"YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"

 Readings for Sunday, February 8, 2026 

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Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 73

Reading 1                Isaiah 58:7-10

Thus says the LORD: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am! If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

 Responsorial Psalm                  Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Light shines through the darkness for the upright;

he is gracious and merciful and just.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.  or: R. Alleluia.
He shall never be moved;

the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or: R. Alleluia.

His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
His justice shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or: R. Alleluia.

 Reading 2                  1 Corinthians 2:1-5

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of Spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

 Gospel                  Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."

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Intom id-dawl tad-dinja.

Il-Ħames Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

QARI 1                                                                      mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Iżaija 58:7-10

Dan jgħid il-Mulej: “Mhux dan is-sawm li jiena rrid, li taqsam ħobżok ma’ min hu bil-ġuħ, u ddaħħal f’darek lill-imsejken bla saqaf? Mhux li tlibbes lil min tara għarwien, u n-nies ta’ darek ma tinsihomx? Imbagħad ifeġġ bħaż-żerniq id-dawl tiegħek, u malajr tagħlaqlek il-ġerħa tiegħek. Quddiemek timxi l-ġustizzja tiegħek, u l-glorja tal-Mulej timxi warajk. Jekk biss issejjaħlu, iwieġeb il-Mulej; jekk tgħajjatlu, jgħidlek: ‘Hawn jien!’. Jekk tneħħi minn nofsok il-moħqrija, ma tmiddx subgħek u ma tagħmilx deni bi lsienek, jekk int qalbek toħroġ għall-imġewwaħ, u xxabba’ qalb l-imnikket, imbagħad id-dawl tiegħek ifiġġ fid-dlam, u s-swied tiegħek ikun bħan-nofsinhar”.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                 Salm 111(112):4-5,6-7,8a,9

R/. (4a): Dawl fid-dlam ifeġġ għat-tajbin.

Dawl fid-dlam ifeġġ għat-tajbin;
twajjeb u ħanin il-bniedem sewwa.
Tajjeb il-bniedem li jħenn u jislef,
li jmexxi ħwejġu bir-reqqa. R/.

Għax il-bniedem ġust qatt ma jitfixkel;
għal dejjem tibqa’ t-tifkira tiegħu.
Xejn ma jibża’ minn aħbar ħażina;
qalbu qawwija bit-tama tal-Mulej. R/.

Qalbu qawwija, m’għandux mniex jibża’.
Iqassam u jagħti lill-foqra;
għal dejjem tibqa’ l-ġustizzja tiegħu;
rasu merfugħa bil-ġieħ. R/.

QARI 2                    mill-Ewwel Ittra ta’ San Pawl lill-Korintin 2:1-5

Meta jiena wasalt għandkom, ħuti, ma ġejtx inħabbrilkom il-Misteru ta’ Alla bi kliem kbir jew għaref. Ma ppretendejtx li kont naf xi ħaġa fostkom, ħlief lil Ġesù Kristu, u lil dan imsallab. Jiena ġejt għandkom dgħajjef, imbażża’ u mriegħed. Il-kelma u l-predikazzjoni tiegħi ma kinux imlibbsa bil-kliem qawwi tal-għerf, imma bil-wiri tal-Ispirtu u l-qawwa, sabiex il-fidi tagħkom tinbena mhux fuq l-għerf tal-bniedem, imma fuq il-qawwa ta’ Alla. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

EVANĠELJU                 Qari skond San Mattew 5:13-16

F’dak iż-żmien, Ġesù qal lid-dixxipli tiegħu: “Intom il-melħ tal-art. Imma jekk il-melħ jaqta’, biex jerġa’ jieħu t-togħma? Ma jibqa’ tajjeb għal xejn iżjed ħlief biex jintrema barra u jintrifes min-nies.Intom id-dawl tad-dinja. Belt li tkun qiegħda fuq muntanja ma tistax tinħeba. Anqas ma jixegħlu l-musbieħ u jqegħduh taħt is-siegħ, iżda fuq l-imnara, u hekk idawwal lil kull min ikun fid-dar. Hekk għandu jiddi d-dawl tagħkom quddiem il-bnedmin, biex jaraw l-għemejjel tajba tagħkom u jagħtu glorja lil Missierkom li hu fis-smewwiet”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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REFLECTION     /////////////

TO BE SALT...  AND LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS... TO OTHERS

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

Introduction: 

The common theme of next Sunday’s three readings is our two-fold mission to the world, to be salt and to be the light of a city built on a hilltop. (For a beautiful sermon on this topic by Gary Hamrick  you can click on https://youtu.be/nPAeaj6l00I)

Scripture lessons summarized: 

In our first reading, the Lord God through His prophet Isaiah gives us examples of how we are to allow the light of God to shine through us. “Share your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday” (58:7,10). 

The refrain for today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps.112), reminds us, “The just man is a light in the darkness to the upright.” St. Paul, in the second reading, tells us that our proclamation of Faith will carry the Spirit and His power when we rely on the power and wisdom of God. Using two simple metaphors of salt and the light of a city on a mountaintop in today’s Gospel, Jesus outlines the role of Christians in this world. 

As a symbol of purity, salt was the common ingredient in sacrifices offered to God by Jews and pagans. In the ancient world, salt was the commonest of all the preservatives used to prevent the putrefaction of meat, fish, and fruits in pickles. Since Salt lends flavour to food items, it was also used to season and preserve food. 

A light has always been something which is meant to be seen. A lamp or light is a guide to make clear the way. A light serves also as a warning (e.g., red traffic lights which tell us to halt when there is danger ahead. Finally, light, particularly the sun’s, gives warmth and heat. 

Life messages:

1) We need to be the salt of the earth: 

a) As salt is a symbol of purity, used in sacrifices, the Christian must be an example of purity in speech, in conduct, and even in thought. 

b) As salt is an antiseptic and healing agent, the Christian must have a certain antiseptic influence on life and society, defeating corruption, fighting against injustice and making it easier for others to avoid sin. 

c) As salt preserves foods, we need to preserve the religious Faith, Christian cultural values, and moral principles which Jesus has given us, and to work at reconciling quarreling factions in families and communities. 

d) As salt is a food-flavouring agent, we need to add flavor to the lives of desperate people through outreach programs, which give meaning to their lives, boost their morale, offer them occasions to help others, and provide hope where there is none.

2) We need to be the light of the world: The second role of Christians is to receive the light of Christ and radiate it to everyone as love, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, humble service, and respect for those with different ethnic backgrounds, different lifestyles, other faiths -- or no faith at all. 

As a guiding light in darkness, our duty as Christians is to show the correct and safe way and to shine through the darkness with Christ’s Light, thus removing the darkness caused by hatred, prejudice, spite, and jealousy. As a warning light, as Christians, our duty is to give timely and loving warning of physical and moral danger to those we encounter. As a warming light, our duty as Christians is to warm the cold hearts of others with warm, affectionate words and deeds.

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2026.  /  https://frtonyshomilies.com  / 

"YOUR REWARD WILL BE GREAT IN HEAVEN"

 Readings for Sunday, February 2, 2026 

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Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 70

Reading 1                  Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth, who have observed his law; seek justice, seek humility; perhaps you may be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger. But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD: the remnant of Israel. They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; they shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them.

 Responsorial Psalm                 Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

The LORD keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
or: R. Alleluia.

The LORD gives sight to the blind;
the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.
The LORD loves the just;
the LORD protects strangers.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
or: R. Alleluia.

The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,
but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
or: R. Alleluia.

 Reading 2                  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God. It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord."

 Gospel                  Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

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"Ifirħu u thennew, għax ħlaskom kbir fis-smewwiet”

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Qari tar-Raba’ Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

QARI 1                 mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Sofonija 2:3; 3:12-13

Fittxu lill-Mulej ilkoll, intom, l-umli tal-art, li tagħmlu ordnijietu, fittxu l-ġustizzja, fittxu l-umiltà; biex forsi f’jum il-korla tal-Mulej ikollkom fejn tistkennu. “U nħalli f’nofsok poplu umli u mċekken”. U f’isem il-Mulej ifittxu l-kenn dawk li jifdal minn Iżrael. Ma jagħmlux ħażen, ma jgħidux kliem b’ieħor, u lsien qarrieq ma jibqax iżjed f’fommhom, hekk li joqogħdu jirgħu u jistrieħu bla ma jbeżżagħhom ħadd. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.   

SALM RESPONSORJALI                  Salm 145(146):7,8-9a,9bc-10

R/. (Mt 5:3): Henjin il-foqra fl-ispirtu.

Il-Mulej jagħmel ħaqq lill-maħqurin,
u jagħti l-ħobż lill-imġewħin.
Il-Mulej jeħles lill-imjassrin. R/.

Il-Mulej jiftaħ għajnejn l-għomja;
il-Mulej jerfa’ lill-milwijin;
il-Mulej iħobb lill-ġusti;
il-Mulej iħares lill-barranin. R/.

Hu jżomm lill-iltim u lill-armla,
imma lill-ħżiena jħarbtilhom triqathom.
Il-Mulej isaltan għal dejjem;
Alla tiegħek, Sijon, minn nisel għal nisel. R/.

QARI 2                  mill-Ewwel Ittra ta’ San Pawl lill-Korintin 1:26-31

Ħuti, qisu s-sejħa tagħkom: għax mhumiex ħafna fostkom li huma għorrief skont il-qies tad-dinja; mhumiex ħafna s-setgħana, mhumiex ħafna n-nobbli.  Imma Alla għażel in-nies boloh għad-dinja biex iħawwad l-għorrief; għażel id-dgħajfa tad-dinja biex iħawwad il-qawwija; għażel il-mistmerra mid-dinja, u n-nies li ma huma xejn, biex iġib fix-xejn lil dawk li huma xi ħaġa. Hekk ebda bniedem ma jkun jista’ jiftaħar quddiem Alla.  Minnu li intom tinsabu fi Kristu Ġesù li sar għalina l-għerf mingħand Alla, ġustizzja, qdusija u fidwa, biex bħalma hu miktub, min jiftaħar, ħa jiftaħar fil-Mulej. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

EVANĠELJU                 Qari mill-Evanġelju skond San Mattew 5:1-12a

F’dak iż-żmien, kif ra l-folol, Ġesù tala’ fuq il-muntanja, qagħad bilqiegħda, u resqu lejh id-dixxipli tiegħu. Fetaħ fommu u qabad jgħallimhom u jgħid:  “Henjin il-foqra fl-ispirtu, għax tagħhom hija s-Saltna tas-Smewwiet. Henjin l-imnikkta, għax huma jkunu mfarrġa. Henjin ta’ qalbhom ħelwa, għax huma jkollhom b’wirthom l-art. Henjin dawk li huma bil-ġuħ u bl-għatx tal-ġustizzja, għax huma jkunu mxebbgħin. Henjin dawk li jħennu, għax huma jsibu ħniena. Henjin dawk li huma safja f’qalbhom, għax huma jaraw lil Alla. Henjin dawk li jġibu l-paċi, għax huma jissejħu wlied Alla. Henjin dawk li huma ppersegwitati minħabba s-sewwa, għax tagħhom hija s-Saltna tas-Smewwiet.  Henjin intom, meta jgħajrukom u jippersegwitawkom u jaqilgħu kull xorta ta’ ħażen u gideb kontra tagħkom minħabba fija. Ifirħu u thennew, għax ħlaskom kbir fis-smewwiet”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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OUR GOAL OF ETERNAL HAPPINESS

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

Introduction:

Sunday’s readings define our Christian goal of eternal happiness and explain the attitudes and actions necessary to reach it. They form the outline for Christ-like living, noting the personal qualities expected of a disciple of Jesus and pointing out the way of life to be lived by a disciple. They show us the values that Christ cares about. In essence, the Beatitudes both fulfill and complete the Ten Commandments which stress the “Thou shalt nots.” But Jesus presents the Beatitudes in a positive sense, as the virtues in life which will ultimately lead to the rewards of salvation - not in this world, but in the next.

Scripture lessons: 

Zephaniah, in the first reading, calls the “moral minority” of the Jews of his time “blessed” because they seek justice, humility, truth, and righteousness, thus making a declaration of dependence on God. In the second reading, Paul advises his Corinthian Christians to use their gifts and Heaven-sent blessings for the good of the community because God has chosen to give them life in Jesus, by whom He justified, sanctified and redeemed them.

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples in the paradoxical blessedness of poverty, hunger, sorrow, and persecution. In poverty, we recognize God’s reign; in hunger, His providence; in sorrow, true happiness; and in persecution, true joy. In other words, the blessed in Jesus’ list are poor in spirit, compassionate, meek, merciful, clean of heart, peace-makers and those who are willing even to be insulted and persecuted for their lived Faith in him 

Each of the inspired authors of today’s readings, Zephaniah, Paul, and Matthew, “makes a motion,” that each of us should consider making a personal Declaration of Dependence on God, and then work with His grace to lead a holier and happier life.

Life messages: 

1) We need to respond to the challenge of the Beatitudes in daily life. The Beatitudes propose to us a way of life inviting us to identify with the poor, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst after justice. They challenge us to be compassionate people, to be men and women who are pure in heart, and to become the peacemakers in our dealings with one another, in our families, and in the society at large, even when this approach to things exposes us to ridicule and persecution. Let us remember that each time we reach out to help the needy, the sick, and the oppressed, we share with them a foretaste of the promises of the Beatitudes here and now.

2) We need to choose the way wisely. "There are two Ways, one of Life and one of Death, and there is a great difference between the two Ways." These are the opening lines of the Didache, a first century Christian catechism used to teach new Christians the essence of the Christian Faith. 

The Way of Life is the WAY Jesus IS. and JESUS IS the only WAY that leads to eternal life. The challenge of the Beatitudes is: “Are you going to be happy in the world’s way or in Christ’s way?” God wants us to love Him with our entire soul and body, mind and heart, and to love each other selflessly along with everyone else as brothers and sisters of Jesus Whose Father, God, has adopted us into His Family.

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2026.  /  https://frtonyshomilies.com  / 

FROM THE DARKNESS OF SIN INTO THE LIGHT OF GOD

 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 
  Lectionary: 67

Reading 1                  Isaiah 8:23—9:3

First the Lord degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end he    has glorified the seaward road, the land west of the Jordan, the District of the Gentiles. Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.

Responsorial Psalm                  Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

One thing I ask of the LORD;  this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Reading 2                  1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you.  I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptised in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptise but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.      

Gospel                 Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. 

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It-Tielet Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

QARI 1                  mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Iżaija 8:23b–9:3

Alla bħalma qabel fl-imgħoddi kien mela bl-għajb l-art ta’ Żebulun u l-art ta’ Naftali, hekk issa fl-aħħar isebbaħ it-triq tal-baħar ’l hemm mill-Ġordan, il-Galilija tal-ġnus. Il-poplu li kien miexi fid-dlam ra dawl kbir; in-nies li joqogħdu f’art id-dlam dawl idda fuqhom. Int kattart il-ġens, kabbart l-hena; huma ferħu quddiemek, bħalma jifirħu fi żmien il-ħsad, bħalma jifirħu fi qsim il-priża. Għax il-madmad li kien itaqqlu, u l-ħatar ta’ fuq spallejh, u l-bastun tal-argużin, int kissirthom bħal f’jum Midjan. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                 Salm 26(27):1,4,13-14

R/. (1a): Il-Mulej id-dawl u s-salvazzjoni tiegħi.

Il-Mulej id-dawl u s-salvazzjoni tiegħi;
minn min għandi nibża’?
Il-Mulej hu l-kenn tiegħi;
quddiem min għandi nitwerwer? R/.

Ħaġa waħda tlabt lill-Mulej,
ħaġa waħda nfittex:
li ngħammar f’dar il-Mulej
tul il-jiem kollha ta’ ħajti;
biex nitgħaxxaq bil-ħlewwa tal-Mulej
jien u nħares lejn it-tempju tiegħu. R/.

Nemmen li għad nara t-tjieba tal-Mulej f’art il-ħajjin.
Ittama fil-Mulej, żomm sħiħ u qawwi qalbek;
ittama fil-Mulej. R/.

QARI 2                 mill-Ewwel Ittra ta’ San Pawl lill-Korintin 1:10-13,17

Nitlobkom, ħuti, f’isem Sidna Ġesù Kristu, biex tkunu taqblu fi kliemkom u ma jkunx hemm firdiet fostkom. Kunu magħqudin kif imiss, ħsieb wieħed u fehma waħda. Ħuti, in-nies ta’ Kloji qaluli fuqkom li fostkom hemm it-tilwim: irrid ngħid jien, li kull wieħed minnkom qiegħed jgħid: “Jiena ta’ Pawlu”, “U jiena ta’ Apollo”, “U jiena ta’ Kefa”, “U jiena ta’ Kristu”.  Jaqaw Kristu mifrud? Forsi Pawlu kien li ssallab għalikom jew f’isem Pawlu tgħammidtu? Kristu ma bagħatnix biex ngħammed iżda biex inxandar l-Evanġelju, mhux bi kliem l-għerf sabiex ma jiġix fix-xejn is-salib ta’ Kristu. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

EVANĠELJU                Qari skond San Mattew 4:12-23

Meta Ġesù sama’ li kienu arrestaw lil Ġwanni, warrab lejn il-Galilija. Telaq minn Nażaret u mar joqgħod Kafarnahum, qrib il-baħar, fl-inħawi ta’ Żebulun u Naftali, biex hekk iseħħ dak li kien ingħad permezz tal-profeta Iżaija, meta qal: “Art ta’ Żebulun, u art ta’ Naftali, it-triq tal-baħar, art ’il hemm mill-Ġordan, Galilija tal-ġnus! Il-poplu li kien qiegħed fid-dlam ra dawl kbir; dawk li kienu f’art u dell il-mewt idda dawl għalihom”. Minn dak iż-żmien Ġesù beda jxandar u jgħid: “Indmu għax is-Saltna tas-Smewwiet waslet”.  Huwa u jdur ma’ xatt il-baħar tal-Galilija lemaħ żewġt aħwa, Xmun jgħidulu Pietru, u ħuh Indrì, qegħdin jixħtu x-xbiek fil-baħar, għax kienu sajjieda. U qalilhom: “Ejjew warajja, u nagħmilkom sajjieda tal-bnedmin”. U minnufih telqu x-xbiek, u marru warajh. Wara li mexa minn hemm ra żewġt aħwa oħra, Ġakbu ta’ Żebedew u ħuh Ġwanni, qegħdin fid-dgħajsa ma’ missierhom Żebedew isewwu x-xbiek tagħhom, u sejħilhom. Minnufih telqu d-dgħajsa u lil missierhom, u marru warajh. Ġesù dar il-Galilija kollha jgħallem fis-sinagogi tagħhom, ixandar l-Evanġelju tas-Saltna u jfejjaq kull xorta ta’ mard u dgħufija fost il-poplu. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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////////  REFLECTION 

EVERY ONE OF US IS CALLED BY GOD

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

Introduction: 

Sunday’s readings show that the early Christians understood how Jesus had fulfilled the expectations of ancient Israel. Describing the humble beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, today’s Scripture readings teach us that Christ has brought us from the darkness of sin into the Light of God (Mt 4:16) by calling us to repentance (Mt 4:17) and complete acceptance of the Kingdom of God and God’s consequent rule over us. 

Scripture lessons summarized: 

The first reading contains a prophetic reference to Christ as the Light that dispels darkness. Matthew wanted his readers to recognize that the Light of which Isaiah spoke had finally appeared with the coming of Jesus. The refrain for today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 27) reminds us that, “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation.” The second reading advises the Corinthians to live as children of the Light, avoiding divisions and rivalries, because several factions had arisen among the Corinthian Christians, each claiming allegiance to its first Christian teacher or to a particular Apostle such as Peter, Paul, or Apollos. 

In Sunday's Gospel passage (Mt 4:12-23), Matthew explains that what Isaiah prophesied has been fulfilled through the preaching and healing ministry of Jesus.By his ministry of inviting people to the Kingdom of God through repentance, Jesus has brought Light to peoples living in darkness, thus fulfilling God’s original promise. In addition, the Gospel describes the call of the first disciples (4:18-22), who would learn from, live out, and then teach us (through the Holy Spirit Who would empower them), Jesus' proclamation of God’s Good News. 

They and their successors would continue Jesus’ own preaching, teaching, and healing ministry to the end of time and this world, drawing people to repent of their sins, accept the Good News of God’s rule (the Kingdom of God) over them. The ordinary men Jesus called had no formal training in Mosaic Law to preach the Good News, yet they and their successors have been very effective instruments in the hands of the Holy Spirit, to extend Jesus’ mission to the world.

Life messages:

1) We need to appreciate our call to be Christ’s disciples: Every one of us is called by God, both individually and as a Church member, to be His disciple. The call is both a privilege and responsibility. The mission of preaching, teaching, and healing which Jesus began in Galilee has become the responsibility of the Church and of each individual Christian. Our response to the call begins with our reception of Baptism and Confirmation, the Sacraments of Initiation. That response is meant to be strengthened through the years by the Eucharist and Reconciliation and to be made manifest in Matrimony or Holy Orders. We are healed and consoled in the Anointing which also prepares us for death. As we respond to Christ’s call, we gain spiritual strength through our personal and family prayers, our Sacramental life and our faithful study of the Bible and the Church’s teachings. 

2) We need to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom: When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are sent forth to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom and to defend the Catholic Faith. Each of us Christians has received a unique call to preach the Good News of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, and salvation through our daily life. This call challenges us to rebuild our lives, homes, and communities in the justice and peace that Jesus proclaims. As we continue with the celebration of the Holy Mass, let us ask the Lord Jesus to give us the strength and perseverance to answer his calling, so that we may faithfully serve the Lord, doing His Divine will as best as we can by cooperating with His grace.

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"BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD."

 Readings for Sunday, January 18, 2026 

 

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 64

Reading 1                Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

The LORD said to me: You are my servant, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, the LORD says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. 

Responsorial Psalm                  Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

I have waited, waited for the LORD,

and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
R/ Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Sacrifice or offering you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, “Behold I come.”
R/ Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
to do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!”
R/ Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R/ Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Reading 2               1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel              John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptising with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptise with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.’  Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

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                         /////  BIL-MALTI   ////////                      

It-Tieni Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

QARI 1                   mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Iżaija 49:3,5-6

Il-Mulej qalli: “Iżrael, inti l-qaddej tiegħi, bik jiena nkun imfaħħar”. Issa tkellem il-Mulej, li minn ġuf ommi għamilni qaddej tiegħu, biex għandu nraġġa’ lura lil Ġakobb, u biex Iżrael jinġabar miegħu mill-ġdid – għax jien kont imfaħħar f’għajnejn il-Mulej, u Alla tiegħi kien il-qawwa tiegħi – u Hu qalli: “Tkun ħaġa żgħira wisq għalik, li inti tkun il-qaddej tiegħi, biex tqajjem it-tribù ta’ Ġakobb, u traġġa’ lura l-fdal ta’ Iżrael. Jien nagħmel minnek dawl għall-ġnus, biex is-salvazzjoni tiegħi sa truf l-art tinfirex”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                    Salm 39(40):2,4ab,7-8a,8b-9,10

R/. (8a,9a): Hawn jien, Mulej, ġej nagħmel ir-rieda tiegħek.

Ittamajt b’tama qawwija fil-Mulej;
hu niżel ħdejja u sama’ l-għajta tiegħi.
Qegħedli fuq fommi għanja ġdida,
għanja ta’ tifħir lil Alla tagħna. R/.

Int ma titgħaxxaqx b’sagrifiċċji u b’offerti;
imma widnejja inti ftaħtli;
ma tlabtnix vittmi tal-ħruq u tat-tpattija.
Imbagħad jien għedt: “Hawn jien, ġej”. R/.

“Fil-bidu tal-ktieb hemm miktub fuqi
li nagħmel ir-rieda tiegħek.
Alla tiegħi, dan jogħġobni;
il-liġi tiegħek ġewwa qalbi”. R/.

Xandart il-ġustizzja f’ġemgħa kbira;
xufftejja ma żammejthomx magħluqa.
Mulej, dan inti tafu. R/.

QARI 2              Bidu tal-Ewwel Ittra ta’ S. Pawl lill-Korintin 1:1-3

Pawlu, li Alla ried isejjaħlu biex ikun appostlu ta’ Kristu Ġesù, u Sòsteni ħuna, lill-Knisja ta’ Alla li qiegħda f’Korintu; lil dawk li tqaddsu fi Kristu Ġesù, imsejħa biex ikunu qaddisin flimkien ma’ dawk kollha li f’kull pajjiż isejħu l-isem ta’ Ġesù Kristu, is-Sid tagħhom u tagħna; grazzja u sliem mingħand Alla missierna u l-Mulej Ġesù Kristu. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

EVANĠELJU   Qari skond San Ġwann 1:29-34

F’dak iż-żmien, Ġwanni, ra lil Ġesù riesaq lejh, u qal: “Araw il-Ħaruf ta’ Alla, li jneħħi d-dnub tad-dinja. Dan hu li għalih għedtilkom: ‘Warajja ġej bniedem li hu aqwa minni, għax kien qabli’. Anqas jien stess ma kont nafu, imma jien għalhekk ġejt ngħammed bl-ilma, biex hu jkun mgħarraf lil Iżrael”. U Ġwanni xehed għalih u qal: “Jiena rajt l-Ispirtu nieżel mis-sema bħal ħamiema u joqgħod fuqu. Tabilħaqq, anqas jien ma kont nafu; imma dak li bagħatni ngħammed bl-ilma, hu stess qalli: ‘Fuq min tara l-Ispirtu jinżel u joqgħod, dak hu li jgħammed bl-Ispirtu s-Santu’. Dan rajtu b’għajnejja, u għalhekk xhedt, dan hu l-Iben ta’ Alla”.   

Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.    R/. Tifħir lilek, Kristu.

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/////////////                      REFLECTION.....

JESUS' BAPTISM... AND OUR MISSION  (part 2)

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

Introduction: 

The central theme of Sunday’s readings is a challenge to live like the Lamb of God and to die like the Lamb of Godand thus bear witness to Christ the “Lamb of God.” We have to choose to accept John’s testimony in today’s Gospel as a personal and corporate call from God to us to become witnesses to the Lamb of God. 

Scripture summarized: 

In both the first and second readings, God calls individuals to His service entrusting them with a mission. The first reading is from the “Songs of the Suffering Servant” in Isaiah, where the prophet was chosen by God from his mother’s womb and consecrated to be the “light to the nations”. Here,aspects of Jesus' own life as sacrificial lamb and mission as salvation of the world are foreshadowed. 

In the second reading, Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians that they are "sanctified and called to be holy" like all who call on the name of Jesus. They are called by God and consecrated in Christ Jesus for a life of holiness and service. As believers, we too have been called by God to become members of Christ’s Body by our Baptism, and we are consecrated in Christ Jesus for a life of holiness and service. 

The Gospel passage presents three themes, namely, the witness John the Baptist bears to Jesus, the revelation (epiphany) and identification of Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” and the call to discipleship. John’s first declaration probably brought five pictures of the “lamb” to the minds of his Jewish listeners:

    1) The Lamb of Yearly Atonement (Lv 16:20-22) used on Yom Kippur. 

    2) The Lamb of Daily Atonement (Ex 29:38-42; Nm 28:1-8). 

    3) The Paschal Lamb(Ex. 12:11ss). 

    4)The Lamb of the Prophets(Jer 11:19), (Is 53:7). 

     5) The Lamb of the Conquerors.

Life messages: 

1) Live and die like the Lamb of God. 

     (A) Live like a lamb by: 

         i) leading pure, innocent, humble, selfless lives obeying the Christ’s commandment of love; 

       ii) appreciating the loving providence and protecting care of the Good Shepherd in His Church; 

         iii) eating the Body and drinking the Blood of the Good Shepherd and deriving spiritual strength from the Holy Spirit through the the Holy Bible, Sacraments and our prayers. 

      (B) Die like a sacrificial lamb by:

         i) by the sacrificial sharing our blessings of health, wealth and talents with others in the family, parish and community; 

         ii) bearing witness to Christ in our illness, pain and suffering; 

         iii) offering our sufferings for the salvation of souls and as reparation for our sins and those of others. 

2) Be a witness to the Lamb of God by our exemplary life.. Today's Gospel reminds us that being a disciple of Jesus means that we grow by Faith to become witnesses for him. And bearing witness to Christ is an active, not passive, lifetime enterprise. One cannot be a disciple of Jesus at a distance, any more than one can be a distant lover. 

3) "Come and see". The essence of our witnessing is to state what we have seen and believed and then to invite others to "come and see" our experience of Jesus. As with Andrew and John, Faith begins with our responding to Jesus’ invitation to "come and see." We tell others about good restaurants, barbers, optometrists, etc. Why isn't there the same fervor over inviting and encouraging people to come and participate in our Church activities? If we are not willing to invite others into this experience, what does that say about our experiences with Christ and with our Church?

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2026.  /  https://frtonyshomilies.com

"THIS IS MY BELOVED SON WITH WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED"

Readings for Sunday, January 11, 2026

> >>>>>>                  The Baptism of the Lord           Lectionary: 21

                                    

Reading 1                  Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Thus says the LORD: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. a bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.  I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

Responsorial Psalm            Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10

Give to the LORD, you sons of God,
    give to the LORD glory and praise,
Give to the LORD the glory due his name;
    adore the LORD in holy attire.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
    the LORD, over vast waters.
The voice of the LORD is mighty;
    the voice of the LORD is majestic. 
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

The God of glory thunders,
    and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
The LORD is enthroned above the flood;
    the LORD is enthroned as king forever.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Reading 2                    Acts 10:34-38

Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered in the house of Cornelius, saying:  “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites  as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,  what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil,  for God was with him.”

Gospel                   Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptised by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptised, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

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/////  BIL-MALTI   /////////////

Il-Magħmudija tal-Mulej – Festa

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.

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/.

QARI 2                 mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl lil Titu 2:11-14; 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.

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 

JESUS' BAPTISM...    

AND   

OUR MISSION

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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: 

Jesus’ baptism by John was a mystical experience that Jesus felt deep within his soul at the crucial turning point of his life. The opening of the Heavens with Holy Spirit, descending as a dove upon Jesus, and the Voice declaring of him, "This is My beloved Son with Whom I am well pleased," are God's revelation to mankind of the Mystery that He is Triune. The presence of the Triune God at this baptism, reveals Jesus’ true identity and mission. 

The Heavens’ opening also indicates that this was a moment of God’s powerful intervention in human history and in the life of His Son. According to Rev. William Barclay (non-Catholic Bible scholar) Jesus' baptism by John was a very important event in the life of Jesus.

(1) it was a moment of decision. It marked the end of Jesus' private life which had prepared him for his public ministry. 

(2) it was a moment of identification with his people in their God-ward movement initiated by John the Baptist (quality of a good leader). 

(3) it was a moment of approval. Jesus might have been waiting for a signal of approval from his Heavenly Father, and during his baptism Jesus got this approval of himself as the Father's "beloved Son." Fourth, it was a moment of conviction. 

At this baptism, Jesus received certainties (assurances) from Heaven about His identity (although he knew it as God even as a child), 

      a) He was the "Chosen One" and the "beloved Son of God"; and the nature of His mission: 

       b) his mission of saving mankind would be fulfilled, not by conquering the Romans, but by becoming the "suffering servant" of God, i.e., by the cross. 

This was a moment of equipment. When He descended on Jesus in the form of a dove (symbol of gentleness), the Holy Spirit equipped Jesus (although Holy Spirit was one with Jesus always) with the power of preaching the "Good News" that God is a loving Father, Who wants to save all human beings from their sins through His Son Jesus, in contrast to the "axe" and "fire" preaching of John the Baptist about an angry God's judgment on sinners.

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 a holy and transparent Christian life 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. (L/26)

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2026.  /  https://frtonyshomilies.com  / 

THE WORLD BOWS TO THE LORD

 Readings for Sunday, January 4, 2026 

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The Epiphany of the Lord

Lectionary: 20

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.  

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.

Reading                   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 co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

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.

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L-Epifanija tal-Mulej. Solennità.

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

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/.

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

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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COME LET US ADORE HIM TOO

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

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 (Sunday’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 behaviour; 

      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.

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2025.  /  https://frtonyshomilies.com  / 

RECIPE FOR A HOLY FAMILY

 Readings for Sunday, December 28, 2025 

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Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph                                                   Lectionary: 17

Reading 1   -  Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

God sets a father in honour 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.

Responsorial Psalm               Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5.

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,

who walks in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Reading 2                    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.

Gospel                   Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

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 had died, hold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee.  He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

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

QARI 1                  

mill-Ktieb ta’ Bin Sirak.3, 2-6. 12-14

Il-Mulej għolla l-missier fuq it-tfal, u saħħaħ dritt l-omm fuq l-ulied. Min jibża’ minn missieru jagħmel tajjeb għal dnubietu, u min iweġġaħ lil ommu qisu qed jiġma’ f’teżor. Min jibża’ minn missieru jifraħ b’uliedu, u meta jitlob jinstama’. Min iweġġaħ lil missieru jkollu għomor twil, u min iserraħ lil ommu jkun qed jisma’ mill-Mulej. Ibni, ieqaf ma’ missierek fi xjuħitu, u matul ħajtu tweġġagħlux qalbu. Ukoll jekk moħħu jeħfief, agħdru, u tonqsux mill-ġieħ meta għadek f’saħħtek, għax il-ħniena ma’ missierek ma tintesiex, imma tingħaddlek bi ħlas għal dnubietek. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                  Salm 127: 1-2.3.4-5

R/. Hieni kull min jibża’ mill-Mulej!

Hieni kull min jibża’ mill-Mulej,
kull min jimxi fit-triqat tiegħu!
Mix-xogħol ta’ idejk inti tiekol;
hieni int, u riżqek tajjeb! R/.

Martek tkun bħal dielja għammiela
fl-irkejjen ta’ darek;
uliedek bħal xitel taż-żebbuġ
madwar il-mejda tiegħek. R/.

Ara, kif ikun imbierek il-bniedem
li jibża’ mill-Mulej!
Ibierkek il-Mulej minn Sijon!
Jalla tara l-ġid ta’ Ġerusalemm
tul ħajtek kollha! R/.

QARI 2                   mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl lill-Kolossin. 3: 12-21

Ħuti, intom il-magħżulin ta’ Alla, il-qaddisin u l-maħbubin tiegħu. Ilbsu mela sentimenti ta’ ħniena, tjieba, umiltà, ħlewwa u sabar. Stabru b’xulxin, u, jekk xi ħadd minnkom ikollu xi jgħid ma’ ħaddieħor, aħfru lil xulxin; bħalma l-Mulej ħafer lilkom, hekk agħmlu intom ukoll. U fuq kollox ilbsu l-imħabba, li hi l-qofol tal-perfezzjoni. Ħalli s-sliem ta’ Kristu jsaltan fi qlubkom, dak is-sliem li għalih kontu msejħa biex issiru ġisem wieħed. U ta’ dan roddu ħajr lil Alla. Ħalli l-kelma ta’ Kristu tgħammar sħiħa fikom; għallmu bl-għerf kollu u widdbu lil xulxin b’salmi u innijiet u b’għana spiritwali, u b’radd il-ħajr kantaw f’qalbkom innijiet lil Alla. Kulma tagħmlu jew tgħidu, agħmlu kollox f’isem il-Mulej Ġesù, u roddu ħajr lil Alla l-Missier permezz tiegħu.  Intom, nisa miżżewġa, obdu lil żwieġkom, kif għandu jkun fil-Mulej. Intom imbagħad, irġiel miżżewġa, ħobbu n-nisa tagħkom, u tkunux iebsa magħhom. Intom, tfal, isimgħu mill-ġenituri tagħkom f’kollox, għax dan hu li jogħġob lill-Mulej. Intom missirijiet, la ddejqux lil uliedkom, għax inkella jistgħu jaqtgħu qalbhom.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

EVANĠELJU                 Qari skont San Mattew 2: 13-15.19-23

Meta telqu l-Maġi, deher anġlu tal-Mulej f’ħolma lil Ġużeppi u qallu: “Qum, ħu miegħek lit-tifel u lil ommu, u aħrab lejn l-Eġittu. Ibqa’ hemm sa ma ngħidlek jien, għax Erodi se jfittex lit-tifel biex joqtlu”. Ġużeppi qam, ħa miegħu lit-tifel u lil ommu bil-lejl u telaq lejn l-Eġittu, u baqa’ hemmhekk sal-mewt ta’ Erodi, biex hekk iseħħ dak li kien qal il-Mulej permezz tal-profeta, meta qal: “Mill-Eġittu sejjaħt lil ibni”.   Meta miet Erodi, deher l-anġlu tal-Mulej f’ħolma lil Ġużeppi fl-Eġittu u qallu: “Qum ħu miegħek lit-tifel u lil ommu, u erġa’ lura lejn l-art ta’ Iżrael, għax mietu dawk li kienu jfittxu l-ħajja tat-tifel”. Ġużeppi qam, ħa miegħu lit-tifel u lil ommu, u mar fl-art ta’ Iżrael. Imma billi sama’ li fil-Lhudija kien qiegħed isaltan Arkelaws flok Erodi missieru, baża’ jmur hemm. Fuq twissija li kellu fil-ħolm, telaq lejn l-inħawi tal-Galilija, u mar joqgħod f’belt jisimha Nażaret, biex hekk iseħħ dak li kien ingħad permezz tal-profeti, “Ikun jissejjaħ Nażri”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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

THE HOUSEHOLD CODE OF THE HOLY FAMILY

Introduction: 

On the last Sunday of the year, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. We are here to offer all the members of our own families on the altar for God’s blessing.

Scripture lessons summarized: 

The first reading is a commentary on the fourth commandment: "Honour your father and your mother." Ben Sirach has many good things to say about living properly according to the Torah. Sirach reminds children of their duty to honour their parents – even when it becomes difficult. He also mentions the two-fold reward which God promises to those who honour their father and mother. The first reward is “riches,” and the second, long life: “Whoever reveres his father will live a long life.” He reminds children that God blesses them if they obey, revere, and show compassion to their father.

Paul, in the letter to the Colossians, advises us that we should put on love and remain thankful in our relationships with one another. Paul’s advice is part of the "Household Code" – the rules for members of the Christian family. Though the details date to Paul’s time, the underlying message of being careful with one another – being full of care for one another– is timeless. Paul teaches that children should learn and practice noble qualities like compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and sharing in the warmth of the family. In a truly holy family all members are respected, cherished, nurtured, and supported, united through the bond of love. Sunday’s Gospel describes how Joseph and Mary protected the Child Jesus from the sword of King Herod by escaping with Him to Egypt.

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 with 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) Marriage is a sacrament of holiness. Each family is called to holiness. By the Sacrament of Matrimony (marriage), Jesus sanctifies not only the spouses but also the entire family. The husband and wife attain holiness when they discharge their duties faithfully, trusting in God, and drawing on the power of God by prayer.

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