Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 29, 2019
First Reading: Sirach 3.2-6, 12-14
This reading is not available in the KJV version. Visit the CPDV version to view the reading.
Psalm 128
1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.4Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.5The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
Second Reading: Colossians 3.12-17
12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Gospel: Matthew 2.13-15, 19-23
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.21And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Sermon
The readings today guide us through themes of respect, community, and trust in God. The first reading from Sirach emphasizes the importance of honoring our parents, not just as a moral duty, but as a way to honor God. It reminds us that our actions towards our parents reflect our relationship with Him and lead to personal happiness. The second reading from Colossians expands this idea to the broader Christian community, urging us to embrace virtues like mercy, kindness, and patience. It highlights forgiveness and charity as essential bonds within our community, encouraging us to let Christ's peace guide our hearts and actions.
The Gospel from Matthew illustrates these virtues through Joseph's obedience and trust in God. Joseph's actions, guided by divine messages, show us how to trust God's plan, even in uncertain times. His journey to Egypt and back to Nazareth exemplifies fulfillment of prophecy and divine guidance. This story teaches us to trust God's plan, just as Joseph did, and to live out our faith in our daily lives.
In applying these lessons, we are reminded to respect and care for our families, forgive one another, and trust in God's providence. Just as Joseph trusted God, we too can navigate life's challenges with faith. Let us strive to live with the virtues mentioned, fostering a community of love and peace, and trusting in God's plan for our lives.