COMMENTARY ON SUNDAY

MASS READINGS
LITURGICAL YEAR C
PART 1: SEASON OF ADVENT TO GOOD FRIDAY

BY NAT JOHNSON

ST BAKHITA CATHOLIC CHURCH

COMMUNITY 20

TEMA
1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C

Theme: “By patient endurance, you will save your lives” (Luke 21:19)

1st Reading: Jeremiah, chapter 33:14-16

The Lord makes a firm promise to a people in exile, that at the appropriate
time he will restore David’s kingdom with a Messiah who would defend and
protect his people.

2nd Reading: 1 Thessalonians, chapter 3:12-4:2

St Paul’s prayer is that the congregation at Thessalonica and all the faithful,
for that matter, would resolve to continue in their Christian way of life until
the second coming of Christ.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 21:25-28, 34-36

Jesus Christ speaks of the harsh times that will precede his second
coming. He cautions us not to be conceited nor give in to worldly things. In
other words, we should not lose our guard.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C
Theme: All mankind shall see the salvation of God

1st Reading: Baruch, chapter 5:1-9

This scripture invites all who are downcast or gloomy to look up and enjoy
the favours that God is pouring upon them. For a people who were led into
exile, the day to liberation is indeed a day of glory.

2nd Reading: Philippians, chapter 1:4-6, 8-11

Paul is confident that the Lord, who has called us unto himself, would
ensure that the mind-set of good discipleship that he has implanted in us
would remain intact till the end of time.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 3:1-6

The message of John the Baptist is straight to the point. Repentance calls
for a complete change in attitude, so that we, the faithful, could position
ourselves to welcome our Saviour.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C
Theme “God is indeed my Saviour; I am confident and unafraid (Isaiah,
12:3)

1st Reading: Zephaniah, chapter. 3: 14-18

This scripture invites all God’s people to rejoice and be glad, because the
Lord is among us, and has delivered us from our foes.

2nd Reading: Philippians, chapter 4: 4-7

St Paul offers a morale booster for our preparation to meet the Lord: we are
to remain in a joyful and grateful mode, confident that the Lord will take
care of our concerns.

Gospel Reading Luke, chapter 3: 10-18

All the people who heeded John’s call to be baptized were anxious to know
what to do next. Now that John has told us the nature of the Messiah, it is
up to us to search our hearts in anticipation of what the Lord requires of us.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C
Theme: Faith and obedience of Mary to be followed

1st Reading Micah, chapter 5:1-4

The prophecy of Micah traces the origin of the Messiah from an eternal
source, through his birth in Bethlehem, to his reign of peace on earth.

2nd Reading Hebrews, chapter 10:5-10

Jesus replaced the early sacrifice, the sacrifice of animals, with the
sacrifice of his own body, a sacrifice that is pleasing to God. This was done
according to God’s will, which our Lord came to fulfill.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 1:39-45

Mary’s focus and commitment to the goal of bearing the Messiah earned
her the title “Blessed”. If we also trust that the Lord’s words to us, especially
about the coming of the Saviour would be fulfilled, then we also shall be
blessed.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
CHRISTMAS VIGIL
Theme: God cares
1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 62: 1-5
God says that he would not remain aloof while Jerusalem, or his beloved
people, suffer. We shall experience the goodness of the Lord in his extra
tender and loving care.

2nd Reading: The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 13: 16-17, 22-25
St Paul recounts a bit of salvation history by telling his audience how God
saved their ancestors in the past. God continues to save us as well,
through his son, Jesus Christ.

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 1: 1-25

St Matthew traces the genealogy of Christ, to emphasize that even though
the Lord is one of us by human birth, Jesus is the being through whom God
became man in order to save us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE BIRTH OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS DAY)

Theme: God’s word made flesh

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 52: 7-10

From the ruins of the Temple, God’s people rejoice. They rejoice because
they see God restoring Jerusalem. We rejoice because God is restoring our
dignity by sending us the Saviour.

2nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 1: 1-6

God used to speak to his people through a variety of channels. Now, he
speaks to us through his son, Jesus Christ.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 1: 1-18

Jesus was present as the Word, during Creation. In fact, everything was
made through him, and for him. He is the Word of God, and the light, that
dispels the darkness around us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

Theme: Family life

1st Reading: 1 Samuel, chapter 1:20-22, 24-28

God’s gift to Hannah, Samuel, was Hannah’s gift to God. Children are a gift
that sustains the lineage of a family, in much the same way as our way of
bringing them up should be the legacy that fulfills God’s purpose for the
family.

2nd Reading: 1st Letter of John, chapter 3: 1-2. 21-24

We are members of God’s family, and thus share his Spirit. We remain in
this family for as long as we play by the divine rules of belief in Christ,
obedience to his will, and love for one another.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 2:41-52

Joseph and Mary did not understand why Jesus chose to stay behind in
Jerusalem. Jesus, for his part, did not understand why his earthly parents
should worry about him. For our part we should strive to accept the mystery
of Christ’s special mission with unwavering faith.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Theme: Mary, Mother of God

1st Reading: Numbers, chapter 6: 22-27

When God asked that his people be blessed with the words we are about
to hear, he also intended that his name should thus be invoked upon all of
us.

2nd Reading: Galatians, chapter 4: 4-7

Because of the unique role played by Mother Mary, God freed us from sin
and made us his sons, so that we can share in his glorious kingdom.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 2: 16-21

The shepherds saw the baby Jesus lying in a manger, and set off to spread
the word about this wonderful child. We too have heard the Good News,
and, like Mary, we must prayerfully reflect upon them in our hearts.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Theme: Jesus’ Royal Messiahship of both Jews and Gentiles

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 60:1 – 6

Jerusalem is portrayed as the city to which all the nations of the earth shall
converge. Jerusalem shall be their destination because God’s own light
shines forth from it.

2nd Reading: Ephesians, chapter 3: 2 – 3, 5 –6

The long-kept secret of God is that non-Jews, through the light of Christ,
shall become joint heirs with the Jews, because we all share a common
Christ-centred destiny.

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 2: 1 – 12

The Three Wise men followed the light of the Star, and found Jesus. It is
our turn, dear Brother and Sisters, to follow the light of Jesus, with thankful
gifts from our hearts.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Theme: The servant of Yahweh

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 40: 1-5, 9-11

God affirms that he will release his people from bondage. He assures
us that he is near, and brings with him the rewards and the loving
care that he has reserved for us.

2nd Reading: Titus, chapter 2: 11-14, 27-30 and chapter 3: 4-7

While we await the second coming of the Lord, we must turn our backs on
ungodly behaviours, and live in great expectation of our Saviour, who has
claimed us for himself through baptism.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 3: 15-16, 21-22

The Father’s declaration: “You are my beloved Son!” is a command to all

baptized Christians to follow the Saviour, on whom God’s favour and Holy
Spirit rest!

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: For the Lord delights in you.

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 62: 1-5

God loves us in an extraordinary way such that he will do everything to

prevent us from coming to any harm. We shall experience the goodness of
the Lord, in his extra tender and loving care for us.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 12: 4-11

God gives his Spirit to each person according to his own will for us. What
we need to understand is that the different gifts that we exhibit come from
the same Spirit.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 2: 1-11

Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding at Canaan. By turning
water into the choicest wine, a miracle which, no doubt astounds us even
today, Jesus invites us to know him as the God who is closer to us than we
think.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: God’s living word in the Bible

1st Reading: Nehemiah, chapter 8: 2-4, 5-6, 8-10

Scripture recounts what happened as the congregation listened to Ezra.

Like all people of God, we are to listen actively to the word as it is read,
absorb it wholeheartedly as it is explained and add a resounding “Amen!”
as we affirm our acceptance of the word.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 12: 12-30

St Paul reminds us that although we may be different from each other in a

lot of ways, we are all parts of the one body of Jesus Christ, in the same
way that the human body is made up of many parts. We are to complement
each other’s talents and abilities.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 1: 1-4, and chapter 4: 14-21

St Luke places Jesus in the context of prophecy, as recorded by those who

witnessed the events unfold. At the end of his narration, we hear how
Jesus himself fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah about himself.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: Fulfill the role of prophet

1st Reading: Jeremiah, chapter 1: 4-5, 17-19

Jeremiah was reluctant to accept God’s call to be a prophet. However

God’s assurances made him change his mind. God assures Jeremiah, and
we the faithful, that he would be our fortress as we carry out our Christian
duties no, matter the difficulties.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 12: 31, to chapter 13: 13

St Paul compares the attributes that are highly cherished by mankind, such
as the gift of prophecy, deep knowledge and great faith, to love, which is an
attribute of God himself. The qualities of love, as described in the scripture,
are the standards that we should strive to achieve and to maintain.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 4: 21-30

Jesus boldly announces that the prophecy of Isaiah, which he had been
reading, was about him. Their admiration of him suddenly turns into doubt,
and then into rejection. This scripture is reminding us that doing God’s work
does not always come with appreciation.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

Theme: Jesus Christ, a sign that is opposed

1st Reading: Malachi, chapter 3: 1-4

This scripture speaks about the coming of God’s messenger, whose
duty is to refine the hearts of the clergy, so that they in turn, would
prepare the hearts of many for the kingdom of God.

2nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 2: 14-18

St. Paul explains that Jesus had to become man, like us, in order to
experience all that our frail human nature feels. This way he is able to
intercede for us.

Luke, chapter 2: 22-40

Jesus is presented in the temple in accordance with Jewish custom.
The prophesies of both Simeon and Anna show that the Messiah will
bring light to many, and upset others.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: Awareness of God’s presence

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 6: 1-2, 3-8

In the presence of the Almighty God, Isaiah felt unclean, and not worthy to
be anywhere near the Lord of Hosts. The same Lord cleansed his lips, so
that he could respond to the call to be a prophet

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 15: 1-11

Paul acknowledges his nothingness in the presence of the Lord, whose

church he had persecuted in the past. He notes that it is by the grace of
this same God that he became an Apostle. God can turn the unworthy into
instruments of his love.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 5: 1-11

The miraculous catch became the turning point in the life of Simon Peter.
The Lord used that event to create the awareness of his presence in him.
Peter’s reaction was that of acknowledgement of his sinful nature, and total
submission to the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: Search for happiness

1st Reading: Jeremiah, chapter 17: 5-8

Scripture teaches that it is by far better to place our trust in God, and
experience his joy and happiness, than to trust in human beings, and reap
frustration, loneliness and emptiness.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 15: 12, 16-20

The Christian faith is based on the philosophy and evidence of the

Resurrection. Christian hope, therefore, extends into life after death.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 6: 17, 20-26

The Beatitudes uplift those who are at the receiving end of the unpleasant
things of this life, and reserve all that is good and joyful to a later day or a
later life. The Christians’ hope for a better tomorrow therefore lies in the
search for happiness through Christ-like attitudes.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Theme: Growth into the image of the heavenly Father

1st Reading: 1 Samuel, chapter 26: 2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

David had what might be called a golden opportunity to kill King Saul. The
maturity that he displayed when he spared the king’s life can only be
explained as maturity that is deeply rooted in his reverence for all that is
divine.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 15: 45- 49

The comparison between Adam, the human being, and Jesus, the divine
being, provides pointers as to whose likeness we should grow into, if we
profess to be followers of Christ.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 6: 27-38

The words of this scripture outline specific courses of action for all who
aspire to grow in the Lord. These words are a source of motivation in our
search for Christian growth and maturity.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
8TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: YEAR C

Theme: honesty in Christian witness

Ist Reading: Sirach chapter 27: 4-7

The faithful are called upon to guard what they speak. This is because
speech reveals the innermost thoughts of man.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 15: 54-58

Paul reiterates that eternal life awaits us. He emphasizes, however, that we
should avoid being complacent, and rather remain focused on the ways of
the Lord.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 6: 39-45

Jesus teaches that what we say, and what we do, as well as how we
behave, speaks volumes about our character. We must not be hypocrites;
we must be honest in our Christian living.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
1ST SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR C

Theme: The profession of faith

1st Reading: Deuteronomy, chapter 26: 4-10

The rituals of thanksgiving, as directed by Moses, contain a declaration of

faith and absolute trust in God, our creator, the God who transformed the
descendants of a wandering shepherd, into a mighty nation.

2nd Reading: Romans, chapter 10: 8-13

St Paul affirms that the profession of our faith, and, consequently, our road
to salvation, lies in open confession that Christ is the risen Lord.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 4: 1-13

Jesus shows that knowing and obeying God’s word is the most effective
weapon against temptation. Like Jesus, we too can use the power of God’s
word to defeat the evil one.

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

2ND SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR C

Theme: In prayer, lift up your hearts to God

1st Reading: Genesis, chapter 15: 5-12, 17-18

Abraham was in constant touch with God, through prayer. The lesson for
us is to follow Abraham’s example of faith, even as we communicate with
our God, so that we may experience his presence.

2nd Reading: Philippians, chapter 3: 17 to chapter 4: 1

St Paul challenges us to follow his example of Christian discipleship. We

should put premium on things concerning our heavenly home, rather than
be bogged down with matters of the flesh.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 9: 28-36

We share the experiences of Peter, James and John in the Transfiguration

event. God clearly identifies Jesus as his son and our Saviour. Children of
God must listen to him.

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

3RD SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR C

Theme: The need of ongoing reform

1st Reading: Exodus, chapter 3:1-8, 13-15

Moses encountered God in the Burning Bush at a time he probably did not
imagine that God could be so near. The unchanging God is as near to us
this day, as he always has been to his people.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 10: 1-6, 10-12

St Paul is reminding us that the events in the bible are neither hearsay, nor
are they meant for fun. God’s word is meant to inform and to teach us, so
that we may avoid the pitfalls of our ancestors.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 13: 1-9

Jesus explains that misfortunes could befall anyone at anytime. It is

important to ensure that in case of eventualities, we would have died as
repentant souls, or as trees that were fruitful when they had the chance to
do so.

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

4TH SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR C

Theme: God has reconciled himself to us through Christ

1st Reading: Joshua, chapter 5: 9, 10-12

The celebration of the Passover was a feast of thanksgiving. That manna

ceased to fall meant that God’s people had to fend for themselves. Our
Passover feast is the Eucharistic celebration, which is meant to strengthen
us for our spiritual journey.

2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians, chapter 5: 17-21

St Paul explains how God unconditionally reconciled us to himself. He

commands us to spread the good news of reconciliation throughout the
world.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 15: 1-3, 11-32

The Parable of the Prodigal Son, which could also be called the Parable of
the Merciful Father, has lessons for all of us. Whether we squandered the
opportunities God gave us, or served him in anticipation of rewards, we all
need to return to him, and beg for pardon.

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

5TH SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR C

Theme: Racing to grasp the prize

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 43: 16-21

This scripture admonishes us not to dwell on the past even if we saw God’s
hand at work in our lives. The same mighty God is doing something totally
new in our lives. Our duty is to remain optimistic.

2nd Reading: Philippians, chapter 3: 8-14

St Paul summarises his personal convictions in the statement that all he

had achieved so far was nothing, compared to the reward that awaits him.
Paul’s values should spur us on towards our heavenly goal.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 8: 1-11

Jesus offers an opportunity to the Pharisees and all of us, to mend our
ways. His words to the woman: “Go, and sin no more”, should forever ring
in our hearts, and remain etched in our minds.

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

PASSION SUNDAY (PALM SUNDAY ) , YEAR C

Theme: Death and life

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 50: 4-7

This scripture describes the nature of the ideal servant of God. We hear
how well-intentioned his thoughts are, and also how he humbly bears the
suffering that sometimes goes with his nature.

2nd Reading: Philippians, chapter 2: 6-11

St Paul entreats us to adopt Jesus’ attitude of humility, a character trait that

earned him God’s approval and a name that is above all other names.

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

THE PASSION OF OUR LORD, ACCORDING TO LUKE

COMMENTARY ON THE READINGS: HOLY THURSDAY

Theme: Love one another

1st Reading: Exodus, chapter 12: 1 – 8, 11 – 14

God instituted the Passover Feast as a memorial to celebrate the

freedom from slavery of his people. Christians today
acknowledge the event as the antecedent to our deliverance
from sin by the blood of Jesus.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 11: 23 – 26

The Eucharistic celebration enables the faithful to join hands with

our ancestors in the faith to celebrate our redemption from sin.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 13: 1 – 15

Jesus, the Lord, washed the feet of his disciples, and charged
them to do the same. This action is to prove the point that we
must love one another.
COMMENTARY ON THE READINGS: GOOD FRIDAY

Theme: We have a great High Priest

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 52: 13 to chapter 53: 12

The Lord’s servant was despised, rejected and maltreated. He

was innocent, but had to suffer and die to save you and me from
damnation. God rewarded him with his own eternal glory.

2nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 4: 14 – 16, and chapter 5: 7 –

9

Jesus Christ, our High Priest, is able to stand by us and to

defend us because he has been this way before and knows our
weaknesses. We can confidently approach him, and ask for
mercy.

GOSPEL: THE PASSION OF OUR LORD, ACCORDING TO

JOHN