The Mass in Focus
Readings for the holy Mass – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Second Sunday in Ordinary Time See the Mass readings for Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio
Baptism of Jesus shows our own baptism as the life of God living in us
King Louis ofFrancewas accustomed to sign his name on royal documents “Louis of Poissy.” When asked why he did this instead of the expected “Louis IX, King of France,” he replied, “Poissy was the place where I was baptized.” He continued to explain that he would loose his kingdom and title when he died, but, “baptism is my passport to life.”
Readings for the holy Mass – The Baptism of the Lord
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Baptism of the Lord Read Msgr. Joseph Prior’s commentary on the readings for this Sunday’s Mass. See the Mass readings for Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio
Like the Magi adoring Jesus, we bring the gifts of ourselves to the Lord
Gift giving is a part of our Christmas traditions. In the United States we exchange gifts usually on Christmas Day; in some other countries they exchange them today on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The three magi who brought the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus inspired the practice of giving gifts. Sharing gifts with loved ones and friends is a gesture of kindness and generosity. It is an expression of love. Particularly heartening at this time of the year are the many programs offered in parishes where gifts are collected for and distributed to the poor. All inspired by the greatest gift we have received from God our Father, the gift of Jesus, His Son.
Readings for the holy Mass – Epiphany of the Lord
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Epiphany of the Lord Read Msgr. Joseph Prior’s commentary on the readings for this Sunday’s Mass. See the Mass readings for Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio
Readings for the holy Mass – Feast of the Holy Family
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Feast of the Holy Family See the Mass readings for Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio
Christmas may be fun, but that’s not the joy we celebrate
The season of rejoicing approaches. In a matter of days we will celebrate the Lord’s birth. In the midst of life today we might feel overwhelmed with fear, sorrow and anxieties. The horrendous act of violence at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week can weigh us down. Our concerns that our children and fellow human beings have the opportunity to live lives free from fear and in safety are heightened when this life is taken or threatened.
Readings for the holy Mass – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Fourth Sunday of Advent Read Msgr. Joseph Prior’s commentary on the readings for this Sunday’s Mass. See the Mass readings for Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio
Cause for rejoicing at Advent, and caring for the poor
Christmas is coming fast. We have been reminded about Christmas since before Thanksgiving as we see the stores and malls filled with decorations and flyers for pre-Christmas sales. Neighborhoods are starting to be filled with lights and decorations. Nativity scenes are on lawns and in front of churches. All these things point ahead to the day we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord.
Readings for the holy Mass – Third Sunday of Advent
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Third Sunday of Advent Read Msgr. Joseph Prior’s commentary on the readings for this Sunday’s Mass. See the Mass readings for Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio