First reading

Isaiah 58:7–10
Then will your light shine like the dawn.

Responsorial psalm

Psalm 111(112):4–9
R. A light rises in the darkness for the upright.

Second reading

1 Corinthians 2:1–5
The only knowledge I claimed was of the crucified Christ.

Gospel acclamation

John 8:12
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; the man who follows me will have the light of life.

Gospel

Matthew 5:13–16
Your light must shine in the sight of men.

Images from the Word

• Salt of the earth
• Light of the world
• Glorify
• Here I am
• Him crucified

Liturgical notes

In the General Intercessions or the Prayer of the Faithful, the people respond in a certain way to the word of God which they have welcomed in faith and, exercising the office of their baptismal priesthood, offer prayers to God for the salvation of all. It is fitting that such a prayer be included, as a rule, in Masses celebrated with a congregation, so that petitions will be offered for the holy Church, for civil authorities, for those weighed down by various needs, for all men and women, and for the salvation of the whole world.

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §69 

As we come together each Sunday, we are invited to bring our prayer for the world and all its need. We do not come alone in this prayer, but we come as the one Body of Christ. United as one, we intercede for the many needs of our community with a view to the wider Church. As the priestly people of God, we can be confident that God will respond.

‘O come, let us worship God and bow low before the God who made us, for he is the Lord our God.’ —entrance antiphon

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’

(Matthew 5:13–16) 

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• In the ancient world, salt was absolutely essential. It was used not simply to season food or to add to its taste, but also as a preservative, enabling food to be stored and kept.
• At the time of Jesus, the main source of oil for lamps was the olive. A saucer-shaped lamp held the oil, and a wick, made of flax or a similar material, burned from a small opening on the rim. Such lamps were often placed in a niche in the walls of rooms.
• Lamp oil was a precious commodity. Once lit, a lamp was often placed high to give maximum illumination.
• Ancient cities were often built on hilltops so that they were easily defended against invaders and were visible for many miles around. 

Exploring the Word

To understand this text, it is important to place it alongside the Beatitudes that immediately precede it (you could read these together first). In that text, the virtues to be cultivated by followers of Jesus are outlined, but the danger with taking the Beatitudes on their own is that faith can become contented peacefulness and somewhat inward-looking. To avoid this risk, Matthew follows the Beatitudes with this text, which teaches disciples about the task of Christians in the world. They have been given the gifts; they are the salt of the earth. But if they just see their blessedness and rest there, they risk becoming ‘tasteless’ and good only to be ‘trampled underfoot’. Instead, the disciples are urged to place their light high on a hill and to let it shine for all to see. They are witnesses to God’s living presence, not just for the nation of Israel but for all the world. In seeing the way that Christians live and act—their ‘good works’—others will be drawn to God through their active witness to faith. Others will come to give praise to God in heaven. This is an amazing responsibility, and Jesus acknowledges that some salt may lose its taste and some lights be hidden. The challenge for Christians, new and old, is not to take the gift of faith for granted and let it become tasteless; not to keep the light confined to private moments but to allow others to see the difference faith makes so that they can know the presence and power of God.

• How is this a challenge to you?
• How can you let your faith shine forth?

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• What aspects of your journey so far have been a ‘light’ to you?
• For whom are you a light?
• In what circumstances does your light shine best?
• Reflect on what it is in your life that gives you zest and flavour, and that preserves you. What guides your behaviour and gives you strength to keep going? What is ‘salt’ to you? Share your reflections.
• Identify one talent that you have and use it well and often this week. Let your light shine.
• Use a candle this week each time you pray. Use an adaptation of the gospel acclamation:
  I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
  the one who follows me
  will have the light of life.
  Alleluia!

Sharing the tradition

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

In the early 1960s, a momentous event occurred in the history of the Church. The Second Vatican Council was convened by Pope John XXIII. His desire was to throw open the widows of the Church and let fresh air in so that it related more appropriately to the modern world and modern humans.

• You could give some background to Vatican II and the impact it has had.

One of the key documents from that council was the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, known in Latin as Lumen Gentium (‘Light of All Peoples’). Its aim was to be a statement of the Church’s own understanding of itself and the role it is destined to take in the world.

• You could take some key statements from this document as the basis of your discussion. See especially Chapter II on the Church as ‘the people of God’.
• In what ways do you see evidence of the Church as ‘salt of the earth’ or ‘light of the world’ today?
• What more could be done? How are you called to participate in this?

Symbols and images

The people of Israel often described the Law of God as ‘salt’ because it gave zest and flavour to life and it preserved them as the people of God. Similarly, the Law was often compared to a light that showed them the path to God: ‘Your word is a light to my feet and a lamp to my path’ (Psalm 119:105). Jerusalem, the city on the hill, was a focal point and reminder of God’s presence. Jesus gives a new focus to all these images when he applies them to those who hear his word and put it into practice. All Christians are called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’, a ‘city on the hill’ giving witness to God’s presence.

Living the Word

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• How does your own parish community reflect the understanding of Church presented in Lumen Gentium? Are there ways this can be improved?
• Use an oil lamp and a small dish of salt as a focus for prayer. Pray for the Church and its leaders. Pray for each other as you journey to full membership of the Church. A suitable song could be ‘Church of God’ (GA 480). Conclude with the prayer of blessing in the RCIA at §97A.

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:

‘How happy are the poor in spirit;
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
for they shall have the earth as their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called children of God.
Happy are those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’

(Matthew 5:1–12)

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• This collection of sayings is known as the ‘Beatitudes’, which means ‘blessings’.
• This text is also known as the ‘Sermon on the Mount’. Luke also has a version of this text, but his account is set on a plain by the Sea of Galilee (Luke 6:20–26). Compare the two versions.
• Just as Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, Matthew situates Jesus on a mountain as he gives the new law.
• There are a number of instances in his gospel where Matthew parallels Jesus with Moses. Again, this may be to appeal to the largely Jewish audience of his own community.

Exploring the Word

The rendering of the Greek term used in this text as ‘happy’ is rather weak. A better term is ‘blessed’. At the heart of the Beatitudes is Jesus’ instruction to his followers to cultivate certain qualities in their lives. To be gentle, to mourn, to thirst for what is right, to be merciful, to be pure of heart and to be peacemakers are signs of the presence of the kingdom of God in our lives. To have such virtues is to be blessed. Jesus teaches that those who suffer some human lack or pain are blessed, not because poverty, pain or sorrow are good in themselves, but because they reveal to us our need for God. Those who are prosperous, comfortable or content find this much more difficult to realise and accept.

The final portion of this text speaks to the experience of the early church, which suffered persecution for the sake of faith in Jesus Christ. Christians today are also called to stand against arrogant secularism, which proclaims that humans do not need God. Even today, people suffer for their faith, but they too are assured that their reward will be great in heaven!

• Recall a time of suffering and sorrow in your life. What was God saying to you at that time? How did such an experience influence the person you are today?
• Describe someone you know who embodies one of the Beatitudes.

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• Who do you know who is ‘poor in spirit’, ‘gentle’, a ‘peacemaker’, ‘merciful’, ‘pure in heart’? How are these qualities manifested?
• Pray for those people this week.
• This gospel presents a surprising teaching on the source of happiness. Recall a time when you experienced complete happiness and joy. What was the source of that happiness? Compare this with what the media and advertising present as sources of happiness in today’s society.
• Live the Beatitudes as consciously as possible this week.
• Read and reflect on the Beatitudes this week. Can you write one for yourself?

Sharing the tradition

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

Some of the revered figures of the Church have embodied the virtues celebrated in the Beatitudes. This is a good opportunity to introduce the lives and work of some saints or other figures as models of these virtues—for example:

• Mother Theresa of Calcutta as ‘poor in spirit’
• St Francis of Assisi and St Clare as ‘gentle’
• Mary, the mother of Jesus, as one who ‘mourned’
• St Oscar Romero as one who ‘hungered and thirsted for justice’
• St Therese of Lisieux as ‘pure in heart’.

You will be able to think of many more.

• Discuss practical ways that catechumens can cultivate these virtues in their daily lives.

Symbols and images

The ‘poor’ are those who are not smug and self-satisfied. Those who ‘mourn’ are those who grieve at the effects of sin in the world. The ‘meek’ are the lowly and powerless in any situation. Those who ‘hunger for righteousness’ are those who long for justice and peace. The ‘pure of heart’ are those who seek God alone. The ‘peacemakers’ are those who work to restore broken relationships. Those who are ‘persecuted’ are those who are ridiculed for their faith. Taken all together, the Beatitudes describe what a Christian should be like.

Living the Word

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• Does you parish community have a patron saint after whom it was named who embodied one of the virtues of the Beatitudes. How does your community celebrate your patron? How does it live the Beatitudes?
• Use the Scriptures and a candle as a focus for prayer. Pray for each other as you seek to develop these virtues of the Beatitudes. There are a number of songs based on this text—for example, ‘The Beatitudes’ (GA 489). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94D.

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Hearing that John had been arrested, Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled:

‘Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali!
Way of the sea on the far side of Jordan,
Galilee of the nations!
The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light;
on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death
a light has dawned.’

From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.

He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness among the people.

(Matthew 4:12–23) 

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• When the people of Israel returned to the Promised Land after their liberation from Egypt, the land was divided among the twelve tribes descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. Zebulun and Naphtali were two of those sons. 
• The town of Capernaum stood on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, on the border of the areas given to these two sons of Jacob.
• Matthew uses the term kingdom of heaven rather than kingdom of God. This may have been because his audience is largely Jewish, and Jews avoided using the sacred name of God.
• This is another example of Matthew stating that, in Jesus, the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah’s coming are fulfilled.

Exploring the Word

This gospel tells of the first public actions of Jesus’ ministry. It should be studied in conjunction with the first reading from Isaiah, which speaks of a light coming that breaks the ‘bars’, ‘yokes’ and ‘rods’ that bind people and weigh them down. 

• What are the things that weigh you down at the moment?
• From what does our world need to be liberated?

This gospel reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. John the Baptist, the precursor, has now left the scene, having been arrested, so Jesus takes up and completes his message of repentance because the kingdom is at hand. In the final verses, the manifestation of that kingdom is made apparent. People are healed and the Good News is proclaimed. The second part of this text shows the effectiveness of Jesus’ message. His voice and his proclamation draw people from their labours to a new kind of work: cooperating in the task of drawing people to the truth of God’s plan for the world.

• Explore the call of discipleship and what that means for people who follow Christ today. How are we called to ‘come, follow me’?

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• What have you left behind to follow Jesus? How do you feel about that?
• Have you ever felt ‘called’ to do something: a challenge you just could not pass by? a strange urge to move beyond your normal behaviour, or to pursue something outside your experience? What was the outcome? Share your reflections.
• Try to be a light for other people this week. Be aware of opportunities through which you could draw other people to Christ.
• Use a part of today’s psalm as your prayer this week:
  The Lord is my light and my salvation.
  Whom shall I fear?
  The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
  before whom shall I shrink?
  The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Sharing the tradition

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

Peter the fisherman was always considered to be the first among the apostles—that is, the twelve specially chosen followers of Jesus. 

• Point out the difference between the many who were disciples and the Twelve. 
• The primacy of Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, is carried on in the Church through the primacy of the Pope as Bishop of Rome and successor of Peter. One of the titles often given to the Pope is ‘the fisherman’, as in the book and film The Shoes of the Fisherman.
• Explain the structure of the hierarchical Church—with the Pope at its head, the College of Cardinals, the Synod of Bishops, local bishops’ conferences, dioceses and individual parishes—and the unity that exists in the whole Church. (See Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§880–887.)
• You could share a profile of the current successor of Peter, Pope Francis, highlighting his particular focus and witness as pope.
• You could introduce the teaching authority of the Church, or magisterium, and explain how that operates.You may need to deal with some sensitive issues of church teaching or the question of infallibility.

Symbols and images

St Cyril of Jerusalem offered the following reflection to catechumens around the year 380:

You now find yourself in the fishing nets of Christ.
Let yourselves be caught. Christ wants to capture you, not to kill you but to give you life out of death.

How does this speak to you as a catechumen today?

Living the Word

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• Identify the ways in which your community reaches out to others as ‘fishers of people’. This is part of the missionary and evangelising nature of the Church. Are there ways catechumens can bear witness to their own call to faith? What may they be able to teach others in your community who were born into the Church?
• You could use images of fish or boats as a focus for prayer. A suitable song could be ‘The Galilee Song’ (As One Voice 5). Pray for each other, for strength on the journey as you leave your old life behind to follow Jesus. Pray for all those involved in a ministry of drawing new followers to Christ. Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94E.

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Seeing Jesus coming towards him, John said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I spoke of when I said: A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me. I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water.’ John also declared, ‘I saw the Spirit coming down on him from heaven like a dove and resting on him. I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptise with water had said to me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit.” Yes, I have seen and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God.’

(John 1:29–34) 

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• The title of ‘Lamb of God’ would have suggested the Passover feast to those listening to John. At that time, sacrificial lambs were slaughtered in the temple, recalling the blood of the lambs that was shed so that Israel could be spared death and freed from slavery in Egypt. Read the story of this deliverance in Exodus 12.
• Now that the Christmas cycle is completed, the Church enters what is known as ‘Ordinary Time’ for a period. (This will be interrupted for the Lent–Easter–Pentecost cycle.)
• Ordinary Time does not mean a time that is commonplace or unremarkable. The name derives from the word ordinal, which means ‘counted and sequential’.

Exploring the Word

This week, we depart from the normal cycle of readings from Matthew for this text in John. There is no explicit account of the baptism of Jesus in John. Rather, the emphasis is on John the Baptist as a witness to the real identity of Jesus: the Lamb of God and the Chosen One of God. Twice John the Baptist says, ‘I did not know him myself but it was to reveal him that I came.’ Such a statement would have had a significant effect on the evangelist’s community. This is the last of the gospels written, at around the end of the first century. It is unlikely that many followers of Jesus in this community would have known him personally, some seventy years earlier!

But John the Baptist, despite his not knowing Jesus in person, is in no doubt as to his identity. Filled with conviction, he knows that Jesus is the one in whom the hopes of Israel and all humankind will be fulfilled. ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe’ (John 20:29).

• In what ways does this echo our own experience of not knowing Jesus as a physical reality but recognising him as the fulfillment of our longings?
• What things may hinder our recognition of Jesus?
• How could you point others to Jesus and give witness to who he is?

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• How do you witness to the Chosen One of God?
• Twice John says that he did not know Jesus himself, but that Jesus was revealed to him by God. What was it that first revealed Jesus to you?
• What sin of the world is in need of redemption today?
• Have you ever been an eye witness to something significant, either in your family or in the wider community? Share stories of what you have seen? How did you bear witness to this event? What effect did it have on you?
• Like John, give witness to Christ this week. Share something of your search for faith with others.
• The title of ‘Lamb of God’ is used of Jesus during the liturgy in the Communion rite. Learn this prayer by heart and say it often, contemplating its meaning:
  Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, 
  have mercy on us.
  Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, 
  have mercy on us.
  Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, 
  grant us peace.

Sharing the tradition

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

Down the centuries, there have been many people who, filled with conviction, have given brave witness to Christ. In the early church, this sometimes meant death. The martyrs of the Church are revered for their loyal faith and witness to the truth of Christ, and they hold a special place among the saints.

• You could tell the stories of some of the martyrs of the New Testament and the early church, or from later periods of church history, especially those listed in Eucharistic Prayer I.
• It needs to be pointed out that even in this modern day, people are still persecuted for their faith, and modern missionaries sometimes pay the ultimate price. Australian Sr Irene McCormack is an example of one who was killed because of her faith. You could tell her story. St Oscar Romero is another story you could tell.
• We may not expect to lose our lives for our faith, but there are times we may be persecuted or reviled for being believers. Discuss how this may manifest in our own society.
• In recent years, we have heard of instances where Christian minority groups are persecuted because of their faith. Discuss some examples of this. How should we best promote religious freedom today?

Symbols and images

Just as with Jesus, the Holy Spirit is conferred upon the faithful at baptism, and the Spirit’s presence is affirmed at the sacrament of confirmation. How do you perceive the Spirit with you already in your journey towards baptism or reception?

Living the Word

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• How does your community give public witness to Christ, outside the Sunday liturgy?
• Use a lighted candle and an image of Jesus or an icon as a focus for prayer. A suitable song might be ‘Christ be our Light’ (GA 404). Pray for all those who give witness to their faith. Pray for those who are persecuted or have lost their lives for their faith. Pray for each other and the strength to be witnesses. Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in RCIA at §94D.

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem. He called together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ‘At Bethlehem in Judaea,’ they told him ‘for this is what the prophet wrote:

And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
you are by no means least among the leaders of Judah,
for out of you will come a leader
who will shepherd my people Israel.’

Then Herod summoned the wise men to see him privately. He asked them the exact date on which the star had appeared, and sent them on to Bethlehem. ‘Go and find out all about the child,’ he said ‘and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage.’ Having listened to what the king had to say, they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward, and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way.

(Matthew 2:1–12) 

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning ‘manifestation’ or ‘revelation’. In Matthew’s Gospel, this episode is the first public manifestation of Jesus.
• Herod the Great ruled only because Rome allowed it. He was not Jewish (his mother was not Jewish), but he had married into the royal family. He would have been very afraid of a possible rival to his claim to the throne.
• This text again mentions that Jesus was born at home in Joseph’s house in Bethlehem. The family only relocated to Nazareth after having fled to Egypt to escape the threat from Herod to the child’s safety.
• The ‘wise men’ were probably magi or astrologers from Persia and represent all those who seek God with a sincere heart.
• The gifts of the magi are of great value—gifts fit for a king!

Exploring the Word

The key to understanding this highly symbolic gospel lies in the response to Jesus of the various actors. The wise men are not of the house of Israel; they are foreigners from the East. And yet it is they who recognise the signs and embark on a journey to find the newborn king and worship him. The opposite response comes from the very people who should know better. Herod, the King of the Jews, and the chief priests and scribes, the interpreters of Scripture, have not seen what is there before them and, when they do come to understand, seek only to do harm to Jesus. This is the first hint of the harm that will ultimately come to him from similar characters much later in his life. They are not open to the revelation of God in this child.

Imagine the disappointment the wise men must have felt when they find a poor child born in a simple house instead of a mighty king. But they are open to the revelation of God and bow down before him. The expensive gifts of the wise men are highly symbolic: gold was presented to kings, frankincense was offered to God, and myrrh used in anointing for burial. Thus they refer to the kingship of Jesus, his divinity and his salvific death.

• In what ways do you recognise the divine in the ordinary?
• How long have you been on your journey, and how much progress have you made?
• What keeps leading you on?
• What new road have you taken, and where do you hope it leads you?

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• What is leading your journey towards Jesus?
• What gifts do you bring to Jesus?
• ‘The sight of the star filled them with delight.’ Share your own stories of times of pure delight in your life.
• Spend time this week reflecting on the new road you have taken? How has it changed the way you act or think?
• Use today’s gospel acclamation as your prayer this week:
  Alleluia, alleluia!
  We have seen his star in the East;
  and have come to adore the Lord.
  Alleluia!

Sharing the tradition

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

The feast of the Epiphany came to be celebrated about the fourth century and has always been a very important feast, especially in the Eastern churches. For the early church, one of the biggest problems they faced was the realisation that even those who were not Jewish were invited to faith in Jesus as Lord. Even though his roots were in Judaism, Jesus is of significance to all people who seek the truth.

• You could give some background to Matthew’s predominantly Jewish community and their struggle with admitting Gentiles.
• You could read the passages in Acts that deal with this controversy and its resolution (Acts chapters 10–11, 15).
• You could discuss some groups of the present day who feel alienated or unwelcome within the Church. Some sensitivity may be needed.

Symbols and images

The wise men were warned in a dream not to return the same way. They did not backtrack but took a new road in life after their encounter with the Christ Child. The magi are Gentiles, not Jews. Matthew is alerting his community to the truth that the Gospel is for all people who acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

Living the Word

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• What ministries of welcome are there in your parish? How might catechumens become involved?
• It may be appropriate to pray today at the crib. You could process there singing ‘O come, all ye faithful’ (GA 287). Pray that all people may be open to the revelation of God in the world and in their lives. Pray for each other. Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97G. 

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

[Here we use the gospel reading for Midnight Mass.]

Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census—the first—took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace to those who enjoy his favour.’

(Luke 2:1–14)

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• Luke’s Gospel is sometimes referred to as the ‘gospel of joy’ because this theme of rejoicing and joy is often repeated.
• Caesar Augustus ruled the Roman Empire from 27 bc to ad 14. He was the great nephew of Julius Caesar.
• A Roman census was usually undertaken for purposes of taxation but also at times for other ends, such as conscription or forced labour.
• A problem of timing exists within this text. Most scholars agree that Jesus was born about 6 bc in the reign of Herod the Great. However, Quirinius was not appointed as governor of Syria until about eleven years later. After his appointment, he did in fact supervise a census of the region.
• Luke goes to great pains in this text to situate Jesus’ birth in the historical world of the time. 

Exploring the Word

The gospel reading for the Midnight Mass is Luke’s brief but profound description of the birth of Jesus. Only the Gospels of Matthew and Luke give any information on this remarkable event, and both represent the unfolding of christological understandings over time. It is likely that Luke uses the device of the census to explain why Mary and Joseph are in Bethlehem, the predicted birthplace of the Messiah, when it is common knowledge that Jesus came from Nazareth. At the centre of Luke’s story is the proclamation of the birth to the shepherds in the fields and their reaction to it. (In Matthew, the proclamation comes to the Gentile magi or wise men.) At the time, shepherds were regarded as among the lowest of the population. They did not have a good reputation and were not to be trusted! But it is to these, not the high and mighty of the land, that God chooses to announce the birth of the saviour. In the continuation of the text, the shepherds are shown as accepting the proclamation and going ‘with haste’ to Bethlehem to ‘see the thing that has taken place.’ They are not checking the veracity of the angel’s story but believe it implicitly. Their response is immediate. They return to their fields ‘glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, as it had been told them.’ Their response to the coming of the Messiah is wholehearted!

• How strong is your belief in all that has been told to you?
• In what ways do you glorify and praise God?

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• ‘I have good news of great joy.’ What is your greatest joy at this point in your life?
• What difference does the birth of this child make to you?
• Share together your reminiscences of past Christmases. What have been the most important parts of celebrating this special feast? Has there been a shift in your understanding of the meaning of Christmas since you began your journey?
• Give nourishment to others this week—not just food but a sense of their value to you.
• Use the gospel acclamation this week:
  Alleluia, Alleluia!
  Good News and great joy to all the world:
  today is born our saviour, Christ the Lord.
  Alleluia!

Sharing the tradition

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

The birth of Christ is celebrated on this date not because we know it to be the actual birth date of Jesus, but because, in the northern hemisphere, 25 December marks the lengthening of daylight after the winter solstice. This was celebrated as a pagan feast in honour of the ‘unconquered sun’ but came to mark the Christian festival of the birth of the ‘light of the world’.

• Discuss some of the traditions associated with Christmas—for example, the crib popularised by St Francis of Assisi, or the Christmas tree.
• Are there particular ethnic traditions that are celebrated by members of the group?
• Are there particular traditions in your own community celebration?
• Emphasise that this day is not the end of the celebration but the beginning of ‘Christmastide’, during which we continue to celebrate the birth and revelation of who Christ is.

Symbols and images

A manger was a feeding trough used by animals. Into this is laid the newborn child who is destined to become food and nourishment for all humankind. How are you nourished by knowing this child?

Living the Word

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• How does your community celebrate this great feast? How will catechumens celebrate the day? Can you celebrate together?
• Use the candle-lighting ritual and light the last of the Advent candles on your wreath. Pray especially for those who will celebrate Christmas alone. Any of the popular Christmas carols could be sung. You could incorporate a small gift-giving ritual for catechumens. Conclude with the prayer of blessing in RCIA at §97I.

Entrance

• Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
• Christ is alive, with joy we sing—CWB 639, CWBII 353, GA 365
• Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
• God has chosen me (Farrell)—AOV1 21, CWBII 495, G 761, GA 497 
• O come and sing to God, the Lord—CWB 761, CWBII 175
• Praise God from whom all blessings flow—AOV1 10, CWB 788, CWBII 394, GA 384
• Tree of life (Haugen)—CWBII 300, G 475, GA 307

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

• Psalm 111 (112): A light rises in the darkness for the upright (Briggs)—CWB 361
• Psalm 111 (112): A light rises in the darkness for the upright (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Haugen)—G 75, DD (GIA)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Willcock)—GA 61, PFS 56
• Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58

Gospel acclamation

John 8:12

Alleluia, Alleluia!
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
the man who follows me will have the light of life.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• Christ Light, shining in the darkness—CWBII 468
• I want to walk as a child of the light—CWBII 514, G 593
• Lord, whose love in humble service—CWB 741, CWBII 551, G 764
• O blessed are the poor in spirit—CWBII 563

Communion

• Out of darkness—AOV1 134, GA 504
• Prayer of St Francis—AOV2 126, CWB 793, CWBII 555, G 828, GA 490
• Return to God—CWBII 298, G 478, GA 304
• The Beatitudes (Kearney)—CWB 817, CWBII 456, GA 489

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• Christ is the world’s light—CWB 643, CWBII 467
• Praise God from whom all blessings flow—AOV1 10, CWB 788, CWBII 394, GA 384
• Praise the Lord—CWB 790, CWBII 583, GA 409
• Shine, Jesus, shine!—AOV2 59, CWBII 550

Sending forth 

• Bring forth the kingdom—AOV2 4, CWBII 647, G 734, GA 478
• City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
• Glory and praise to our God—AOV1 16, CWBII 491, GA 417, G 606
• Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407 
• Rejoice! The Lord is King—CWB 799, CWBII 377

Entrance

• Christ be beside me—CWBII 463
• Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
• Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—AOV2 132, CWB 792, CWBII 586, G 616, GA 421
• Seek, O seek the Lord—CWB 802, CWBII 595, GA 211

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

• Psalm 145 (146): Happy the Poor in Spirit (Porter)—G 139
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Haugen)—G 75, DD (GIA)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Willcock)—GA 61, PFS 56
• Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58

Gospel acclamation

Matthew 5:12

Alleluia, alleluia!
Rejoice and be glad;
your reward will be great in heaven.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• The Beatitudes (Kearney)—CWB 817, CWBII 456, GA 489
• For the healing of the nations—G 803, GA 513, DD (GIA)
• O blessed are the poor in spirit—CWBII 563
• Seek ye first—AOV1 48, CWBII 594, GA 456, G 658 

Communion

• A Touching Place—GA 469
• Be not afraid (Dufford)—AOV1 114, CWBII 653, G 683, GA 449
• Jesus, you are bread for us—AOV1 42, CWBII 116
• My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
• My soul is longing for your peace—CWB 751, CWBII 559, GA 519 
• Prayer of St Francis—AOV2 126, CWB 793, CWBII 555, G 828, GA 490
• The cry of the poor—AOV1 83, CWBII 618, G 47, GA 36

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
• We have no other boast—CWBII 502, GA 491

Sending forth 

• Christ be near us—AOVNG 21
• Go make a difference—AOVNG 52, DD (OCP)
• In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
• The kingdom of God—CWBII 616, G 736

Entrance

• Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
• City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
• Galilee Song—AOV1 5
• Gather as one—AOVNG 48
• Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
• I heard the voice of Jesus say—AOV1 54, CWBII 512, G 724, GA 468
• In Christ there is no east or west—CWBII 519, G 832

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

• Psalm 26 (27): The Lord is my light (Ancell)—GA 27
• Psalm 26 (27): The Lord is my light (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
• Psalm 26 (27): The Lord is my light (Willcock)—CWBII 481 (refrain 2), GA 28 (refrain II), PFS 40
• Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58

Gospel acclamation

Matthew 4:23

Alleluia, Alleluia!
Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom
and healed all who were sick.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• A new commandment—CWB 615, CWBII 443, GA 318
• All creatures of our God and King—CWB 618, CWBII 446, G 611, GA 395
• All creatures of our God and King (arr. Rick Modlin)—DD (OCP)
• Christ Light, shining in the darkness—CWBII 468
• Christians, let us love one another—CWB 648, CWBII 469, GA 206
• The Summons—CWBII 645, G 790, GA 502
• You walk along our shoreline—CWBII 653

Communion

• Do not be afraid/The Lord is my light—AOV2 73, CWBII 481, GA 28, PFS 40
• Here I am, Lord—AOV1 90, CWBII 518, G 777, GA 496
• One body in Christ—AOVNG 102
• One bread, one body—AOV1 129, CWBII 579, G 932, GA 193
• Seed, scattered and sown—CWBII 592, GA 195
• Ubi caritas (Taizé)—CWBII 633, 634, GA 324
• Where there is charity and love—CWB 863, CWBII 638, GA 323

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all or sending forth 

• A Blessing Hymn for Australia—CWBII 655, DD (Marist Music, free)
• Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
• City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
• Out of darkness—AOV1 134, GA 504
• The Great Southland—AOV2 159
• Word of God, come down on earth—CWBII 644