Reading I Nm 6:22-27 The LORD said to Moses:   “Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:   This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them:   The LORD bless you and keep you!   The LORD let his face shine upon       you, and be gracious to you!   The LORD look upon you kindly and       give you peace! So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,   and I will bless them.” Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 R. (2a) May God bless us in his mercy. May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. R. May God bless us in his mercy. May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. R. May God bless us in his mercy. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! R. May God bless us in his mercy. Reading II Gal 4:4-7 Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,   born of a woman, born under the law,   to ransom those under the law,   so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons,   God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,   crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son,   and if a son then also an heir, through God. Alleluia Heb 1:1-2 R. Alleluia, alleluia. In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 2:16-21 The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,   and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this,   they made known the message   that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed   by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things,   reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned,   glorifying and praising God   for all they had heard and seen,   just as it had been told to them.   When eight days were completed for his circumcision,   he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel   before he was conceived in the womb. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it

Reading I 1 Jn 2:18-21 Children, it is the last hour;  and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many antichrists have appeared.  Thus we know this is the last hour.  They went out from us, but they were not really of our number; if they had been, they would have remained with us.  Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number.  But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.  I write to you not because you do not know the truth  but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth. Responsorial Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13 R.     (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Sing to the LORD a new song;     sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name;     announce his salvation, day after day.  R.    Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;     let the sea and what fills it resound;     let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD. R.    Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! The LORD comes,     he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice     and the peoples with his constancy. R.    Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Alleluia Jn 1:14a, 12a R. Alleluia, alleluia. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word,     and the Word was with God,     and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things came to be through him,     and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life,     and this life was the light of the human race;     the light shines in the darkness,     and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light,  so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world,     and the world came to be through him,     but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own,     but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him     he gave power to become children of God,      to those who believe in his name,      who were born not by natural generation      nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision      but of God. And the Word became flesh

When a Sunday does not occur between December 25 and January 1, this feast is celebrated on December 30 with only one reading before the Gospel. Reading 1 Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 God sets a father in honor over his children;a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.Whoever honors his father atones for sins,and preserves himself from them.When he prays, he is heard;he stores up riches who reveres his mother.Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,and, when he prays, is heard.Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.My son, take care of your father when he is old;grieve him not as long as he lives.Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;revile him not all the days of his life;kindness to a father will not be forgotten,firmly planted against the debt of your sins—a house raised in justice to you. Or Col 3:12-21 Brothers and sisters:Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.And be thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged. Or Col 3:12-17 Brothers and sisters:Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.And be thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Responsorial Psalm Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 R. (cf. 1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,who walks in his ways!For you shall eat the fruit of

Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and MartyrReading I 1 Jn 2:3-11 Beloved: The way we may be sure that we know Jesus  is to keep his commandments.  Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.  This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked. Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you but an old commandment that you had from the beginning.  The old commandment is the word that you have heard.  And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.  Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness.  Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall.  Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. Responsorial Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 R.    (11a)  Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Sing to the LORD a new song;     sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name.  R.    Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations;     among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. R.    Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! The LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty go before him;     praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary. R.    Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Alleluia Lk 2:32 R. Alleluia, alleluia. A light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 2:22-35 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord,Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice ofa pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.  This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.  He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard

Reading I 1 Jn 1:5—2:2 Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,”  while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just  and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar,  and his word is not in us. My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,  Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.  Responsorial Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8 R.    (7) Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare. Had not the LORD been with us— When men rose up against us,     then would they have swallowed us alive, When their fury was inflamed against us. R.    Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare. Then would the waters have overwhelmed us; The torrent would have swept over us;     over us then would have swept the raging waters. R.    Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare. Broken was the snare,     and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD,     who made heaven and earth. R.    Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare. Alleluia See Te Deum R. Alleluia, alleluia. We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the white-robed army of martyrs praise you. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 2:13-18 When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,     Out of Egypt I called my son. When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said

Reading I 1 Jn 1:1-4 Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life — for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us—  what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete. Responsorial Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 R.    (12) Rejoice in the Lord, you just! The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;     let the many isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are around him,     justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. R.    Rejoice in the Lord, you just! The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,     before the LORD of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his justice,     and all peoples see his glory. R.    Rejoice in the Lord, you just! Light dawns for the just;     and gladness, for the upright of heart. Be glad in the LORD, you just,     and give thanks to his holy name. R.    Rejoice in the Lord, you just! Alleluia See Te Deum R. Alleluia, alleluia. We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 20:1a and 2-8 On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 ACTS 6:8-10; 7:54-59 Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.   As they were stoning Stephen, he called out “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Responsorial Psalm PS 31:3CD-4, 6 AND 8AB, 16BC AND 17 R. (6)  Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.Be my rock of refuge,a stronghold to give me safety.You are my rock and my fortress;for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.Into your hands I commend my spirit;you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.Let your face shine upon your servant;save me in your kindness.R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.   Alleluia PS 118:26A, 27A R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD:the LORD is God and has given us light.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel MT 10:17-22 Jesus said to his disciples:“Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courtsand scourge you in their synagogues,and you will be led before governors and kings for my sakeas a witness before them and the pagans.When they hand you over,do not worry about how you are to speakor what you are to say.You will be given at that moment what you are to say.For it will not be you who speakbut the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.Brother will hand over brother to death,and the father his child;children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.You will be hated by all because of my name,but whoever endures to the end will be saved.” - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in

Reading I 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!”  Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you.”  But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in? “‘It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel.  I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.  And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.  I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies.  The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you.  And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’” Responsorial Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 R.    (2)  For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;     through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;     in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. R.    For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. “I have made a covenant with my chosen one,     I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity     and establish your throne for all generations.” R.    For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,     my God, the rock, my savior.’ Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,     and my covenant with him stands firm.” R.    For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia. O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 1:67-79 Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:     “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;         for he has come to his people and set them

Reading I Mal 3:1-4, 23-24     Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger     to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple     the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.     Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming?     And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire,     or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver,     and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver     that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem     will please the LORD,     as in the days of old, as in years gone by. Lo, I will send you     Elijah, the prophet, Before the day of the LORD comes,     the great and terrible day, To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children,     and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike     the land with doom. Responsorial Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 R.    (see Luke 21:28)  Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;     teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me,     for you are God my savior. R.    Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Good and upright is the LORD;     thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice,     he teaches the humble his way. R.    Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy     toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,     and his covenant, for their instruction. R.    Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia. O King of all nations and keystone of the Church; come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 1:57-66 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.  Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.  When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”  But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”  So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.  He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue

Reading I 1 Sm 1:24-28 In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh.  After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD.  I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request.  Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left Samuel there. Responsorial Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd R. (see 1a) My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “My heart exults in the LORD,     my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies;     I rejoice in my victory.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “The bows of the mighty are broken,     while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,     while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons,     while the mother of many languishes.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “The LORD puts to death and gives life;     he casts down to the nether world;     he raises up again. The LORD makes poor and makes rich,     he humbles, he also exalts.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “He raises the needy from the dust;     from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles     and make a glorious throne their heritage.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia. O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 1:46-56 Mary said:     “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;         my spirit rejoices in God my savior.         for he has looked upon his lowly servant.     From this day all generations will call me blessed:         the Almighty has done great things for me,         and holy is his Name.         He has mercy on those who fear him         in every generation.     He has shown the strength of his arm,         and has scattered the proud in their conceit.     He has cast down the mighty from their thrones         and has lifted up the lowly.     He has filled the hungry with good things,         and the rich he has sent away empty.     He has come to the help of his servant Israel         for he remembered his promise of mercy,         the promise he made to our fathers,         to Abraham and his children for ever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months