surface in the readings for the Baptism of the Lord. Please note that there are options for the 1st Reading, Psalm and 2nd Reading!
1st Reading – Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
- Isaiah speaks of God’s chosen one in whom he is well pleased.
- This servant shall perform mighty deeds that bring hope and life to the people.
1st Reading – Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11
- The people hear of the one who will prepare the way of the Lord.
- The herald brings good news of comfort and tenderness which casts out fear.
Psalm 29:1-4,9-10
- “The Lord will bless his people with peace.”
- Glory and praise is given to God who reigns with might over heaven and earth.
Psalm 104:1-4,24-25,27-30
- “O bless the Lord, my soul”
- God’s majesty is praised for the goodness of all creation.
2nd Reading – Acts 10:34-38
- While in the house of Cornelius (a non-Jew) Peter teaches about Jesus.
- Peter references the baptism of John and the power of Jesus to do good deeds.
2nd Reading – Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
- The grace of God trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires.
- We have been saved through the “bath of rebirth” and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Gospel – Luke 3:15-16,21-22
- John testifies that one mightier than he is coming who will baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and fire.
- As Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes upon him in the form of a dove and the Father’s voice is heard from heaven.
Mass Readings – The Baptism of the Lord
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Epiphany: Living by the light that leads us to Christ. Catholic Inspiration
The feast of Epiphany offers us an insight into understanding the pilgrimage of our lives. Guided by the light of Christ we travel on our pilgrim path through this world to our destination in Heaven, learning life’s lessons along the way.
Mass Readings – Epiphany of the Lord
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Mary, the Mother of God. Catholic Inspiration
She was chosen to be the Mother of God, and as we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary this day we draw near to her Son, the Savior of the World.
Mass Readings – Mary, the Mother of God
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Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
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The Holy Innocents. Catholic Inspiration
There are times when we witness senseless violence and tragedy in our lives. In these moments of horror and grief, we draw strength from the Lord who empowers us to face the darkness and offer his light.
Mass Readings – The Holy Innocents
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All you Holy Innocents of God…pray for us!
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Study, Pray, Serve: The Epiphany of the Lord
Here are some key themes for the readings of the Epiphany of the Lord.
1st Reading – Isaiah 60:1-6
- Amid the darkness of the world, the light shines upon the people.
- God is the source of this light, and by it we see the Lord’s glory.
Psalm – 72:1-2,7-8,10-13
- “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”
- God is the source of justice, and the Lord will rescue the poor and have pity on the lowly.
2nd Reading – Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6
- Jesus Christ is God’s revelation to the world.
- This revelation is now universal – for both Jews and Gentiles alike.
Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12
- The Magi travel to Jerusalem and ask, “Where is the newborn king?”
- King Herod calls the Magi secretly and sends them to Bethlehem to find him.
- The Magi follow the star and greet the infant Jesus with joy.
Mass Readings – The Epiphany of the Lord
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The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Catholic Inspiration
The Gospel of Luke recounts how Jesus is reunited with Mary and Joseph after they searched for three days to find him. May our families also be reunited with the Lord in “his Father’s house” as we encounter Christ in prayer and sacrament.
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Study, Pray, Serve: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
There are several options for the Feast of the Holy Family. Here are some key points to consider for your preparation for Mass.
1st Reading – Sirach 3:2-7,12-14
- This passage is an exhortation regarding family life and relationships.
- God is the origin of family life, and authentic care within the family gives glory to God.
1st Reading – 1st Samuel 1:20-22,24-28
- Hannah’s birth of Samuel becomes a model for the birth of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel.
- Samuel will grow and become a prophet for the nation.
Psalm – 128:1-5
- “Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”
- The psalm speaks of blessings within the context of family life.
Psalm – 84:2-3,5-6,9-10
- “Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.”
- The home becomes a place where God dwells among a family.
2nd Reading – Colossians 3:12-21
- The first part of the passage offers advice regarding how we interact with one another.
- The second part of the passage speaks directly to relationships within the family.
2nd Reading – 1st John 3:1-2,21-24
- We are children of God, configured through our love for Jesus.
- As disciples of the Lord, we now are called to love one another.
Gospel – Luke 2:41-52
- After searching for three days, Joseph and Mary discover Jesus in the Temple among the teachers.
- Jesus, while being obedient to his parents, displays an advanced knowledge and wisdom.
Mass Readings – Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (with all options)
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The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic Inspiration
There is a sharp contrast between the Book of Genesis and the Gospel of Matthew. Whereas Adam and Eve experience the devastating consequences of sin, Mary embraces the words of the angel Gabriel and accepts God’s plan for salvation history. May her words inspire us to say “Yes!” to the Lord today.
Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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St. Mary…pray for us!
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Daily Mass: The call of St. Andrew the Apostle. Catholic Inspiration
As Jesus calls Andrew to follow after him, we are reminded that the Lord’s call echoes in every generation…inviting us to draw near to Christ as we invite others to join us along the way.
Mass Readings – Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle
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St. Andrew…pray for us!
Three Great Things 