Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Jan 7 - St Raymond of Peñafort (1175/80-1275)
St Raymond of Penafort, Priest, Religious. Born about 1175 near Barcelona (Spain), a brilliant lawyer and at the age of 47 became a canon of the cathedral and joined the Dominican Order, eventually being elected their master general. Noted for his knowledge of canon law, especially in its application to the sacrament of penance, and for his scholarly apostolate to Jews and Muslims. Raymond died there in extreme old age on 6 January 1275.
Patrick Duffy outlines his life.
St Raymond's gift was as an organiser and codifier. He was also influential in promoting the evangelisation of Muslims and Jews during the 13th century. He is the patron saint of canon lawyers.
To Rome
Pope Gregory IX (1227-41) had come to hear of Raymond and called him to Rome in 1230, appointing him papal penitentiary and his personal confessor. Gregory had Raymond edit a collection of conciliar and papal decrees which the Pope published (1234) as the Decretals and were the forerunner of the Code of Canon Law. Raymond still gave much of his time generously to the poor.
Later Life
Named by the pope in 1235 to the archbishopric of Tarragon, Raymond declined the appointment. He returned to Spain in 1236. Two years later he was elected as the third master general of the Dominicans, succeeding Jordan of Saxony quite suddenly as the latter died by shipwreck on returning from the Holy Land. However, after two years, Raymond resigned as master general. He then spent the latter years of his life as a director of souls and confessor, but his main aim at this time was to promote the evangelisation of Muslims and Jews. To secure this, he developed higher schools for the study and teaching of Arabic and Hebrew and encouraged his Italian confrère Thomas Aquinas in writing his Summa contra Gentiles (1261-64).
Death and Influence
Raymond died in 1275 and was buried in the cathedral of Barcelona.
He was canonised by Clement VIII in 1601 and is the patron saint of canon lawyers.
Patrick Duffy outlines his life.
St Raymond's gift was as an organiser and codifier. He was also influential in promoting the evangelisation of Muslims and Jews during the 13th century. He is the patron saint of canon lawyers.
Early Life
Raymond was born in Peñafort in Catalonia and was related to the Counts of Barcelona and the kings of Aragon. He was a brilliant student and was already teaching philosophy at Barcelona by the time he was twenty.
From 1210 he studied canon and civil law in Bologna. In 1219 he returned to become the archdeacon and vicar of the archdiocese of Barcelona.
Joined the Dominicans
In 1222 Raymond joined the Dominican friars, having come to know the founder Dominic Guzman in the months previous to the latter's death. The Dominicans asked him to put together a collection of cases of conscience for the instruction of confessors and moralists, a Summa casuum conscientiae, which became an authoritative work. He also exercised an apostolate of preaching, instructing and hearing confessions, becoming confessor to King James of Aragon. Through the advice given at the declaration of the nullity of James's first marriage, he became known to the papal legate who encouraged him to preach a holy war against the Moors and in this he was quite successful.
To Rome
Pope Gregory IX (1227-41) had come to hear of Raymond and called him to Rome in 1230, appointing him papal penitentiary and his personal confessor. Gregory had Raymond edit a collection of conciliar and papal decrees which the Pope published (1234) as the Decretals and were the forerunner of the Code of Canon Law. Raymond still gave much of his time generously to the poor.Later Life
Named by the pope in 1235 to the archbishopric of Tarragon, Raymond declined the appointment. He returned to Spain in 1236. Two years later he was elected as the third master general of the Dominicans, succeeding Jordan of Saxony quite suddenly as the latter died by shipwreck on returning from the Holy Land. However, after two years, Raymond resigned as master general. He then spent the latter years of his life as a director of souls and confessor, but his main aim at this time was to promote the evangelisation of Muslims and Jews. To secure this, he developed higher schools for the study and teaching of Arabic and Hebrew and encouraged his Italian confrère Thomas Aquinas in writing his Summa contra Gentiles (1261-64).
Death and Influence
Raymond died in 1275 and was buried in the cathedral of Barcelona.
He was canonised by Clement VIII in 1601 and is the patron saint of canon lawyers.
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Memorable Saying of the Day
Set your sights on the Cross of Christ. St Paul says
It is the one alone in which we must make our boast
~ St Raymund of Penafort ~
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Liturgical Readings for: Wednesday, 7th January, 2026
Wednesday, Jan. 7th after Epiphany
Miracles strengthen the peoples faith in the God and the One he has sent.
Feast of the Day: Jan 7 ; St Raymond of Penyafort, religious priest
C/f short history of today’s saints can be found below today’s Readings and Reflection
FIRST READING
A reading from the first letter of St John 4:11-18
As long as we love one another God will live in us.
My dear people, since God has loved us so much, we too should love one another.
No one has ever seen God; but as long as we love one another God will live in us and his love will be complete in us.
We can know that we are living in him and he is living in us because he lets us share his Spirit.We ourselves saw and we testify that the Father sent his Son as saviour of the world.
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God. We ourselves have known and put our faith in God's love towards ourselves.
God is love. and anyone who lives in love lives in God,
and God lives in him.
Love. will come to its perfection in us when we can face the day of Judgement without fear; because even in this world we have become as he is.
In love there can be no fear, but fear is driven out by perfect love:
because to fear is to expect punishment, and anyone who is afraid is still imperfect in love.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm Ps 71:1-2.
Response All nations shall fall prostrate before you, 0 Lord.
1. O God, give your judgement to the king, to a king's son your justice,that he may judge your people injustice. and your poor in right judgement. Response
2. The kings of Tarshish and the sea coasts shall pay him tribute.
The kings of Sheba and Seba shall bring him gifts.
Before him all kings shall fall prostrate, all nations shall serve him. Response
3. For he shall save the. poor when they cry and the needy who are helpless.
He will have pity on the weak and save the lives of the poor. Response
Gospel Acclamation Lk 4:18
Alleluia, alleluia!
The Lord has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives.
Alleluia!
Or cf. 1 Tim 3:16
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glory be to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the pagans;
glory be to you, O Christ, believed in by the world.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 6:45.52 Glory to you, O Lord
They saw him walking on the lake.
After the five thousand had eaten and were filled, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the crowd away. After saying good-bye to them he went off into the hills to pray.
When evening came, the boat was far out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. He could see they were worn out with rowing, for the wind was against them; and about the fourth watch of the night he came towards them walking on the lake. He was going to pass them by, but when they saw him walking on the lake they thought it was a ghost and cried out, for they had all seen him and were terrified.But he at once spoke to them, and said, 'Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.'
Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind dropped. They were utterly and completely dumbfounded, because they had not seen what the miracle of the loaves meant; their minds were closed.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Gospel Reflection 7 January after Epiphany, Mark 6:45–52
Today’s first reading and gospel reading are linked by a reference to fear. The first reading declares that ‘in love there can be no fear’. We do not fear someone whom we know loves us fully and unreservedly. Earlier in that reading, the author had made one of the simplest and yet most profound statements about God ever made, ‘God is love’. If God is unconditional love, there is no room for fear in our relationship with God. Rather, the response to God’s love for us is to love God in return, and we express our love for God by loving those whom God loves and in the way God loves them. As the author says, ‘since God has loved us so much, we too should love one another’. If we loved one another in the way God loves us, there would be no room for fear in the way we relate to one another.
In the gospel reading, Jesus approaches the boat of his disciples as they struggle with a strong wind, and when the disciples see him they were terrified. Jesus immediately confronts their fear, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid’. If God is love and Jesus is the face of God, God in human form, then there is no need for his disciples to be afraid of him, as if they might be afraid of ghosts. There is nothing sinister about the Lord’s coming over the waters. He comes in love to help and support them. The Lord comes to us in the same way.
He comes in love to steady our ship, to calm and direct us. There is no place for fear in our relationship with him. As we welcome his coming in love, as we receive him into the boat of our lives, he calls on us to relate to each other as he relates to us, in the same loving way that leaves no place for fear. Just as no one should ever fear the Lord, no one should ever fear any of us, because in the words of the first reading, ‘fear is driven out by perfect love’.
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The scripture readings are taken from The Jerusalem Bible, published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/
The Gospel reflection comes with thanks from Reflections on the Weekday Readings : You have the Words of Eternal life: by Martin Hogan and published by Messenger Publications c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
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Feast of the Day: Jan 7 ; St Raymond of Penyafort, religious, priest, missionary, codifier
St Raymond of Penafort, Priest, Religious. Born about 1175 near Barcelona (Spain), a brilliant lawyer and at the age of 47 became a canon of the cathedral and joined the Dominican Order, eventually being elected their master general. Noted for his knowledge of canon law, especially in its application to the sacrament of penance, and for his scholarly apostolate to Jews and Muslims. Raymond died there in extreme old age on 6 January 1275. He is the patron saint of canon lawyers.
Patrick Duffy outlines his life.
Early Life
Raymond was born in Peñafort in Catalonia and was related to the Counts of Barcelona and the kings of Aragon. He was a brilliant student and was already teaching philosophy at Barcelona by the time he was twenty.
From 1210 he studied canon and civil law in Bologna. In 1219 he returned to become the archdeacon and vicar of the archdiocese of Barcelona.
Joined the Dominicans
In 1222 Raymond joined the Dominican friars, having come to know the founder Dominic Guzman in the months previous to the latter's death. The Dominicans asked him to put together a collection of cases of conscience for the instruction of confessors and moralists, a Summa casuum conscientiae, which became an authoritative work. He also exercised an apostolate of preaching, instructing and hearing confessions, becoming confessor to King James of Aragon. Through the advice given at the declaration of the nullity of James's first marriage, he became known to the papal legate who encouraged him to preach a holy war against the Moors and in this he was quite successful.
To Rome
Pope Gregory IX (1227-41) had come to hear of Raymond and called him to Rome in 1230, appointing him papal penitentiary and his personal confessor. Gregory had Raymond edit a collection of conciliar and papal decrees which the Pope published (1234) as the Decretals and were the forerunner of the Code of Canon Law. Raymond still gave much of his time generously to the poor.Later Life
Named by the pope in 1235 to the archbishopric of Tarragon, Raymond declined the appointment. He returned to Spain in 1236. Two years later he was elected as the third master general of the Dominicans, succeeding Jordan of Saxony quite suddenly as the latter died by shipwreck on returning from the Holy Land. However, after two years, Raymond resigned as master general. He then spent the latter years of his life as a director of souls and confessor, but his main aim at this time was to promote the evangelisation of Muslims and Jews. To secure this, he developed higher schools for the study and teaching of Arabic and Hebrew and encouraged his Italian confrère Thomas Aquinas in writing his Summa contra Gentiles (1261-64).
Death and Influence
Raymond died in 1275 and was buried in the cathedral of Barcelona.
He was canonised by Clement VIII in 1601 and is the patron saint of canon lawyers.
**********************************************
Memorable Saying of the Day
Set your sights on the Cross of Christ. St Paul says
It is the one alone in which we must make our boast
~ St Raymund of Penafort ~
***********************************************
Liturgical Readings for: Wednesday, 7th January, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as céad Litir Naomh Eoin 4:11-1
Má thugaimid grá dá chéile maireann Dia ionainn.
A chairde cléibh, ós fíor gur thug Dia grá dúinne nach mithid dúinne grá a thabhairt dá chéile.
Ní fhaca aon duine Dia riamh.
Má thugaimid grá dá chéile maireann Dia ionainn agus is lánfhoirfe ionainn a ghrá.
Mar seo a thuigimid go mairimid ann agus go maireann seisean ionainn, gur bhronn sé orainn riar dá Spiorad féin.
Agus chonaiceamar agus tugaimid fianaise gur sheol an tAthair uaidh a Mhac, Slánaitheoir an tsaoil.
Cibé admhaíonn gurb é Íosa Mac Dé maireann Dia ann agus maireann seisean i nDia. Agus is feasach dúinn agus creidimid an grá atá ag Dia dúinn.
Is grá é Dia agus an té a mhaireann sa ghrá maireann i nDia agus maireann Dia ann.
Seo mar atá an grá lánfhoirfe ionainn, go mbeimis lánmhuiníneach in aghaidh lá an bhreithiúnais, óir faoi mar atá seisean is amhlaidh atáimidne sa saol seo.
Ní bhaineann eagla le grá, ach ruaigeann grá foirfe an eagla, níl éinne eaglach foirfe i ngrá.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 71
Freagra Cromfaidh an uile rí go talamh ina láthair, a Thiarna.
1. Tabhair do bhreithiúnas, a Dhia, don rí
agus d'fhíréantacht do mhac an rí.
Go dtuga sé ceartbhreithiúnas ar a phobal
agus cothrom do na bochtáin. Freagra
2. Tiocfaidh ríthe Thairsís agus na nInsí,
ag triall air le tabhartais.
Tabharfaidh ríthe na hAráibe agus Seaba
bronntanais chuige.
Cromfaidh an uile rí go talamh ina láthair,
déanfaidh gach cine fónamh dó. Freagra
3. Óir saorfaidh sé an bocht nuair a ghlaofaidh sé air;
agus an donán gan chúnamh.
Beidh trua aige don lag is don bhocht,
agus sábhálfaidh an duine dealbh. Freagra
Alleluia Véarsa Lc 4: 18-19
Alleluia, alleluia!
Chuir an Tiarna uaidh mé ag tabhairt an dea-scéil do na boichtáin,
ag fógairt a scaoilte do phríosúnaigh agus aiseag a radhairc do dhaill
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Marcas 6:45-52
Tháinig sé chucu agus é ag siúl ar an bhfarraige.
Nuair a bhí a sáith ite ag an slua, chuir Íosa d’fhiacha ar a dheisceabail dul ar bord agus imeacht roimhe go dtí an taobh thall, go dtí Béatsáide, fad a bheadh sé féin ag scaoileadh an tslua uaidh. Tar éis dó iad a chur chun siúil, d’imigh sé faoin sliabh chun guí.
Agus nuair a bhí sé déanach, bhí an bád amuigh ar an bhfarraige agus eisean ina aonar ar tír.
a fheiceáil dó go raibh siad ar saothar ag na maidí rámha, mar bhí an ghaoth ina gcoinne, tháinig sé chucu, timpeall an ceathrú faire den oíche, agus é ag siúl ar an bhfarraige, agus bhí sé ar tí dul tharstu. Shíl siad gur taibhse a bhí ann agus scread siad amach, mar chonaic siad uile é agus bhíodar buartha.Ach labhair sé leo láithreach agus dúirt leo:
“Bíodh misneach agaibh! mise atá ann, ná bíodh eagla oraibh.”
Tháinig sé isteach sa bhád chucu agus thit an ghaoth.
Agus tháinig alltacht thar na bearta orthu, mar níor thuig siad mar gheall ar na builíní, ach bhí a gcroí go dúr.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 11th January, 2026
The Baptism of the Lord The Baptism of the Lord. Jesus is anointed with the Spirit and proclaimed Messiah.
He now goes about doing good, working the signs that make him known as the Servant of God.
Jesus is the one who brings the Good News to the poor and tells of salvation.
His public life and ministry begins
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Here is my servant in whom my soul delights
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights.
I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations.
He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets.
He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame.
Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed
until true justice is established on earth, for the islands are awaiting his law.
I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right;
I have taken you by the hand and formed you;
I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations,
- to open the eyes of the blind,
- to free captives from prison,
- and those who live in darkness from the dungeon
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 28, 1-2, 3-4, 9-10
Response The Lord will bless his people with peace.
1. O give the Lord you sons of God, give the Lord glory and power;
give the Lord the glory of his name. Adore the Lord in his holy court. Response
2. The Lord's voice resounding on the waters, the Lord on the immensity of waters;
the voice of the Lord, full of power, the voice of the Lord, full of splendour. Response
3. The God of glory thunders. In his temple they all cry: 'Glory!'
The Lord sat enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits as king for ever. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
God anointed him with the Holy Spirit
Then Peter addressed Cornelius and his household:
'The truth I have now come to realise' he said 'is that God does not have favourites,
but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.
'It is true, God sent his word to the people of Israel, and it was to them that the good news of peace was brought by Jesus Christ - but Jesus Christ is Lord of all men. You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.'
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Mk:9:8
Alleluia, alleluia!
The heavens opened and the Father's voice resounded:
'This is my Son, the beloved. Listen to him.'
Alleluia!
GOSPEL Year A
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 3:13-17 Glory to you, O Lord
As soon as Jesus was baptised he saw the Spirit of God descending on him.
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him.
'It is I who need baptism from you' he said 'and yet you come to me!'
But Jesus replied,
'Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands'.
At this, John gave in to him.
As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven,
'This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him'.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Alternatives Readings for other years
for Year C
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke 3:15-16.21-22 Glory to you, O Lord
While Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened.
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all,
'I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire'
Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove and a voice came from heaven,
You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.
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.
___________________________________________
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.
alternate FIRST READING
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah 40:1-5. 9-11
'Console my people, console them' says your God.
'Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended,
that her sin is atoned for, that she has received from the hand of the Lord
double punishment for all her crimes.'
A voice cries, 'Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord.
Make a straight highway for our God across the desert.
Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low,
let every cliff become a plain, and the ridges a valley;
then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it;
for the mouth of the Lord God has spoken'
Go up on a high mountain, joyful messenger to Zion.
Shout with a loud voice, joyful messenger to Jerusalem.
Shout without fear, say to the towns of Judah, 'Here is your God'.
Here is the Lord the coming with power, his arm subduing all things to him.
The prize of his victory is with him, his trophies all go before him.
He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms,
holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother ewes.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-2. 3-4.24-25. 27-30 R/v 1
Response Bless the Lord my soul! Lord God how great you are.
1. Lord God how great you are, clothed in majesty and glory
wrapped in light as in a robe! you stretch out the heavens like a tent. Response
2. Above the rains you build your dwelling. you make the clouds your chariot,
you walk on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messengers
and flashing fire your servants. Response
3. The God of glory thunders. In his temple they all cry: 'Glory!'
The Lord sat enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits as king for ever. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of Paul to Titus 2:11-14. 3:4-7
He saved us by the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with he Holy Spirit
God's grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions: we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessings which will come with the appearance of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to ser us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it very own and would have no ambition except to do good.
When the kindness and the love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of cleansing water of rebirth by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has generously poured over us through Jesus Christ , our saviour. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Lk 3:16
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Someone is coming, said John, someone greater than I.
h will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke 3:15-16.21-22
While Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened.
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all,'I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire'
Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove and a voice came from heaven,
You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.
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/
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.
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Alleluia!
________________________
Responsorial Psalm Ps 28, 1-4
Response The Lord will bless his people with peace.
1. O give the Lord you sons of God, give the Lord glory and power;
give the Lord the glory of his name. Adore the Lord in his holy court. Response
2. The Lord's voice resounding on the waters, the Lord on the immensity of waters;
the voice of the Lord, full of power, the voice of the Lord, full of splendour. Response
3. How many are your works , O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all'
The earth is full of your riches. There is the sea vast and wide,
with its moving swarms past counting, living things great and small. Response
4. All of these look to you to give them their food in due season.
You give it, they gather it up. You open your hand, they have their fill. Response
5. You take back their spirit, they die, returning to the dust from which they came.
You send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of Paul to Titus 2:11_14. 3:4-7
Alternative First and Second Readings and Responses
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Here is my servant in whom my soul delights
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights.
I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations.
He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets.
He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame.
Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed
until true justice is established on earth, for the islands are awaiting his law.
I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right;
I have taken you by the hand and formed you;
I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations,
- to open the eyes of the blind,
- to free captives from prison,
- and those who live in darkness from the dungeon
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 28, 1-4
Response The Lord will bless his people with peace.
1. O give the Lord you sons of God, give the Lord glory and power;
give the Lord the glory of his name. Adore the Lord in his holy court. Response
2. The Lord's voice resounding on the waters, the Lord on the immensity of waters;
the voice of the Lord, full of power, the voice of the Lord, full of splendour. Response
3. The God of glory thunders. In his temple they all cry: 'Glory!'
The Lord sat enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits as king for ever. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
Theme: God anointed him with the Holy Spirit
Then Peter addressed Cornelius and his household:
'The truth I have now come to realise' he said 'is that God does not have favourites,
but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.
'It is true, God sent his word to the people of Israel, and it was to them that the good news of peace was brought by Jesus Christ - but Jesus Christ is Lord of all men. You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.'
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Mk:9:8
Alleluia, Alleluia!
The heavens opened and the Father's voice resounded:
'This is my Son, the beloved. Listen to him.'
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke 3:15-16.21-22
While Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened.
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all,
'I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire'
Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove and a voice came from heaven,
You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.
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.
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Alternate Gospel for Year A : Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him.
'It is I who need baptism from you' he said 'and yet you come to me!'
But Jesus replied,
'Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands'.
At this, John gave in to him.
As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven,
'This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him'.
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, 11th January, 2026
Féle Bhaiste ár dTiarna
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as an Leabhar Íseáia, Fáidh. 40:1-5. .9-11
Seo é mo shearbhónta a bhfuil páirt mo chléibhe leis.
“Sólás, beirigí sólás chuig mo mhuintir,” a deir bhur nDia.
“Labhraigí le croí Iarúsailéim agus fógraígí di go bhfuil aimsir a seirbhíse istigh,
go bhfuil a peaca maite, go bhfuair sí ó láimh an Tiarna pionós faoi dhó ina cionta go léir.”
Tá glór ag fógairt: “Réitigí cosán san fhásach le haghaidh an Tiarna.
Déanaigí díreach thar an machaire bealach mór dár nDia.
Líontar isteach gach gleann, agus íslítear gach sliabh agus gach cnoc;
déantar achréidh de na hailteanna agus míntír den gharbhchríoch.
Ansin foilseofar glóir an Tiarna agus feicfidh an uile fheoil í in éineacht.
Óir tá béal an Tiarna tar éis labhairt.”
Suas leat ar shliabh ard, a challaire an dea-scéala chuig Síón.
Ardaigh do ghlór go láidir, a challaire an dea-scéala chuig Iarúsailéim.
Ardaigh do ghlór gan eagla, abair le bailte Iúdá: “Seo é bhur nDia.”
Féach an Tiarna Dia ag teacht lena neart,agus a lámh ag smachtú roimhe!
Tá a luach saothair leis ina sheilbh,agus a éadáil ag dul roimhe amach.
Mar a dhéanfadh aoire ag aoireacht a thréada dó,
ag bailiú na n-uan chuige ina bhaclainn,
á n-iompar ar chlár a uchta
agus ag fosaíocht na gcaorach tórmaigh.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 28: 1-4. 9-10 R/v 11
Freagra Beannóidh an Tiarna a phobal Ie síocháin
1. Tugaigí don Tiarna, a chlann Dé, tugaigí don Tiarna clú agus cumhacht.
Tugaigí don Tiarna glóir a ainm. Adhraigí an Tiarna ina phálás naofa. Freagra
2.Tá glór an Tiarna ar an uisce, I tá an Tiarna ar na huiscí móra.
Tá glór an Tiarna go lánchumhachtach, tá glór an Tiarna go lánmhaorga. Freagra
3. Tá Tiarna na glóire ag toirneach. Cluintear ‘glóir!’ ó gach aon neach ina theampall.
Tá an Tiarna ina rí os cionn na díleann; tá an Tiarna ina rí go brách. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as Gníomhartha na nAspal 10:34-38
Rinne Dia é a ungadh leis an Spiorad Naomh.
Thosaigh Peadar ag labhairt le Coirnéilias agus lena theaghlach:
“Tuigim anois go fíor nach bhféachann Dia chun pearsan seachas a chéile ach cibé duine a thugann ómós dó agus a dhéanann an ceart, gur taitneamhach an duine sin dó is cuma cén cine ar díobh é.
Sin é an teachtaireacht a chuir sé go dtí clann Iosrael nuair a d’fhógair sé dea-scéal na síochána dóibh trí Íosa Críost – an té atá ina Thiarna ar chách uile. Tá a fhios agaibh an rud a thit amach ar fud Iúdáia, tar éis dó tosú sa Ghailíl i ndiaidh an bhaiste a d’fhógair Eoin, an scéal faoi Íosa ó Nazarat: mar a choisric Dia é leis an Spiorad Naomh agus le cumhacht; mar a chuaigh sé timpeall na tíre ag déanamh na maitheasa agus ag leigheas gach duine a bhí faoi smacht an diabhail, mar go raibh Dia fairis.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Mc 9: 8
Alleluia,alleluia!
Osclaíodh na flaithís agus cloiseadh glór an athar, á rá:
'Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach: éstigí leis.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 3:13-17 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Tháinig Íosa i láthair ansin: ón nGailíl a tháinig, go dtí an Iordáin ag triall ar Eoin chun baisteadh a fháil uaidh. Ach bhí Eoin ag iarraidh é stop.
“Is domsa is gá baisteadh a fháil uaitse,” ar seisean, “agus an bhfuil tusa ag teacht chugamsa?”
Dúirt Íosa leis á fhreagairt:
“Lig dó anois: is mar seo is cuí dúinn an fhíréantacht a chur i gcrích go hiomlán.” Lig sé dó ansin. An túisce is a baisteadh é, tháinig Íosa aníos as an uisce, agus osclaíodh na flaithis dó, agus chonaic sé Spiorad Dé ag teacht anuas mar a bheadh colm agus é ag tuirlingt air. Agus tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
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Malairt Soiscéal
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as naofa de réir Naomh Lúcás 3:15-16.21-22 Glóir duit a Thiarna.duit.
Ó bhí an pobal ar fionraí, agus cách ag machnamh ina gcroí i dtaobh Eoin,
go
mb’fhéidir gurbh é an Críost é, d’fhreagair Eoin á rá leo uile:“Táimse do bhurmbaisteadh le huisce, ach tá an té ag teacht atá níos treise ná mé, nach fiú mé iall a chuarán a scaoileadh; baistfidh seisean sibh leis an Spiorad Naomh agus le tine."
Ach tar éis don phobal uile a bheith baiste, tharla, nuair a bhí Íosa féin baiste agus é
ag guí, gur osclaíodh na flaithis, agus tháinig an Spiorad Naomh anuas air i gcruth
corpartha mar a bheadh colm, agus tháinig glór ó na flaithis:
“Is tú mo Mhac muirneach; is duit a thug mé gnaoi.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
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Malairt Soiscéal Blian A
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 3:13-17 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Tháinig Íosa i láthair ansin: ón nGailíl a tháinig, go dtí an Iordáin ag triall ar Eoin chun baisteadh a fháil uaidh. Ach bhí Eoin ag iarraidh é stop.
“Is domsa is gá baisteadh a fháil uaitse,” ar seisean, “agus an bhfuil tusa ag teacht chugamsa?”
Dúirt Íosa leis á fhreagairt:
“Lig dó anois: is mar seo is cuí dúinn an fhíréantacht a chur i gcrích go hiomlán.” Lig sé dó ansin. An túisce is a baisteadh é, tháinig Íosa aníos as an uisce, agus osclaíodh na flaithis dó, agus chonaic sé Spiorad Dé ag teacht anuas mar a bheadh colm agus é ag tuirlingt air. Agus tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 3:13-17 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Tháinig Íosa i láthair ansin: ón nGailíl a tháinig, go dtí an Iordáin ag triall ar Eoin chun baisteadh a fháil uaidh. Ach bhí Eoin ag iarraidh é stop.
“Is domsa is gá baisteadh a fháil uaitse,” ar seisean, “agus an bhfuil tusa ag teacht chugamsa?”
Dúirt Íosa leis á fhreagairt:
“Lig dó anois: is mar seo is cuí dúinn an fhíréantacht a chur i gcrích go hiomlán.” Lig sé dó ansin. An túisce is a baisteadh é, tháinig Íosa aníos as an uisce, agus osclaíodh na flaithis dó, agus chonaic sé Spiorad Dé ag teacht anuas mar a bheadh colm agus é ag tuirlingt air. Agus tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
