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First reading

2 Samuel 5:1–3
They anointed David king of Israel.

Responsorial psalm

Psalm 121(122):1–5
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Second reading

Colossians 1:12–20
The Father has created a place for us in the kingdom of the Son that he loves.

Gospel acclamation

Mark 11:9, 10
Blessed is he who inherits the kingdom of David our Father; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Gospel

Luke 23:35–43
‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’

Images from the Word

Liturgical notes

It is most desirable that the faithful, just as the priest himself is bound to do, receive the Lord’s Body from hosts consecrated at the same Mass and that, in the instances when it is permitted, they partake of the chalice, so that even by means of the signs Communion will stand out more clearly as a participation in the sacrifice actually being celebrated.

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §85 

In many parishes, during the singing of the Lamb of God, the acolyte will go to the tabernacle and retrieve a ciborium of hosts that was consecrated during a previous Mass; it would then be used immediately for Communion. In this practice, the parish denies God’s people their opportunity to exercise their priesthood. To fulfil their priestly role of offering sacrifice, the members should bring their offering to the altar with the hosts during the procession of gifts. These hosts are then consecrated and returned to the members in Communion. Although this is obligatory for the presiding celebrant, it should also be available to the entire assembly.

‘The Lord sits as King for ever. The Lord will bless his people with peace.’ 

—communion antiphon

First reading

Malachi 3:19–20
For you the sun of righteousness will shine out.

Responsorial psalm

Psalm 97(98):5–9
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.

Second reading

2 Thessalonians 3:7–12
Do not let anyone have food if he refuses to work.

Gospel acclamation

Luke 21:28
Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Gospel

Luke 21:5–19
The destruction of the Temple foretold.

Images from the Word

Liturgical notes

To bring to completion the prayer of the People of God, and also to conclude the entire Communion Rite, the priest sings or says the Prayer after Communion, in which he prays for the fruits of the mystery just celebrated.

In the Mass only one Prayer after Communion is said … The people make the prayer their own by the acclamation: Amen.

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §89 

The celebration of the Eucharist is an action of both Christ and the Church. The Church is formed by God’s people under the leadership of the ordained—and neither party acts alone; they both operate in unity. The presiding celebrant serves the prayer of God’s people through performing numerous tasks during the celebration, and God’s people voice their participation in the action through their acclamations.

‘To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God the Lord.’ 

—communion antiphon

Gospel

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

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now—the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’

‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name—and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

(Luke 21:5–19) 

Did you know? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word 

This text must be read from the perspective of Luke’s community, who knew that the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and that the so-called Jewish Wars led to this act. Both Rome and the Jewish people were persecuting Christians; it must have seemed that the end was near. However, Luke recounts the words of Jesus—words designed to comfort his community and give them hope. Jesus warns his followers not to trust those who claim to know God’s plan for the end of times. Instead, they should know that God is with them no matter what happens. In the meantime, the Church must journey onwards, just as Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem and to his ultimate fate. However, God vindicated Jesus through his resurrection; he will do the same for Christian believers with the gift of eternal life. Our endurance in our faith will win our lives.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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 

Numerous sects have tried to predict the end of the world and prepare for it. However, such literalism strongly misses the point. The Church believes that the ‘last day’ will come, and it longs for God’s triumph and victory over the forces of evil, including death. The Day of the Lord, which was inaugurated at Jesus’ resurrection, will be completed with his final coming in glory. Each Eucharist that we celebrate simultaneously looks back to Jesus' death and resurrection, making it present for us again, and looks forward to the coming of God’s kingdom. As Christians, we are people who wait in joyful hope; however, while we wait, we live in the reality of the present and try to build God’s kingdom on earth.

Symbols and images 

To describe the end of time, this gospel uses ‘apocalyptic’ language, which was commonly used in this period. Apocalyptic language is symbolic, and it should not be read literally. Ultimately, this text aims to provide faith and hope to people who were suffering persecution. God will protect and sustain them.

Living the Word 

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

Presider

God shines on us like the sun of justice, offering healing in his rays. We pray that God’s light will scatter the darkness of those who live in poverty or sickness and those whose lives are broken by violence.

Reader

We pray for Pope Leo and the bishops of our Church. May they open their minds and hearts to listen to those whom they serve.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

On this World Day of the Poor, we pray that government and Church agencies will be supported in their efforts to lighten the load of the poor among us.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

As we also acknowledge Universal Children’s Day this week, we pray that families grow stronger in their love for one another, and that children are raised in safe and nurturing environments.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our faith community. May we always be aware that Christ is present among us, and that he continues to shape and inspire us.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for …

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are sick in our parish and for those who have asked for our prayers.
We also pray for all the faithful departed, especially those who have died recently, and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they enter into the eternal life that was promised to them.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider

Merciful God, may our prayers bring hope, healing and compassion to all those in need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Entrance

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

Gospel acclamation

Luke 21:28

Alleluia, Alleluia!
Lift up your heads and see;
your redemption is near at hand.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

Communion

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

Sending forth 

Gospel

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

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son 
and they will call him Emmanuel,

a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.

(Matthew 1:18–24) 

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word

In Palestine, the betrothal period was akin to our period of engagement but was somewhat more binding. The couple are considered married but have not yet come to live together. An indiscretion of the nature described by Matthew requires a formal divorce and thus public knowledge. Joseph seeks to spare Mary this public disgrace, but God intercedes and alerts Joseph to the real identity of this child, which is in her ‘by the Holy Spirit’. For Matthew, this is the most important point of his infancy narrative. The child Jesus is the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy that the maiden will conceive ‘God-with-us’. God has freely chosen to come among people. The second important point in this text is Joseph’s response. The anguish and turmoil he must have felt is overcome by his trust in God’s ways, and he obeys. He simply ‘did what the angel told him to do’. Through his trust and acceptance of God’s will, human history will never be the same because ‘God-is-with-us’.

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, 
pray for us sinners,
now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

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 two stories that have come down to us of the birth of Jesus, one of the common aspects is the faith response of the two protagonists. Both Mary and Joseph face risking their personal security in the world of their time by choosing to cooperate in God’s plan. The price, especially for Mary, is high. If she is found to have committed adultery, the penalty, under Jewish law, is death (see John 8:1–11). Instead, they risk all and place their trust in God’s ways, becoming for the Church the models of discipleship. 

Symbols and images

One of the common ways for God to communicate with human beings, as related in the Hebrew Scriptures, is through dreams—Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Hannah are famous examples. In this text, God communicates the importance of this child and the integrity of his mother to Joseph using this favoured method. Being intuitive to the voice of God is an important aspect of faith.

Living the Word

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

Gospel

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

John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’ Jesus answered, ‘Go back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’

As the messengers were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces. Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says:

‘Look, I am going to send my messenger before you;
he will prepare your way before you.

‘I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’

(Matthew 11:2–11) 

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word

As we have already noted, one of the main purposes of Matthew’s Gospel is to reveal Jesus as the long awaited Messiah of the Jews to Matthew’s largely Jewish community. In this text, Matthew cites the evidence that is before their eyes. Why is it necessary for John to question the identity of Jesus when his own eyes and ears will give him the answer he seeks? The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and good news is proclaimed to the poor! Such were the signs of the coming of the Lord that Isaiah had prophesied. Such are the actions that Jesus undertakes! His identity is clear for all who have the eyes to see it.

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.
Indeed the Lord is near.

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 word gospel means ‘good news’. The four accounts of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of the Christian Scriptures. Each of the four gospels presents its story of Jesus according to the particular needs of the community for which it was written. There are some differences of theological perspective but overwhelming consistency in the overall picture of Jesus that emerges.

Symbols and images

After the period of the exile—when Israel had been defeated, the temple destroyed and the people taken into captivity in Babylon—there developed a belief that a Messiah would come, an ‘anointed one’ of God, who would restore Israel’s greatness and usher in a new era characterised by justice, peace and joy. The Messiah was the one who would inaugurate the kingdom or reign of God. The action of this text proclaims that the Messiah has indeed come.

Living the Word

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

Gospel

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

In due course John the Baptist appeared; he preached in the wilderness of Judaea and this was his message: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ This was the man the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he said:

A voice cries in the wilderness
Prepare a way for the Lord,
make his paths straight.

This man John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judaea and the whole Jordan district made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. But when he saw a number of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers, who warned you to fly from the retribution that is coming? But if you are repentant, produce the appropriate fruit, and do not presume to tell yourselves, “We have Abraham for our father,” because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe is laid to the roots of the trees, so that any tree which fails to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire. I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who follows me is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand; he will clear his threshing-floor and gather his wheat into the barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’

(Matthew 3:1–12) 

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word

During Advent in Year A, the first reading always comes from the prophet Isaiah. It is useful to pay particular attention to his voice, noticing the development of the vision and images he puts before us relating to the meaning of Jesus for the Church and the world. In last week’s reading, Isaiah sees what is to come: the nations assembling, surrendering to the Lord, laying down the weapons of war, beating them into the useful tools of farming and peaceful life. Today, Isaiah describes the qualities of the Spirit of the Lord and the just judgments this brings, resulting in a world of no conflict. In next week’s text, Isaiah describes the glorious and triumphant coming of the Lord and the healing of all that is broken. In the final week of Advent, Isaiah speaks of the maiden who will conceive and give birth to one who is ‘God-is-with-us’.

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
all people shall see the salvation of God. 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 

Symbols and images

The Baptist’s words are a call to a new beginning, a realignment of the road we are taking. We are reminded that the kingdom of God is close at hand and that to be a part of the kingdom, we must produce good fruit or be judged unworthy.

Living the Word

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

Gospel

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

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.

‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

(Matthew 24:37–44) 

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word

Matthew’s Gospel is written for a mostly Jewish audience who had converted to Christianity. Because of this Jewish background, Matthew often uses images and incidents from the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament, with which his community were very familiar. For Matthew, Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of old, and the Messiah who has long been awaited. 

In this text, Jesus twice uses the title ‘Son of Man’ to describe himself. It is an ambiguous term because it can simply mean a human being but is also used in the Hebrew Scriptures to refer to the one who will be judge and saviour of all.

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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 celebration of a feast to honour the birth of Jesus did not emerge in the West until the fourth century. Scholars generally note that by ad 336, such a feast was in place and celebrated in Rome on 25 December. This comparatively late development of a feast to celebrate the birth of Christ may seem surprising to contemporary Christians, for whom Christmas is so central. However, we must remember that the earliest Christians expected the glorious return of Christ in their own lifetimes. It was only with time and an obvious delay to the Second Coming that such a feast could emerge. Furthermore, time provided the opportunity for a greater and more mature theological reflection on the mysteries of the incarnation and the Second Coming.

Advent, as a period of preparation for the feast of Christmas, developed later still. There is no evidence of such a preparatory time in Rome until well into the sixth century. It was Pope Gregory the Great (ad 590–604) who established a four-week liturgical preparation for Christmas, but the eschatological (end-time) themes of the Second Coming were not established until the Middle Ages.

Symbols and images

Advent has a past, present and future dimension. We look back to the events of Bethlehem when Christ first entered the world; we reflect on Christ’s presence today, and we look forward with joy to the future coming of Christ. Today’s gospel reminds us that we must be ready for that coming.

Living the Word

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

Entrance

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Christmas Time) 

Gospel acclamation

Colossians 3:15a,16a

Alleluia, Alleluia! 
May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,
and the fullness of his message live within you. 
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

Communion

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

Sending forth 

We will walk with God—G 737, DD (GIA)

 [LD1]To be replaced with Mary, Mother of God on 1 January – get Fiona to supply

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