Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Dec 21 - St Peter Canisius (1521-97)
Summary :St Peter Canisius, priest, doctor of the Church. Born at Nijmegen (Netherlands) in 1521; died in Fribourg (Switzerland) on this day in 1597. A Jesuit priest who spent his time writing and teaching in universities and colleges.
The Jesuit St Peter Canisius is probably best known for his Catechism written in 1555. But he was also a saint, who by the choices he made can be seen to have advanced in virtue and grace.
Patrick Duffy tells his story.
Early Life
Peter was born in Nijmegen, Holland, where his father was burgomeister. At fifteen he went to university in Cologne, and at 19 received his master's degree. Here Fr Nicolaus van Esch influenced him to join the loyal Catholics when the Catholic archbishop, Hermann von Wied, became a Lutheran.
Joins the Jesuits
At Cologne Peter made the Spiritual Exercises under Peter Faber, one of St Ignatius's first companions, and joined the Jesuits. He did his novitiate and taught at Cologne, and even before his ordination, had edited the works of St Cyril of Alexandria and St Leo the Great. He also gained a reputation for looking after the sick. Ordained in 1546, he attended two sessions of the Council of Trent along with the bishop of Augsburg. After that he was sent to teach rhetoric in the first Jesuit school in Messina, Sicily.
Mission in Germany and Vienna
Recalled by St Ignatius to Rome in 1549, he made his final profession there and was sent on mission to Germany. At first, he taught theology in the University of Ingolstadt and soon became rector and vice-chancellor. He also gained a reputation as a preacher. Then sent to do similar work in Vienna, he contributed greatly to reforming the Church there. The Viennese people admired how he cared for the sick during the plague. The king wanted to appoint him archbishop and though Peter did agree to administer the diocese for a year, he declined the honour. It was while he was at Vienna that he wrote his famous Catechism (Summa Doctrinae Christianae), a clear exposition of Catholic doctrine rivalling Luther's Large Catechism.
Provincial for Austria, Bavaria and Bohemia
Named as Provincial for Austria, Bavaria and Bohemia in 1556, Peter established Jesuit colleges for boys in six cities in the region, including Prague, and set about establishing seminaries to train good priests. During this time he strove as an accomplished diplomat and letter-writer to build up the Catholic Church. He also wrote works of theology and history and was an energetic preacher.
Together with his easily understood preaching and the writing of his famous catechisms, his academic life enabled him to restore and strengthen Catholic belief in response to the Reformation. Noted for his courtesy in debate and for his use of the press in promoting the Catholic revival after the Council of Trent.
Later years and Death
In 1580 he was sent to Fribourg in Switzerland to set up a Catholic college there. This later grew into a large theological university.
In 1591 he suffered a stroke, but continued to write with the help of a secretary until quite near his death. He died surrounded by his community on 21 December 1597.
Influence
In his writings St Peter Canisius always stressed what Catholics and Lutherans held in common rather than what divided them. Along with others, like St Cyril of Jerusalem and St. John Chrysostom, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine, he is numbered among the patrons of catechetics and made a significant contribution to the tradition that resulted in the publication of The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992).
The Jesuit St Peter Canisius is probably best known for his Catechism written in 1555. But he was also a saint, who by the choices he made can be seen to have advanced in virtue and grace.Patrick Duffy tells his story.
Early Life
Peter was born in Nijmegen, Holland, where his father was burgomeister. At fifteen he went to university in Cologne, and at 19 received his master's degree. Here Fr Nicolaus van Esch influenced him to join the loyal Catholics when the Catholic archbishop, Hermann von Wied, became a Lutheran.
Joins the Jesuits
At Cologne Peter made the Spiritual Exercises under Peter Faber, one of St Ignatius's first companions, and joined the Jesuits. He did his novitiate and taught at Cologne, and even before his ordination, had edited the works of St Cyril of Alexandria and St Leo the Great. He also gained a reputation for looking after the sick. Ordained in 1546, he attended two sessions of the Council of Trent along with the bishop of Augsburg. After that he was sent to teach rhetoric in the first Jesuit school in Messina, Sicily.Mission in Germany and Vienna
Recalled by St Ignatius to Rome in 1549, he made his final profession there and was sent on mission to Germany. At first, he taught theology in the University of Ingolstadt and soon became rector and vice-chancellor. He also gained a reputation as a preacher. Then sent to do similar work in Vienna, he contributed greatly to reforming the Church there. The Viennese people admired how he cared for the sick during the plague. The king wanted to appoint him archbishop and though Peter did agree to administer the diocese for a year, he declined the honour. It was while he was at Vienna that he wrote his famous Catechism (Summa Doctrinae Christianae), a clear exposition of Catholic doctrine rivalling Luther's Large Catechism.
Provincial for Austria, Bavaria and Bohemia
Named as Provincial for Austria, Bavaria and Bohemia in 1556, Peter established Jesuit colleges for boys in six cities in the region, including Prague, and set about establishing seminaries to train good priests. During this time he strove as an accomplished diplomat and letter-writer to build up the Catholic Church. He also wrote works of theology and history and was an energetic preacher.
Together with his easily understood preaching and the writing of his famous catechisms, his academic life enabled him to restore and strengthen Catholic belief in response to the Reformation. Noted for his courtesy in debate and for his use of the press in promoting the Catholic revival after the Council of Trent.
Later years and Death
In 1580 he was sent to Fribourg in Switzerland to set up a Catholic college there. This later grew into a large theological university.
In 1591 he suffered a stroke, but continued to write with the help of a secretary until quite near his death. He died surrounded by his community on 21 December 1597.Influence
In his writings St Peter Canisius always stressed what Catholics and Lutherans held in common rather than what divided them. Along with others, like St Cyril of Jerusalem and St. John Chrysostom, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine, he is numbered among the patrons of catechetics and made a significant contribution to the tradition that resulted in the publication of The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992).
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Memorable Saying for Today
Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.
~Francis of Assisi~
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Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 21st December, 2025
- 21-12-2025 -
Fourth Sunday of Advent - O Oriens
Our attention this final Week of Advent is directed fully to the coming of Christ in the Christmas mystery.
The Preface calls us to wonder at this great happening, to prepare for Christmas in prayer and praise.
he psalm tells us to purify our hearts, prayer and reconciliation are the tools for these days.
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 7:10-14
The maiden is with child.
The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said,
'Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above'.
'No,' Ahaz answered 'I will not put the Lord to the test.'
Then Isaiah said:
Listen now, House of David: are you not satisfied with trying the patience of men
without trying the patience of my God, too?
The Lord himself, therefore, will give you a sign.
It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call 'Emmanuel, ' a name which means “God is with us.”
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 23:1-6 R/v. 7. 10
Response Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.
1. The Lord's is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples.
It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm. Response
2. Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place?
The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things. Response
3. He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him.
Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans 1:1-7
Jesus Christ, descendant of David, Son of God.
From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus who has been called to be an apostle, and specially chosen to preach the Good News that God promised long ago through his prophets in the scriptures.
This news is about the Son of God who, according to the human nature he took was a descendant
of David:it is about Jesus Christ our Lord who, in the order of the spirit, the spirit of holiness that was in him, was proclaimed Son of God in all his power through his resurrection from the dead.
Through him we received grace and our apostolic mission to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations in honour of his name. You are one of these nations, and by his call belong to Jesus Christ.
To you all, then, who are God's beloved in Rome, called to be saints, may God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send grace and peace.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Mt 1:23
Alleluia, alleluia!
'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him
Emmanuel, a name which means 'God-is-with-us'.
Alleluia
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 1:18-24 Glory to you, O Lord
Jesus is born of Mary who was betrothed to Joseph, son of David.
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.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 21st December, 2025
-21-12- 2025-
AN CEATHRÚ DOMNACH DEN AIDBHINT, Blian A
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as an Leabhar Íseáia 7:10-14
Ta an óghbhean ag iompar.
Labhair an Tiarna le hÁchaz arís agus dúirt: “Iarr comhartha duit féin ar an Tiarna do Dhia, as duibheagáin Sheól aníos nó thuas in arda na spéartha.”
D’fhreagair Áchaz: “Ní iarrfaidh, níl mé chun dúshlán an Tiarna a thabhairt.”
Ansin dúirt sé:
“Éistigí mar sin, a theaghlach Dháiví, an é nach beag daoibh sárú ar dhaoinego gcaithfidh sibh mo Dhia a shárú ina theannta sin?
Is é an Tiarna féin mar sin a thabharfaidh comhartha daoibh.
Seo, tá an ógbhean ag iompar agus ar tí mac a shaolú,
agus tabharfaidh sí Ímeánuéil mar ainm air. is é sin, “Tá Dia-linn.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 23:1-6 R/v. 7. 10
Freagra Tagadh an Tiarna isteach! Is e Rí na glóire é.
I. Leis an Tiarna an chruinne agus a bhfuil inti: an domhan go léir agus a maireann ann.
Is é féin a bhunaigh ar an aigéan é, agus a dhaingnigh ar an bhfarraige íochtarach é. Freagra
2. Cé a rachaidh suas ar chnoc an Tiarna? Cé a bheidh ina sheasamh ar a láthair naofa?
An té a bhfuil lámha gan smál agus croí glan aige, an té ar beag air nithe gan tairbhe. Freagra
3. Beidh beannacht an Tiarna ar an té sin agus luach saothair ó Dhia a shlánaitheoir.
A leithéid siúd a bhíonn á lorg, a bhíonn ar thóir Dhia Iácób. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as Litir Naomh Pól chuig na Rómhánaigh 1:1-7
Íosa Críost, de shliocht Dháivi, Mac Dé.
Mise Pól, searbhónta Íosa Críost, a bhfuil glaoite air chun bheith ina aspal atá dealaithe amach chun dea-scéal Dé. An dea-scéal seo, a gheall Dia roimh ré trína chuid fáithe sna scríbhinní naofa,
is faoina Mhac féin é, ár dTiarna Íosa Críost. Rugadh eisean sa mhéid gur duine é de shliocht Dháiví: ach sa mhéid gur spiorad na naofachta é tá sé oirnithe i gcumhacht mar Mhac do Dhia ó aiséirí dó ó mhairbh. Is trídsean a fuair mise grásta an aspail chun géillsine an chreidimh a leathadh ar son a ainm i measc na náisiún uile. Orthusan chomh maith tá sibhse a bhfuil glaoite oraibh chun bheith ina sheilbh ag Íosa Críost. Chugaibhse go léir sa Róimh, más ea, a bhfuil grá ag Dia daoibh agus a bhfuil glaoite oraibh chun bheith in bhur bpobal naofa aige, guím grásta agus síocháin ó Dhia ár nAthair agus ón TiarnaÍosa Críost.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia.
Alleluia! Mth 1:23
Alleluia, alleluia!
Beidh an mhaighdean torrach agus béarfaidh si mac agus bhéarfar
Emmanúél mar ainm air -ainm a chiallaionn 'Tá-Dia-linn'.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 1:18-24 Glóir duit a Thiarna.
Seasfaidh flaitheas Dháivi go daingean i la’thair an Tiarna.
Seo mar a tharla Íosa Críost a shaolú.
Bhí Muire, a mháthair, luaite le Iósaef, agus sula ndearnadar aontíos, fuarthas torrach í ón Spiorad Naomh. Dhuine cóir a fear céile Iósaef, ach níorbh áil leis go dtabharfaí míchlú di, agus chinn sé í a scaoileadh uaidh os íseal. Ag machnamh ar an méid sin dó, áfach, thaispeáin aingeal ón Tiarna é féin do I mbrionglóid agus dúirt:
“A Iósaef, a mhic Dháiví, ná bíodh eagla ort do bhean chéile Muire a thabhairt abhaile leat, óir, an leanbh atá gafa aici, is ón Spiorad Naomh é. Béarfaidh sí mac, agus tabharfaidh tú Íosa mar ainm air, óir slánóidh sé a phobal óna bpeacaí.”
Thit an méid sin go léir amach chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúirt an Tiarna tríd an bhfáidh:
“Beidh an mhaighdean torrach agus béarfaidh sí mac
agus tabharfar 'Imeánuéil' mar ainm air”– ainm a chiallaíonn:'Tá Dia linn.'
Dhúisigh Iósaef agus d’éirigh, agus rinne mar d’ordaigh aingeal an Tiarna dó: a bhean a thabhairt abhaile leis. Ach ní raibh cuid aige di nó gur rug sí mac, agus thug sé Íosa mar ainm air.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 28th December, 2025
The Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Feast, Year A
Sunday within the Octave of Christma
FIRST READING
A reading from the Book of Ecclesiasticus (Sirac) 3:2-6. 12-14
He who fears the Lord, respects his parents
The Lord honours the father in his children,
and upholds the rights of a mother over her sons.
Whoever respects his father is atoning for his sins,
he who honours his mother is like someone amassing a fortune.
Whoever respects his father will be happy with children of his own,
he shall be heard on the day when he prays.
Long life comes to him who honours his father,
he who sets his mother at ease is showing obedience to the Lord.
My son, support your father in his old age, do not grieve him during his life.
Even if his mind should fail, show him sympathy, do not despise him in your health and strength;
for kindness to a father shall not be forgotten but will serve as reparation for your sins.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm 127:1-5 R/v 1
Response O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways!
O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways!
By the labour of your hands you shall eat You will be happy and prosper. Response
Your wife like a fruitful vine in the heart of your house;
your children like shoots of the olive around your table. Response
Indeed thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord
May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Colossians 3:12-21
Family life in the Lord
You are God's chosen race, his saints; he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion,
in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins.
The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them,
put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together
as parts of one body. Always be thankful.
Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God; and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wives, give way to your husbands, as you should in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and treat them with gentleness.
Children, be obedient to your parents always, because that is what will please the Lord.
Parents, never drive your children to resentment or you will make them feel frustrated.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Col 3:15-16
Alleluia, alleluia!
May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts,
let the message of Christ find a home in you.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL Year A
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 2:13-15. 19-23 Glory to you, O Lord
Take the child and his mother and escape into Egypt
After the wise men had left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
'Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you,
because Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him'.
So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him left that night for Egypt, where they stayed until Herod was dead. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: I called my son out of Egypt.'
After Herod's death, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother with you and go back to the land of Israel, for those who wanted to kill the child are dead'.
So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, went back to the land of Israel. But when he learnt that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as ruler of Judaea he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he left for the region of Galilee. There he settled in a town called Nazareth.
In this way the words spoken through the prophets were to be fulfilled: 'He will be called a Nazarene.'
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
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Alternative Gospels
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 2:22-40 Glory to you, O Lord
The child grew, filled with wisdom.
When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord — observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord — and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked
forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:
‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised;
because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see,
a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.’
As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected — and a sword will pierce your own soul too — so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’
There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer.
She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 28th December, 2025
FÉILE AN TEAGHGLAIGH NAOFA Blian A
(Blian A: 2025)
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as an Leabhar Sírach - 3:2-6, 12-14
An té ar bhfuil eagla an Tiarna, tugann sé onóir dá thuismitheoirí
Tugann an Tiarna onóir don athair trí bhíthin a chlainne,
agus déanann sé údarás na máthar ar a cuid clainne a dhaingniú.
An té a mbíonn urraim aige dá athair, déanann sé leorghníomh ina pheacaí.
An té a thugann onóir dá mháthair, is cosúil é le duine atá ag cnuasach stóir dó féin.
An té a mbíonn urraim aige dá athair, beidh a chlann féin ina n-ábhar áthais dó,
agus nuair a dhéanfaidh sé guí, éistfear leis.
An té a thugann onóir dá athair, beidh fad saoil aige,
agus an té a dhéanann rud ar an Tiarna, tabharfaidh sé sólás dá mháthair.
A mhic, glac cúram d’athar ort féin i ndeireadh a shaoil agus ná cuir brón air fad is beo dó.
Fiú amháin má thagann meath ar a mheabhair, bí foighneach leis;
ná bíodh drochmheas agat air, toisc, tú féin a bheith i mbarr do mhaítheasa.
Óir an charthanacht a dhéanann tú ar d’athair, ní dhéanfar dearmad uirthi choíche,
agus cuirfear síos duit é in aghaidh do pheacaí.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Diatiarna
Salm le Freagra Sm 127 L: 1-5 R/v 1
Freagra Is aoibhinnaidh tú toradh do shaothair féin.
do chách lerb eagal an Tiarna agus a shiúlann ins shlite
1. Is aoibhinn do chách lerb eagal an Tiarna agus a shiúlann ins shlite.
Íosfaidh tú toradh do shaothair féin. Beidh úgo sona séanmhar. Freagra
2. Beidh do bhean amhail finiúin thorthach i gcearlár di thí
beidh do clann mar bhuinneáin olóige agus iad mórthimpeall do bhoird. Freagra
3. Is amhlaidh a bheannófar an fear ar a mbíonn eagla an Tiarna.
Go mbeannaí an tiarna thú as Sión amach gach láde do shaol. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as Litir Naomh Pól chuig na Colosaigh: 3:12-21
Saol an teaghlaigh i nDia
A bhraithre, ós sibhse an pobal tofa, pobal naofa muirneach Dé, cuirigí umaibh trua
croí, cineáltas, uirísle, ceansacht agus foighne. Cuirigí suas le chéile agus cibé locht a
bhíonn ag duine agaibh ar dhuine eile maithigí dá chéile é; faoi mar a mhaith an Tiarna
daoibh, déanaigí-se mar an gcéanna. Agus mar bharr ar gach ní acu sin cuirigí umaibh an grá mar is é a chuirfidh bail agus críoch ar an iomlán. Agus bíodh síocháin Chríost i réim in bhur gcroí mar is chun síocháin a bheith agaibh a glaodh sibh le chéile in aon chorp amháin.
Agus bígí buíoch. Bíodh briathar Chríost ina chónaí faoi rath in bhur measc. Déanaigí a chéile a chomhairliú agus a theagasc le barr eagna. Canaigí sailm agus iomainn agus laoithe spioradálta in ómós do Dhia agus buíochas in bhur gcroí. Agus gach ní dá ndéanann sibh le briathar nó le gníomh, déanaigí an t-iomlán in ainm an Tiarna
Íosa ag gabháil buíochais le Dia an tAthair tríd. Saol an Teaghlaigh
A mhná, bígí faoi smacht bhur bhfear céile mar is dual sa Tiarna.
A fheara, bíodh grá agaibh do bhur mná agus gan bheith garg leo.
A leanaí, bígí umhal do bhur dtuismitheoirí i ngach ní mar is taitneamhach sin leis an Tiarna.
A aithreacha, ná déanaigí bhur leanaí a chrá le heagla go gcuirfí drochmhisneach orthu.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Diatiarna
Alleluia Véarsa Col 3 :15-16
Alleluia, alleluia
Bíodh síocháin Chríost i réim in bhur gcroí;
bíodh briathar Chríost ina chónaí faoi rath in bhur measc.
Alleluia
SOISCÉAL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Lúcás 2:22-40 Glory to you, O Lord.
Feach, is dán dó seo bheith ina thrúig leagtha agus éirithe dá lán in Iosrael.
Nuair a bhí ocht lá caite agus é le timpeallghearradh, tugadh Íosa mar ainm air, mar a thug an t-aingeal air sular gabhadh sa bhroinn é. Agus nuair a bhí na laethanta caite agus iad le híonghlanadh de réir dhlí Mhaois, thug siad go Iarúsailéim é le toirbhirt don Tiarna – mar atá scríofa i ndlí an Tiarna: “Gach fíreannach atá ina chéadghin, is rud coisricthe don Tiarna é” – agus chun go n-ofrálfaidís mar íobairt, de réir a bhfuil ráite i ndlí an Tiarna, “péire colm nó dhá ghearrcach colúir.”
Bhí fear in Iarúsailéim
darbh ainm Simeon, agus bhí an fear seo fíréanta diaga, ag súil le sólás Iosrael, agus bhí an Spiorad Naomh ina luí air. Agus bhí foilsiú faighte ón Spiorad Naomh aige nach bhfeicfeadh sé an bás nó go bhfeicfeadh Meisias an Tiarna. Tháinig sé, faoi luí an Spioraid, isteach sa Teampall; agus le linn dá thuismitheoirí bheith ag tabhairt an linbh Íosa isteach chun go ndéanfaidís ar a shon de réir nós an dlí, ghlac seisean chuige ina ucht é, agus mhol Dia agus dúirt:“Anois atá tú ag scaoileadh do sheirbhísigh uait, a
Thiarna, de réir d’fhocail, faoi shíocháin,
mar tá mo shúile tar éis do shlánú a fheiceáil
atá ullamh agat faoi chomhair na bpobal uile:
solas chun na náisiúin a shoilsiú agus glóir do phobail Iosrael.”
Agus bhí a athair agus a mhathair ag déanamh ionadh de na nithe a dúradh mar gheall air. Agus bheannaigh Simeon iad agus dúirt le Muire a mháthair:
“Feach, is dán dó seo bheith ina thrúig leagtha agus éirithe dá lán in Iosrael agus ina chomhartha a shéanfar – agus gabhfaidh claíomh trí d’anam féin – chun go bhfoilseofaí smaointe as mórán croíthe.”
Agus bhí banfháidh ann freisin, Anna iníon Fanuéil, de threibh Áiséar, í anonn I mblianta móra: mhair sí seacht mbliana ag a fear céile tar éis a hóghachta. Fágadh ina baintreach í, agus bhí ceithre bliana ochtód an uair seo aici; agus ní fhágadh sí an Teampall, ag seirbhís do Dhia de lá agus d’oíche le troscadh agus le hurnaithe. Tháinig sí i láthair an uair sin féin, agus thug moladh agus buíochas do Dhia; agus labhair sí mar gheall air le cách a bhí ag súil le Iarúsailéim a fhuascailt.
Nuair a bhí gach ní curtha i gcrích acu de réir dhlí an Tiarna, d’fhill siad ar an nGailíl, go dtí a gcathair féin Nazarat. Agus d’fhás an leanbh agus neartaigh, é lán d’eagna; agus bhí grásta Dé ina luí air.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
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AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
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Machtnamh ar Bhriathar Dé dia
Greamaithe le chéile sa carrthanacht
Na rudaí is mó a cheanglaíonn teaghlaigh le chéile is iad grá agus maithiúnas. Béidh an bhua ag an ghrá sa deireadh, fiú amháin más mór é uaireanta a theaspáint i bhfoirm "grá dian" agus caint oscailte, macánta. Nuair is gá ordú a chur i bhfeidhm, mura ndéantar é i slí grámhar, ba féidir go ndiúltófar é mar mhí-úsáid. Má tá mí-áth ar ár dteaghlaigh ar bhealach ar bith, is cosúil gur c#uis le sin ná easpa grá ar chuid an duine. Nuair a oibríonn saol an teaghlaigh go maith, is íontach an bhúa é. Ach bagairt mhór do theaghlaigh an lá atá inniu ann nach gcaithimid go leor ama ag labhairt le chéile. B'fhéidir go bhfuil muid ró-ghnóthach ag obair, ar an ghuthán, ag cearrbhachas ar ár IPads agus ár smartphones, nó ag breathnú ar Netflix agus teilifís. Ar féasta an Teaghlaigh Naofa, d'fhéadfaimis ár dtosaíochtaí a athnuachaint agus beagán níos mó ama a chaitheamh i gcaidreamh leo siúd is gaire dúinn.
Pádraig Ó Rúairí, cp,
Sliabh Argus, Átha Cliath.
