THE LORD DELIGHTS IN US!

 Readings for Sunday, January 19, 2025 

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 66

Qari tat-Tieni Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

Reading 1                  Isaiah 62:1-5

For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn    and her victory like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication, and all the kings your glory; you shall be called by a new name  pronounced by the mouth of the LORD. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,  a royal diadem held by your God. No more shall people call you “Forsaken, “  or your land “Desolate, “ but you shall be called “My Delight, “  and your land “Espoused.” For the LORD delights in you  and makes your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you;  and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you. 

QARI 1                   mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Isaija 62, 1-5

Minħabba f’Sijon ma nehdiex, minħabba f’Ġerusalemm ma niskotx, sa ma tfeġġ bħal dija l-ġustizzja tagħha, tħeġġeġ bħal torċa s-salvazzjoni tagħha. Il-ġustizzja tiegħek għad jarawha l-ġnus, u s-sebħ tiegħek jarawh is-slaten kollha. B’isem ġdid għad isejħulek, isem li għad jagħżlu fomm il-Mulej. Għad tkun kuruna ta’ ġmiel f’id il-Mulej, u dijadema ta’ sultan f’id Alla tiegħek. Ma jgħidulekx aktar l-Abbandunata, lanqas lil artek l-Imħarbta. Lilek għad isejħulek Għaxqti Fiha, u lil artek għad jgħidulha  Għarusa, għax l-għaxqa tal-Mulej fik, u artek għad titgħarras. Bħalma għarus jitgħarras xebba, hekk jitgħarrsek il-Bennej tiegħek; u bħalma l-għarus jitgħaxxaq b’għarustu, hekk jitgħaxxaq bik Alla tiegħek. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Responsorial Psalm                  Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10

Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
R. Proclaim his marvellous deeds to all the nations.

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

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. Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Worship the LORD in holy attire.
Tremble before him, all the earth;
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He governs the peoples with equity.
R. Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                  Salm 95, 1-2a. 2b-3. 7-8a. 9-10aċ

R/. (3): Xandru fost il-popli kollha l-għeġubijiet tal-Mulej

Għannu lill-Mulej għanja ġdida;
għannu lill-Mulej fl-art kollha!
Għannu lill-Mulej, bierku ismu! R/.

Ħabbru minn jum għal ieħor is-salvazzjoni tiegħu.
Xandru fost il-ġnus is-sebħ tiegħu,
fost il-popli kollha l-għeġubijiet tiegħu. R/.

Agħtu lill-Mulej, familji tal-popli,
agħtu lill-Mulej sebħ u qawwa;
agħtu lill-Mulej is-sebħ ta’ ismu! R/.

Inxteħtu quddiem il-Mulej b’tiżjin qaddis;
triegħdu quddiemu, nies kollha tal-art!
Għidu fost il-ġnus: “Il-Mulej isaltan!”
Hu jiġġudika l-popli bis-sewwa. R/.

Reading 2                  1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Brothers and sisters: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;  there are different forms of service but the same Lord;  there are different workings but the same God  who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another, the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another, mighty deeds; to another, prophecy; to another, discernment of spirits; to another, varieties of tongues; to another, interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

QARI 2                  mill-Ewwel Ittra ta’ San Pawl lill-Korintin 12, 4-11

Ħuti, hemm diversi doni, imma l-istess wieħed hu l-Ispirtu; hemm diversi ministeri, imma l-istess wieħed hu l-Mulej; hemm diversi ħidmiet, imma l-istess Alla, li jaħdem kollox f’kulħadd. Lil kull wieħed tingħata r-rivelazzjoni tal-Ispirtu għall-ġid ta’ kulħadd: lil wieħed kliem l-għerf, mill-istess Spirtu; lil ieħor il-kelma tas-sapjenza mill-istess Spirtu; lil ieħor il-fidi mill-istess Spirtu; lil ieħor id-don tal-fejqan mill-istess Spirtu; lil ieħor is-setgħa tal-mirakli; lil ieħor id-don tal-profezija; lil ieħor id-don tal-għażla tal-ispirti; lil ieħor diversi ilsna; lil ieħor it-tifsir tal-ilsna. Dan kollu jaħdmu l-istess Spirtu wieħed, li jqassam lil kull wieħed kif jogħġbu. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Gospel                  John 2:1-11

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me?  My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.”  So they took it.  And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from — although the servers who had drawn the water knew —, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

EVANĠELJU                  Qari skont San Ġwann 2, 1-11

F’dak iż-żmien, sar tieġ f’Kana tal-Galilija, u omm Ġesù kienet hemm. Ġesù kien mistieden għat-tieġ hu wkoll flimkien mad-dixxipli tiegħu.  Billi ma kienx fadal iżjed inbid, omm Ġesù qaltlu: “Ma għandhomx inbid”. U Ġesù qalilha: “X’hemm bejni u bejnek, mara? Is-siegħa tiegħi għadha ma waslitx”. Omm Ġesù qalet lill-qaddejja: “Agħmlu kulma jgħidilkom hu”.  Issa kien hemm sitt ġarar tal-ħaġar, imqiegħda hemm għar-rit tal-purifikazzjoni tal-Lhud, kull waħda minnhom tasa’ xi mitt jew mija u għoxrin litru. Ġesù qal lill-qaddejja: “Imlew il-ġarar bl-ilma”. U dawk imlewhom sax-xifer. Imbagħad qalilhom: “Issa ħudu minnu u newluh lil dak li qiegħed jieħu ħsieb il-mejda”. U huma marru jagħtuhulu. Hu daq l-ilma mibdul fi nbid; u billi ma kienx jaf mnejn ġie, għalkemm il-qaddejja li ħadu mill-ilma kienu jafu, sejjaħ lill-għarus u qallu: “Kulħadd l-inbid it-tajjeb iservi l-ewwel; meta mbagħad ikun ħadhom iġibu dak li jkun inqas tajjeb. Imma int l-inbid it-tajjeb erfajtu sa issa”.  Dan li għamel Ġesù f’Kana tal-Galilija kien l-ewwel wieħed fost is-sinjali tiegħu. Bih wera l-glorja tiegħu u d-dixxipli tiegħu emmnu fih. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

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An 8-minute Reflection on Sunday's Readings by Fr Anthony Kadavil        

                              The symbol of the relationship between God and 

His chosen ones

Central theme: 

This week we are at a wedding in Cana where Jesus reveals His Divine power by transforming water into wine. The Bible begins with one wedding, that of Adam and Eve in the garden (Gn 2:23-24), and ends with another, the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rv 19:9, 21:9, 22:17). At Cana, Jesus also blesses human marriage, perhaps at that moment instituting the Sacrament of Matrimony. Throughout the Bible, marriage is the symbol of the Covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. God is the faithful Bridegroom and humanity is His beloved bride. Let us pray for God’s daily miracles in our families.

Scripture lessons summarized: 

We see this theme beautifully presented in Sunday's first reading, where Isaiah uses the metaphor of spousal love to describe God’s love for Israel. God’s fidelity to his people is compared to a husband’s fidelity to his wife.Isaiah predicts God’s salvation of Jerusalem after the return of the Babylonian exiles and visualizes it as a wedding between God and Jerusalem. 

Jesus’ provision of abundant wine for the wedding feast in Cana signifies that the day foreseen by Isaiah has arrived. Anticipating the joy of this wedding, the Psalmist urges us in the Responsorial Psalm (Ps 96),” Sing to the Lord a new song.” In Sunday’s second reading, St. Paul reminds us that the new wine that Jesus pours out for us is the gift of the Holy Spirit, given to His Bride. 

In today’s Gospel, John describes the first of the seven “signs’ by which Jesus showed forth His Divinity. When the wine "ran short,” Jesus’ Mother told Jesus about it. At first Jesus seemed to refuse to do anything about it. But later he told the servants to fill six large stone jars with water and take some of the miraculous water-made-wine to the headwaiter. When they did so, the headwaiter expressed his surprise that such a great wine had been reserved for late use.

Life messages: 

1) Let us, “invite Jesus and Mary to remain with us in our homes” when we feel shortages in our family lives. The spouses need Jesus and Mary when their dreams are gone, mutual love seems dried up, the relationship becomes boring, and raising the children becomes a burden draining all their energy. The awareness of the presence of Jesus and Mary in the family will encourage parents to create an atmosphere of prayer, Bible-reading, mutual love, and respect, with a spirit of forgiveness and sacrificial service at home. This change will refresh and renovate family life, removing its boredom.

2) Let us follow Mary's instruction, "Do whatever He tells you." This is the only recorded command given by Mary in the New Testament, and it is a prerequisite for miracles in our families. The Bible tells us how to do the will of God and effect salvific changes in our daily lives. 

3) Just as Jesus filled the empty water jars with wine, let us fill the empty hearts around us with love. By the miracle of Cana, Jesus challenges us also to enrich the empty lives of those around us with the new wine of love, mercy, concern, and care. 

4) Let us learn to appreciate the miracles of God's providence in our lives. God, often as an uninvited guest in our families, works daily miracles in our lives by protecting us from physical and moral dangers, providing for our needs, inspiring us, and strengthening us with His Holy Spirit. Let us also appre, where God transforms our offering of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus.

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"WITH YOU I AM WELL PLEASED!"

The Baptism of the Lord 
Lectionary: 21

 Il-Magħmudija tal-Mulej – Festa

Reading 1                 ISAIAH  40:1-5, 9-11

Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her  that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD  double for all her sins.  A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!  Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain,  the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together;   for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Go up on to a high mountain,  Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice,  Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah:   Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD,  who  rules by a strong arm; here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;  in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom,  and leading the ewes with care. 

QARI 1                   mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Iżaija 40:1-5,9-11

“Farrġu, farrġu l-poplu tiegħi”, jgħid Alla tagħkom. Kellmu lil qalb Ġerusalemm u għidulha li ntemm il-jasar tagħha, tħallset ħżunitha, ħadet mingħand il-Mulej darbtejn għal dnubietha kollha”. Leħen jgħajjat:  “Ħejju t-triq għall-Mulej fid-deżert, wittu għal Alla tagħna mogħdija fix-xagħri. Jintradam kull wied, u jitniżżlu l-muntanji u l-għoljiet; kull art imħattba titwitta kull art imħarbta ssir maqgħad. U tfiġġ il-glorja tal-Mulej, u l-bnedmin jarawha lkoll f’daqqa, għax fomm il-Mulej tkellem”.Itla’ fuq il-muntanja għolja, int li ġġib il-bxara t-tajba lil Sijon! Għolli leħnek bil-qawwa kollha, int li tagħti l-aħbar it-tajba lil Ġerusalemm; għajjat, la tibżax. Għid lill-ibliet ta’ Ġuda: “Hawn hu Alla tagħkom! Hawn hu Sidi l-Mulej, li ġej bil-qawwa, u jaħkem bil-qawwa ta’ driegħu. Hawn hu bi ħlasu miegħu, u r-rebħa tiegħu quddiemu. Bħal ragħaj li jirgħa l-merħla tiegħu; bi driegħu jiġmagħha, u l-ħrief fi ħdanu jerfagħhom; u n-nagħaġ ireddgħu bil-mod imexxihom”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Responsorial Psalm                  PSALM 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30 

O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
you are clothed with majesty and glory,
robed in light as with a cloak.
You have spread out the heavens like a tent-cloth;
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.

You have constructed your palace upon the waters.
You make the clouds your chariot;
you travel on the wings of the wind.
You make the winds your messengers,
and flaming fire your ministers.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.

How manifold are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you have wrought them all--
the earth is full of your creatures;
the sea also, great and wide,
in which are schools without number
of living things both small and great.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.

They look to you to give them food in due time.
When you give it to them, they gather it;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.

If you take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                  Salm 103(104):1b-2,3-4,24-25,27-28,29-30

R/.(1): Bierek, ruħ tiegħi, il-Mulej!

Mulej, Alla tiegħi, inti kbir bil-bosta!
Bis-sebħ u l-ġmiel inti mlibbes,
bid-dawl, bħal b’mantell, inti mkebbeb.
Inti frixt is-smewwiet bħal tinda. R/.

Waqqaft fuq l-ilma l-għamajjar għolja tiegħek.
Inti tagħmel is-sħab mirkeb tiegħek,
fuq ġwienaħ ir-riħ tiġġerra.
L-irjieħ tagħmilhom ħabbara tiegħek,
u l-ilsna tan-nar qaddejja tiegħek. R/.

Kemm huma kotrana l-għemejjel tiegħek, Mulej!
Kollha bl-għerf għamilthom;
mimlija l-art bil-ħlejjaq tiegħek.
Dan il-baħar ta’ kobor u wisa’ bla tarf,
li fih jimraħ ħut bla għadd;
bhejjem żgħar u bhejjem kbar. R/.

Minnek jistennew il-ħlejjaq kollha
li tagħtihom ikilhom f’waqtu.
Inti tagħtihom, u huma jiġbru;
tiftaħ idejk, u jixbgħu bil-ġid. R/.

Jekk taħbi wiċċek, huma jinfixlu;
jekk teħdilhom nifishom, imutu,
u lejn it-trab jerġgħu jmorru.
Malli tibgħat in-nifs tiegħek, jinħolqu,
u inti ġġedded il-wiċċ tal-art. R/.

Reading 2                  TITUS 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,  eager to do what is good. When the kindness and generous love of God our saviour appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our saviour, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

QARI 2                   mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl lil Titu2:11-14; 3:4-7

Ibni, dehret il-grazzja ta’ Alla, għas-salvazzjoni lill-bnedmin kollha; hi trawwimna nwarrbu l-ħażen u l-ġibdiet tad-dinja, biex ngħixu bir-rażna u l-ġustizzja u t-tjieba f’dan iż-żmien, u nistennew it-tama hienja u d-dehra tal-glorja tal-kbir Alla u Salvatur tagħna, Ġesù Kristu. Hu ta lilu nnifsu għalina biex jifdina minn kull ħażen u jnaddafna u jagħmel minna poplu magħżul għalih, poplu mħeġġeġ għall-għemil it-tajjeb. Iżda meta feġġet it-tjieba ta’ Alla, Salvatur tagħna, u l-imħabba tiegħu għall-bnedmin, hu salvana bil-ħasil ta’ twelid ġdid u t-tiġdid tal-Ispirtu s-Santu, mhux minħabba l-opri tajba li stajna għamilna aħna, iżda minħabba l-ħniena tiegħu. Dan l-Ispirtu hu xerrdu bil-kotra fuqna b’Ġesù Kristu, is-Salvatur tagħna, biex bis-saħħa tal-grazzja tiegħu nitqaddsu u nsiru werrieta tal-ħajja ta’ dejjem skont it-tama li għandna. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Gospel                  LUKE 3:15-16, 21-22

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying,  “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” After all the people had been baptised  and Jesus also had been baptised and was praying,  heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven,  “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

EVANĠELJU                  Qari skont San Luqa 3:15-16,21-22

F’dak iż-żmien, il-poplu kien qiegħed jistenna ħerqan, u kulħadd kien jistaqsi lilu nnifsu dwar Ġwanni, jekk kienx hu l-Messija. Għalhekk Ġwanni qabad u qal lil kulħadd: “Jien, ngħid għalija, ngħammidkom bl-ilma, imma ġej wieħed aqwa minni, li ma jistħoqqlix inħollu l-qfieli tal-qorq tiegħu. Hu jgħammidkom bl-Ispirtu s-Santu u n-nar”. Ġara li, wara li tgħammed il-poplu kollu, Ġesù tgħammed ukoll u, waqt li kien qiegħed jitlob, is-smewwiet infetħu, u niżel l-Ispirtu s-Santu u deher fuqu fis-sura ta’ ħamiema. U mis-sema ġie leħen jgħid: “Inti Ibni l-għażiż; fik sibt l-għaxqa tiegħi”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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An 8-minute Reflection on Sunday's Readings by Fr Anthony Kadavil        

The Real Gift of the Lord's - and Our - Baptism 

Introduction:

The Baptism of the Lord is the great event celebrated by the Eastern churches on the feast of Epiphany because it is the occasion of the first public revelation of all the Three Persons in the Holy Trinity, and the official revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to the world by God the Father. Hence, it is described by all four Gospels. It marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

The turning point: 

His baptism by John was a very important event in the life of Jesus. First it was a moment of identification with us sinners. Sinless, Jesus received the baptism of repentance to identify himself with his people who realized for the first time that they were sinners. (As given in the anecdotes, St. Damien, St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa), Gandhi, and Mandela identified with the people whom they served). Second, it was a moment of God’s affirmation of His identity and mission: that He is the Son of God and His mission is to preach the Good News of God’s love and salvation and to atone for our sins by becoming the “suffering servant.” 

God the Father’s words, “This is my beloved Son," (prophesied in Ps 2:17), confiirmed Jesus’ identity as God’s Son, and the words "with whom I am well pleased,” (prophesied in Isaiah 42:1; referring to the "suffering servant"), pointed to Jesus' mission of atoning for the sins of the world by His suffering and death on the cross. Third, it was a moment of equipment. The Holy Spirit equipped Jesus by descending on him in the form of dove, giving him the power of preaching and healing. Fourth, it was a moment of decision to begin public ministry at the most opportune time after receiving the approval of his Heavenly Father as His beloved Son.

Life messages: 

(1) The baptism of Jesus reminds us of our identity. It reminds us of who we are and Whose we are. By Baptism we become sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus, members of his Church, heirs of heaven and temples of the Holy Spirit.

(2) Jesus’ baptism reminds us also of our mission: 

a) to experience the presence of God within us, to acknowledge our own dignity as God’s children, and to appreciate the Divine Presence in others by honoring them, loving them and serving them in all humility; 

b) to live as the children of God in thought, word and action.

c) to lead holy and transparent Christian lives and not to desecrate our bodies (the temples of the Holy Spirit and members of Jesus' Body), by impurity, injustice, intolerance, jealousy, or hatred; 

d) to accept both the good and the bad experiences of life as the gifts of a loving Heavenly Father for our growth in holiness;

e) to grow daily in intimacy with God by personal and family prayers, by meditative reading of the Word of God, by participating in the Holy Mass, and by frequenting the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

(3) It is a day to thank God for the graces we have received in Baptism, to renew our Baptismal promises and to preach Christ’s “Good News” by our transparent Christian lives of love, mercy, service and forgiveness.

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PAYING HOMAGE TO THE KING

 Readings for Sunday, January 5,  2025

The Epiphany of the Lord
Lectionary: 20

L-Epifanija tal-Mulej. (Solennità)

Reading 1                  ISAIAH 60:1-6

Rise up in splendour, Jerusalem!  Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Qari 1                  mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Isaija 60, 1-6

Qum! Ħa jiddi wiċċek! Id-dawl tiegħek wasal! Jiddi fuqek sebħ il-Mulej!  Ara d-dlamijiet jiksu l-art, u sħab iswed il-popli: iżda fuqek jiddi l-Mulej, u s-sebħ tiegħu jfiġġ fuqek. Il-ġnus għad jimxu fid-dawl tiegħek, u s-slaten fid-dija tas-sebħ tiegħek. Għolli u dawwar għajnejk madwarek u ara: ilkoll miġbura ġejjin għandek. Uliedek ġejjin mill-bogħod, u bnietek iġorruhom fuq id-dirgħajn. Imbagħad tħares u wiċċek jiddi, u tħabbat u timtela qalbek, għax fuqek taqa’ l-kotra tal-ġid tal-ibħra, u l-għana tal-ġnus jiġi għandek. Imrieħel ta’ iġmla għad jgħattuk, l-iġmla żgħar ta’ Midjan u Għefa; ilkoll minn Seba jiġu, mgħobbija bid-deheb u l-inċens, u jxandru t-tifħir tal-Mulej.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Responsorial Psalm                 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13.

O God, with your judgment endow the king,

and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Salm Responsorjali                 Salm 71 (72), 1-2.7-8.10-11,12-13

R/. (ara 11): Il-ġnus kollha tal-art jagħtuk qima, Mulej

O Alla, agħti lis-sultan il-ħaqq tiegħek,
il-ġustizzja tiegħek lil bin is-sultan,
biex jiġġudika l-poplu tiegħek bil-ġustizzja,
u bil-ħaqq l-imsejknin tiegħek. R/.

Tħaddar f’jiemu l-ġustizzja,
u sliem kotran sa ma jintemm il-qamar.
Isaltan minn baħar sa baħar,
u mix-xmara sa truf l-art. R/.

Is-slaten ta’ Tarsis u tal-gżejjer jagħtuh ir-rigali,
is-slaten ta’ Seba u ta’ Saba għotjiet iġibulu.
Iqimuh is-slaten kollha,
il-ġnus kollha lilu jaqdu. R/.

Għax hu jeħles lill-fqir li jsejjaħlu,
u lill-imsejken li m’għandux min jgħinu.
Iħenn għad-dgħajjef u għall-fqajjar;
il-ħajja tal-fqajrin isalva. R/.

Reading 2                 EPHESIANS 3:2-3a, 5-6

Brothers and sisters:  You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit,  namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations  as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:  that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Qari 2                  mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl lill-Efesin 3, 2-3a. 5-6

Ħuti, intom smajtu bil-pjan tal-grazzja li Alla tani għall-ġid tagħkom, jiġifieri, li permezz ta’ rivelazzjoni għarrafni l-misteru. Dan hu l-misteru li fil-ġenerazzjonijiet l-imgħoddija ma kienx mgħarraf lill-bnedmin bħalma issa ġie rrivelat lill-appostli qaddisa tiegħu u lill-profeti fl-Ispirtu, jiġifieri, li l-pagani huma msejħa biex ikollhom sehem mill-istess wirt, ikunu membri tal-istess ġisem, ikollhom sehem mill-istess wegħda, fi Kristu Ġesù permezz tal-Evanġelju. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Gospel                 MATTHEW 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod,  behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,  “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled,  and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,  he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,  for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly  and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said,  “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word,  that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,  until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star,  and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures  and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,  they departed for their country by another way.

Evanġelju                  Qari skont San Mattew 2, 1-12

Meta twieled Ġesù f’Betlehem tal-Lhudija, fi żmien is-sultan Erodi, xi maġi mil-Lvant ġew Ġerusalemm jistaqsu: “Fejn hu dak li twieled sultan tal-Lhud? Għax rajna l-kewkba tiegħu tielgħa, u ġejna nqimuh”. Is-sultan Erodi sama’ bihom, u tħawwad hu u Ġerusalemm kollha miegħu. Ġabar flimkien il-qassisin il-kbar u l-kittieba kollha tal-poplu, u ried jaf mingħandhom fejn kellu jitwieled il-Messija. U huma qalulu: “F’Betlehem tal-Lhudija, għax hekk inkiteb mill-profeta: “U int, Betlehem, art ta’ Ġuda, le, m’intix l-iżgħar fost il-bliet il-kbar ta’ Ġuda, għax minnek joħroġ mexxej li jirgħa l-poplu tiegħi Iżrael”.  Erodi mbagħad sejjaħ lill-maġi bil-moħbi, u tkixxef bir-reqqa kollha mingħandhom iż-żmien li fih dehritilhom il-kewkba; bagħathom Betlehem u qalilhom: “Morru, staqsu sewwa għat-tifel, u meta ssibuh ejjew għiduli, ħalli jien ukoll niġi nqimu”. Dawk, wara li semgħu lis-sultan, telqu, u ara, il-kewkba li kienu raw tielgħa bdiet miexja quddiemhom sakemm waslet u waqfet fuq il-post fejn kien hemm it-tifel. Kif raw il-kewkba mtlew b’ferħ kbir tassew. Meta mbagħad daħlu d-dar u raw lit-tifel ma’ ommu Marija, inxteħtu fl-art iqimuh; fetħu t-teżori tagħhom u offrewlu rigali deheb, inċens u mirra. Imbagħad, billi kienu mwissijin f’ħolma biex ma jerġgħux imorru għand Erodi, telqu lura lejn arthom minn triq oħra. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

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An 8-minute Reflection on Sunday's Readings by Fr Anthony Kadavil        

Epiphany of the Lord  - A prophesy fulfilled!

Introduction: 

The Greek word Epiphany (επιφάνεια), means appearance or manifestation. Multiple revelations of Jesus as God are celebrated on this Feast of the Epiphany. In the Western Church, the Feast of the Epiphany celebrates Jesus’ first appearance to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, while in the Eastern Church, the Epiphany event is celebrated in the commemoration of the Baptism of Christ when the Father and the Holy Spirit gave combined testimony to Jesus’ identity as Son of God. Later, in the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus revealed Himself as the promised Messiah, and at Cana Jesus revealed His Divinity by transforming water into wine. The Church celebrates all these epiphany events on this Feast of Epiphany.

Scripture lessons summarized:

Sunday’s Gospel teaches us how Christ enriches those who bring him their hearts. The adoration of the Magi fulfills the oracle of Isaiah (first reading), prophesying that the nations of the world would travel to the Holy City following a brilliant light and would bring gold and incense to contribute to the worship of God. Today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 72) includes a verse about kings coming from foreign lands to pay homage to a just king in Israel. Paul’s letter to the Church of Ephesus (today’s second reading), expresses God’s secret plan in clear terms: “the Gentiles are…co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.” 

Today’s Gospel reminds us that if God permitted the Magi – foreigners and pagans – to recognize and give Jesus proper respect as the King of Jews, we should know that there is nothing in our sinful lives that will keep God from bringing us to Jesus. There were three groups of people who reacted to the Epiphany of Christ’s birth. The first group, headed by King Herod the Great, tried to eliminate the Child, the second group, priests and scribes, ignored him, and the third group, represented by the shepherds and the Magi, came to adore him.

Life Messages: 

(1) Let us make sure that we belong to the third group:

a) by worshiping Jesus at Mass with the gold of our love, the myrrh of our humility, and the frankincense of our adoration; 

b) by giving a new direction to our lives. As the Magi chose another route to return to their homes, we need to choose a better way of life, abstaining from proud and impure thoughts, evil habits and selfish behavior; 

c) by becoming stars leading others to Jesus as the star led the Magi to Jesus — removing the darkness of the evil around us and radiating Jesus’ love through selfless service, unconditional forgiveness, and compassionate care. 

(2) On this feast of the Epiphany, let us, like the Magi, offer Jesus our grateful use of his gifts to us: 

(a) His gift of friendship with God in the form of wholehearted love and devotion; 

(b) His gift of friendship with others by leading them to Jesus through our exemplary lives of Christian charity in action; 

(c) His gift of reconciliation with God by making use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently, by asking daily for His pardon and forgiveness for our sins and by giving unconditional forgiveness to those who wound us; and 

(d) His gift of peace by seeking God’s peace in our own lives through prayer, leading a Sacramental life, and meditation daily on the Word of God.

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FAMILY OF FAMILIES!

 Readings for Sunday, December 29,  2024 

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Lectionary: 17

Festa tal-Familja Mqaddsa ta’ Ġesù, Marija u Ġużeppi

Reading 1               

1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28

In those days Hannah conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him. The next time her husband Elkanah was going up with the rest of his household to offer the customary sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vows, Hannah did not go, explaining to her husband, “Once the child is weaned, I will take him to appear before the LORD and to remain there forever; I will offer him as a perpetual nazirite.” Once Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said:  “Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” Hannah left Samuel there.

QARI 1                 mill-Ewwel Ktieb ta’ Samwel 1, 20-22.24-28

F’dak iż-żmien Anna tqalet, u meta wasal żmienha wildet iben u semmietu Samwel “għaliex – kif qalet hi – tlabtu lill-Mulej”. Elkana bil-familja kollha tala’ joffri s-sagrifiċċju ta’ kull sena lill-Mulej u jtemm il-wegħda tiegħu. Imma Anna ma telgħetx, għaliex qalet lil żewġha: “Meta nkun ftamt it-tifel, imbagħad nieħdu biex jidher quddiem il-Mulej, u jibqa’ hemm għal dejjem”.   U meta fatmitu, Anna tellgħet ’il binha magħha fid-dar tal-Mulej f’Silo. Ħadet magħha gendus ta’ tliet snin, efa dqiq u żaqq inbid, u marret bit-tfajjel magħha. Hemm qatlu l-gendus, u ressqu t-tifel quddiem Għeli, u qaltlu: “Nitolbok, sidi; daqskemm int ħaj, sidi, jien dik il-mara li kienet wieqfa hawn ħdejk titlob lill-Mulej. Għal dan it-tifel kont tlabt, u l-Mulej laqa’ t-talba tiegħi, u tani li tlabtu. U issa jien se nagħtih lill-Mulej il-jiem kollha ta’ ħajtu, u kemm idum ħaj ikun tal-Mulej”. U qiemu lill-Mulej hemmhekk.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Responsorial Psalm         Psalm 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!

 My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD.
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.

Happy they who dwell in your house!
 Continually they praise you.
Happy the men whose strength you are!
 Their hearts are set upon the pilgrimage.
R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.

O LORD of hosts, hear our prayer;
 hearken, O God of Jacob!
O God, behold our shield,
 and look upon the face of your anointed.
R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                 Salm 83 (84), 2-3. 5-6. 9-10

R/. (5a): Henjin dawk li jgħammru f’darek, Mulej

Kemm hi għażiża d-dar tiegħek,
Mulej tal-eżerċti!
Tixxennaq u tinfena ruħi għat-tempju tal-Mulej;
ngħanni ferħan b’ruħi u ġismi lil Alla l-ħaj. R/.

Henjin dawk li jgħammru f’darek;
huma jfaħħruk għal dejjem.
Henjin dawk li jsibu fik il-qawwa tagħhom,
li għandhom għal qalbhom il-pellegrinaġġ għat-tempju. R/.

Mulej, Alla tal-eżerċti, isma’ talbi;
agħti widen, Alla ta’ Ġakobb.
Ħares, o Alla, lejn it-tarka tagħna,
ħares lejn is-sultan, il-midluk tiegħek. R/.

Reading 2                 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24

Beloved:  See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. And so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he  commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he gave us.

QARI 2                  

mill-Ewwel Ittra ta’ San Ġwann Appostlu 3, 1-2, 21-24

Għeżież, araw b’liema għożża ħabbna l-Missier; nistgħu nissejħu wlied Alla, u hekk aħna tassew! Għalhekk id-dinja ma tagħrafniex, għax ma għarfitx lilu. Għeżież, issa aħna wlied Alla, imma x’se nkunu ’l quddiem mhuwiex irrivelat lilna. Madankollu nafu li meta jidher hu, aħna nkunu bħalu, għax narawh kif inhu. Għeżież, jekk il-kuxjenza tagħna ma ċċanfarniex, aħna qalbna qawwija quddiem Alla, u kulma nitolbu naqilgħuh mingħandu, għax qegħdin inżommu l-kmandamenti tiegħu u nagħmlu dak li jogħġob lilu. Dan hu l-kmandament tiegħu: li nemmnu fl-isem ta’ Ibnu Ġesù Kristu, u nħobbu ’l xulxin, kif wissiena hu. Min iżomm il-kmandamenti tiegħu jgħammar f’Alla u Alla fih. B’hekk nagħrfu li hu jgħammar fina: bl-Ispirtu li hu tana.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Gospel                  LUKE 2:41-52

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning,  he boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan,they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him,  “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them;  and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favour before God and man.

EVANĠELJU                  Qari skont San Luqa 2, 41-52                 

Ta’ kull sena l-ġenituri ta’ Ġesù kienu jmorru Ġerusalemm għall-festa tal-Għid. Meta kellu tnax-il sena telgħu wkoll, skont id-drawwa ta’ dik il-festa. Wara li għaddew dawk il-ġranet qabdu t-triq lura, imma t-tfajjel Ġesù baqa’ Ġerusalemm bla ma kienu jafu l-ġenituri tiegħu. Huma ħasbuh qiegħed ma’ xi wħud li kienu fit-triq magħhom; iżda meta wara jum mixi fittxewh fost qrabathom u n-nies li kienu jafuhom, ma sabuhx, u għalhekk reġgħu lura Ġerusalemm ifittxuh. Wara tlitt ijiem sabuh fit-tempju, bilqiegħda f’nofs l-għalliema, jismagħhom u jistaqsihom; u kull min semgħu baqa’ mistagħġeb bid-dehen u t-tweġibiet tiegħu. Kif rawh, instamtu, u ommu qaltlu: “Ibni, dan għaliex għamiltilna hekk? Ara, missierek u jiena konna qegħdin infittxuk b’qalbna maqsuma”. U hu qalilhom: “U għaliex kontu qegħdin tfittxuni? Ma tafux li jiena għandi nkun f’dak li hu ta’ Missieri?”. Iżda kliemu ma fehmuhx.  Imbagħad niżel magħhom u raġa’ mar Nazaret; u kien jobdihom. U ommu kienet tgħożż f’qalbha dawn il-ħwejjeġ kollha. U hekk Ġesù baqa’ jikber fl-għerf, fis-snin u fil-grazzja, quddiem Alla u quddiem il-bnedmin. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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An 8-minute Reflection on Sunday's Readings by Fr Anthony Kadavil    

PUTTING OUR FAMILIES ON GOD'S ALTAR

Central theme: 

On the last Sunday of the calendar year, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. On this feast day we are offering our own families and all their members on the altar to ask God’s blessing on them and to obtain for them the guidance of the Holy Family. 

Scripture lessons summarized: 

The first reading, taken from the First Book of Samuel, describes how Elkanah and Hannah presented their child Samuel in the Temple, consecrated him to the service of the Lord as a perpetual Nazarite, and left him in the Temple under the care of Eli, the priest. In today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 128), the Psalmist reminds us that happy homes are the fruit of our faithfulness to the Lord. In the second reading, John reminds us that, as children of God the Father, we are members of God's own family, and as such we are expected to obey the greatest commandment of God: “Love one another” (1 Jn 3:2), so that we may remain united to God in the Holy Spirit. 

In Sunday’s Gospel, Luke concludes his detailed story of Christ’s infancy, with the events of Jesus’ visit to the Temple in Jerusalem at the age of twelve to become “a son of the Law” [bar mitzvah] and take up the obligations of the Law. Jesus lingered behind in the Temple, attending the Sanhedrin classes on religious and theological questions as an eager student of Mosaic Law. Finally, when Mary and Joseph had found him in the Temple after three days of anxious search, the Gospel then summarizes the next 18 years of Jesus’ life, stating that Jesus grew up at Nazareth like any other young man, obeying his parents, faithfully discharging all his duties to God, to his parents, and to the community, “advancing in wisdom and age and favour before God and man.

 Life messages: 

1) We need to learn lessons from the Holy Family: The Church encourages us to look to the Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph for inspiration, example and encouragement. They were a model family in which both parents worked hard, helped each other, understood and accepted each other, and took good care of their Child so that He might grow up not only in human knowledge but also as a Child of God. 

2) We need to make the family a confessional rather than a courtroom. A senior Judge of the Supreme Court congratulated the bride and groom in a marriage and gave them a pertinent piece of advice: “See that you never convert your family into a courtroom; instead let it be a confessional. If the husband-and-wife start arguing like attorneys in an attempt to justify their behaviour, their family becomes a court of law and nobody wins. On the other hand, if the husband and the wife -- as in a confessional -- are ready to admit their faults and try to correct them, the family becomes a Heavenly one.”

3) Parents need to examine their consciences: On the Feast of the only perfect Family that ever lived on this earth, all parents might examine themselves to see how well they are fulfilling the grave responsibility which God has placed on them. As they heard during their marriage ceremony: "children are a gift from God to you "for whom their parents are accountable before God, as they must, in the end, return these, His children, to Him. Let us pray for the grace of caring for one another in our own families, for each member of our parish family, and for all families of the universal Church. May God bless all our families in the New Year!

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RESPONDING TO GOD'S CALLING

 Readings for Sunday, December 22  2024 

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Lectionary: 12

Ir-Raba Ħadd ta' l-Avvent

Reading 1                 MICAH 5:1-4a

Thus says the LORD:  You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah,  too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old,  from ancient times.  herefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, and the rest of his kindred shall return to the children of Israel. He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; and they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace.

QARI 1                  mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Mikea 5, 1-4a

Dan jgħid il-Mulej: “Int, Betlehem ta’ Efrata, ċkejkna fost il-familji ta’ Ġuda, minnek għad joħroġli dak li jkun prinċep f’Iżrael; hu għandu l-bidu tiegħu mill-qedem, sa minn dejjem ta’ dejjem.  Għalhekk il-Mulej jitlaqhom sa meta teħles dik li hi fl-uġigħ tal-ħlas; imbagħad il-bqija ta’ ħutu jerġgħu lura fost ulied Iżrael. U hu joqgħod jirgħa l-merħla tiegħu bil-qawwa tal-Mulej, bil-glorja ta’ isem il-Mulej, Alla tiegħu. U huma jgħammru fiż-żgur, għax issa tkun kbira setgħetu, sa trufijiet l-art. U dan ikun is-sliem!”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Responsorial Psalm                 PSALM 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.

O shepherd of Israel, hearken,

from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power,
and come to save us.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                  Salm 79 (80), 2aċ u 3b. 15-16. 18-19

R/.:  Mulej, itfa’ fuqna d-dija ta’ wiċċek, u nkunu salvi

O Ragħaj ta’ Iżrael, agħti widen,
int li qiegħed fuq il-kerubini, iddi.
Qajjem il-qawwa tiegħek,
u ejja ħa ssalvana. R/.

Erġa’ ejja, Alla tal-eżerċti;
ħares mis-sema, u ara,
u żur ’il din id-dielja.
Ħu ħsieb dak li ħawlet lemintek,
ir-rimja li int kabbart għalik. R/.

Ħa tkun idek fuq il-bniedem ta’ lemintek,
fuq il-bniedem li int saħħaħt għalik.
Aħna ma nitbegħdux minnek;
roddilna l-ħajja, u aħna nsejħu ismek. R/.

Reading 2                 HEBREWS 10:5-10

Brothers and sisters:  When Christ came into the world, he said:  “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight.  Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, "behold, I come to do your will, O God.’“  First he says, “Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.” These are offered according to the law. Then he says, :Behold, I come to do your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. By this “will,”  we have been consecrated  through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

QARI 2                  mill-Ittra lil-Lhud 10, 5-10

Ħuti, Kristu meta daħal fid-dinja qal: “Sagrifiċċju u offerta int ma ridtx, imma ġisem int ħejjejt għalija; vittmi maħruqa u vittmi għad-dnubiet lilek ma għoġbukx. Jien imbagħad għedt: “Hawn jien, ġejt biex nagħmel ir-rieda tiegħek, O Alla, kif fil-ktieb hemm miktub fuqi”.“ L-ewwel qal: “Sagrifiċċji u offerti, vittmi maħruqa u vittmi għad-dnubiet, la ridthom u lanqas għoġbuk”, għalkemm dawn titlobhom il-Liġi. Imbagħad qal: “Hawn jien, ġejt biex nagħmel ir-rieda tiegħek”. B’hekk Alla neħħa s-sagrifiċċji tal-ewwel biex iqiegħed flokhom tat-tieni. Bis-saħħa ta’ din ir-rieda aħna konna mqaddsin, permezz tal-offerta tal-ġisem ta’ Ġesù Kristu magħmula darba għal dejjem. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Gospel                 LUKE 1:39-45

Mary set out and travelled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,  the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said,  “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

EVANĠELJU                   Qari skont San Luqa 1, 39-45

F’dawk il-ġranet Marija qamet u marret tħaffef lejn l-għoljiet, f’belt tal-Lhudija. Daħlet għand Żakkarija u sellmet lil Eliżabetta. Malli Eliżabetta semgħet lil Marija ssellmilha, it-tarbija qabżet fil-ġuf tagħha u Eliżabetta mtliet bl-Ispirtu s-Santu; u nfexxet f’għajta kbira u qalet: “Imbierka inti fost in-nisa, u mbierek il-frott tal-ġuf tiegħek! U minn fejn ġieni dan li omm il-Mulej tiegħi tiġi għandi? Għax ara, malli smajt f’widnejja leħen it-tislima tiegħek, it-tarbija li għandi fil-ġuf qabżet bil-ferħ. Iva, hienja dik li emmnet li jseħħ kulma bagħat jgħidilha l-Mulej”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

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An 8-minute Reflection on Sunday's Readings by Fr Anthony Kadavil    

OUR INSPIRATION TO CARRY OUT GOD'S WORD 

 Central theme: 

Sunday’s readings remind us that Jesus is reborn every day in ordinary people living ordinary lives, who have the willingness to respond to God’s call and the openness to do God’s will. These Scriptures suggest that Christmas should inspire us to carry out God's word as Mary and Jesus did, in perfect, loving obedience to His will, with cheerful kindness and unselfish generosity.

Scripture lessons: 

In the first reading, the prophet Micah assures the Jews that God is faithful to His promises and that from the unimportant village of Bethlehem He will send to them the long-expected ruler. The third stanza of today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps. 80), is a prayer for God's blessing on the Davidic king, of Whom we sing in the first, “O Shepherd of Israel, hearken; from Your Throne upon the cherubim, shine forth! Rouse Your power and come to save us!” (vv 2-3).

The second reading, taken from Paul's Letter to the Hebrews, reminds us to be thankful for Jesus Christ’s Self-offering, the perfect sacrifice of loving obedience that liberated us from sin. In obedient, willing eagerness to do God’s will, ("Behold, I come to do Your will”), Christ gave Himself in the place of all other ritual sacrifices offered as the means of sanctification. In the Gospel, Luke tells us how two seemingly insignificant women met to celebrate the kindness and fidelity of God. 

We see here how sensitive Mary was to the needs of Elizabeth, her older cousin who had miraculously become pregnant in her old age. For Luke, discipleship consists in listening to God's word and then carrying it out, and Mary does both, to become the most perfect disciple.

Life messages: 

1) We need to carry Jesus to others as Mary did. Christmas is the ideal time for us to be filled with the Spirit of Christ, through Whom Christ is reborn in us and thus enables us to share His love with all whom we encounter. We do so by offering each of them humble and committed service, unconditional forgiveness and compassionate, caring love. Let us take the time to visit others during this Christmas season, especially the sick and shut-ins, to bring some inspiration into their lives, and hopefully to bring them closer to God.

2) We need to bless and encourage the younger generation. Elizabeth demonstrates the responsibility of the older generation to inspire the younger generation. Grandparents, parents, teachers, and leaders are responsible for encouraging those around them. By complimenting and encouraging one’s spouse, children and friends, let us show them how valuable they are to us and to God.

3) We need to recognize the Real Presence of the Emmanuel (God is with us) in the Holy Eucharist, in the Bible, in the Sacraments, and in the praying community. The hill country of Judea is right here in our surroundings. Let us convey Jesus to people around us by our acts of love, kindness and forgiveness.

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"HE WILL SING JOYFULLY BECAUSE OF YOU..."

 Readings for Sunday, December 15  2024 

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 
Lectionary: 9

IT-TIELET ĦADD TAL-AVVENT

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Reading 1                 Zephefaniah 3:14-18a

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!  Sing joyfully, O Israel!  Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you  he has turned away your enemies;  the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:  Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst,  a mighty saviour;   he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.  

QARI 1                  mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Sofonija 3:14-18a

Għajjat bil-ferħ ta’ qalbek, bint Sijon, Iżrael, samma’ leħnek! Infexx fl-hena u ifraħ b’qalbek kollha, bint Ġerusalemm! Neħħa l-Mulej minn fuqek is-sentenza li kellek kontrik, keċċa l-għedewwa tiegħek. Is-sultan t’Iżrael, il-Mulej, hu f’nofsok; ma jkollokx iżjed ħsara minn xiex tibża’. Dakinhar jgħidu lil Ġerusalemm: “Tibżax, Sijon, tħallix idejk jintelqu! Il-Mulej, Alla tiegħek, qiegħed f’nofsok, gwerrier li jsalva; minħabba fik jithenna b’hena kbir, fi mħabbtu jġeddek, jinfexx minħabba fik f’għajat ta’ ferħ, bħallikieku f’jum ta’ festa”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Responsorial Psalm                  ISAIAH 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.

God indeed is my Saviour;  I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my saviour. 
With joy you will draw water  at the fountain of salvation. 
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
 for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                 ISAIJA 12:2-3,4bċd,5-6

R/.(6): Kbir hu f’nofsok il-Qaddis ta’ Iżrael.

Alla s-salvazzjoni tiegħi,
jiena nittama u ma jkollix mniex nibża’.
Għax qawwieti u għanjieti hu l-Mulej,
għalija sar is-salvazzjoni.
Kollkom ferħana
timlew l-ilma mill-għejun tas-salvazzjoni. R/.

Roddu ħajr lill-Mulej, sejħu ismu,
għarrfu lill-ġnus bl-għemejjel tiegħu,
xandru li ismu huwa fl-għoli. R/.

Għannu lill-Mulej għax għamel ħwejjeġ kbar;
ħa jkun dan magħruf mal-art kollha.
Aqbeż bil-ferħ, għanni,
int li tgħammar f’Sijon,
għax kbir hu f’nofsok il-Qaddis ta’ Iżrael. R/.

Reading 2                  PHILIPPIANSl 4:4-7

Brothers and sisters:  Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again:  rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,  by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,  make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

QARI 2                  mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl lill-Filippin  4:4-7 

Ħuti, ifirħu dejjem fil-Mulej; nerġa’ ngħidilkom, ifirħu. Il-ħlewwa tagħkom ħa jkunu jafuha l-bnedmin kollha. Il-Mulej qorob! Tħabbtu raskom b’xejn. Fit-talb kollu tagħkom itolbu u uru lil Alla xi jkollkom bżonn, u iżżuh ħajr. U s-sliem ta’ Alla, sliem li jgħaddi kulma l-moħħ jista’ jifhem, iżommilkom qalbkom u moħħkom sħaħ fi Kristu Ġesù. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Gospel                 LUKE 3:10-18

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none.  And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them,  “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone,  and be satisfied with your wages.” Now the people were filled with expectation,  and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying,  “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn,  but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways,  he preached good news to the people.

EVANĠELJU                 Qari skont San Luqa 3:10-18

F’dak iż-żmien, in-nies kienu jistaqsu lil Ġwanni u jgħidulu: “Mela x’għandna nagħmlu?”. U huwa kien iweġibhom: “Min għandu żewġ ilbiesi, jaqsam ma’ min ma għandu xejn, u min għandu x’jiekol jagħmel l-istess”. Resqu wkoll xi pubblikani biex jitgħammdu u qalulu: “Mgħallem, x’għandna nagħmlu aħna?”. U huwa weġibhom: “Tissikkaw lil ħadd biex jagħtikom taxxi iżjed milli jmisskom tieħdu”. Staqsewh ukoll xi suldati u qalulu: “U aħna, x’għandna nagħmlu?”. U huwa weġibhom: “Tisirqu lil ħadd bit-theddid jew bil-qerq tagħkom, u kkuntentaw ruħkom bil-paga li għandkom”.  Il-poplu kien qiegħed jistenna ħerqan, u kulħadd kien jistaqsi lilu nnifsu dwar Ġwanni, jekk kienx hu l-Messija. Għalhekk Ġwanni qabad u qal lil kulħadd: “Jien, ngħid għalija, ngħammidkom bl-ilma, imma ġej wieħed aqwa minni, li ma jistħoqqlix inħollu l-qfieli tal-qorq tiegħu. Hu jgħammidkom bl-Ispirtu s-Santu u n-nar. Il-midra qiegħda f’idu, biex iderri l-qiegħa u jiġbor il-qamħ fil-maħżen tiegħu, imma t-tiben jaħarqu b’nar li ma jintefiex”. U b’ħafna twissijiet oħra kien ixandar lill-poplu l-bxara t-tajba. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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An 8-minute Reflection on Sunday's Readings by Fr Anthony Kadavil    

SO WHAT ARE WE NOW GOING TO DO?   

 Introduction:

The central theme of Sunday’s readings is the command "Rejoice!" We are to do so mainly by realizing the presence of Jesus in our midst, by receiving Jesus into our lives through our repentance, by our renewal of life, and by our faithful doing of God’s will. Today is called “Gaudete” Sunday because Sunday’s Mass begins with the opening antiphon, “Gaudete in Domino semper” (“Rejoice in the Lord always”). Today we light the rose-colored candle of the Advent wreath, and the priest may wear rose-colored vestments, to express our communal joy in the coming of Jesus as our Savior. We rejoice because a) we are celebrating the day of Christ’s birth, b) we recognize Jesus’ daily presence in our midst, and c) we wait for Christ’s return in glory.

Scripture lessons summarized: 

In today’s first reading, the prophet Zephaniah encourages Jerusalem and Israel to shout out for the joy of their expected deliverance by the Lord. In today’s Responsorial Psalm (Is 12:6), the prophet Isaiah gives the same instruction, "Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel." St. Paul echoes this message of joy in the second reading, a letter written from imprisonment: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again, rejoice...” 

In the Gospel today, John the Baptist explains the secret of Christian joy as our wholehearted commitment to God’s Way by the doing of His will. John challenges people to generosity and a sense of fairness so that others may have reason to rejoice. According to John, happiness comes from doing our duties faithfully, doing good for others, and sharing our blessings with others in need. John’s call to repentance is a call to joy and restoration. 

Repentance means a change in the purpose and direction of our lives. John tells the people to act with justice, charity, and honesty, letting their lives reflect their transformation. For us, that transformation occurs when Christ enters our lives, and we begin to live those lives in the ways Jesus teaches and John suggests.

Life Messages:

1) We are called to a change of life. First, we should examine our relationships with others. We need to mend ruptures, ease or relieve frictions, face family responsibilities, work honestly, and treat employees and employers justly. Our domestic and social lives must be put in order. We must abandon our selfish thirst for consumption and, instead, be filled with the expectation of Jesus' coming. 

2) We need to remember that we, like John the Baptist, are Christ’s precursors: Parents, teachers, and public servants act as Christ’s precursors by repenting of their sins, reforming their lives, and bringing Christ into the lives of those entrusted to their care. Parents are expected to instill in their children a true Christian spirit and an appreciation for Christian values by their own lives and behaviour. All public servants need to remember that they are God's instruments and that they are to lead the people they serve to the feet of Jesus, so that they, too, may know him personally and accept him as their Saviour, Lord and Brother.

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"I WILL PUT ENMITY BETWEEN YOU AND THE WOMAN...."

 Readings for Sunday, December 8  2024 

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Lectionary: 689

Solennità tat-Tnissil bla Tebgħa tal-Verġni Mqaddsa Marija

Reading 1                  GENESIS 3:9-15, 20

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself." Then he asked, "Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!" The man replied, "The woman whom you put here with me-- she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it." The LORD God then asked the woman, "Why did you do such a thing?" The woman answered, "The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it." Then the LORD God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; on your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel."  The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

QARI 1                    mill-Ktieb tal-Ġenesi. 3: 9-15.20

Wara li Adam kiel mis-siġra: Il-Mulej sejjaħlu u qallu: “Fejn int?” U wieġbu: “Għax smajt ħossok fil-ġnien, u billi jien għarwien, bżajt u staħbejt”. U qallu: “Min qallek li int għarwien? Jaqaw kilt mis-siġra li għidtlek ma tikolx minnha?” U wieġeb Adam: “Il-mara li tajtni miegħi, hi tatni mis-siġra, u jiena kilt”. U l-Mulej Alla qal lill-mara: “X’inhu li għamilt?” U l-mara weġbitu: “Is-serp daħak bija, u kilt”. U l-Mulej Alla qal lis-serp: “Talli għamilt hekk, int tkun l-iżjed misħut fost il-bhejjem kollha u fost l-annimali selvaġġi kollha. Int timxi għal żaqqek u tiekol it-trab għal ħajtek kollha. Innissel mibegħda bejnek u bejn il-mara, bejn nislek u bejn nisilha. Hu jgħaffiġlek rasek u inti tgħattanlu għarqubu”. U lil martu Adam semmieha Eva, għax kienet omm il-ħajjin kollha. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej. 

Responsorial Psalm                 PSALM 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous deeds.

The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous deeds.

All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous deeds.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                 Salm 97: 1-4

R/. Għannu lill-Mulej għanja ġdida, għax għamel l-għeġubijiet!

Għannu lill-Mulej għanja ġdida,
għax għamel l-għeġubijiet.
Ġibitlu r-rebħa l-leminija tiegħu
u d-driegħ imqaddes tiegħu. R/.

Għarraf il-Mulej is-salvazzjoni tiegħu,
f’għajnejn il-ġnus wera l-ġustizzja tiegħu.
Ftakar fi tjubitu
u fil-fedeltà tiegħu għal dar Israel. R/.

Raw it-truf kollha tal-art
is-salvazzjoni ta’ Alla tagħna.
Għajtu bil-ferħ lill-Mulej fl-art kollha,
infexxu fil-hena, ifirħu u għannu. R/.

Reading 2                  EPHESIANS 1:3-6, 11-12

Brothers and sisters:  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.

QARI 2                  mill-Ittra lill-Efesin 1: 3-6.11-12

Ħuti: Imbierek Alla u Missier Sidna Ġesù Kristu, li mliena b’kull xorta ta’ barka spiritwali, fis-smewwiet, fi Kristu. Hekk hu għażilna fih, sa minn qabel il-ħolqien tad-dinja, biex inkunu qaddisa u bla tebgħa quddiemu fl-imħabba; iddestinana li nkunu għalih ulied addottivi permezz ta’ Ġesù Kristu, skont ma għoġob lir-rieda tiegħu għat-tifħir tal-glorja tal-grazzja tiegħu, li biha mliena fil-Maħbub tiegħu.  Fih aħna wkoll konna magħżula, iddestinati minn qabel, skont il-pjan imfassal minn qabel minn min imexxi kollox skont il-fehma tar-rieda tiegħu, sabiex inkunu għat-tifħir tal-glorja tiegħu, aħna li, sa minn qabel, konna nittamaw fi Kristu. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Gospel                  LUKE 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

EVANĠELJU                Qari skont San Luqa 1: 26-38

F’dak iż-żmien: L-anġlu Gabrijel kien mibgħut minn Alla f’belt tal-Galilija, jisimhaNazaret, għand xebba mgħarrsa ma’ raġel jismu Ġużeppi, mid-dar ta’ David; u x-xebba kien jisimha Marija. Daħal għandha u qalilha: “Sliem għalik, mimlija bil-grazzja, il-Mulej miegħek”. Għal dan il-kliem tħawdet, u bdiet titħasseb bejnha u bejn ruħha x’setgħet tfisser dik it-tislima. Iżda l-anġlu qalilha: “Tibżax, Marija, għax inti sa tnissel fi ħdanek u jkollox iben u ssemmih Ġesù. Hu jkun kbir, u jkun jissejjaħ Bin il-Għoli, u l-Mulej Alla jagħtih it-tron ta’ David missieru; u jsaltan fuq dar Ġakobb għal dejjem, u s-saltna tiegħu ma jkollhiex tmiem”.  Iżda, Marija qalet lill-anġlu: “Kif ikun dan, ladarba ma nagħrafx raġel?” Weġibha l-anġlu u qalilha: “L-Ispirtu s-Santu jiġi fuqek u l-qawwa tal-Għoli tixħet id-dell tagħha fuqek; u għalhekk dak li jitwieled minnek ikun qaddis u jkun jissejjaħ Bin Alla. U ara, il-qariba tiegħek Eliżabetta, hija wkoll nisslet iben fi ħdanha, u dan huwa s-sitt xahar għaliha li kienu jgħidu li ma jistax ikollha tfal; għax għal Alla ma hemm xejn li ma jistax isir”.  Imbagħad qalet Marija: “Hawn jien il-qaddejja tal-Mulej; ħa jsir minni skont kelmtek!” U l-anġlu telaq minn ħdejha.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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Homily for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception    

BLESSED ARE YOU AMONGST WOMEN...

By the Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth.

The teaching of the Immaculate Conception tells us that Mary, from the first moment of her existence, was totally free from the influence of that universal sinfulness which touches us all from the first moments of our existence. We come to be in a world broken by sinfulness and not one aspect of life is free from this. But God has never left the human race without his help and at the fulness of time he worked our salvation; Mary was to be the mother of the Saviour, and so on the side of the cause of salvation; she gave birth to the human being who saves us all and so it was fitting for her to be preserved from the brokenness which affects us by the grace of her Son.

The First Reading evokes the image of sinful brokenness which we experience, of the disobedience which brings pain and suffering. This brokenness becomes part of our being human in the world and we spread it everywhere. The wonder of God’s mercy is that in his Son, Jesus, born of the Virgin, God turns our human nature into an instrument of the healing of the world, the reconciliation of all people.

The Gospel speaks, not of Mary’s conception, but that of Jesus. It begins the moment Mary says that ‘Yes’. The angel greets her as “full of grace”, filled with God’s love and God’s favour, specially singled out for this moment. Through our baptism and through grace we can become actors in the healing of the world, the reconciliation of all. We can be instruments of grace or instruments of sinfulness and we know that we go easily from one to the other.

Our humanity can only be a healing, reconciling humanity if we seek to live in obedience to God, if we accept and respond to God’s grace. We need grace, which our second readings celebrates as God’s free gift to us in his beloved Son. Mary was preserved from the influence of sinfulness, was able to say her ‘yes’ to God because of grace. Grace – God’s gift – enabled her to be all that she was, to respond to God as she did. All is grace.

Many centuries ago St Augustine helped the Church clarify her teaching that we cannot do the good, we cannot be saved without grace. Then some said that maybe the initial movement to God, the first turning to God is possible without grace. But the Second Council of Arausio or Orange in 529 taught that we cannot even want to do good without grace; every movement to God is a work of grace, a grace which comes before we do anything, prevenient grace. Grace prompts and makes it possible for us to do the good which heals and saves. We cannot do the truly good without God’s help. And this help God gives generously, we just have to be open, with the help of his grace, to God’s ways which are not our ways.

We are all too often the cause of sin and pain in other people’s lives. Let us turn to the Lord, with the help of his grace, pray for his grace, pray to become more obedient to him after the example of Mary, only then can we be people who bring wholeness and healing into the lives of those around us, into our world which hungers for the balm of grace.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

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