Year A
Year A: Year of Matthew
Although Matthew's is the first Gospel, most scholars do not consider it to be the first written. After an initial section on the baptism of Jesus and the call of the disciples, our readings from this Gospel for the ordinary Sundays are broken into discourses, or sermons, and narratives - stories around the events of Jesus journey. The pattern is broken, of course, in our shift sometime between the 3rd and 9th Sunday of ordinary time to take up the Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost cycle of readings.
Season of Advent
1st Sunday of Advent
GOSPEL: Matt. 24: 37-44. Jesus tells his disciples that before Noah's Flood, people ate, drank and made merry, unaware of the impending disaster. He then goes on to give various examples of two people doing ordinary things, and 'one is taken, one is left'. He warns his disciples to be ready. This reading opens up the Advent theme or preparedness.
FIRST READING: Is. 2: 1-5. This is close to the beginning of Isaiah. He writes to the people of Judah, the southern area of Palestine (where Jerusalem is), at a time when the northern area (Israel) has been conquered by the Assyrians. Judah is relying on politics to keep them from a similar fate, rather than on God (eventually they do fall to the Babylonians). So, although Isaiah prophesies of a 'day of doom' that is coming (the Babylonian exile), he also makes many references to a day beyond that when the people will be saved and Jerusalem restored. These 'messianic' prophesies are many of the ones we draw on for images of the coming of Christ. In this section, Isaiah tells of a day to come when the Lord will come as judge; swords will be beaten into ploughshares and it will be a time of peace. The reading is full of a sense of anticipation, something we feel in this time of Advent.
SECOND READING: Romans 13:11-14. Paul tells the Christians of Rome to wake from sleep; the time is near. Paul's letter to the Romans is very much a teaching document about the Gospel. In this section Paul reminds the people to be prepared by behaving appropriately; he condemns such behaviour as drunkenness and debauchery (Rome was very much a pagan city and had more than ample opportunity for those seeking vice to indulge themselves). This reading is chosen to fit in with our theme of preparing - changing our ways to be fit for what is to come.
Themes: be prepared, make a new start, change your ways
Hymn suggestions: City of God; The King of glory comes; Come to the water; Christ be our light; Come to me all who labour; Here I am, Lord; O come, O come Emmanuel; I say yes; In faith and hope and love; Seek O seek the Lord
2nd Sunday of Advent
Gospel: Matthew 3: 1-12. The preaching of John the Baptist – “prepare the way of the Lord”. John criticizes the Pharisees and Sadducees for their complacency in thinking that salvation would come to them as of right, as they were children of Abraham.
First reading: Isaiah 11: 1-10. A section referring to the ‘shoot from the stock of Jesse’ (Jesse is David’s father, and part of Jesus’ kingship is ascribed to his descent from David). This descendent of Jesse, Isaiah prophesies, will bring peace where the ‘wolf lives with the lamb;.
Second reading: Romans 15: 4-9. You should treat each other in the same friendly way the Christ treated you.
Themes: preparation, bringing peace
Hymn suggestions: O come Emmanuel; A noble flow’r of Judah; O child of promise come; Lord make me an instrument of peace (any setting); Peace is flowing like a river; Gift of peace; Though the mountains may fall; The power of your love; Christ be our light
3rd Sunday of Advent
Gospel: Matthew 11: 2-11. John the Baptist sends his disciples ot find out if Jesus is the "Promised One". Rather than a yes/no answers, Jesus tells them to go back to John and tell him what they hear and see. Jesus then quotes again the words of Isaiah which he read in the Synagogue at the start of his ministry: the blind see, the lame walk and so on. Both John and the readers that Matthew has in mind would have clearly understood the implication, as this paraphrases 'messianic' sections of Isaiah which foretell the coming of a promised salvation for Israel.
Jesus then goes on to talk about John as a prophet - he makes it clear the John is very much a prophet in the tradition of Elijah and the other great prophets of old, who said what needed to be said about the now rather than consciously trying to foretell the future (which is what we tend to think of prophecy as being today). Although Jesus says that John is the greatest of these prophets, he also says that he is less than the least of those in the 'kingdom of heaven'. The phrase 'kingdom of heaven' is used in Matthew's Gospel where the phrase "Kingdom of God" is used in the other gospels. 'Kingdom of God' was generally understood to be something present among the people, through spiritual rebirth and doing the will of God, rather than being seen as a place. These are the things that John was asking the people to prepare for.
First Reading.Isaiah 35: 1-6, 10. This is from the 'first Isaiah' section of the book and follows shortly on a section primarily concerned with prophecies about the Messiah (Chapters 24-34). Today's reading is part of a poetic section in a similar style to the Psalms, which refers to the joyous things that the Messiah will bring about. It is chosen today because Jesus' response to John refers to part of this passage.
Second Reading: Jame 5:7-10. The authorship of this letter is somewhat unclear. Apparently written at a time of persecution to a Jewish Christian readership, it provides a few teachings and practicse of the Early Church (it mentions anointing of the sick). This passage is chosen today because of its tone of counselling patience in those waiting for the 'Lord's coming'. It gives words of wisdom on the conduct of a Christian community in this spirit of patience.
Themes: prepartion for the coming of the Kingdom
Hymn suggestions: O come Emmanuel; O child of promise come; Lord make me an instrument of peace (any setting); God's spirit is in my heart (Go tell ev'ryone); We find you Lord in others need (see this page for music), Christ be our light
Recommended Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, to bring Good News to the poor . (see this page for music)
4th Sunday of Advent
Gospel: Matthew 1: 18-24. Part of the nativity story. Mary, betrothed to Joseph, is found to be with child. Joseph, being a 'just man', was intending to quietly end the betrothal (rather than denounce Mary as was the norm at the time). However, an angel appears to him in a dream and tells him to marry her; the pregnancy came about through the Holy Spirit to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah heard in today's first reading.
First reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14. The part of Isaiah containing the words mentioned in today's Gospel, held by Christians as foretelling the Virgin Birth of Jesus. The prophecy is made to Ahaz, a king of Judah (the northern part of Palestine) and a descendant of David. Ahaz has little faith in God; the prophecy tells him of a powerful sign of God's protection.
Second Reading: Romans 1: 1-7. The start of this letter. Chosen for today because of its references to Christ's coming as foretold by the prophets of old; all our readings today focus on this theme.
Themes: The coming of Christ as a fulfilment of the promises made by the prophets
Hymn suggestions: A noble flow'r of Judah; The Angel Gabriel; Marian hymns or carold (but NOT specifically Christmas carold); Let all mortal flesh keep silence;
Recommended Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia: A maiden shall conceive and bear a child, and he shall be God with us . (see this page for music)
Season of Christmas
Holy Family (Sunday within a week of Christmas Day)
Gospel: Matthew 2: 13-15; 19-29: The flight to Egypt and return to Nazareth. This is probably chosen for this Sunday to emphasise the Holy Family as a family unit, and Joseph's care for them as a provider in keeping them safe.
First Reading: Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 3: 2-6; 12-14. The full title of this book is "The Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach" (Jesus was not an uncommon name in Hebrew, we would write Yeshua, which we also transliterate as Joshua). The author was a Jewish rabbi, possibly living in Alexandria, in the 2nd century BC. It is also called "Ecclesiasticus" (Greek for Churches) because the Hebrew original was not preserved in the Hebrew bible, so it only survives in the Greek translation (Greek being the language of the early Church). Not all churches recognise this book as being 'canonica' i.e. as part of the Bible which is God's true word. However, it contains some worthwhile insights. It concerns itself with various 'wise sayings' about personal conduct which is in keeping with a Godly life. Here, the author is talking about relationships within the family - fathers, mothers, children, wives and husbands.
Second reading: Colossians 3: 12-21: A 'sermon' from Paul. This section is chosen because of its reference to the conduct of husbands and wives (though the message grates with some today).
Themes: family life, the Holy Family
Hymn suggestions: Christmas carols, particularly those that refer to Mary, the baby Jesus and so on e.g. Away in a manger; Once in royal David's city. Gospel acclamation - Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Epiphany (Sunday after Holy Family)
Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12 The three 'Wise Men' visit Jesus. The stop to ask Herod where to find the "King"; Herod sends them on to Bethlehem. They are warned in a dream to return a different way, although this does not stop Herod killing the infants of Bethlehem as told last Sunday. The word "Epiphany" means "Revelation".
First reading: Isaiah 1-4, 6-7: One of the 'faithful servant' readings, with messianic overtones. The last part of this reading is what Jesus reads in the synagogue at the start of his ministry.
Second reading: Acts 10: 34-36. Peter's statement that Jesus is "Lord of all" connects with our theme for today.
Themes: Epiphany
Hymn suggestions: We three kings; The first nowell;
I suggest you split three kings between first an last hymn (verses 1, 2, 3 at start and 1, 4, 5 at end) and sing first nowell at communion. These two carols are quite specific for this feast. Gloria in excelsis for Gospel acclamation.
Following the Epiphany is the Baptism of Our Lord, which I have put at the start of Ordinary time
Season of Lent
First Sunday of Lent
Gospel: Matthew 4: 1-13. Jesus goes into the desert to fast and pray for 40 days, and is tempted by the devil. The temptations represent the possible ‘easy’ ways he could fulfill his role as the Messiah, (by miraculous powers, or through armies or angels) and it is at this time that Jesus chooses his mission. By rejecting Satan’s temptations he chooses not to be the Messiah that would have earthly rule or glory but one that would redeem us from sin by his suffering and death.
First reading: Genesis 2:7-9, 3: 1-7. The temptation of Eve and the ‘fall’. This reading is chosen both for its symmetry with the temptation of Jesus in today’s Gospel, and because it symbolizes ‘original sin’, the imperfection we all have that makes us sinful and which we atone for in the season of Lent.
Second reading: Romans 5: 12-19. Paul explains that sin entered the world before the Law of Moses and was therefore not just a matter of breaking the Law; but that sin is forgiven through the suffering and death of Jesus. As sin brought death, so Jesus’ redemption brings eternal life.
Themes: our sinful nature and need for forgiveness, Christ’s suffering and death, our redemption.
Hymn suggestions: Hear O Lord, Gentle as silence; Strong and constant; Though the mountains may fall; Hail redeemer; The glory of these forty days; From the depths;
Second Sunday of Lent
Gospel: Matthew 17: 1-9. The Transfiguration. This reading always occurs on the second Sunday of Lent; after the first Sunday, where we hear of Jesus choosing his path as Messiah, we hear in this reading God himself announcing Jesus' special place in our salvation.
First reading: Genesis 12:1-4. God calls Abram (who was to become 'Abraham') from his own land and sets him on the path to the promised land. As God's announcement about Jesus in today's Gospel sets him on the path to our salvation through the Paschal Mystery, God's call to Abram today is the start of the path of the 'chosen people' towards their salvation history.
Second reading: 2 Tim. 1: 8-10. Timothy was a pagan convert to Christianity who became Paul's protege. Paul reminds him of his calling, and to accept the suffering that comes with that. The first reading today is about a call - that of God to Abram; the Transfiguration could also be interpreted as a call, at least in the sense of an anointing to a task (the Hebrew 'Messiah' could be translated as 'the Anointed One').
Themes: God's call - which Jesus answered through his suffering and death.
Hymn suggestions: Here I am Lord; Hear O Lord; The glory of these forty days; We are companions on a journey, Strong and constant; Love unknown; Lord of the dance; Hail Redeemer; any general Lenten hymns or hymns about God's love and mercy. Note: use the 'From within the shining cloud' verse to today's gospel acclamation (same tune as before). Words:
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. From within the shining cloud, hear the voice of God: "This is my beloved Son. Listen to his Word". Praise to you...
3rd Sunday of Lent
GOSPEL: John 4:5-42. The Samaritan woman at the well; Jesus asks for a drink of water. She is surprised, because interaction between Jews and Samaritans was rarely cordial because of racial and religious tensions, and queries why he asks a Samaritan woman for a drink. Jesus and the woman get into a discussion; he tells her that he could give her living water. The discussion would have had quite a bit of meaning for John's (the Gospel writer's) community because they would have understood the significance of the references to the well of Jacob and the mountain on which the woman's ancestors worshipped. The story is told to emphasize several points. The Samaritans, though they had different beliefs from the Jews, expected the same Messiah and Jesus fulfils these prophecies. John's listeners would have understood that Jesus implied the dispute over the place of worship (Jerusalem or elsewhere) became irrelevant with his coming. And the message of the food and water of life foreshadows the Eucharist. This incident takes place at the beginning of Jesus' ministry and we have been exploring, in these Sunday's, Jesus Messianic role.
First reading: Exodus: 17:3-7. The people are thirsty in the desert, and Moses miraculously provides water for them. Many Gospel stories echo first testament stories, and Jesus' water of life explanation can be related to this incident.
SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-2; 5-4. Paul is encouraging the Christians of Rome; these pagan converts suffered considerable adversity. Paul tells them; God's love is infinite and Jesus sufffered and died for us.
Themes:The water of life, God's love for us. Note: this is our first Sunday with our new priest.
Hynnn suggestions: Come to the water; I am the bread of life; Guide me O thou great redeemer; Spirit of God in the clear running water; Be not afraid; Love is his word, Christ be beside me; Baptized in water
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Gospel: John 9:1 - 41. Jesus cures a blind man on the Sabbath, and is condemned for so doing by the Pharisees. Their strict adherence to the form rather than the spirit of the Law is the reason for this, and is the real blindness. Jesus condemns their hypocrisy (even more so in Matthew’s Gospel at a different point). The Pharisees insist it is not they who are blind, and Jesus says that for this reason their guilt remains.
First reading: Samuel 16: 1, 6-7, 10-13. Samuel finds the young David and anoints him as King. This episode of the first testament takes place at a time when the first king, Saul, has been crowned but found wanting. David’s seven older brothers are presented to Samuel by their father Jesses, who did not think that the boy David, out tending the sheep, was likely to be the one the prophet was seeking. Two threads tie this reading to today’s Gospel. The first is in the phrase that “God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but God looks at the heart”. The Pharisees, in the Gospel, are far more concerned with appearances than with God’s will. The second is Jesus himself; he is of ‘David’s line’. We are being reminded of the mantle of kingship on him as he approaches the events of Calvary.
Second reading: Ephesians 5: 8-14. This small excerpt from Paul’s letter to the people of Ephesus may have been intended as a sort of newsletter for people in the largely pagan areas of what is now Turkey. The pagan religions had a number of rituals that were practiced in secret or in darkness, some of which involved rites that would offend us and certainly offended Paul. He makes the point that the things that are worthy do not need to be done in secret; the last section is possibly taken from the words of a baptism hymn or prayer (the pagan converts were received into the church by baptism, in which their pagan sins were wiped clean). This relates to today’s gospel – what Jesus did, in curing the blind man, was a good thing (even though it was condemned by the Pharisees), and did not need to be hidden away.
Themes: God’s ways are not human ways; forgiveness of sins; life and light
Hymn suggestions: God’s spirit is in my heart; Christ be our light; You are salt for the earth; Come as you are; Come back to me; Hail Redeemer; The King of Glory comes; Amazing Grace; Baptized in water; Blest are they; Crown him with many crowns; Hear O Lord; Gentle as silence;
Fifth Sunday of Lent
GOSPEL: John 11: 3-7; 17; 20-27; 33-45. The resurrection of Lazarus. This is the last of Christ’s miracles and is part of the key events leading up to the passion. Here, Jesus demonstrates the greatest power – that over death. It is an indication of what is to come – Christ’s own resurrection, and demonstration that Christ has the power to do what he promises for us: raise us to eternal life.
FIRST READING: Ezekiel 37:12-14. ‘I will open your graves’. This was written at the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a time of great discouragement of the people of Israel as they were deported to Babylon. Although Ezekiel condemns them elsewhere in this book, he also offers words of hope. The metaphor ‘dry bones’ is used to describe the despair of the people of this time (remember “dem dry bones’?), so the opening of the graves in this context represents the regaining of hope, as flesh on the dry bones of despair. The choice of reading is obviously related to today’s Gospel.
SECOND READING: Romans 8: 8-11. “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God”. In this context, flesh refers not to being alive as opposed to dead, but to a state of sinfulness (particularly sins of the flesh). By putting aside this tendency, one becomes dead to sin and alive to God’s Spirit. Paul refers directly to Jesus resurrection in this letter, and resurrection is the theme that links today’s readings.
Themes: resurrection, eternal life, hope
Hymn suggestions: I am the resurrection; Be not afraid; Lord of all hopefulness; God gives his people strength; In faith and hope and love; How great thou art; Love is his word; Love unknown; Gentle as silence;
Passion Sunday
Liturgical program:
Reading outside: Matthew 21: 1-11. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem - the description of Jesus arrival at Jerusalem, where he was hailed as a King of David's line.
Procession of the palms: a suitable song or songs should be sung e.g. Hosanna to the Son of David; The King of glory comes; Hail redeemer, All glory, laud and honour. Note that if it is not cantor/response, word sheets will be needed.
Inside: Penitential rite and opening prayer. Ensure you have a suitable transparency.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 5O: 4-7. Isaiah describes how the 'suffering servant' will accept humiliation and pain to atone for the sins of the people.
Psalm: use the transparency, or arrange for a sung Psalm (My God, my God, why have you abandoned me. Cantor/response music available)
SECOND READING: Philippians 2:6-11. This reading refers to the suffering and death of Christ - "Christ became obedient to us.."
Gospel Acclamation: same tune and refrain as we have been using; The words to the acclamation: Christ became obedient, even unto death. Therefore God has raised Him up, named above all others. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of all creation.
Gospel: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew: Read in parts.
Themes: the suffering and death of Jesus; the Paschal mystery
Hymn suggestions: for communion and end: When I behold the wondrous cross; Glory be to Jesus, Jesus, remember me; Hail Redeemer; Love unknown; In him we knew a fulneess; Soul of my saviour
Season of Easter
Easter Sunday
Gospel: John 20: 1-9. The empty tomb. This is the first indication of Jesus' resurrection; at this point the disciples still do not fully understand the nature of Jesus death and resurrection. Over the next few Sundays, our gospel readings will mirror the disciples dawning understanding of what really happened, and what it meant, and the way this spread out and led to a new understanding and spirit which was to become the Church.
First reading: Acts 10: 34, 37-43. Peter's proclomation, at Caesarea, of his faith in Jesus and in the resurrection. During the Sundays of Easter we will read through the book of Acts for our first readings; this will tell the story of the development of the early Church. This event takes place some time after the first Pentecost, and by this time the church has begun to spread. However, this is a very explicit statement of the understanding Peter had arrived at about what had happened after Jesus death and what it meant. Contrast that with the confusion seen in today's Gospel and you can get an understanding of how things must have developed between these two times.
Second reading: there are two possible second readings. The one from Corinthians refers to the death and resurrection of Jesus in terms of the Passover sacrifice; the one from Colossians refers to how we have been raised to life with Christ. Both illustrate the way the early Church came to understand the resurrection in different ways.
Themes: resurrection, new life
Hymn suggestions: Christ is alive, New life; I am the resurrection; By your kingly power, Thine be the glory. Any resurrection, life, praise songs.
Second Sunday of Easter
Gospel: John 20:19-31. This incident takes place the evening after Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene. Jesus appears to the disciples in a locked room, and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit (a foretaste of the Pentecost). His words empowering the apostles with the authority to forgive or retain sins symbolize the next phase of the coming of his kingdom. Jesus would no longer be with the disciples in the flesh, but they would carry on his mission (recall that several of Jesus miraculous cures were accompanied by the message that the person cured had their sins forgiven). The directive to continue his mission implicit in what Jesus said to the disciples marks the next phase. Last Sunday, we heard that the disciples did not initially understand that Jesus would rise from the dead. This Sunday, he appears to them and passes on his mission to them. The disciples come to understand what their mission is.
First reading: Acts 2: 42-47. This section of Acts takes place shortly after Pentecost; the disciples have chosen Judas’ successor and the Holy Spirit came on them. Acts tells us that “many miracles and wonders” were performed. The readings from Acts and the Gospels in these Sundays intertwine to tell us of the developing Church after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The reference to ‘miracles and wonders’ indicates that the power of God present in Jesus has been passed on to the disciples. There is also a change of heart: the faithful begin to pool their belongings in order to provide for the more needy among their number, and to share meals (foreshadowing the Eucharist). By such actions, they make the kingdom present among them in the way they care for each other.
Second reading: 1 Peter 1: 3-9. Written at a time when the first Christians were facing the beginnings of the great persecution, this letter was intended to be a comfort and encouragement to them. The writer begins with what is possibly part of a liturgical prayer of praise to ‘God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’. He refers to Jesus having, through God’s power, been raised from the dead. He asks the Christians to endure their trials, pointing out that ‘even gold, which can never be destroyed, is tested by fire’. So must their faith be tested to show its purity.
Themes: resurrection, hope, mission
Hymn suggestions: Glory and praise (takes some of its words from the reading from Peter); any Easter/resurrection hymns; Be not afraid; Christ be our light; Servant Song;
3rd Sunday of Easter
GOSPEL: Luke 24:13-35: The story of the road to Emmaus, and how the disciples came to recognize Jesus. We have been following the developing understanding of the disciples in the days following the Passion. This takes place later on the same day after the empty tomb is discovered. Again, we have the theme of the disciples originally not understanding; they see the events of the Passion as a tragedy and a failure. Jesus, by his teaching, helps them come to understand that it is actually a triumph. Critically, in this section of the resurrection stories, they recognize Jesus in 'the breaking of the bread'. We are invited to do the same thing in the Eucharist.
FIRST READING: Acts 2:14; 22-28. Peter addresses the crowd shortly after the Pentecost. As in the Gospel, we get the message that the events of the Passion were part of God's plan, not a triumph of evil, and that God's power was shown because he raised Jesus up.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 1: 17-21: This continues from last Sunday. The writer continues his message of hope to the persecuted early Christians; he explains how they were ransomed from the 'futile ways of their fathers' by Jesus' suffering and death; that Jesus was raised to life and they could have confidence in God because of this.
Themes: resurrection; recognizing Jesus in the breaking of the bread;
Hymn suggestions: any resurrection hymns; Praise my soul the King of heaven; I am the resurrection; Sing a new song unto the Lord; Gentle as silence; Lord of the dance; You'll never walk alone; I am the bread of life; Christ be beside me; Come to the water
4th Sunday of Easter
GOSPEL: John 10: 1-10: “I tell you solemnly, if a man does not enter the sheepfold (enclosure) by the door, he is a thief..”. This parable follows the story of the curing of the blind man and is addressed to Pharisees who tried to deny the miracle; Jesus is telling them that they are the truly blind, they are not the true shepherds of the people (“ a stranger they will not follow”). The key phrase at this point in the Easter season is the last one: “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly”. It is another key in our gathering understanding of what Jesus’ death and resurrection really mean.
FIRST READING: Acts 2:14; 36-41. The incident described here takes place on the day of the Pentecost. Peter’s speech after the events of the Pentecost refers to the “crooked generation”. God made Jesus, ‘whom you crucified’ both Lord and Christ (Greek Christos is equivalent to the Hebrew Messiah). In today’s gospel we see how the Pharisees rejected Jesus as Messiah, which contrasts with the acceptance of this at the beginning of the Church at Pentecost.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 2:20-25. A continuation of the letter we have been reading for the last two Sundays. This section was addressed to Christian converts who were slaves. There was some expectation that the old order, in which slavery existed, would be soon overturned. At a time when the great persecution was beginning, Christian espousal of this goal would add fuel to the fire of those who sought to destroy the new religion. The writer points out that Jesus suffered is lot willingly, without complaint (and died the death of a slave), for our sake. He states that those who suffer in doing the right thing have God’s blessing, and counsels the slaves to accept there lot, at least for the moment (there are other passages, not given here, in which Christians who own slaves are counseled to treat them justly). This pragmatism about the evils of the world seems a bit callous to us but was a necessary survival strategy for the early Church.
Themes: Christ, the Good Shepherd and King, doing the right thing in an unjust world
Hymn suggestions: The Lord is my shepherd (any setting); Hail Redeemer; Lord of the dance (strongly recommended – one verse specifically refers to the incident of today’s gospel); Christ be our light; any Easter/resurrection hymns
5th Sunday of Easter
GOSPEL: John 14: 1-12. This section of John’s Gospel (“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again..”) is almost as well known as John 3:16 (“God loved the world so much..). It takes place as Jesus is explaining to the disciples that he must suffer and die; they are deeply disturbed and distressed by this. Its relevance to this part of our Easter season is the clear reference to what happens after the resurrection, and why Jesus would not stay with the disciples in the flesh after rising from the dead.
FIRST READING: Acts 6:1-7. In the emerging story of the early Church, various difficulties arose. The Apostles could not deal with them all, and so began the process of delegation which (at least in the Church’s view) eventually led to the institutional Church. In this instance, there was some friction between the Hellenist (Greek-speaking) and other converts, leading to apparent neglect of needy Hellenistic Christians. The apostles here appointed helpers, chosen by the community from among themselves, to see to the day to day affairs of the community. This is the ministry of the diaconate.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 2: 4-9. Continuing our reading from Peter; this section contains a couple of very well known sections: “The stone that the builders rejected…” (itself taken from Isaiah), and “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people”, an affirmation that those who chose to follow Christ are picking up the mantle first offered to the children of Israel. The reminder of the universal priesthood of all Christians reminds us of our call to minister and evangelize.
Themes: Christ goes before us; our doing His work on earth
Hymn suggestions: Be not afraid (refrain is a paraphrase of the opening words of today’s Gospel); Christ be our light; Servant song; My Lord, he died for a kingdom; Crown him with many crowns; Feed my lambs; Love is his word; Strong and constant; We are companions on a journey
6th Sunday of Easter
GOSPEL: John 14:15-21.: A continuation from last Sunday’s Gospel. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever”. As with last Sunday, Jesus is explaining that he will not remain with the disciples in the flesh. In the preceding section he explained that he would go before us to prepare us a place; now he tells the disciples that he will send ‘another Counselor’ – foreshadowing the gift of the Holy Spirit in the coming feast of Pentecost. Our other Sunday readings at this time illustrate how this gift helped shape the early Church to become the body of Christ on earth. Once again, Jesus states that “I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you”.
FIRST READING: Acts 8: 5-8; 14-17. This takes place in Samaria; the Samaritans were not considered to be among the original ‘chosen people. Philip was able to manifest the signs of God – miracles – which had previously indicated God’s presence in Jesus. He also was able to bring the Holy Spirit down on the converts there. This illustrates what Jesus was talking about in today’s Gospel – that he would be present in his followers and could act through them. The gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus gave to the disciples could be passed on from them to others – here to Samaritans (non-Jews) and therefore, symbolically, to all people. This was a two way process. The early readers of Luke’s account here would have been familiar with the historical enmity between the Samaritans and the Jews. That the Samaritans so readily received Philip from Jerusalem was also an indication of the power of the Holy Spirit working through him.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 3:15-18: As previously stated, this letter of Peter is intended as spiritual advice, particularly to people being persecuted. The writer here directs the converts to defend their faith “with gentleness and reverence” and to be prepared to suffer for it, for “it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God's will, than for doing wrong.”. As it has been over several Sundays, this reading helps complete our picture of the developing early Church – people of strong faith who were somehow gifted to defend it even under threat of suffering and death.
Themes: Jesus’ presence in the Church, unity
Hymn suggestions: Strong and constant, Love is his word, Be thou my vision; By your kingly pow’r O risen Lord; Christ be our light; Gentle as silence; God gives his people strength; Prayer of St Francis (any setting); Only a shadow; Soul of my saviour
Ascension of the Lord
GOSPEL: Matthew 28:16-20: In this short passage, the last in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples that “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” and commands them to go out and baptize all nations. We have been examining over the preceding Sundays the way that Jesus prepared his disciples for when he would no longer be with them in the flesh; this is the final part of that. The actual account of the Ascension is in Acts (written by Luke), not in Matthew; however, some scholars think that the Ascension may have occurred at this time (on the same day as the resurrection), not 40 days later as Luke has it.
FIRST READING: Acts 1: 1-11. The account of the Ascension itself. Note in particular the last part – the disciples are basically told to get on with it rather than stand around looking into the sky. With what? With the instructions Jesus gave in today’s Gospel.
SECOND READING: Ephesians 1: 17-23: After our long reading of Peter, this letter (attributed to Paul) is another directive to a slightly different sort of community to that which Peter writes. Its opening passage includes this prayer, which makes direct reference to the ‘ascended’ Christ in whom all authority had been vested.
Themes: Christ’s glory, authority and kingship; spreading the Good News
Hymn suggestions: Go tell everyone; Go now you are sent forth; Here I am, Lord; Praise my soul the king of heaven; Crown him with many crowns;
Pentecost Sunday
GOSPEL: John 20: 19-23: This reading is repeated from the Second Sunday of Easter. It has a different focus from the account of the Pentecost we have in the first reading. This incident takes place the evening after Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene. Jesus appears to the disciples in a locked room, and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit. His words empowering the apostles with the authority to forgive or retain sins symbolize the next phase of the coming of his kingdom. Jesus would no longer be with the disciples in the flesh, but they would carry on his mission (recall that several of Jesus miraculous cures were accompanied by the message that the person cured had their sins forgiven). The directive to continue his mission implicit in what Jesus said to the disciples marks the next phase. Although Luke places the Ascension (celebrated last Sunday) 40 days after the resurrection, many scholars think this is symbolic (a mirror of the 40 days of Lent) and that the Ascension and this gift of the Holy Spirit took place on the same day as the resurrection.
FIRST READING: Acts 2: 1-11. Luke’s account, in Acts, of the coming of the Holy Spirit. He places the day for it on the Jewish feast of Pentecost (the name means ‘fiftieth’; 50 days after the Passover, which coincided with the events of the Passion.). The eleven had already received the gift of the holy spirit – as we hear in today’s Gospel; this is a later manifestation of the Spirit in public, and is regarded as the birthday of the Church.
SECOND READING: 1 Cor. 12:2-7; 12,13: This comes from the most powerful section of Paul’s writing, on the gifts of the Spirit and on love. Here, he emphasizes that the same spirit gives all the gifts so evident among the early converts to Christianity. He uses this to emphasize their unity; he was probably aware of the potential for division brought about by the fact that so many different peoples were among the converts and sought to prevent such divisions.
Themes: God’s gift of the Spirit, unity
Hymn suggestions: Baptized in water; Come Holy Ghost; Spirit of the living God (could use as response with psalm tone), Deep in the Spirit; Gift of peace; Holy Spirit, living in me; holy Spirit, Lord of light; Holy Spirit, you are welcome; I say Yes; Lord, send out your Spirit; O breathe on me; Send us your Spirit; Spirit, come, transform us; Spirit of God in the clear running water; Marian (see note above). Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, give thanks, with verse: "Come Holy Spirit, fall on us. Fill all our hearts with the fire of love." This fits the tune we usually use.
Trinity Sunday
Gospel: John 3: 16-18. The very well known passage : “God loved the world so much, he gave his only Son…”. In the context of our focus on the Trinity today, it is the repeated statement that Jesus is God’s only Son that is relevant. The beginning of John’s Gospel emphasizes the essential unity of Jesus and God (“In the beginning was the Word.. and the Word was with God and the Word was God.. and the Word became flesh); it is in reconciling this unity of Jesus with God the Father, and the Advocate (Counselor) that Jesus alluded to in the reading a few Sundays ago that led to much controversy in the early Church, and led eventually to the formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity.
First reading: Exodus 34: 4-6, 8-9. Moses’ witnessed the Lord descending in the form of a cloud. A voice from the cloud proclaims that “Lord, a God of tenderness and compassion”. It is this God that Jesus addressed as “Abba” (Father) and is the basis of our understanding of God the Father.
Second reading: 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13. Paul’s second letter to Corinth, like the first, contains various instructions for the people. The choice of this section for today is because it contains the clearest reference to the Trinity in the New Testament – Paul’s benediction (“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all”), suggesting that Paul had the notion of the co-equal status of the three persons of God which was later formalized in Church doctrine. This is quite important for us as Catholics when we are confronted with those from evangelical and Pentecostal churches who claim that the idea of the Trinity has no basis in the Bible.
Themes: the Trinity – Three Persons, one God.
Hymn suggestions: Father, in my life I see (Trinity song): God, Father, praise and glory; Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty; Holy Father, God of might; Father, draw us deeper; How great thou art; Marian (see note above). Note: Gospel acclamation – our usual Alleluia, give thanks, with the verse: “Praise to the Father, praise the Son; praise to the Spirit, God, three in one” fits the same tune we have been using.
Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
Gospel: John 6: 51-58: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
First reading: Deut 8: 2-3, 14-16: A section where the Hebrews are reminded that they were fed with manna in the desert; the link between this saving bread from heaven and the message in today's Gospel has a number of interpretations.
Second reading: 1 Cor 10: 16-17: "Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.". The link to today's feast and gospel is obvious.
Themes: Eucharist, body and blood of Christ, unity in the sacrament, the presence of Christ in form of bread and wine
Hymn suggestions: One bread, one body; I am the bread of life; Soul of my saviour; We are companions on a journey; Love is his word; Sing my tongue acclaim Christ present;
Sundays of Ordinary Time
Baptism of Our Lord
GOSPEL: Matthew 3:13-17. Matthew's account of Jesus baptism by John.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 42: 1-4; 6-7. One of the 'faithful servant' readings, with messianic overtones. The last part of this reading is what Jesus reads in the synagogue at the start of his ministry. This is probably chosen because of the passage "I have put my Spirit upon him, he will bring forth justice to the nations", which has obvious relevance to the account in the Gospel.
Second reading: Acts 10: 34-36. Peter's statement that Jesus is "Lord of all" connects with our theme for today. He refers to Jesus' baptism in so doing.
Themes: baptism, God's spirit present
Hymn suggestions:: Spirit of God in the clear running water; God's spirit is in my heart; Baptised in water; Send us your Spirit
2nd Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: John 1: 29-34. John the Baptist sees Jesus and says "Behold the Lamb of God" - signalling that Jesus is the expected Messiah.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6. One of the messianic prophecies; it refers to the 'light to all nations' to which John refers in the Gospel.
SECOND READING: 1 Cor. 1: 1-3. Paul's prayer of blessing at the start of this reading. This is chosen for today because it shows that Jesus salvation was reaching out to all nations, not just the Jews.
Hymn suggestions: Christ be our light; All the ends of the earth; Hail redeemer; Lift up your hearts; Lord of the dance; Praise to the Lord the almighty;
3rd Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matt. 4: 12-23: In the previous two Sundays we have heard about the baptism of Jesus and John the Baptist’s reaction to this. These signalled the start of Jesus ministry. Today’s gospel continues with Jesus hearing about John’s arrest, and links this to the Isaiah prophecy from the first reading. Jesus begins his ministry, preaching repentance, and calls the first disciples to follow him.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:1-4. The section quoted in today’s gospel. We have been reading from Isaiah for the last three Sundays; these sections were written in a time of great hardship for the children of Israel, but describe a new era of freedom and hope to come. The prophet signals a great change (which in the Gospel we interpret as that brought by Jesus) and states that this will come from the region of Galilee.
SECOND READING: 1 Cor. 1: 10-13; 17. Continues from this letter which we began last Sunday. After his greeting to the Christian community he founded in Corinth, Paul goes on to address (as he so often did) issues that he perceived in the community. In this instance, it seems that there is some division in Corinth, with people following particular leaders, cult-like, rather than seeing those leaders as being the bringers of the Good News.
Themes: call to spread the Good News, unity in Christ
Hymn suggestions: Here I am, Lord; Galilee song; We are companions on a journey; God’s spirit is in my heart; Come to the water; I say yes; Come to me all who labour; In faith and hope and love; Go now you are sent forth; This is my commandment.
4th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 5:1-12. The Beatitudes - Matthew's version. Recal that we have been at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, so the readings at this time highlight the messages that set the tone of his ministry. The 'beatitudes' (literally 'blessings') list the qualities of those who find God's favour; as we will see later in the Gospel, these are very much in contrast with the prevailing attitude among the Pharisees. It was thought by many at the time that good fortune was a sign of God's favour and misfortune arose from some sin committed by oneself or one's forebears. Jesus repeatedly condemns this attitude in a variety of ways.
FIRST READING: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13. "Seek the Lord all the humble..." This reinforces the message about God's presence for the humble and low. At the time Zephaniah writes, the leaders of Judah had more-or-less forgotten Yahweh; the prophet predicts their punishment when the ways of Yahweh are restored.
SECOND READING: 1 Cor. 1: 26-31. "God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world..". In the first part of his letter to the people of Corinth, Paul addressed problems in the commonuty (disunity). He now goes on to talk about what it means to accept the call of Christ. In keeping with our Gospel for today, he draws attention to the fact that this is not a call to greatness or fame, but one to humility. Christ himself died a humiliating death. "Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord".
Themes: humility, seeking the ways of God, mission
Hymn suggestions: Blest are they, Blessed are the poor in spirit; Seek ye first; Seek O seek the Lord; Humbly we adore thee; Though the mountains may fall; Here I am, Lord; Galilee Song; Gift of peace;
5th Sunday of ordinary time:
Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16. Follows directly from the Beatitudes of last Sunday and makes up part of the 'Sermon on the Mount'.The Beatitudes describe the character of those who belong to the 'kingdom'; here, Jesus goes on to use the metaphor of salt and light to describe how those of the kingdom must be an example to others, but without those characteristics described in the Beatitudes they would be worthless (salt without flavour).
First reading: Isaiah 58: 7-10. Jesus describes the characteristics of those who belong to the Kingdom of God in the Beatitudes, and reinforces the need to make that practical in today's Gospel. Isaiah foreshadows this in this messianic prophecy about the characteristics of those who belong to the time of salvation.
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5: Continuing this letter. At the beginning of this letter, in several places, Paul emphasises the legitimacy of his message - that it comes from God, not him. He reminds the people of Corinth of this in today's section.
Themes: the Kingdom of God, living the Kingdom
Hymn suggestions: You are salt for the earth; Christ be our light; God's spirit is in my heart; We find you Lord in others need; Lord, make me an instrument of peace (any setting); We are companions on a journey; Servant song
6th Sunday of ordinary time
Gospel: Matthew 5: 17-37. Continuing the Sermon on the Mount. Having described the qualities of the Kingdom of God, Jesus goes on to discuss the Law and the Prophets. Jesus 'expands' on the Law rather than replaces it, emphasising to his followers that it is the 'spirit' of the Law rather than the letter which is important. He backs this up with examples of killing (he expands this to include anger and slander), or adultery (Jesus says that to 'look lustfully' is also a sin). The exact interpretation of this section has been the subject of considerable study and discussion among theology scholars.
First reading: Sirach 15: 15-20: Sirach is written only a few centuries before Jesus and has some of the theological influences that were around in Jesus' time. It is a text on the conduct of the 'godly'. Here, the author reminds his readers that God sees everything, and a sin doesn't stop being a sin if nobody knows about it. Something of a contrast to the attitude of many modern lawyers...
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 2: 6-10: Following on from the message last Sunday, Paul says that the Christian message has a wisdom to offer, different from that of the 'masters of our age' (secular or other religious leaders).
Themes: following God's way and law
Hymn suggestions: This is my commandment; Servant song; Praise to the Lord the almighty; Lift up your hearts; Be thou my vision; Blest are they; City of God; Day by day
7th Sunday of ordinary time
Gospel: Matthew 5: 38-48. This continues the section of the Sermon on the Mount which discusses the Law. Here, Jesus offers two teachings which are somewhat at odds with common tradition of the time ('eye for an eye'): offer no resistance - turn the other cheek, love your enemies. This seems contrary to common sense, but Jesus further explanation helps us understand: if you love only those who love you, what credit does it do you? Any teacher can relate to the difficulty of being loving to the most difficult students, but will acknowledge the need to do so. This applies to many areas of life.
First reading: Leviticus 19: 1-2, 17-18. 'You must not bear hatred to your neighbour'. As, last Sunday, Jesus expanded on killing go include anger and slander, so this Sunday he expands on this section of the Law to say that it is not just your neighbour you must love, but your enemy. We read this today because it is the relevant section of the Law for today's Gospel.
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 3: 16-23. Continuing this letter; last Sunday Paul talked about the God's wisdom being different from secular wisdom, and today he says that the wisdom of this world is the foolishness of God.
Themes: The commandment of love
Hymn suggestions: This is my commandment; A new commanment (possible Gospel acclamation); Love is his word; We find you Lord in others need; Servant song; Christ be our light
8th Sunday of ordinary time:
Gospel: Matthew 6: 24-34: In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus condemns those who make a great show of giving alms or saying loud prayers. He then goes on immediately to give the 'Lord's Prayer' and follows that with this teaching. They are broadly related: it is not material things, status or privilege which matter. It is your own spiritual health and the way you treat others. This is probably not a favourite section of the Bible for the executives at Porsche or Christian Dior.
First reading: Isaiah 49: 14-15. This very short section from the 'servant songs' of Isaiah occurs just after the section (Is 49: 1-6) in which the servant) is identified as one called by God. Following this is a section, of which this is part, in which the servant reminds his readers that God will never forget his love. We read this because of the reference to the way the Heavenly Father feeds even the birds in today's Gospel.
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5. After having discussed how God's wisdom differs from that of the world, Paul goes on to tell the Christians of Corinth that they are stewards entrusted with these 'mysteries'. As alluded to some Sundays ago, part of this letter addresses tensions in this community, some of which seem to involve passing judgement on others, which he refers to today. Various other issues about different 'gifts of God' emerge in later chapter, but we leave this letter for a while now.
Note: because Ash Wednesday was unusually early in 2008, the 5th to 8th Sundays of ordinary time were not done that year so need to be done later
9th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 7:21-27: "Not every one who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven.." This is the last part of the Sermon on the Mount. In the decades (and longer) after Jesus death (and it was some decades after Jesus that the written gospels were recorded), not everyone who professed Jesus as Lord lived a Christian life. The Sermon - including the Beatitudes and what follows - set out Jesus' vision of the Kingdom of Heaven. This is a kingdom with the values and attitudes of the Beatitudes - trust in God, humility, regard for others. Jesus, here, points out that those who adopt the values and attitudes he espouses build their faith on firm foundations; those who only say the words and don't live them are like someone who builds a house on unstable foundations.
FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 11: 18; 2-8. In today's gospel Jesus forcefully states that his 'commandments' must be followed. Deuteronomy is a restatement of the commandments given to Moses in Exodus; here, Moses states that those who follow God's way are blessed and those who don't are cursed. In the Sermon on the Mount a similar opposition is given in the section immediately preceding the part read in today's Gospel.
SECOND READING: Romans 3: 21-25; 28. In Romans, Paul is writing to Gentile Christians. There was, in the Early Church, considerable debate about the extent to which such converts were obliged to follow the Law of Moses. It was eventually decided that such non-Jews did not have to follow the full law. Today's reading is part of an explanation where Paul is explaining that the Gentile Christians are sanctified by following Jesus and his teachings rather than Mosaic Law. The point of today's Gospel is again emphasized.
Themes: Salvation is in Christ and his teaching; following Christ
Hymn suggestions: Christ be our Light; In faith and hope and love; This is my commandment; Love is his word; Blessed are the poor in spirit; Blest are they; Christ be beside me; Lord make me an instrument of peace
10th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 9:9-13. Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector. He is criticized for consorting with sinners. He answers by saying it is not the well man who needs the doctor.
FIRST READING: Hosea 6:3-6. From the same book as the well known Song of Hosea. At this time, the southern and northern sections had split for political and religious reasons. The northern kingdom - Israel - was denied access to the temple of Jerusalem, which was in the southern kingdom of Judah. Although the northern king built shrines for his people as substitutes, the soon reverted to the pagan worship of Baal. Hosea laments this split in the metaphor of a (possibly symbolic) split with his wife. Yahweh calls his people to come back, their sins are forgiven, his love is forever - as Hosea calls back his wife (the book of Hosea seems to be full of symbolism and metaphor).
SECOND READING: Romans 4:18-25. Paul continues his lesson that it is Jesus Christ, not the letter of the Law of Moses, which justifies and saves the Christian converts. See last Sunday's note.
Themes: forgiveness, return, come as you are
Hymn suggestions: Song of Hosea, Come as you are, Gentle as Silence, Strong and Constant, Here I am, Lord; Though the mountains may fall; otherwise general theme hymns such as Glory and Praise; Lift up your hearts etc.
11th Sunday of the year
GOSPEL: Matthew 9:36-10: 8. Jesus sends out the apostles to the children of Israel, telling them not to go among the Gentiles. The link to the first reading is that this is the fulfillment of the covenant made “you shall be my own possession among all peoples; for all the earth is mine, and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation”. It would prove that they would not be universally accepted among the Jews, and thus the message would be offered again to all nations.
FIRST READING: Exodus 19:2-6: God’s covenant with Moses, an echo of that with Abraham.
SECOND READING: Romans 5: 6-11. Continuing our reading from Romans, and continuing the theme from last Sunday. This links in with what today’s Gospel foreshadows.
Themes: God’s call, his steadfast love
Hymn suggestions: Here I am, Lord; Galilee Song, Eagle’s wings; Strong and constant; Though the mountains may fall; God’s spirit is in my heart; Go tell everyone; Christ be our light
12th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matt. 10: 26-33. Last Sunday we read about the sending of the twelve apostles. As indicated, their message is not always welcome. Here, Jesus prophesies the persecutions that would come, but comforts them that even if it costs them their earthly life, he would advocate for them before the Father.
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 20:10-13. Jeremiah fearlessly condemned the disloyalty of the Chosen People; in the time of their being subject to Babylon, they trusted in politics and intrigue rather than in God. Jeremiah was eventually to suffer for this, but here states his trust in God. The link with today’s Gospel is fairly obvious.
SECOND READING: Romans 5: 12-15. Continuing the theme of this section of Romans that salvation comes from Christ. Here, he compares the fact that sin came through one man (Adam) with the fact that redemption also came from one man – Christ Jesus.
Themes: Bear your earthly troubles, God is with you. Salvation is in Christ.
Hymn suggestions: Be not afraid; Though the mountains may fall; Blest are they/Blessed are the poor in spirit; Do not be afraid, I’ve redeemed you; Come to me all who labour; Lift up your hearts; Lord of morning light; Only a shadow;
13th Sunday of ordinary time
Gospel: Matt: 10: 37-42. Continuing this section of instruction to the Twelve as he sends them out. Here, Jesus tells them they must put him before all else – even family. They must take his cross and follow him (all except John were eventually martyred). Those who welcomed them would welcome Jesus.
First reading: 2 Kings 4 8-11, 14-16. Elisha was the anointed successor to Elijah, and many of Jesus’ miracles echo those of Elisha – for instance, he multiplied loaves to feed a hundred men (2 Kings 4: 42-44). Here, a woman offers hospitality to Elisha, and is rewarded with a cure for her barrenness. This links with the Gospel message about those who receive the one coming bearing God’s word receive Jesus (God) also, and will be rewarded.
Second reading: Romans 6: 3-4, 8-11. Having died with Christ, we return to life through him; this is a continuation of Paul’s explanation about salvation coming from Christ.
Themes: God should be first in our lives, what we offer to others, we offer to Christ
Hymn suggestions: All over the world; Amazing grace; Be thou my vision; Glory and praise; I say yes; The Lord is my shepherd, We are companions on a journey; We find you, Lord, in others need; You’ll never walk alone
14th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matt. 11:25-30. Two important and well known sayings are in this section: "no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son ", and "Come to me all who labour...". The context is Jesus' rejection by the towns around Galilee and Nazareth (see previous Sundays).This presages his greater mission and the journey to Jerusalem.
FIRST READING: Zechariah 9:9-10. Zechariah is one of the 'minor' prophets, so called because their works are relatively short. Here, he gives the people, discouraged by the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple on their return from Babylon, encouragement. He does this with a messianic prophecy that we would interpret with its relevance to Jesus.
SECOND READING: Romans 8:9; 11-13. Continuing our rather long reading through Romans, and Paul's discourse on the nature of the nature of the salvation brought by Christ. Paul here is encouraging Romans to become Christian; he explains that by so doing they become Spirit through Christ and the death of their mortal bodies is of no matter because they will receive life in the spirit.
Themes: Salvation is in Christ, the way to the Father is through Him.
Hymn suggestions: Come to me all who labour; I found a treasure; Christ be beside me; Amazing Grace; Come to the water; any general praise hymns for beginning or end e.g Praise to the Lord; Sing a new song; All the ends of the earth etc.
15th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matt. 13:1-9. The parable of the seeds falling among the weeds or on the path and so on.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 55: 10-11. A section of the well-known 'Come to the water' reading - 'just as the rain falls to water the earth'. Related to the gospel because of the reference to the rain watering the seeds.
SECOND READING: Romans 8: 18-23. Paul contrasts the sufferings of the present time to the coming glory; he refers to the whole of creation waiting, groaning in its suffering and longing for God.
Themes: (readings): receiving the Word, carrying it forth
Hymn suggestions: Come to the water; Spirit of God in the clear running water; We are companions on a journey; Go now you are sent forth; Go tell everyone;
16th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matt. 13: 24-30. Another parable on seeds; this time, the enemy sows weeds after the good seed is sown. The landowner orders that the weeds be allowed to grow to a point, and then should be gathered up and burned to let the crop be harvested. It is a parable with several levels and interpretations. Like last Sunday, there is the concept of things of this world interfering with the 'good seed' of the word of God. This time, it is the work of those of evil intentions - remember, at the time Matthew writes, the persecution of Christians was well underway and the notion that there were those who would strangle out God's word was well established. The idea of the separation of the true followers of the Word versus those who impede it, and the fate of the unrighteous is also implicit.The message is one of hope - those who follow Jesus will get their reward despite their opponents.
FIRST READING: Wisdom 12:13; 16-19. A prayer of praise for the wisdom and righteousness of God.
SECOND READING: Romans 8:26-27. Continuing on the theme of the Spirit; here it refers to how the Spirit helps us in our weakness.
Themes: God's justice and help to those who follow God's ways
Hymn suggestions: God gives his people strength; I found a treasure; Be not afraid; City of God; Gentle as silence; Strong and constant; any general praise hymns for entrance/recessional.
17th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 13: 44-52. Some parables about the kingdom of God: being like a treasure hidden in a field; being like a pearl of great price; like a net cast into the sea. The first two represent the value of the kingdom - the treasure in a field being something unexpectedly discovered and worth far more than anything else the discoverer has (burial of riches for safekeeping was not uncommon, and these were occasionally lost when the owner passed away without revealing the location of their savings). The 'pearl of great price' means that the treasure is not worth 'more' than what the merchant owns, but is perceived as being of such value that he will exchange many inferior items for it. These two images of the Kingdom may represent its significance to Gentile (the unexpected treasure) and Jew (who had their 'treasure' - the Law and the Prophets - but the message of the Kingdom was of much greater value than these). The third parable - the net - is fairly obvious and relates to the parables of the previous Sundays about those who receive the Word and those who don't.
FIRST READING: 1 Kings 3: 5; 7-12. King Solomon is offered a gift by God, and chooses wisdom. God is pleased that he chose for his people rather than himself. This story relates to the Gospel in terms of considering what are the gifts really worth having, and recognizing these (as the merchant did the pearl).
SECOND READING: Romans 8: 28-30. This needs to be read in the context of the sequence through Romans of the last 7 Sundays. Paul is telling the Romans how God will help those who become Christian.
Themes: How precious are the gifts of God
Hymn suggestions: You are salt for the earth O people; I found a treasure; City of God; general praise hymns for entrance or exit (I suggest You are salt at start and I found a treasure at communion because of close fit with readings)
18th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 14:13-21. The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.Several messages can be read in - the foreshadowing of the Eucharist; Christ feeds us. The nature of this miracle is often debated - did Christ 'create' the food out of nothing or did he change the hearts of selfish people so they shared when they otherwise wouldn't have? The latter interpretation also allows us to think about our role in feeding those in need.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 55:1-3. Another section of the 'come to the water' dialogue. This section talks about the good things the Lord provides - 'why spend your money on that which is not bread..". Chosen today because of the relationship to the Gospel story - Isaiah's promise that the Lord would provide is fulfulled in today's Gospel.
SECOND READING: Romans 8:35; 37-39. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. in the preceding section, Paul had been elaborating on God's love and gifts; now he prepares the Christian converts for coming persecutions.
Themes: God's love, God provides for us
Hymn suggestions: Come to the water; Christ be our light; I am the bread of life; Come as you are; Eat this bread, drink this cup; God gives his people strength; Living bread come down from heaven; Love is his word; One bread, one body; We find you, Lord, in others need.
19th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-33. Jesus walks on water and calms the storm. This shows that Jesus has power over the elements, as was shown by Yahweh in the first reading. There is also a message in here about faith – Peter could also walk on water while his faith was strong enough, but when his faith weakened he sank.
FIRST READING: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13.. Elijah had recently been victorious over the idolatrous and pagan forces of the queen Jezebel; he goes to Mt Sinai to seek Yahweh and his aid in overcoming (or at least defending himself from) his enemies. The forces of nature demonstrated by the elements – wind, earthquake and fire – could have been ways in which Israel’s enemies could have been overcome. But God’s presence was in the gentle breeze.
SECOND READING: Romans 9: 1-5. Paul had been telling the Romans of the blessings of following Christ. The Jewish people as a whole, though, had rejected Jesus (although individual Jews had become Christian) and here Paul laments this.
Themes: God’s power over the earth; Jesus, bringer of peace
Hymn suggestions: How great thou art; The heavens are telling; Lift up your hearts; Our God reigns; Peace I give to you; Gift of peace; Sing to the mountains; Seek O seek the Lord;
‘Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water’ might be a suitable song depending on circumstances
20th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 15: 21-28. A Canaanite woman begs Jesus to cure her daughter of possession; Jesus at first refuses, saying that he was sent to ‘the lost sheep of the house of Israel’. The woman answers that even the dogs may eat of the scraps that fall from the Master’s table, and Jesus answers that her great faith has saved her (her daughter is cured). The Canaanites were a Gentile people; Jesus initially proclaimed that his message was for Jews only. This was one of only two miracles for non-Jews in Jesus’ ministry. But after his rejection, and witnessing the faith of the centurion, he foretold a new kingdom that would include the Gentiles. This fulfils the promise of the first reading – that the kingdom would be for all nations.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 56: 1; 6-7. The prophet foretells that the ‘foreigners’ who love the name of the Lord and keep his laws would be brought to God’s holy mountain i.e. to become part of the people of the Covenant.
SECOND READING: Romans 11: 13-15; 29-32. Even though the Jews had rejected Jesus, thus making Paul an ‘apostle to the Gentiles’, Paul continued to hold out hope that his fellow Jews would one day accept the Good News.
Themes: God’s love for all nations and peoples
Hymn suggestions: Go tell everyone; Christ be our light; All over the world; Christ the visible expression; Come to the water; Galilee song; He came singing love; In him we knew a fullness; The fullness of God; This is my commandment
21st Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 16:13-20. The passage - "Who do people say I am" with Simon's response "You are the Christ.." for which Jesus gave him the name Cephas (Peter - the rock, actually a bit of a joke). The affirmation of Jesus as Messiah and of Peter as his successor.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 22:19-23. A reading chosen because of its reference to the transfer of the key of authority, echoed in the Gospel in Jesus statement to Peter "You are Peter, and on this rock..."
SECOND READING: Romans 11:33-36. We have been reading through Romans for some time; Paul has argued the reasons for becoming Christian to those who are pagan and those who are Jews, and has lamented the rejection of Christ as Messiah by those he still considers to be the Chosen People. He now follows with this, a hymn of praise.
Themes: Christ, the chosen one; Peter, the rock on which our Church is founded
Hymn suggestions: Christ be our light; Here I am, Lord; Go tell ev'ry one; Galilee Song; In him we knew a fullness; Lord of the dance; otherwise any hymns with a general theme of praise and thanksgiving.
22nd Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 16:21-27: Jesus tells his disciples that those who follow him are destined to suffer. Peter protests, and Jesus responds 'Get behind me Satan...". This follows on from Peter's confession of last Sunday; like many Gospel stories, there is the contrast - Peter praised and then condemned. This section marks the beginning of the second phase of the Gospel journey. The first - going out, preaching and healing, leading (as we saw a few Sundays ago) to Jesus' rejection. Now we begin the road to His suffering and death.
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 20:7-9: In an earlier reading, Jeremiah fearlessly condemned the disloyalty of the Chosen People; in the time of their being subject to Babylon, they trusted in politics and intrigue rather than in God. Here, Jeremiah complains that the Lord has given him no choice but to preach him, and for this he is mocked and condemned. This reading is chosen to foreshadow Jesus prophecy about how the Apostles would be similarly persecuted for following him.
SECOND READING: Roman 12:1-2. Following the hymn of praise last Sunday, and our long reading through Romans about the benefits of becoming Christian, here Paul tells the converts that they must be worthy of the great gift given them.
Themes: take up your cross and follow, suffering for Christ
Hymn suggestions: Be thou my vision; Galilee song; Go now you are sent forth; Go tell everyone; Hail Redeemer; I say yes; Love is his word; The Lord is my shepherd and I want to follow; We are companions on a journey
23rd Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 18:15-20. We begin a series of parables and teachings on this new phase of Christ's journey.This one concerns the 'conversion' of those who sin (it is probably not referring to a sin 'against you' in the sense of a personal offense). This is a practical teaching very relevant to the establishment of Christian communities in the early Church, where people needed to convert to Christian ways. A community response is demanded; remember that in this Gospel the message of Christ's kingdom as being present in right relationships is very important - hence 'wherever two or three of you gather in my name..'
FIRST READING: Ezekiel 33:7-9: As so often, the first testament reading foreshadows the message of the Gospel. Here, it talks about the moral obligation to warn the wicked to turn away from their sin.
SECOND READING: Romans 13:8-10. This section of Romans deals with Christian conduct and communities. Here, Paul expounds on the central importance of loving conduct in a Christian community.
Themes: forgiveness of others, setting a good example
Hymn suggestions:And theyll know we are Christian by our love; Amazing grace; Blest are they; Come as you are; Gentle as silence; God gives his people strength; I thank my Lord each time I think of you; Lay your hands gently; Love one another; Gift of peace; One bread, one body; Prayer of St Francis (any setting); We come to share our story
24th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 18:21-35. Peter asks how often he should forgive his brother - seven times? Jesus says no - seventy times seven. Jesus goes on to tell a parable of a servant who, forgiven a debt by his master, then fails to show the same consideration to another who is indebted to him. The master then has the servant treated harshly. Jesus tells the disciples that the Father will treat them with the same compassion they show for others. This is a simple message about human relationships and the importance of forgiveness and mercy - it goes with others in a similar vein about not judging others, showing mercy and so on.
FIRST READING: Sirach 27:30-28:7. The Wisdom of Sirach (also known as the Book of Ecclesiasticus) is a collection of ethical teachings attributed to Jesus ben Sirach , a Jewish scribe in the 2nd Century BC. It contains instructions about family, neighbourly and community conduct that would be suitable for a person wishing to live a Godly life. This section tells how anger and wrath are the signs of sinfulness; forgiveness is a sign of Godliness. Despite the fairly frequent cautions about this from various prophets, the notion that vengeance, anger and retribution are justified kept creeping back into Jewish notions of social correctness and ben Sirach raises his voice against it.
SECOND READING: Romans 14:7-9. Continuing and finishing our extended reading through this epistle. Here, Paul says that no-one "lives to himself"; that is, as baptised Christians we are part of the Body of Christ and that we cannot consider just our own lives without that of the Christian community. Our lives, and deaths, belong to Christ.
Themes: forgiveness, mercy, tolerance of others mistakes
Hymn suggestions: And they'll know we are Christians; Love is his Word; Prayer of St Francis; the Beatitudes (any setting); We are companions on a journey;
y
25th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 20:1-16: The parable of the labourers in the vinyard; the last shall be first and the first shall be last. From our perspective, the master's policy on paying his workers seems unfair; however, this parable is not about industrial relations. The kingdom of heaven is a gift from God, freely given. Jesus was making a point, particularly to the Pharisees, who thought they would have some 'priveleged' position in God's reward because of their status in Jewish society. Even today, there is a strong tendency for some Christians to think that they will be privileged in God's kingdom.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 55:6-9. "Seek the Lord while he may be found..". Gods ways are not our ways, as the parable in the Gospel clearly illustrates.
SECOND READING: Philippians 1:20-24; 27. Having finished our long reading from Romans, we move to this letter, written (probably) from prison to the people of Phillipi (the first Church established in Europe). Paul gives news to this community he established and exhorts them to be humble.
Themes: God's ways are not our ways, seek the way of the Lord
Hymn suggestions: Seek O seek the Lord, Amazing grace; Blest are they; Christ be our light; Come as you are; Day by day; Freely, gfreely; Gift of peace; I say yes; Only a shadow; Strong and constant; The power of your love; any general praise hymns for entrance or exit . Note - Seek O seek is based on the words to the first reading.
26th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 21: 28-32. Continuing our section of parables. This one is about the two sons, one of whom said he woud do as his father asked but didn't and the other who said he wouldn't but did. The message is about the difference between words and deeds; we mustn't just pay lip service to God's will. Jesus goes on to talk about the tax collectors and others scorned by the Pharisees who nevertheless accepted Jesus' message. Remember that we have switched to a new section of the Gospel where Jesus disciples were rejected after being sent out and Jesus is now on his way to Jerusalem. These parables are particularly aimed at the Pharisees and their hypocrisy, but equally can apply to us and any complacency we might have that superficial belonging to the Church is all that Jesus wants of us. It is what we do that counts.
FIRST READING: Ezekiel 18:25-28. The just man who turns away from justice will die but the wicked man who turns away from wickedness will live. This reading, as so often with our first reading, is chosen for its foreshadowing of the message in the Gospel.
SECOND READING: Philippians 2:1-11. Continuing from this letter; here Paul encourages the people of Phillipi to live the Christian life "by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves".
Themes: Doing as God wills, putting his message into practice
Hymn suggestions: Christ be our light; They'll know we are Christian; This is my commandment; Here I am, Lord; We are companions on a journey; Though so many; Go now you are sent forth; I thank my God; Love one another; Prayer of St Francis (any setting); You are salt for the earth O people.
27th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 21:33-43: The parable of the master who plants a vinyard and lets it to tenants. When he sends his servants to take the fruit, they beat, stoned and killed them. The master then sends his son, who the tenants also kill. In part of the parable, Jesus draws on the earlier story from Isaiah we hear in the first reading. But the beating and killing of the servants, then the son, adds a twist. The servants, of course, represent the Prophets, the messangers of God too often rejected. And the Son, of course, is Jesus Himself. The key is in the last sentence - "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons." In the sections of the Gospel we have been hearing for the last few Sundays, the message has become focused on the rejection of Jesus by the Chosen People, and why this justifies taking this message out to 'all nations'.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 5: 1-7: The story of the man who builds a vinyard and watchtower, and protected and nurtured it. However, the vinyard yields only wild grapes (unsuitable for making wine). So the master removes the hedge and other protections of the vinyard, so that it would no longer be favoured. Isaiah uses this as an image for the Chosen People, who have not been obedient to God's way. This is early in Isaiah; later, we follow the misfortune that Israel and Judah suffer in the Babylonian exile and their eventual restoration, with the well known image of the suffering servant.
SECOND READING: Philippians 4:6-9: Continuing our reading through this letter; this section is encouraging the converts to trust in God, particularly in prayer. It also includes a blessing.
Themes: What God has done for us, trust in God
Hymn suggestions: Day by day, Eagle's wings; Gift of peace; I thank my God; Lift up your hearts; Only a shadow; Song of Hosea
Note: general praise/reflection hymns could be used; also, Marian themed hymns for October (Rosary)
28th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 22:1-14: We have been reading a few stories and parables about Jesus' rejection by the Chosen People. This is another one. Jesus tells a parable about a king who sent his servants to call the invited guests to a wedding feast (a feast of good things, as described in the first reading). The invited guests ignore the invitation and go off to their everyday concerns. Some even abuse and kill the servants, so the king sends his soldiers to round up an punish the murderers and then invites the people of the streets to the feast. The feast is the kingdom of heaven, the servants are the prophets and the invited guests the Chosen People. Remember that the Gospels were written after the destruction of Jerusalem and the enslavement of the Jews by the Romans. The Gospel writer would have known of these events and may have regarded these events as the 'punishment' referred to here, but with a longer historical perspective we need to be careful about interpreting history in terms of this story and others like it. The important message, as it has been for a few Sundays, is that the 'feast' of the kingdom of heaven is now offered to all.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 25:6-10. This is considerably further on in Isaiah from last Sunday's reading. Here, the prophet describes a 'banquet' that will be offered to all peoples, not just the Chosen People, where all sorrows will be wiped away. The relation to today's Gospel is fairly obvious. This is part of a series of 'messianic' prophecies, about what the Messiah will bring.
SECOND READING: Philippians 4:12-14; 19-20: Continuing our reading through Philippians. This short reading speaks of the hardships Paul has suffered and thanks the people of Philippi for the help they gave him (they were the only ones to give him financial help).
Themes: God's kingdom is for all; gratitude
Hymn Suggestions: general praise/reflection hymns could be used; also, Marian themed hymns for October (Rosary); I thank my God; Now thank we all our God; All the ends of the earth; Celebrate; Father, I thank you for your goodness; The heavens are telling
29th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 22:15-21. We have been hearing about the rejection of the prophets and Jesus himself by the Chosen People. These stories must have stung the Pharisees, because we hear now of the beginnings of the plotting against him. In this story, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus by askng him if it is lawful to pay taxes. If he says no, then they can turn him into the Romans. If he says yes, they can claim he is unfaithful to holy law.. Jesus answers the question in a way that they cannot fault. It also has a message for us - we must live in a world where we must make compromises.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 45:1; 4-6. This is quite a bit later in Isaiah (the second Isaiah, writing in Babylon). Cyrus is the king who eventually returned the Jews from their exile; he is a Persian, but Isaiah refers to him as God's anointed. This emphasizes the idea the God is the God of all nations, not just of the Jews (an idea picked up by Jesus when his disciples go out to all nations). God could work through Cyrus, a pagan. In the Gospel, Caesar's coinage (which had nothing to do with God) could still be used to accomplish good.
SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5: We move on to this new letter, probably the first written text of the New Testament. At the beginning of this letter, Paul praises the converts of Thessalonica for their faith and good work and tells them that he prays for them.
Themes: God is the God of all; God can work even through those who don't acknowledge Him.
Hymn suggestions: All the ends of the earth; Amazing Grace; How great thou art; Be still and know; Christ be our light; Come as you are; I say yes; Lord of morning light; The Lord is a great and mighty king. General praise/reflection hymns could be used; also, Marian themed hymns for October (Rosary)
30th Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 22:34-40. The commandment of love. Between last Sunday's reading and this is a story where the Sadducees try to trap Jesus with a question about life after death by using part of the Law we read in the First Reading today to make the idea seem ridiculous. Jesus replies in a way that makes their intent (and their malice) obvious, and makes plain that it is wrong to be too literal about the way the Law works. He then moves on to this. His intent is to show that the Law has one overarching principle, given in this commandment. His rebuke to the Sadducees is not to get lost in the detail of the Law, or pull out particular teachings from their context and forget their intent (care for others).
FIRST READING: Exodus 22:21-27. Some of the laws mentioned above; these ones are chosen to illustrate the purpose of the Law as given by Jesus.
SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 1: 5-10. Continuing this letter from last Sunday. Here, Paul praises the way the converts of Thessalonica conduct themselves 'imitating us' as Paul imitated the Lord.
Themes: Love one another, loving care
Hymn suggestions: Lord hear our pleading (Commandment of love); A new commandment; Love is his word; Christ be our light; We find you Lord in others need; Love one another; Prayer of St Francis (any setting) General praise/reflection hymns could be used; also, Marian themed hymns for October (Rosary)
31st Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 23: 1-12. We have been hearing about some of the exchanges between Jesus and two groups in Jewish society at that time: the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Both groups had tried to trap Jesus into contriadicting the Law of Moses, or used points from the same Law to make Jesus' teachings seem ridiculous. Both groups used the Law as a way of having power over the common people and saw Jesus as a threat. Until this, Jesus had not criticised them directly, but now the gloves are off. Jesus stresses that it is not the teachings mouthed by the Pharisees that are wrong, but the way they interpret, apply and fail to follow them. They 'lay heavy burdens on the backs' of the people. Jesus accuses them of simply using God and the Law as a tool to enhance their status, and of seeking for themselves religious reverence that belongs to God. These are harsh words - the anger that they provoke is the beginning of the conflict leading to Jesus' death.
Through history, elements in the christian churches have been guilty of the same things that Jesus accuses the Pharisees of. We too must be careful that it is God we revere.
FIRST READING: Malachi 1: 14-2: 2; 8-10. This is written after the return from the Babylonian exile, when the Temple in Jerusalem had been rebuilt. It appears that the temple priests were not following the rituals properly, or showing sufficient reverence to God. Malachi tells them that this will lead to evil. The turning away from proper reverence for God for 'venal' motives is similar to the accusation Jesus makes against his detractors.
SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 1: 7-9; 13. Continues from last Sunday, on a similar theme.
Themes: reverence for God, humility
Hymn suggestions: Praise to the Lord, the almighty; All the ends of the Earth; Lift up your hearts; I found a treasure; In faith and hope and love; Lord of all hopefulness; Praise my sould the King of heaven; Now thank we all our God; Our God reigns; Praise to the holiest; How great thou art; Marian (month of Rosary)
32nd Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:1-13. The parable of the bridesmaids - the foolish ones without enough oil for their lamps, and the wise ones who were prepared for any eventuality (e.g. the bridegoom being late). Our reading cycle has missed all of chapter 24 of Matthew's Gospel; that chapter deals with the destruction of Jerusalem, last things and the coming of the Son of Man. Thus we miss a bit of context for this Sunday's reading; particularly the warning that there will be many false prophets and so on. This parable of being prepared should be seen in that context.
FIRST READING: Wisdom 6:12-16. Wisdom was composed in the Greek language about 150 BC, written probably in Egypt. It is the reflections of a pious Jew, meditating on God's wisdom and writing (as was a literary convention at the time) in the 'voice' of Solomon (who was considered to be the incarnation of wisdom). This passage is a poetic tribute to wisdom as a personified aspect of God, always available to the discerning and something that never loses its worth.
SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Some way on in this epistle from where we were last Sunday. Paul sometimes addresses specific concerns of the communities in his letters; here, he is addressing a concern that those who die before the 'second coming' (then expected to be soon) might not share the kingdom in the same way as those who are alive when it happens. Paul reassures his readers that the dead will also rise to Christ.
Themes: be prepared, live righteously
Hymn suggestions: City of God; Be not afraid; All the earth proclaim the Lord; Be thou my vision; Day by day; Glory and praise; Guide me O thou great redeemer; I say yes; Lord of the dance; The beatitudes (any setting)
33rd Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:14-30: The parable of the talents. A sum of money was given to servants to invest, two did so but one just buried the gold and gave it back - he made no use of it. At the time, the word talent meant a sum of money, but because of this parable it has come to mean a gift or ability. The meaning of the parable is plain - make use of the gifts God gives us.
FIRST READING: Proverbs 31:10-13,-19-20; 30-31. Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings. This reading, celebrating the attrributes of a 'good wife' in a way many of us would find rather pattronizing today. It relates to the gospel message in that the 'good wife' makes use of her talents for the benefit of her husband and society in general. The attibutes celebrated - honesty, generosity to the poor, thrift and hard work - could at least be considered among the gifts of God we are all enjoined to use.
SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. We have missed a couple of Sundays of our regular reading cycle because of special feast days. The readings have been building up towards the last Sunday of the liturgical year - next Sunday, Christ the King. At the time Paul writes (as with some people now), there were those who saw signs and portents and considered the second coming of Christ to be immanent. Paul cautions that people should not read too much on this, though he obviously considers the people of Thessalonia sensible enough to 'read the times and seasons' for themselves. The second coming will be at a time not expected.
Themes: using the gifts that God gives us wisely and well
Hymn suggestions: City of God; You are salt for the earth; As gentle as silence; Be thou my vision; Celebrate; Gift of peace; I found a treasure; Lord, make me an instrument of peace Iany setting); We are companions on a journey
Last Sunday of ordinary time: Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King -
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus says that when the Son sits in His glory at the right hand of the Father, he will say to those who come to him "I was hungry and you fed me..". A well known story; Jesus emphasizes that we should treat those around us - even the least - as we would treat him; we should not disdain the humble but adore the King of Glory. This is one of the Gospel readings where Jesus himself refers directly to his kingship in heaven, but it does so with a strong message for us.
FIRST READING: Ezekiel 34:11-12; 15-17. Ezekiel preaches to the exiles in Babylon. The kings of Israel, who were often compared to shepherds of their people, had indulged themselves and their own desires rather than serve their people.Through the prophet, God tells the people that he himself will become the shepherd to the people. an obvious foreshadowing of the metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd (and shepherd King).
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26; 28. Paul emphasises the teaching of the resurrection, referring to the coming of the Kingdom of God through Christ.
Themes: the kingship of Christ; Christ as shepherd King. Our duty to others.
Hymn suggestions: Hail redeemer; Crown him with many crowns; The Lord is my shepherd (any setting); Humbly we adore thee; We find you Lord in others need; Blessings on our King; Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; Christ be our light
32nd Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:1-13. The parable of the bridesmaids - the foolish ones without enough oil for their lamps, and the wise ones who were prepared for any eventuality (e.g. the bridegoom being late). Our reading cycle has missed all of chapter 24 of Matthew's Gospel; that chapter deals with the destruction of Jerusalem, last things and the coming of the Son of Man. Thus we miss a bit of context for this Sunday's reading; particularly the warning that there will be many false prophets and so on. This parable of being prepared should be seen in that context.
FIRST READING: Wisdom 6:12-16. Wisdom was composed in the Greek language about 150 BC, written probably in Egypt. It is the reflections of a pious Jew, meditating on God's wisdom and writing (as was a literary convention at the time) in the 'voice' of Solomon (who was considered to be the incarnation of wisdom). This passage is a poetic tribute to wisdom as a personified aspect of God, always available to the discerning and something that never loses its worth.
SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Some way on in this epistle from where we were last Sunday. Paul sometimes addresses specific concerns of the communities in his letters; here, he is addressing a concern that those who die before the 'second coming' (then expected to be soon) might not share the kingdom in the same way as those who are alive when it happens. Paul reassures his readers that the dead will also rise to Christ.
Themes: be prepared, live righteously
Hymn suggestions: City of God; Be not afraid; All the earth proclaim the Lord; Be thou my vision; Day by day; Glory and praise; Guide me O thou great redeemer; I say yes; Lord of the dance; The beatitudes (any setting)
33rd Sunday of ordinary time
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:14-30: The parable of the talents. A sum of money was given to servants to invest, two did so but one just buried the gold and gave it back - he made no use of it. At the time, the word talent meant a sum of money, but because of this parable it has come to mean a gift or ability. The meaning of the parable is plain - make use of the gifts God gives us.
FIRST READING: Proverbs 31:10-13,-19-20; 30-31. Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings. This reading, celebrating the attrributes of a 'good wife' in a way many of us would find rather pattronizing today. It relates to the gospel message in that the 'good wife' makes use of her talents for the benefit of her husband and society in general. The attibutes celebrated - honesty, generosity to the poor, thrift and hard work - could at least be considered among the gifts of God we are all enjoined to use.
SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. We have missed a couple of Sundays of our regular reading cycle because of special feast days. The readings have been building up towards the last Sunday of the liturgical year - next Sunday, Christ the King. At the time Paul writes (as with some people now), there were those who saw signs and portents and considered the second coming of Christ to be immanent. Paul cautions that people should not read too much on this, though he obviously considers the people of Thessalonia sensible enough to 'read the times and seasons' for themselves. The second coming will be at a time not expected.
Themes: using the gifts that God gives us wisely and well
Hymn suggestions: City of God; You are salt for the earth; As gentle as silence; Be thou my vision; Celebrate; Gift of peace; I found a treasure; Lord, make me an instrument of peace (any setting); We are companions on a journey
Last Sunday of ordinary time - Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King -
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus says that when the Son sits in His glory at the right hand of the Father, he will say to those who come to him "I was hungry and you fed me..". A well known story; Jesus emphasizes that we should treat those around us - even the least - as we would treat him; we should not disdain the humble but adore the King of Glory. This is one of the Gospel readings where Jesus himself refers directly to his kingship in heaven, but it does so with a strong message for us.
FIRST READING: Ezekiel 34:11-12; 15-17. Ezekiel preaches to the exiles in Babylon. The kings of Israel, who were often compared to shepherds of their people, had indulged themselves and their own desires rather than serve their people.Through the prophet, God tells the people that he himself will become the shepherd to the people. an obvious foreshadowing of the metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd (and shepherd King).
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26; 28. Paul emphasises the teaching of the resurrection, referring to the coming of the Kingdom of God through Christ.
Themes: the kingship of Christ; Christ as shepherd King. Our duty to others.
Hymn suggestions: Hail redeemer; Crown him with many crowns; The Lord is my shepherd (any setting); Humbly we adore thee; We find you Lord in others need; Blessings on our King; Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; Christ be our light
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