As Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River, the Holy Trinity is revealed in full glory, calling forth our response to reject what is evil and follow the Lord with all our heart.
Mass Readings – The Baptism of the Lord (#21)
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Category Archives: Feasts & Solemnities
Study, Pray, Serve: The Baptism of the Lord
Let’s explore the themes we find in the Mass readings for the Baptism of the Lord.
1st Reading – Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
- The chosen servant has received the spirit of God and will bring forth justice.
- The servant will establish a covenant with the people and bring light and healing to the nations.
Psalm – 29:1-4,9-10
- “The Lord will bless his people with peace.”
- We give glory and praise to God, who is enthroned as king forever.
2nd Reading – Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
- Peter speaks to the people in the house of Cornelius, saying that God shows no partiality.
- He then recounts the basic facts about Jesus, inviting the people to fear God and act uprightly.
Gospel – Luke 3:15-16,21-22
- John the Baptist denies that he is the Christ; rather, he states that a mightier one is coming.
- As Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends upon him in the form of a dove, and the voice of the Father proclaims, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Mass Readings – The Baptism of the Lord (#21)
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The Epiphany of the Lord: Receive and reveal the light of Christ! Catholic Inspiration
On their journey to Bethlehem, the Magi encountered the newborn King and were forever changed through the process of receiving and revealing the light of Christ.
Mass Readings – The Epiphany of the Lord (#20)
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Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
Mary keeps the presence of God before her, reflecting in her heart about her Son, the savior of the world.
Mass Readings – Mary, Mother of God (#18)
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Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
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Study, Pray, Serve: The Epiphany of the Lord
Let’s look at the themes we find in the Mass readings for the Epiphany of the Lord.
1st Reading – Isaiah 60:1-6
- Jerusalem will rise up and be filled with light as the glory of the Lord shines upon her.
- The nations shall come to the holy city, bringing wealth and riches to praise God.
Psalm – 72:1-2,7-8,10-13
- “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”
- God will endow the king with justice, and the nations of the earth shall serve him.
2nd Reading – Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6
- The mystery of God’s revelation has been revealed through the apostles and those filled with the Holy Spirit.
- The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, in the promise of faith in Jesus Christ.
Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12
- The Magi, guided by a star, arrive in Jerusalem and inquire about the newborn king of the Jews.
- They are told to seek him in Bethlehem, and Herod requests that they inform him when he is found.
- The Magi find Jesus, offering him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but are warned in a dream not to return to Herod.
Mass Readings – The Epiphany of the Lord (Year ABC, #20)
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The Holy Family: Our families become holy when Christ is in our midst. Catholic Inspiration
The Holy Family did not have an easy life; however, they were able to face the challenges of life with the grace and strength of Jesus in their midst.
Mass Readings – Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (#17)
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Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us!
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Daily Mass: When the innocent suffer, we call upon the Lord for the strength we need. Catholic Inspiration
The massacre of the holy innocents demands that we acknowledge when atrocities occur, we call upon the Lord Jesus who meets us in these horrors and redeems them through his death and resurrection on the Cross.
Mass Readings – The Holy Innocents (#698)
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Holy Innocents of God, pray for us!
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Daily Mass: Our lives give witness to Christ. Catholic Inspiration
The example of John, the beloved disciple who wrote both a Gospel and three letters, inspires us to share our faith with others through the experiences we have seen and heard.
Mass Readings – Feast of St. John, Apostle and evangelist (#697)
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St. John the Evangelist, pray for us!
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Daily Mass: Our strength comes from God in moments of trial. Catholic Inspiration
The martyrdom of Stephen reveals the cost of discipleship, empowering us to hold on to our faith even when it is unpopular, uncomfortable, and unpleasant.
Mass Readings – St. Stephen, first martyr (#696)
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Study, Pray, Serve: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Here are some of the themes that we find in the Mass readings for Feast of the Holy Family.
1st Reading – Sirach 3:2-7,12-14
- God sets a father and mother in authority and honor over their children.
- Children revere and care for their parents when they are old, and this kindness will not be forgotten by God.
Psalm – 128:1-5
- “Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”
- Those who follow the Lord will find blessings in family life.
2nd Reading – Colossians 3:12-21
- As God’s chosen ones, we are called to live virtuously with love and peace in the name of Jesus Christ.
- This calling is expressed in a concrete way in the relationships that exist in family life.
Gospel – Luke 2:41-52
- Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the temple after searching for him for three days.
- As Jesus grew in obedience, wisdom and favor, Mary kept all these things in her heart.
Mass Readings – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Year ABC, #17)
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