All Year Round

The WORD today reminds me that God is with us all year round. 

Today we are on the last day of the year. And as we end the year, we also see the readings tell us that the end is near. Come to think of it, everyday we are getting one day closer to the end. However, even though the first reading talks about the end, we see the opposite in the gospel. The gospel tells about the beginning - that God was there from the beginning. This is a great reminder that God is with us always – from the beginning until the end. 

God is with us all year round.

Children, it is the last hour;

and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming,

so now many antichrists have appeared.

Thus we know this is the last hour.

….

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be.

The psalmist tells us how we should act that God is with us all year round: Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

No matter what the situation is. No matter how tough it may be, or how happy it is, God is always there. It is an assurance, especially during tough times, that God is there. This year mat have been very difficult, but ahod has always been with us. This should make us glad. This should inspire us. 

As we end the year, we have experienced a lot. A lot of joys and triumphs, and a lot of hardships and challenges as well. It was a very tough year, with all calamities and the pandemic. Very tough and sad. But throughout all these things, in all situations, there is one thing constant – God.  He was always there. 

We should never forget that he is always with us, and will always be with us whatever we go through in life

What are the most memorable moments of 2020 for me – both joys and sorrows? How was 2020 for me? Did I feel God being with me all throughout the year, especially as challenging it is? How? What can I do to make his presence more alive and real in my life? What does knowledge of Him being always there bring me?

May we always be glad, knowing that whatever we go through, God is with us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. And thank you for another year. Thank you for 2020! Lord, this hear was very tough. However, I know you never left our side. As we close this year, I want to thank you for always being with my in my journey. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for all the victories, joys and triumphs I experienced in my life. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for reminding me how loving you are and how loved I am. I also thank you for all the challenges and hardships, for these things made me stronger and made me cling to you more. Sorry for the many times I forget you. Sorry for forgetting that you are there, especially when times are tough. Remind me. Increase my faith. Lord, I ask that you continue to be patient with me, that you continue to be with me and mold be until I become more and more like you. May I continue to walk in faith and walk with you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

December 31, 2021

7th Day in the Octave of Christmas; St. Sylvester I

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FIRST READING

John 2:18-21

Children, it is the last hour;
and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. Thus we know this is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of our number; if they had been, they would have remained with us. Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number. But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13

R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name; announce his salvation, day after day.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

The LORD comes, he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

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ALLELUIA

John 1:14a, 12a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

It Takes Time

The WORD today reminds me that reminds me that great things takes time. 

Nothing great happens overnight. 

Athletes train for years to reach their full potential. A tree takes years growing its roots to become a strong and mighty tree. No tree grows overnight, and no athlete gets to top condition in an hour. It takes time, effort, hard work, commitment, and patience to get to their full potential. This is what God wants us to remember.

If we want God’s best, we have to learn how to wait.

In the gospel, the prophetess Anna never left the temple for years, and she prayed day and night. Wild! Solid! Imagine her love for God.  It took time, effort and patience to be where she was – spiritually. It did not happen overnight, but when she saw Jesus, it was well worth it. Also, we see that Jesus did not become a wise man overnight. It took him 30 years of growing, learning, waiting, before God told him to start his ministry. That time is necessary to grow, improve, and build a strong foundation. But when God’s plans come into fruition, it will be all worth it.

God’s best takes time.

We all have prayers we want to happen. There are still unanswered prayers until now. We are waiting for different things – promotion at work, break in our career or business, or that prayer we have been asking God. It is very hard to wait, we want things done right away. We want God’s plans to happen right away. We feel we are ready. And looking at others makes it worse – we feel envious that they seem to have more than us, or that God’s best is given them already. We don’t know God’s reason, but we just need to trust his wisdom.

God cannot give us what we cannot handle – be it problems or blessings. Some people get things right away because they do it their way, they do it the world’s way which sometimes result to problems since they’re not ready. We need to wait for God’s perfect timing. And while we do, we just need to do our part, to be patient and do our best to prepare for great blessings will send our way.

What things am I praying for? Why do I want them so much? What is God telling me? What should be my reaction while I still don’t have them? How should I prepare myself while waiting for God’s time?

May we always remember that great things take time, and learn to trust God and his timing. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the love. Lord, I pray that you help me be patient. It’s hard, Lord, because I want things to happen my way. It’s hard because I sometimes feel that I am ready. It’s hard because I feel I should be given it. Sorry for being impatient Lord. Sorry for feeling that my timing is better than yours. Help me just trust in you. Help me have faith in you. I surrender and let you have control of my life. While I wait, I will do my best to prepare, work hard, and be faithful to you. And I have faith that in your perfect time, your best will come. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

December 30, 2021

6th Day in the Octave of Christmas; Blessed Vicente Vilar David

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FIRST READING

John 2:12-17

I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake.

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the Evil One.

I write to you, children, because you know the Father.

I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the Evil One.

Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10

R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise; give to the LORD the glory due his name!

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Bring gifts, and enter his courts; worship the LORD in holy attire. Tremble before him, all the earth.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

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ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon the earth.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 2:36-40

There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

In The Light

The WORD today reminds me I should always live in God's light. 

Whenever there are bazaars where Tshirts are sold, it is not unusual for stores to use UV lights or the violet / light blue bulbs. When I was a kid, I asked my parents to buy a shirt because I really liked it on display under that kind of light. However, when we got home, I was disappointed because under the normal bulb, it looked different! I eventually found out that those lights make things looks better. And the real light, the white lights, really expose the real nature, the real appearance of things. This is what the light of God does. 

God’s light exposes the truth.

The first reading reminds us that if we want to really be in and stay in the light, we need to live a life consistent to God’s ways. It is not a one-time decision or once a year action. We cannot say we love Jesus and are followers of Him if we do not always live like it. Being a true Christian is more than just saying it. We need to live it every day, in little and big things. This is what it takes to live in the light of Christ. We need to choose Christ in the little and big decisions that we make every day.

In the gospel, we see a man living this. Simeon was a righteous and devout man, and we see that the Spirit was with him. We can tell that he was living a life consistent with Christ’s values, since he felt and obeyed the Spirit, and as shown when he recognized Jesus in the temple. If we live right, if we live in the light, then we will recognize God visiting us. We will recognize God when he comes to us, no matter what form he takes – be it as a helpless child, a person in need, or an annoying person who needs comfort and understanding.

Christmas day may be over, and this is probably just another working day for some. However, may we never forget the essence of Christmas. Though Christmas day is over, may we continue to live the values of Christmas. It is easy to profess our faith. What’s more challenging is actually living it day by day.  

Who is God for me? Do I hear him when he calls me? Do I recognize him in my life? How do I live my faith? How do I profess my faith? Is my life consistent with my faith?

May we be inspired and challenged by the Word today to strive to live a life of faith, to live a life in the light of Christ - always. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for this last weekend of the year. Thank you for being patient with me. Lord, sorry for not always living in your light. Sorry for being moody in doing your work. Sorry for not consistently living in the way you want me to. Lord, I ask that you help me live and stay in the light. There are a lot of things that distract me in living a life you want me to. Give me the grace and the strength to remain consistent with your word, to live a life pleasing to you, to live and stay in the light and shine with you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

December 29, 2021

5th Day in the Octave of Christmas; St. Thomas Becket

FIRST READING

John 2:3-11

Beloved:
The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked.

Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall. Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6

R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

The LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

ALLELUIA

Luke 2:32

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

A light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 2:22-35

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

God Knows

The WORD today reminds me that God's wisdom is infinite and he knows what is going to happen in our lives. 

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents. The gospel tells us what happened. When Herod realized he has been deceived, he ordered the massacre of all the boys two years and below. How horrible, right? 

Bad news – bad things will happen in life. The powerful people in the world have power in this world! 

Even though God is all powerful and is in control, he is not the ruler of this world we live in. Satan is, and as such, he has power in this temporary, earthly world. and in the gospel, we see that in action. However, that is not the end. 

Good news - God is still in control, even if we do not understand what is happening!

We do not know why those innocent children died. We feel it is unfair and evil. We do not know why God let that happen. We do not know how the parents of those children coped up with what happened. They did not do anything wrong! It Does not seem to make sense. But what we do know is that everything is still in accordance with God’s perfect plan. It was written that this would happen, and salvation still happened when Jesus rose from the dead to save us, so this incident is not enough to destroy God’s perfect plan. God knows what he is doing and what he is allowing to happen - like what he did with Job.  

In our lives, we do not understand a lot of things. If we’re blessed, we will eventually understand things. However, time is not a guarantee. Some things are left for God’s wisdom to know and understand. We simply have to surrender and trust Him. no matter what we are going through right now, no matter how tough things may be, we just need to have faith that God is totally in control, and that as long as we stick to Him, nothing could get in the way of his perfect plan for us.

We still have a lot fo questions and concerns with this pandemic. With how out officials are responding. With the new strains of the virus found in other countries. We have worries and fears, but we are reminded that God is still in control. He knows. We just need to trust in Him. 

What previously unclear things before do I understand now? What things in my life do I still not understand? What is my reaction to it?  Do I get mad at God, or do I continue to trust in him? 

May we learn to trust and have faith in God's plan, goodness, and infinite wisdom - especially when we do not understand the things that are happening. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week.  Thank you for another chance to know you more. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I question you when I do not understand things. Sorry for doubting you, your plans, and your wisdom. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Lord, I ask that as we commemorate the feast of the holy innocents, I may learn to surrender to you completely. There are a lot of things I do not understand now, probably things that I will never understand, and I ask that you give me faith and a heart that would just totally surrender to you. I know that you are in control, and that there is nothing that will get in the way of your perfect plan for us, as long as we remain close to you as long as we remain faithful. May we always remember this, and live this. Amen

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

December 28, 2021

The Holy Innocents, Martyrs - Feast

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FIRST READING

1 John 1:5-2:2

Beloved:
This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. 

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8

R. (7) Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Had not the LORD been with usB When men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive, When their fury was inflamed against us.

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Then would the waters have overwhelmed us; The torrent would have swept over us; over us then would have swept the raging waters.

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

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ALLELUIA
See Te Deum

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Matthew 2:13-18

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,Out of Egypt I called my son.

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.

Holy Family

The WORD today reminds me that I should do my best to honor my parents and have my own Holy Family. 

The basic unit of society is the family. It is very important, although nowadays there are a lot of things and forces that threaten the family. Unfortunately, some (or a lot) of people now give more importance to the self rather than family. Self first - If things are not doing well between spouses, instead of working together to improve things, they just opt to separate – which affects the children. Some people love themselves too much, that sex is done outside marriage or even if they feel they’re not ready to have a baby, and when something happens, they choose themselves and let go of the baby. 

Family is important, and God wants us not only to remember that, but to live that. 

The fourth commandment, the first pertaining to human beings, tells us to honor our parents. In the first reading we see again how important respecting parents are. Aside from it being a commandment of God, doing it has a lot of promised rewards. Indeed, no matter how imperfect our parents may be, God wants us to honor, respect, serve and love them. Looking at our lives, they were the first to show us unconditional love. They were the first to make us feel what love is. They were the first Jesus in our lives, and this is the least we can do to thank them and to show them how much we appreciate and love them.

God sets a father in honor over his children;

a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.

Whoever honors his father atones for sins,

and preserves himself from them.

When he prays, he is heard;

he stores up riches who reveres his mother.

Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,

and, when he prays, is heard.

Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;

he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

My son, take care of your father when he is old;

grieve him not as long as he lives.

Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;

revile him not all the days of his life;

kindness to a father will not be forgotten,

firmly planted against the debt of your sins

—a house raised in justice to you.

It is indeed very important to honor and love our parents, as God commanded us. Due to their love and our familiarity with them, we often take them for granted and fail to give them the love and honor they deserve. We are sternly warned today. 

The gospel shows us that Jesus, God’s only Son, had an earthly family. He had earthly parents. He honored and loved his parents, even if he was the Son of God. This shows us how important family is to God, that he gave his Son an earthly family. And God continued to take care of Jesus and his earthly family as we see in the gospel. So should we take care of our family. 

Am I thankful for my family? What things have I realized today? How can I improve my family? How can I love my parents more? Am I willing to raise a family like the Holy Family – founded on God?

May we always be thankful for the gift of family. May we always see the importance of family and always look at our parents with high respect, love, and authority.  And for those of us who already have their own family, may we work harder to make God’s love real and alive in our own family, and aspire to emulate Jesus and his holy earthly family.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder and inspiration. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for the gift of family. Thank you for using my family to make me feel your love. I am sorry for the times I take my family for granted. I am sorry for the times I fail to treat my parents the way you want me to. I pray that you help me be a better person, to be a better child, spouse, or parent to my family.  May I be able to show to my parents, my children, and my family how important they are and how much I love them. May I love you through my family. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

December 27, 2021

Feast of the Holy Family; Saint John, Apostle

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FIRST READING

Genesis 15:1–6; 21:1–3

The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what good will your gifts be, if I keep on being childless and have as my heir the steward of my house, Eliezer?” Abram continued, “See, you have given me no offspring, and so one of my servants will be my heir.” Then the word of the LORD came to him: “No, that one shall not be your heir; your own issue shall be your heir.” The Lord took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.” Abram put his faith in the LORD, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.

The LORD took note of Sarah as he had said he would; he did for her as he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time that God had stated. Abraham gave the name Isaac to this son of his whom Sarah bore him.

or:

Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14

God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins —a house raised in justice to you.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 105:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 8–9 (7a , 8a)

R. The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! Look to the LORD in his strength; constantly seek his face.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

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SECOND READING

Hebrews 11:8, 11–12, 17–19

Brothers and sisters:
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age —and Sarah herself was sterile— for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.” He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol.

or:

Longer Form Colossians 3:12–21

Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.

ALLELUIA

Hebrews 1:1–2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Longer Form Luke 2:22–40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord,Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

or:

Shorter Form Luke 2:22, 39–40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.