ADVENT WEEK 1 MONDAY
READING Isaiah 2:1-5
The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Alternative READING
A reading from the book of Isaiah 4:2-6
In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and glory of the survivors of Israel. And he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, every one who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning. Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy and a pavilion. It will be for a shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 122
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.' And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem is built as a city bonded as one together. It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
For Israel's witness it is to praise the name of the Lord. There were set the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray, "May they prosper, those who love you." May peace abide in your walls, and security be in your towers.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
For the sake of my family and friends, let me say, 'Peace upon you.' For the sake of the house of the Lord, our God, I will seek good things for you.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Come to save us, Lord our God; let your face shine on us, and we shall be saved.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 8:5-11
At that time: As Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, begging him and saying, " Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress." And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion answered him, " Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, Come, and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this, and he does it." When Jesus heard him, he marvelled, and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
ADVENT WEEK 1 TUESDAY
FIRST READING Isaiah 11:1-10
On that day: There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The sucking child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign to the peoples; him shall the nations seek, and his dwellings shall be glorious.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
O God, give your judgment to the king, to a king's son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice, and your poor in right judgment.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace till the moon is no more. He shall rule from sea to sea, from the River to the bounds of the earth.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
For he shall save the needy when they cry, the poor, and those who are helpless. He will have pity on the weak and the needy, and save the lives of the needy.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
May his name endure for ever, his name continue like the sun. Every tribe shall be blest in him, all nations shall call him blessed.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Behold, our Lord will come with power, and enlighten the eyes of his servants.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 10:21-24
At that hour: Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Then turning to the disciples he said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
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ADVENT WEEK 1 WEDNESDAY
1ST READING: Isaiah 25:6-10
On that day: The Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of choice wines, of fat things full of marrow, of choice wines well refined. And he will destroy on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 23
R. In the Lord's own house shall I dwell for length of days unending.
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me; he revives my soul.
R. In the Lord's own house shall I dwell for length of days unending.
He guides me along the right path, for the sake of his name. Though I should walk in the valley of the shadow of death, no evil would I fear, for you are with me. Your crook and your staff will give me comfort.
R. In the Lord's own house shall I dwell for length of days unending.
You have prepared a table before me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing.
R. In the Lord's own house shall I dwell for length of days
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord's own house shall I dwell for length of days unending.
R. In the Lord's own house shall I dwell for length of days unending.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Behold, the Lord is coming to save his people; blessed are those who are ready to meet him.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 15:29-37
At that time: Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain, and sat down there. And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the throng wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way." And the disciples said to him, "Where are we to get bread enough in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." And commanding the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.
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ADVENT WEEK 1 THURSDAY
1ST READING: Isaiah 26:1-6
In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord GOD is an everlasting rock. For he has brought low the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city. He lays it low, lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust. The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy."
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 118
R. Blest is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Give praise to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man; it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
R. Blest is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Open to me the gates of justice: I will enter and thank the Lord. This is the Lord's own gate, where the just enter. I will thank you, for you have answered, and you are my saviour.
R. Blest is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
O Lord, grant salvation; O Lord, grant success. Blest is he who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord; the Lord is God, and has given us light.
R. Blest is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 7:21.24-27
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, "Not every one who says to me, ' Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. "Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it."
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ADVENT WEEK 1 MONDAY
1ST READING: Isaiah 29:17-24
Thus says the Lord God: Is it not yet a very little while until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be regarded as a forest? In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nought and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right. Therefore thus says the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: "Jacob shall no more be ashamed, no more shall his face grow pale. For when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in his midst, they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. And those who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur will accept instruction."
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 27
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; whom should I dread?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
There is one thing I ask of the Lord, only this do I seek: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord, to inquire at his temple.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe I shall see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Behold, our Lord shall come with power, and enlighten the eyes of his servants.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 9:27-31
At that time: As Jesus passed on, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
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ADVENT WEEK 1 SATURDAY
1ST READING: Isaiah 30:19-21.23-26
Thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: Yes, O people in Sion who dwell at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. And he will give rain for the seed with which you sow the ground, and grain, the produce of the ground, which will be rich and plenteous. In that day your cattle will graze in large pastures; and the oxen and the asses that till the ground will eat salted provender, which has been winnowed with shovel and fork. And upon every lofty mountain and every high hill there will be brooks running with water, in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Moreover the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day when the Lord binds up the hurt of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 147
R. Blessed are all those who wait for the Lord.
How good to sing psalms to our God; how pleasant to chant fitting praise! The Lord builds up Jerusalem and brings back Israel's exiles.
R. Blessed are all those who wait for the Lord.
He heals the broken-hearted; he binds up all their wounds. He counts out the number of the stars; he calls each one by its name.
R. Blessed are all those who wait for the Lord.
Our Lord is great and almighty; his wisdom can never be measured. The Lord lifts up the lowly; he casts down the wicked to the ground.
R. Blessed are all those who wait for the Lord.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler, the Lord is our King: he will save us.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 9:35-10:1.5.6-8
At that time: Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest." And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay.
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ADVENT WEEK 2 SUNDAY YEAR A
1ST READING: Isaiah 11:1-10
On that day: There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The sucking child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign to the peoples; him shall the nations seek, and his dwellings shall be glorious.
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
O God, give your judgment to the king, to a king's son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice, and your poor in right judgment.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace till the moon is no more. He shall rule from sea to sea, from the River to the bounds of the earth.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
For he shall save the needy when they cry, the poor, and those who are helpless. He will have pity on the weak and the needy, and save the lives of the needy.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
May his name endure for ever, his name continue like the sun. Every tribe shall be blest in him, all nations shall call him blessed.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
2ND READING: Romans 15:4-9
Brethren: Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name".
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ACCLAMATION: Luke 3:4.6
R. ALLELUIA.
Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight; all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 3:1-12
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Now John wore a garment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit that befits repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
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THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
1ST READING: Genesis 3:9-15.20
[After Adam had eaten of the tree,] the Lord God called to him and said, "Where are you?" And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" The man said, "The woman who you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent beguiled me, and I ate." The Lord God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all cattle, and above all wild animals; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
R. O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.
O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders. His right hand and his holy arm have brought salvation.
R. O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.
The Lord has made known his salvation, has shown his deliverance to the nations. He has remembered his merciful love and his truth for the house of Israel.
R. O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song, and sing out your praise.
R. O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.
2ND READING Ephesians 1:3-6.11-12
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him, according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will, we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory.
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ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 1:26-38
At that time: The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
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ADVENT WEEK 2 TUESDAY
1ST READING: Isaiah 40:1-11
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." A voice says, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people is grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!" Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96
R. The Lord our God comes with might.
O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. O sing to the Lord; bless his name. Proclaim his salvation day by day.
R. The Lord our God comes with might.
Tell among the nations his glory, and his wonders among all the peoples. Say to the nations: 'The Lord is king.' He will judge the peoples in fairness.
R. The Lord our God comes with might.
Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad; let the sea and all within it thunder praise. Let the land and all it bears rejoice.
R. The Lord our God comes with might.
Then will all the trees of the wood shout for joy at the presence of the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice; he will govern the peoples with his truth.
R. The Lord our God comes with might.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
The day of the Lord is near; behold, he shall come to save us.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 18:12-14
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
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ADVENT WEEK 2 WEDNESDAY
1ST READING: Isaiah 40:25-31
To whom will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hid from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God"? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary, his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 103
R. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all within me, his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all his benefits.
R. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
It is the Lord who forgives all your sins, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with mercy and compassion.
R. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in mercy. He does not treat us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our faults.
R. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Behold, the Lord is coming to save his people; blessed are those who are ready to meet him.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 11:28-30
At that time: Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
The Gospel of The Lord!.
ADVENT WEEK 2 THURSDAY
1ST READING: Isaiah 41:13-20
I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I will help you." Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Behold, I will make of you a threshing sledge, new, sharp, and having teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and you shall make the hills like chaff; You shall winnow them and the wind shall carry them away, and the tempest shall scatter them. And you shall rejoice in the Lord; in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory. When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together; that men may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 145
R. The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
I will extol you, my God and king, and bless your name for ever and ever. How good is the Lord to all, compassionate to all his creatures.
R. The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
All your works shall thank you, O Lord, and your faithful ones bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your reign, and declare your mighty deeds.
R. The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
They shall make known your might to the children of men, and the glorious splendour of your reign. Your kingdom an everlasting kingdom; your rule endures for all generations.
R. The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down the Just One; the earth open, that it may bring forth the Saviour.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 11:11-15
At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and men of violence take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
The Gospel of The Lord!.
ADVENT WEEK 2 FRIDAY
1ST READING: Isaiah 48:17-19
Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. O that you had listened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea; your offspring would have been like the sand, and your descendants like its grains; their name would never be cut off or destroyed from before me."
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 1
R. He who follows you, Lord, will have the light of life.
Blessed indeed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the path with sinners, nor abides in the company of scorners, but whose delight is the law of the Lord, and who ponders his law day and night.
R. He who follows you, Lord, will have the light of life.
He is like a tree that is planted beside the flowing waters, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves shall never fade; and all that he does shall prosper.
R. He who follows you, Lord, will have the light of life.
Not so are the wicked, not so! For they, like winnowed chaff, shall be driven away by the wind. For the Lord knows the way of the just, but the way of the wicked will perish.
R. He who follows you, Lord, will have the light of life.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
The Lord is coming, run out to meet him; he is the prince of peace.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 11:16-19
At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, "To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places and calling to their playmates, 'We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon'; the Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."
The Gospel of The Lord!.
ADVENT WEEK 2 SATURDAY
1ST READING: Sirach 48:1-4.9-11
In those days: Then the prophet Elijah arose like a fire, and his word burned like a torch. He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number. By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens, and also three times brought down fire. How glorious you were, O Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! And who has the right to boast which you have? You who were taken up by a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with horses of fire; you who are ready at the appointed time, it is written, to calm the wrath of God before it breaks out in fury, to turn the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob. Blessed are those who saw you, and those who have fallen asleep in your love.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 80
R. O God, bring us back; let your face shine on us, and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hear us, enthroned on the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse up your might and come to save us.
R. O God, bring us back; let your face shine on us, and we shall be saved.
God of hosts, turn again, we implore; look down from heaven and see. Visit this vine and protect it, the vine your right hand has planted.
R. O God, bring us back; let your face shine on us, and we shall be saved.
May your hand be on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have confirmed as your own. And we shall never forsake you again; give us life that we may call upon your name.
R. O God, bring us back; let your face shine on us, and we shall be saved.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight; all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 17:10-13
As they were coming down the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, "Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?" He replied, "Elijah does come, and he is to restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
ADVENT WEEK 3 SUNDAY Year A
1ST READING: Isa 35:1-6.10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 146
R. Come, Lord, and save us.
It is the Lord who preserves fidelity for ever, who does justice to those who are oppressed. It is he who gives bread to the hungry, the Lord who sets prisoners free.
R. Come, Lord, and save us.
It is the Lord who opens the eyes of the blind, the Lord who raises up those who are bowed down. It is the Lord who loves the just, the Lord who protects the stranger.
R. Come, Lord, and save us.
The Lord upholds the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the path of the wicked. The Lord will reign for ever, the God of Sion from age to age.
R. Come, Lord, and save us.
2ND READING: James 5:7-10
Be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it until it receives the early and the late rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the doors. As an example of suffering and patience, brethren, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. The Word of The Lord!
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to preach good news to the poor.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 11:2-11
In those days: When John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?" And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offence at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? Why then did you go out? To see a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings' houses. Why then did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way before you.' Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
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ADVENT WEEK 3 MONDAY
1ST READING: Numbers 24:2-7.15-17
In those days: Balaam lifted up his eyes, and saw Israel encamping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him, and he took up his discourse, and said, "The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, but having his eyes uncovered: how fair are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel! Like valleys that stretch afar, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the Lord has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters. Water shall flow from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. And he took up his discourse, and said, "The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, but having his eyes uncovered: I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: a star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 25
R. Teach me your paths, O Lord.
O Lord, make me know your ways. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation.
R. Teach me your paths, O Lord.
Remember your compassion, O Lord, and your merciful love, for they are from of old. In your merciful love remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord.
R. Teach me your paths, O Lord.
Good and upright is the Lord; he shows the way to sinners. He guides the humble in right judgment; to the humble he teaches his way.
R. Teach me your paths, O Lord.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and grant us your salvation.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 21:23-27
At that time: When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven, he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'From men, we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet." So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
The Gospel of The Lord!.
ADVENT WEEK 3
1ST READING: Zephaniah 3:1-2.9-13
Thus says the Lord: "Woe to her that is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God. "Yes, at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering. "On that day you shall not be put to shame because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me; for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord, those who are left in Israel; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue. For they shall pasture and lie down, and none shall make them afraid."
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 34
R. The lowly one called, and the Lord heard him.
I will bless the Lord at all times, praise of him is always in my mouth. In the Lord my soul shall make its boast; the humble shall hear and be glad.
R. The lowly one called, and the Lord heard him.
Look towards him and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed. This lowly one called; the Lord heard, and rescued him from all his distress.
R. The lowly one called, and the Lord heard him.
The Lord turns his face against the wicked to destroy their remembrance from the earth. When the just cry out, the Lord hears, and rescues them in all their distress.
R. The lowly one called, and the Lord heard him.
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; those whose spirit is crushed he will save. The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants. All who trust in him shall not be condemned.
R. The lowly one called, and the Lord heard him.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Come, O Lord, do not delay; release your people's burdens.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 21:28-32
At that time: Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, "What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today! And he answered, 'I will not'; but afterward he repented and went. And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir, but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him."
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ADVENT WEEK 3
1ST READING: Genesis 49:2.8-10
In those days: Jacob called his sons, and said, "Assemble and hear, O sons of Jacob, and listen to Israel your father. Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down, he lurked as a lion, and as a lioness; who dares rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace forever.
O God, give your judgment to the king, to a king's son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice, and your poor in right judgment.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace forever.
May the mountains bring forth peace for the people, and the hills justice. May he defend the poor of the people, and save the children of the needy.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace forever.
In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace till the moon is no more. He shall rule from sea to sea, from the River to the bounds of the earth.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace forever.
May his name endure for ever, his name continue like the sun. Every tribe shall be blessed in him, all nations shall call him blessed.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace forever.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Come, O wisdom of the Most High! You order all things with gentle power: come and teach us the way of prudence.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 1:1-17
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the
father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
ADVENT WEEK 3
1ST READING: Jeremiah 23:5-8
"Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The Lord is our righteousness. "Therefore, behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when men shall no longer say, 'As the Lord lives who brought up the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt, but 'As the Lord lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.' Then they shall dwell in their own land."
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
O God, give your judgment to the king, to a king's son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice, and your poor in right judgment.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
For he shall save the needy when they cry, the poor, and those who are helpless. He will have pity on the weak and the needy, and save the lives of the needy.
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
Blest the Lord, God of Israel, who alone works wonders, ever blest his glorious name. Let his glory fill the earth. Amen! Amen!
R. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace for ever.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
O Leader of the house of Israel! You gave the law to Moses on Sinai: come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 1:18-24
The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.
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ADVENT WEEK 3
1ST READING: Judges 13:2-7.24-25
In those days: There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had no children. And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, "Behold, you are barren and have no children; but you shall conceive and bear a son. Therefore beware, and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from birth; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines." Then the woman came and told her husband, "A man of God came to me, and his countenance was like the countenance of the angel of God, very terrible; I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name; but he said to me, 'Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son; so then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from birth to the day of his death." And the woman bore a son, and called his name Samson; and the boy grew, and the Lord blessed him. And the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 71
R. My mouth is filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
Be a rock, my constant refuge, a mighty stronghold to save me, for you are my rock, my stronghold. My God, free me from the hand of the wicked.
R. My mouth is filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
It is you, O Lord, who are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. On you I have leaned from my birth; from my mother's womb, you have been my help.
R. My mouth is filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
I will come with praise of your might, O Lord; I will call to mind your justice, yours, O Lord, alone. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and I proclaim your wonders still.
R. My mouth is filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
O Root of Jesse, who stand as a sign to the nations! Come and deliver us: delay no longer.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 1:5-25
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth; for he will be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared." And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they wondered at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he made signs to them and remained mute. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she hid herself, saying, "Thus the Lord has done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men."
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ADVENT WEEK 3
1ST READING: Isaiah 7:10-14
In those days: The Lord spoke to Ahaz, "Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven." But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test." And he said, "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God is with us].
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
The Lord's is the earth and its fullness, the world, and all who dwell in it. It is he who set it on the seas; on the rivers he made it firm.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The clean of hands and pure of heart, whose soul is not set on vain things.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Blessings from the Lord shall he receive, and right reward from the God who saves him. Such are the people who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
O Key of David! You open the gates of the eternal Kingdom: come and lead us out of the prison where we sit in darkness.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
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ADVENT WEEK 4 SUNDAY Year A
1ST READING: Isaiah 7:10-14
In those days: The Lord spoke to Ahaz, "Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven." But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test." And he said, "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the King of glory.
The Lord's is the earth and its fullness, the world, and all who dwell in it. It is he who set it on the seas; on the rivers he made it firm.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the King of glory.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The clean of hands and pure of heart, whose soul is not set on vain things.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the King of glory.
Blessings from the Lord shall he receive, and right reward from the God who saves him. Such are the people who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the King of glory.
2ND READING: Romans 1:1-7
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Word of The Lord!
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son; and his name shall be called Emmanuel: God is with us.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 1:18-24
The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
ADVENT WEEK 4
1ST READING: 1 Samuel 1:24-28
In those days: Hannah took Samuel up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine; and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was young. Then they slew the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord." And they worshipped the Lord there.
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Responsorial Psalm 1 Samuel
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Saviour.
My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Saviour.
The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Saviour.
The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts.
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Saviour.
He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the dung heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honour.
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Saviour.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Come, O King of the nations and cornerstone of the Church! Come and save man, whom you formed from the clay of the earth.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 1:46-56
At that time: Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
ADVENT WEEK 4
1ST READING: Malachi 3:1-4.4:5-6
Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I send my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? "For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, till they present right offerings to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a curse."
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 25
R. Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
O Lord, make me know your ways. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation.
R. Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Good and upright is the Lord; he shows the way to sinners. He guides the humble in right judgment; to the humble he teaches his way.
R. Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
All the Lord's paths are mercy and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and commands. The Lord's secret is for those who fear him; to them he reveals his covenant.
R. Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Come, O King of all nations and cornerstone of the Church! Come and save man, whom you formed from the clay of the earth.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 1:57-66
The time came for Elizabeth to be delivered, and she gave birth to a son. And her neighbours and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they would have named him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said, "Not so; he shall be called John." And they said to her, "None of your kindred is called by this name." And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." And they all marvelled. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbours. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea; and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
ADVENT 24 DECEMBER The Morning Mass
1ST READING: Samuel 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16
Now when King David dwelt in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies round about, the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent." And Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart; for the Lord is with you." But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, "Go and tell my servant David, 'Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever."
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89
R. I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord.
I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your fidelity. I have declared your mercy is established for ever; your fidelity stands firm as the heavens.
R. I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord.
With my chosen one I have made a covenant; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your descendants for ever, and set up your throne through all ages.
R. I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord.
He will call out to me: 'You are my father, my God, the rock of my salvation. I will keep my faithful love for him always; with him my covenant shall last.
R. I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
O Daystar, splendour of the eternal light and sun of justice! Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 1:67-79
At that time: Zechariah, the father of John, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, the oath which he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, when the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
The Gospel of The Lord!.
DECEMBER 24TH, VIGIL MASS
1ST READING: Isaiah 62:1-5
For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My delight is in her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89
R. I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord.
With my chosen one I have made a covenant; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your descendants for ever, and set up your throne through all ages.
R. I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord.
How blessed the people who know your praise, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who find their joy every day in your name, who make your justice their joyful acclaim.
R. I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord.
He will call out to me, 'You are my father, my God, the rock of my salvation.' I will keep my faithful love for him always; with him my covenant shall last.
R. I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord.
SECOND READING: Acts of the Apostles 13:16-17.22-25
[When Paul came to Antioch of Pisidia, he stood up in the synagogue,) and motioning with his hand said: "Men of Israel, and you that fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. Then he raised up David to be their king; of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will. Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus, as he promised. Before his coming John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.
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ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Tomorrow the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed: the Saviour of the world will rule over us.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 1:1-25
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.
Or Shorter:
The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
DECEMBER 25, (CHRISTMAS) MASS AT DAWN
1ST READING: Isaiah 62:11-12
Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, "Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him." And they shall be called The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought out, a city not forsaken.
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 97
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad. The skies proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
Light shines forth for the just one, and joy for the upright of heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; to the memory of his holiness give thanks.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
2nd READING: Titus 3:4-7
Beloved: When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
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ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 2:15-20
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
DECEMBER 25, (CHRISTMAS) MASS AT DAY
1ST READING: Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Listen, your watchmen lift up their voice, together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders. His right hand and his holy arm have brought salvation.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
The Lord has made known his salvation, has shown his deliverance to the nations. He has remembered his merciful love and his truth for the house of Israel.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song, and sing out your praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn, raise a shout before the King, the Lord.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
2nd READING : Hebrews 1:1-6
In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs. For to what angel did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"? And again, when he brings the first-born into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."
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ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
A hallowed day has dawn upon us: come, O nations, and adore the Lord; for today a great light has come down to earth.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.") And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.
OR SHORTER:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten Son from the Father.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
DECEMBER 25, (CHRISTMAS) MASS AT NIGHT
1ST READING: Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96
R. To us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all earth. O sing to the Lord; bless his name.
R. To us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
Proclaim his salvation day by day. Tell among the nations his glory, and his wonders among all the peoples.
R. To us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad; let the sea and all within it thunder praise. Let the land and all it bears rejoice.
R. To us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
Then will all the trees of the wood shout for joy at the presence of the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice; he will govern the peoples with his truth.
R. To us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
2nd READING: Titus 2:11 14
Beloved: The grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
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ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
I bring you good news of a great joy: to us is born this day a Saviour, Christ the Lord.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 2:1-14
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrolment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"
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DECEMBER 26 ST STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR
1ST READING: Acts of the Apostles 6:8-10; 7:54-59
In those days: Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth against him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together upon him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 31
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Be a rock of refuge for me, a mighty stronghold to save me. For you are my rock, my stronghold! Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands I commend my spirit. You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God. Let me be glad and rejoice in your mercy, for you who have seen my affliction.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Deliver me from the hands of my enemies and those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant. Save me in your merciful love.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Blest is he who comes in the name of the Lord. The Lord is God, and has given us light.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Matthew 10:17-22
At that time: Jesus said to his apostles, "Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."
The Gospel of The Lord!.
DECEMBER 27 ST JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST
1ST READING: 1 John 1:1-4
Beloved: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life- the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us- that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete.
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 97
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just.
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad. Cloud and darkness surround him; justice and right are the foundation of his throne.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just.
The mountains melt like wax before the face of the Lord, before the face of the Lord of all the earth. The skies proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just.
Light shines forth for the just one, and joy for the upright of heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; to the memory of his holiness give thanks.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as the Lord; the glorious band of apostles sings your praise, O Lord!
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL John 20:2-8
On the first day of the week: Mary Magdalene ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen clothes lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
THE HOLY FAMILY
1ST READING: 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28
And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked him of the Lord." And the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and to pay his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, that he may appear in the presence of the Lord, and abide there for ever." And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine; and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was young. Then they slew the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord."
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10, 11 (R. 5a)
R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts. My soul is longing and yearning for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out to the living God.
R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.
Blessed are they who dwell in your house, for ever singing your praise. Blessed is the man whose strength is in you, whose heart is set on pilgrim ways.
R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob. Turn your eyes, O God, our shield; look on the face of your anointed.
R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.
One day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. The threshold of the house of God I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.
R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.
2ND READING: 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24
Beloved: See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another just as he has commanded us. All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us
The Word of The Lord!
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
Open our hearts, O Lord that we may give heed to the words of your Son.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 2:41-52
The parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And he said to them. "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and man.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
DECEMBER 29 FIFTH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS
1ST READING: 1 John 2:3-11
Beloved: By this we may be sure that we know Jesus Christ, if we keep his commandments. He who says "I know him" but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps his word, in him truly love for God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new commandment, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and in it there is no cause for stumbling. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
O sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord, all the earth. O sing to the Lord; bless his name.
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
Proclaim his salvation day by day. Tell among the nations his glory, and his wonders among all the peoples.
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
It was the Lord who made the heavens. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 2:22-35
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, = "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, " Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." And his father and his mother marvelled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."
The Gospel of The Lord!.
DECEMBER 30: When there is no Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is celebrated on this day.
1ST READING: 1 John 2:12-17
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
Give the Lord, you families of peoples, give the Lord glory and power; give the Lord the glory of his name.
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
Bring an offering and enter his courts; worship the Lord in holy splendour. O tremble before him, all the earth.
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
Say to the nations: 'The Lord is king'. The world he made firm in its place; he will judge the peoples in fairness.
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
A hallowed day has shone upon us; come, O nations, and adore the Lord; for today a great light has come down to earth.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL Luke 2:36-40
At that time: There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
DECEMBER 31 Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
1ST READING: 1 John 2:18-21
Children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come; therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that it might be plain that they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all know. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and know that no lie is of the truth.
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord all the earth. O sing to the Lord; bless his name. Proclaim his salvation day by day.
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad; let the sea and all within it thunder praise. Let the land and all it bears rejoice.
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
Then will all the trees of the wood shout for joy. At the presence of the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice; he will govern the peoples with his truth.
R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
ACCLAMATION:
R. ALLELUIA.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. To all who received him he gave power to become children of God.
R. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.") And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.
The Gospel of The Lord!.