There are FOUR different options for Mass Readings on the Feast of Christmas! As it depends on the Mass you attend (and the preference of the presider) I will limit my reflection to the Gospel readings.
Vigil Mass – Matthew 1:1-25
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ, with fourteen generations between Abraham to David, fourteen generations between David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen generations between the Babylonian exile to Christ.
The passage concludes with the angel’s message in Joseph’s dream to welcome Mary into his home.
Mass at Midnight – Luke 2:1-14
Joseph brings Mary to Bethlehem for the census, and there Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays him in swaddling clothes in a manger.
The angels proclaim a message of hope to the shepherds nearby, singing “Glory to God in the highest!”
Mass at Dawn – Luke 2:15-20
The shepherds go to Bethlehem and find the baby Jesus in the manger.
The message of the angels is made known to Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds return home praising God.
Mass during the Day – John 1:1-18
The Prologue of John’s Gospel reveals that Jesus is the Word of God who became flesh and came into our world, shining with a light that the darkness can neither understand nor overcome.
John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Son of God.
In the fullness of time, God sent his Son, born of the Virgin Mary, to save and set us free from the original sin of Adam and Eve. May Mary’s “fiat” inspire us to cooperate with divine grace as we offer our lives for the Lord today.
The call of Andrew, along with Peter, James and John reveals God’s initiative in our lives. As St. Paul reminds us, we are all called and sent by the Lord so that others may hear the Good News.
The words of the Dismas (the “good thief”) in the Gospel of Luke echo in our hearts as we claim Jesus Christ as our King: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!”
St. Paul’s reminds the people of Corinth that each of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Our care and custody of this “sacred space” reveals our awareness of God’s presence and our desire to be an inspiring example to one another.
There are many options for the readings at Mass on this feast of All Souls. If they sound familiar, chances are you’ve heard them at more than one funeral. May our prayers this day be directed to those who gone before us…may they rest in peace.
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Three Great Things 