Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Dec 25 - St Anastasia, martyr
Summary: St Anastasia did many good deeds of generosity and worked many wonders before she herself was burnt to death. The name means "resurrection": we pray it is a symbol of the transformation of such people's lives. The Natashas is a book about the international sex trade inspired by St Anastasia.John Murray is the author of this piece.
Anastasia was a Roman lady of noble descent. Her father was an opulent and noble pagan, but her mother, who was a Christian, caused her to be baptised in her infancy, and secretly reared her as a follower of Christ. She was born during the third century, at a time when the Roman Empire was about to unleash all its venom against an emerging Christian Church.
Marriage and Persecution
When Anastasia was older, she was married off to a noble Roman named Publius, who was a pagan. Initially, he loved his wife a lot, but having discovered her Christian acts of piety, from a loving husband he became a cruel tyrant. He confined her to the house and treated her like a slave, such was his hatred for the newly emerging Christian faith.
Having been appointed Ambassador to the King of Persia by the Emperor, Publius gave permission to his domestics to mistreat his wife during his absence. Publius met with an untimely death on his journey, however, and Anastasia was able to resume her work for those who were suffering for the faith.
Anastasia occupied her time in consoling and succouring the Christians, particularly those who were in prison, whom she exhorted to suffer for the faith. It was indeed a time of great trial for the young Church, and many thousands found themselves in prison, their only crime being their following of Christ.
Ministry
Having heard of the arrest of St. Chrysogonus, she hurried to his prison, and considered herself fortunate in being able to be of service to him in his trial. He had been in prison for one year, using his time to instruct his fellow prisoners who were Christians and to introduce many pagans to the faith. Anastasia gave him as much assistance as she could. Chrysogonus was beheaded, however, by order of Diocletian, on 24 November in the year 303.Anastasia continued her mission to the prisoners. One day, as she went about an errand of charity, she found that all the holy confessors had been butchered by order of the Emperor, and she wept bitterly. When officers of the court asked why she wept, she replied, 'I weep because I have lost my brethren, who have been cruelly put to death'.
She, in turn, was arrested and brought before the prefect, Florus, who got no satisfaction from her defence, and so he sent her to the emperor Diocletian. Diocletian was unsuccessful in exhorting her to abandon a religion which was proscribed throughout the Empire, and so he sent her back to the prefect Florus. He sent her to the principal priest of the Capitol, Upian, in the hope that the latter could convince her to sacrifice to the gods. Upian, having used all his arts of persuasion in vain, said to her, 'Now I shall give you but three days to decide'.
Anastasia replied,
'They are three too many; you may imagine them already past. I am a Christian, and am anxious to die for Jesus Christ. From me you shall never get any other answer'.
Upian then employed the assistance of three idolatrous women, but they proved ineffectual in getting her to change her mind. He then made a second attempt himself, in which he had the effrontery to try to assault her sexually. Almost immediately, Upian became blind and, indeed, he died a short time afterwards.
Florus, enraged at the death of Upian, caused Anastasia to be shut up in prison, with the intention of starving her to death, but the Lord miraculously preserved her life. Florus then transferred her to another prison, thinking the jailer had transgressed his orders to starve her, but she continued to live without food.
Florus then ordered her to be put on board a ship with 120 others whom he had chosen to sacrifice to the gods. The ship was bored with holes, and was supposed to sink. It soon filled with water but, instead of sinking, found its way ashore. This miracle worked the conversion of all on board, who afterwards suffered martyrdom for Christ. Anastasia and the others were then conducted to the island of Palmarola, where she finally was burnt to death.
A Christian lady obtained the remnants of her body, and gave it an honourable burial near Zara, in Dalmatia. About the year 460, under the Emperor Leo, her relics were transferred to Constantinople, and placed in the celebrated Church of the Resurrection, called The Anastasia.
[caption id="attachment_73644" align="alignright" width="322"]
Station Churches of Rome The Church is built on the sight of Anastasia's family mansion, and her relics are under the high altar.[/caption]Natasha
The word 'Anastasia' is derived from the Greek word 'anastasis', which means 'resurrection'. This was the reason for burying her relics in the original church of that name. The Eastern European version of that same name is 'Natasha'.
Sadly, this name has taken on an unsavoury flavour in recent years, as Europe emerges from the shadows of the Cold War. With the break-up of the old Soviet empire, there has been a great movement of population westwards. Ireland has seen the appearance of people from many of these former Soviet republics and satellite states. Many young girls and women have been lured to work in the West by false promises of jobs and security.
What many did not realize is that they were being lured into the sex industry. They were helped to obtain passports and visas, but their passport was into slavery, where pimps and predators tricked these unsuspecting women into a sordid life of sexual bondage. Recently, the Canadian journalist, Victor Malarek, has written a book on the international sex trade called The Natashas, in which he highlights the plight of these women.
Sadly, the enormous demand for commercial sex is the core of the problem. Here, every country has to examine its conscience in regard to the creation of this ugly industry.
When we think of St Anastasia, we think of a woman who loved her Lord and Saviour despite the cruelty of her husband, and who resisted the sexual demands of a depraved pagan priest. We could do worse than invoke her intercession for help in bringing to an end this cruel and exploitative trade in human misery. May her name be fulfilled for the many thousands who wish to rise from slavery and experience new life.
This article first appeared in The Messenger (April 2006), a publication of the Irish Jesuits.
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Memorable Sayings for Today
You may choose to look the other way
but you can never say again that you did not know.”
~ William Wilberforce (on the evil of Slavery) ~
“It surprises people that there’s actually a very large number of slaves
in the world today — our best estimate is 27 million.
And that is defining a slave in a very narrow way"
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Liturgical Readings for: Friday, 26th December, 2025
Christmas Season Masses
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- CHRISTMAS TIME -
Early Evening Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve (24th Dec)
I bring you news of great joy. This night will be born for us, a son given to us.
'The virgin will conceive and bear a son and they will call him Emmanuel'
FIRST READING
A reading from the prophet Isaiah 62:1-5
The Lord takes delight in you.
About Zion I will not be silent, about Jerusalem I will not grow weary,
until her integrity shines out like the dawn and her salvation flames like a torch.
The nations then will see your integrity, all the kings your glory,
and you will be called by a new name, one which the mouth of the Lord will confer.
You are to be a crown of splendour in the hand of the Lord,
a princely diadem in the hand of your God;
no longer are you to be named 'Forsaken', nor your land 'Abandoned',
but you shall be called 'My Delight' and your land 'The Wedded';
for the Lord takes delight in you and your land will have its wedding.
Like a young man marrying a virgin, so will the one who built you wed you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices in his bride, so will your God rejoice in you.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 88:4-5, 16-17 ,27. 29.
Response I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.
1. 'I have made a covenant with my chosen one; have sworn to David my servant:
I will establish your dynasty for ever and set up your throne through all ages.' Response
2. Happy the people who acclaim such a king, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
who find their joy every day in your name, who make your justice the source of their bliss. Response
3. 'He will say to me: "You are my father, my God, the rock who saves me."
I will keep my love for him always; for him my covenant shall endure.' Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 13:16-17. 22-25
Paul's witness to Christ, the son of David.
When Paul reached Antioch in Pisidia, he stood up in the synagogue, held up a hand for silence and began to speak:
'Men of Israel, and fearers of God, listen! The God of our nation Israel chose our ancestors,
and made our people great when they were living as foreigners in Egypt; then by divine power he led them out,
'Then he made David their king, of whom he approved in these words,
"I have selected David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will carry out my whole purpose".
To keep his promise, God has raised up for Israel one of David's descendants, Jesus, as Saviour, whose coming was heralded by John when he proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the whole people of Israel. Before John ended his career he said,
"I am not the one you imagine me to be; that one is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his sandal".'
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
Tomorrow there will be an end of sin of the world and the saviour of the world will be our king.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 1:1-25 Glory to you, O Lord.
Genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham.
A genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham:
Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah, Tamar being their mother,
Perez was the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon was the father of Boaz,
Rahab being his mother, Boaz was the father of Obed, Ruth being his mother,
Obed was the father of Jesse; and Jesse was the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife,
Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asa, Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Azariah,
Azariah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz,
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah;
Josiah was the father of Jechoniah and his brothers.
Then the deportation to Babylon took place.
After the deportation to Babylon:
Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor was the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud,
Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob; Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary;
of her was born Jesus who is called Christ.
The sum of generations is therefore: fourteen from Abraham to David; fourteen from David to the Babylonian deportation; and fourteen from the Babylonian deportation to Christ.
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 and, though he had not had intercourse with her, she gave birth to a son; and he named him Jesus.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Shorter form of the Gospel
The Lord be with you And also with you.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 1:18-25 Glory to you O Lord
How Jesus came to be born.
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 and, though he had not had intercourse with her, she gave birth to a son; and he named him Jesus.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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For homily resources for this Christmas Eve's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
25-12-Christmas Midnight and the three Christmas Day Masses,
"Apart from the annual celebration of the Paschal Mystery,the Church has no more ancient custom than celebrating
the Memorial of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ- Emmanuel"
Tonight we begin our Christmas Season Time.
1. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
'I bring you news of great joy.
This night will be born for us, a son given to us'
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The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
1. Midnight Mass
FIRST READING
A reading from the prophet Isaiah 9:1-7
A Son is given to us.
The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone.
You have made their gladness greater, you have made their joy increase; they rejoice in your presence as men rejoice at harvest time, as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils.
For the yoke that was weighing on him, the bar across his shoulders,
the rod of his oppressor, these you break as on the day of Midian.
For all the footgear of battle, every cloak rolled in blood, is burnt, and consumed by fire. For there is a child born for us, a son given to us and dominion is laid on his shoulders; and this is the name they give him:
Wonder-Counsellor, ...Mighty-God, ...Eternal-Father, ...Prince-of-Peace.
Wide is his dominion in a peace that has no end, for the throne of David and for his royal power,
which he establishes and makes secure in justice and integrity.
From this time onwards and for ever, the jealous love of the Lord of hosts will do this.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 95: 1-3, 11-13 R/v Lk 2:11
Response Today a saviour has been born to us; he is Christ the Lord.
1. O sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord all the earth.
O sing to the Lord, bless his name Response
2. Proclaim his help day by day, tell among the nations his glory
and his wonders among all the peoples Response
3. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad, let the sea and all within it thunder praise,
let the land and all it bears rejoice, all the trees of the wood shout for joy
at the presence of the Lord for he comes,
he comes to rule the earth. Response
4. With justice he will rule the world,
he will judge the peoples with his truth. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of St Paul to Titus 2:11-14
God's grace has been revealed, to the whole human race.
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 blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus.He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own and would have no ambition except to do good.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
I bring you news of great joy: today a saviour has been born to us, Christ the Lord.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And also with you.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 2:1-14 Glory to you O Lord
Today a saviour has been born to us.
Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census - the first - took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David's House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there the time came for her have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.
In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said,
'Do not be afraid. Listen,
I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people.
Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.'
And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:
'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to all who enjoy his favour.'
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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2. Dawn Mass: Christmas Day
FIRST READING
A reading from the prophet Isaiah 62:11-12
Look, your saviour comes.
This the Lord proclaims to the ends of the earth:'Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Look, your saviour comes, the prize of his victory with him, his trophies before him’.
They shall be called
‘The Holy People’,
‘The Lord’s Redeemed’.
And you shall be called ‘The-sought-after’, ‘City-not-forsaken’.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:1. 6. 11-12
Response This day new light will shine upon the earth: the Lord is born for us.
1 The Lord is king, let earth rejoice, the many coastlands be glad.
The skies proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory. Response
2 Light shines forth for the just and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord; give glory to his holy name. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of St Paul to Titus 3:4-7
It was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us.
When the kindness and 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 the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so 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 2:14
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 2:15-20 Glory to you, O Lord.
The shepherds found Mary and Joseph and the baby.
Now when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,
‘Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’
So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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3. Mass during the Day
FIRST READING
A reading from the prophet Isaiah 52:7-10
All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
How beautiful on the mountains, are the feet of one who brings good news,
who heralds peace, brings happiness, proclaims salvation, and tells Zion, 'Your God is king!'Listen! Your watchmen raise their voices, they shout for joy together,
for they see the Lord face to face, as he returns to Zion.
Break into shouts of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord is consoling his people, redeeming Jerusalem.
The Lord bares his holy arm in the sight of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1-6
Response All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
1 Sing a new song to the Lord for he has worked wonders.
His right hand and his holy arm have brought salvation. Response
2 The Lord has made known his salvation; has shown his justice to the nations.
He has remembered his truth and love for the house of lsrael. Response
3 All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord all the earth, ring out your joy. Response
4 Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp, with the sound of music.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter to the Hebrews 1: 1-6
God has spoken to us through his Son
At various times in the past and in various different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the last days, he has spoken to us through his Son, the Son that he has appointed to inherit everything and through whom he made everything there is.
He is the radiant light of God's glory
and the perfect copy of his nature, sustaining the universe by his powerful command; and now that he has destroyed the defilement of sin, he has gone to take his place in heaven at the right hand of divine Majesty. So he is now as far above the angels as the title which he has inherited is higher than their own name.God has never said to any angel: You are my Son, today I have become your Father;
or: I will be a father to him and he a son to me.
Again, when he brings the First-born into the world, he says:
Let all the angels of God worship him.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
A hallowed day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, worship the Lord,
for today a great light has shone down upon the earth.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 1:1-18 Glory to you, O Lord
The Word was made flesh.
In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came to be,
not one thing had its being but through him.
All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of men,
a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower.
A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness,
as a witness to speak for the light, so that everyone might believe through him.
He was not the light, only a witness to speak for the light.
The Word was the true light
that enlightens all men; and he was coming into the world.
He was in the world that had its being through him, and the world did not know him.
He came to his own domain and his own people did not accept him.
But to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God,
to all who believe in the name of him who was born not out of human stock
or urge of the flesh or will of man but of God himself.
The Word was made flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory,
the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John appears as his witness. He proclaims:
'This is the one of whom I said:
He who comes after me ranks before me because he existed before me'.
Indeed, from his fulness we have, all of us, received –
yes, grace in return for grace, since, though the Law was given through Moses,
grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God; it is the only Son,
who is nearest to the Father's heart, who has made him known.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
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Shorter form of the Gospel
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 1:1-5, 9-14 Glory to you, O Lord.
The Word was made flesh
In the beginning was the Word:
and the Word was with Godand the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him.
All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of men,
a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower.
The Word was the true light that enlightens all men; and he was coming into the world.
He was in the world that had its being through him, and the world did not know him.
He came to his own domain and his own people did not accept him.But to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God,
to all who believe in the name of him who was born not out of human stock
or urge of the flesh or will of man but of God himself.
The Word was made flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory.
The glory that is his as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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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/
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
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Liturgical Readings for: Friday, 26th December, 2025
An Nollaig
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2. Aifreann na Mean Oíche
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as Leabhar Fáidh Íseáia 9:1-7
Tugadh mac dúinn
An pobal a bhí ag siúl sa dorchadas, chonaic siad solas mór;
agus ar mhuintir na tíre gruama tá solas ag lonrú.
Chuir tú go mór lena n-áthas, mheadaigh tú ar a lúcháir; tá siad ag déanamh gairdis os do chomhair,
mar a dhéanann in aimsir an fhómhair, amhail an gairdeas lena roinntear an chreach.
Óir an chuing a bhí anuas orthu, an choirb ar a nguaillí,
agus slat an aintiarna, déanann tú smionagar díobh mar a rinne tú lá briste Mhidián.
Óir gach coisbheart catha, agus gach fallaing a tumadh san fhuil, tá siad loiscthe,tá siad dóite le tine.
Óir rugadh leanbh dúinn, tugadh mac dúinn; tá an tiarnas ar a ghualainn, agus is é ainm atá air:
“Comhairleoir iontach”, ...“Dia láidir”, ...“Athair síoraí”, ....“Prionsa na Síochána”.
Níl teorainn lena thiarnas ná críoch lena shíocháin
ar chathaoir ríoga Dháiví agus ar a ríogacht,
ag cur bun agus taca leo, sa cheart agus san fhíréantacht feasta go brách.
– Díograis dhílis an Tiarna a chuirfidh sin i gcrích.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 95
Freagra Rugadh slánaitheoir duinn inniú: is e Críost an Tiarna é.
1. Canaigí amhrán nua don Tiarna, canaigí don Tiarna, a thalamh go léir.Canaigí don Tiarna agus molaigí a ainm. Freagra
2. Fógraígí a shlánu ó lá go lá. Insígí a ghlóir i measc na gciníocha
agus a éachtaí do na náisiúin uile. Freagra
3. Bíodh áthas ar neamh agus ar talamh; tugadh an mhuir agus a bhfuil inti a nglór;
bíodh lúcháir ar an machaire agus a bhfuil ann;
tógadh crainn uile na coille gártha áthais i bhfianaise an Tiarna atá ag teacht. Freagra
4. Tá sé ag teacht a rialú na cruinne chun an domhan a rialú go cothrom
agus fíorbhreith a thabhairt ar na daoine. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as Litir Naomh Pól chuig Títas 2:11-14
Tá grásta Dé foilsithe don uile dhuine.
Tá grásta Dé foilsithe anois, ag cur slánú ar fáil
don uile dhuine. Múineann sé dúinn cúl a thabhairt leis an éagráifeacht agus leis na mianta saolta agus maireachtáil sa ré atá anois ann go stuama ionraic diaganta, fad a bheimid ag feitheamh le fíoradh ár ndóchais bheannaithe, le taibhsiú glórmhar ár nDé mhóir agus ár dTiarna Íosa Críost.Thug seisean é féin suas ar ár son chun sinn a fhuascailt ó gach urchóid agus chun pobal ar leith a íonghlanadh dó féin, pobal a bheadh cíocrach chun dea-oibreacha.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Lc 2: 10-11
Alleluia, alleluia!
Tá dea-scéala agam daoibh: rugadh slánaitheoir dúinn inniu: is é Críost an Tiarna é.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Lúcás 2:1-14 Glóir duit, a Thiarna
Rugadh slánaitheoir daoibh inniu.
Tharla sna laethanta sin go ndeachaigh forógra amach ó Chéasar Agust an domhan uile a chlárú. B’é seo an chéad chlárú a rinneadh nuair a bhí Cuiríon ina ghobharnóir ar an tSuír. Agus chuaigh cách chun a gcláraithe, gach aon duine go dtí a chathair féin.
Agus chuaigh Iósaef freisin suas ón nGailíl, ó chathair Nazarat, go hIúdáia, go dtí cathair Dháiví ar a nglaotar Beithil, de bhrí gur de theaghlach agus de threabhchas Dháiví é féin, chun a chláraithe mar aon le Muire, a bhean chéile, a bhí ag iompar clainne. Agus tharla, le linn dóibh bheith ann, gur tháinig a hionú, agus rug sí a céadghin mic, agus chuir i gcrios ceangail é, agus shín i mainséar é, de bhrí nach raibh slí dóibh san óstan.
Agus bhí aoirí sa taobh tíre céanna, amuigh faoin spéir, ag faireacháin oíche i mbun a dtréada. Agus sheas aingeal an Tiarna láimh leo, agus shoilsigh glóir an Tiarna ina dtimpeall, agus bhí uamhan agus eagla mhór orthu. Agus dúirt an t-aingeal leo:
“Ná bíodh eagla oraibh: óir féach, tá dea-scéala agam daoibh a chuirfidh áthas mór ar an bpobal uile: rugadh Slánaitheoir daoibh inniu – is é Críost an Tiarna é – i gcathair Dháiví. Agus is comhartha daoibh é seo: gheobhaidh sibh naíonán i gcrios ceangail agus é ina luí i mainséar.”
Agus bhí go tobann, mar aon leis an aingeal, cuallacht de shlua na bhflaitheas ag moladh Dé agus ag rá:
“Glóir do Dhia in uachtar neimhe,
agus síocháin ar talamh don mhuintir ar a bhfuil a ghnaoi!”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
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3. Aifreann an Lae
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as Leabhar Fáidh Íseáia 52:7-10
Feicfidh críocha uile na talún beart tarrthála ár nDé.
Nach álainn ar na sléibhte cosa an té a bhfuil dea-scéala leis, síocháin á craoladh aige, maitheas á fógairt aige,
fuascailt á craoladh aige, á rá le Síón:
“Tá do Dhia tar éis teacht i réim.”Éist! Tá do lucht faire ag ardú a nglóir, ag liúireach le háthas in éineacht,
óir is léir dóibh lena súile cinn an Tiarna ag filleadh ar Shíón.
Scairtigí amach le háthas, a bhallóga Iarúsailéim!
mar tá an Tiarna ag tabhairt sóláis dá mhuintir,
tá sé ag fuascailt Iarúsailéim.
Tá an Tiarna ag nochtadh a láimhe naofa os comhair súile na gciníocha go léir,
agus feicfidh críocha uile na talún beart tarrthála ár nDé.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia.
Salm le Freagra Sm 97
Freagra Chonaic críocha uile na cruinne slanú ár nDé.
1. Canaigí amhrán nua don Tiarna óir rinne sé éachtaí.
Le neart a dheasláimhe is a chuisle naofarug sé bua dó fein. Freagra
2. D'fhoilsigh an Tiarna a shlánú. Nocht sé a fhíréantacht do na náisiúin.
Ba chuimhin leis a fhírinne is a ghrá do theaghlach Isráél. Freagra
3. Chonaic críocha uile na cruinne slanú ár nDé.
Gairdígí sa Tiarna, a chríocha uile, agus nochtaigí bhur n-áthas dó. Freagra
4. Canaigí sailm don Tiarna leis an gcruit agus le fuaim na cláirsí
Tugaigí gartha le fuaim stoic is adhairce don Tiarna ár rí. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as Litir chuig na hEabhraigh 1:1-6
Labhair Dia linn trína Mhac.
Labhair Dia go minic agus ar shlite éagsúla anallód léis na haithreacha trí bhíthin na bhfáithe; ach sna laethanta deireanacha seo labhair sé linn trína Mhac, an té a cheap sé ina oidhre ar an uile ní agus ar tríd a rinne sé a bhfuil ann.
Is é scáil a ghlóire agus cló a shubstainte é. Is é a choinníonn an chruinne ar bun lena bhriathar bríomhar. Tar éis dó ár bpeacaí a ghlanadh chuaigh sé ina shuí ar dheis Dé sna harda agus fuair sé gradam an oiread céanna níos uaisle ná na haingil is atá an t-ainm a fuair sé mar oidhreacht níos uaisle ná a n-ainm siúd.Óir cé acu de na haingil a ndúirt sé leis riamh:
“Is tú mo Mhac, inniu a ghin mé thú”; agus arís:
“Beidh mé i m’Athair aige agus beidh seisean ina Mhac agamsa”?
Agus arís eile, nuair a sheol sé an Chéadghin isteach sa saol, dúirt sé leis:
“Agus sléachtadh aingil uile Dé roimhe.”
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Lc 2: 14
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glóir do Dhia in uachtar neimhe.
agus síocháin ar talamh don mhuintir ar a bhfuil a ghnaoi.
Alleluia
SOISCÉAL
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Eoin 1:1-18
Rinneadh feoil den Bhriathar agus chónaigh sé inár measc.
Bhí an Briathar ann i dtús báire agus bhí an Briathar in éineacht le Dia, agus ba Dhia an Briathar.
Bhí sé ann i dtús baire in éineacht le Dia. Rinneadh an uile ní tríd agus gan é ní dhearnadh aon ní dá ndearnadh.
Is ann a bhí an bheatha agus ba é solas na ndaoine an bheatha.
Agus tá an solas ag taitneamh sa dorchadas,ach níor ghabh an dorchadas é.
Bhí fear a tháinig ina theachtaire ó Dhia, agus Eoin ab ainm dó.
Tháinig sé ag déanamh fianaise chun fianaise a thabhairt i dtaobh an tsolais chun go gcreidfeadh cách tríd.
Níorbh é féin an solas ach tháinig ag tabhairt fianaise i dtaobh an tsolais.
An solas fírinneach a shoilsíonn gach aon duine, bhí sé ag teacht ar an saol.
Bhí sé ar an saol agus is tríd a rinneadh an saol, agus níor aithin an saol é.
Chun a chuid féin a tháinig agus níor ghlac a mhuintir leis.
Ach an uile dhuine a ghlac leis, thug sé de cheart dóibh
go ndéanfaí clann Dé díobh, dóibh seo a chreideann ina ainm,
an mhuintir nach as folanna a rugadh iad ná as toil feola, ná as toil fir ach ó Dhia.
Agus rinneadh feoil den Bhriathar agus chónaigh sé inár measc,
agus chonaiceamar-na a ghlóir, a ghlóir mar Aonghin ón Athair, lán de ghrásta agus d’fhírinne.
Tagann Eoin ag tabhairt fianaise ina thaobh agus glaonn in ard a ghutha:
“É seo an té a ndúirt mé faoi:
‘An té atá ag teacht í mo dhiaidh,tá an tosach aige orm mar bhí sé ann romham.’”
Óir ghlacamar uile as a lánmhaireacht, sea, grásta ar ghrásta.
Tugadh an dlí go deimhin trí Mhaois,
ach tháinig an grásta agus an fhírinne trí Íosa Críost.
Ní fhaca aon duine riamh Dia. An tAonghin atá i gcochall chroí Dé, eisean a d’aithris.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
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SOISCÉAL gearr
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Eoin 1:1-5, 9-14
Rinneadh feoil den Bhriathar agus chónaigh sé inár measc.
Bhí an Briathar ann i dtús báire agus bhí an Briathar in éineacht le Dia,
agus ba Dhia an Briathar.
Bhí sé ann i dtús baire in éineacht le Dia.
Rinneadh an uile ní tríd agus gan é ní dhearnadh aon ní dá ndearnadh.
Is ann a bhí an bheatha agus ba é solas na ndaoine an bheatha.
Agus tá an solas ag taitneamh sa dorchadas, ach níor ghabh an dorchadas é.
Bhí fear a tháinig ina theachtaire ó Dhia, agus Eoin ab ainm dó.
Tháinig sé ag déanamh fianaise chun fianaise a thabhairt i dtaobh an tsolais
chun go gcreidfeadh cách tríd.
Níorbh é féin an solas ach tháinig ag tabhairt fianaise i dtaobh an tsolais.
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.
