Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Jan 4 - St Elizabeth Ann Bayley-Seton (1774-1821)
Elizabeth Ann Bayley-Seton was the first native-born American to be canonised a saint. At nineteen she married a wealthy merchant William Magee Seton, but after ten years of happy marriage and motherhood, her husband died. She then converted to Catholicism, became a religious sister and did great work as an educator and social worker.
Patrick Duffy tells her story.
Early life
Elizabeth came from a prominent New York Episcopalian family. Her father Dr Richard Bayley was a physician and professor of anatomy at King's College, which later became Columbia College. Her mother was the daughter of the rector of the Episcopal Church of St Andrew's on Staten Island. She died when Elizabeth was only three. Elizabeth was brought up by her father and from him she inherited a concern for nursing the sick, especially the sick poor.
Marriage
At the age of twenty she married William Seton, a wealthy shipping merchant, and they had five children, two boys and three girls. Elizabeth founded a society for the relief of poor widows with sick children. William lost many of his ships in the Napoleonic War and subsequently developed tuberculosis. In 1803 William and Elizabeth went to Italy and stayed with some Catholic friends at Livorno, but he died after six weeks.
Becomes a Catholic
On her return to New York, Elizabeth, despite strong opposition from her Episcopalian family and friends, determined to become a Catholic. She was received into the Catholic Church in March 1805 and confirmed by John Carroll, bishop of Baltimore in 1806.
Founds a Religious Community
Elizabeth started a school for boys in New York and then was asked by a priest from Baltimore to open a school for girls there in 1808. This school did well and Elizabeth gathered a group of women with whom she started a religious community at Emmitsburg near Baltimore, based on the rule of St Vincent de Paul. This community became known as the Daughters of Charity of St Joseph.
Social Worker and Educator
Elizabeth devoted her attention especially to the poor, but also laid the foundation of the parochial school system in America, training teachers and preparing text-books for use in the schools. She also opened orphanages in Philadelphia and New York city.
Death and Influence
Elizabeth died at Emmitsburg on 4the January 1821. She was beatified by Pope John XXIII in 1963 and canonised in the presence of 1,000 nuns of her order in 1975. Her religious community has spread to South America, Italy and missionary countries. At her canonisation Pope Paul VI named the extraordinary contributions she had made as a wife, mother, widow and consecrated nun.
Patrick Duffy tells her story.
Early life
Elizabeth came from a prominent New York Episcopalian family. Her father Dr Richard Bayley was a physician and professor of anatomy at King's College, which later became Columbia College. Her mother was the daughter of the rector of the Episcopal Church of St Andrew's on Staten Island. She died when Elizabeth was only three. Elizabeth was brought up by her father and from him she inherited a concern for nursing the sick, especially the sick poor.Marriage
At the age of twenty she married William Seton, a wealthy shipping merchant, and they had five children, two boys and three girls. Elizabeth founded a society for the relief of poor widows with sick children. William lost many of his ships in the Napoleonic War and subsequently developed tuberculosis. In 1803 William and Elizabeth went to Italy and stayed with some Catholic friends at Livorno, but he died after six weeks.
Becomes a Catholic
On her return to New York, Elizabeth, despite strong opposition from her Episcopalian family and friends, determined to become a Catholic. She was received into the Catholic Church in March 1805 and confirmed by John Carroll, bishop of Baltimore in 1806.
Founds a Religious Community
Elizabeth started a school for boys in New York and then was asked by a priest from Baltimore to open a school for girls there in 1808. This school did well and Elizabeth gathered a group of women with whom she started a religious community at Emmitsburg near Baltimore, based on the rule of St Vincent de Paul. This community became known as the Daughters of Charity of St Joseph.
Social Worker and Educator
Elizabeth devoted her attention especially to the poor, but also laid the foundation of the parochial school system in America, training teachers and preparing text-books for use in the schools. She also opened orphanages in Philadelphia and New York city.
Death and Influence
Elizabeth died at Emmitsburg on 4the January 1821. She was beatified by Pope John XXIII in 1963 and canonised in the presence of 1,000 nuns of her order in 1975. Her religious community has spread to South America, Italy and missionary countries. At her canonisation Pope Paul VI named the extraordinary contributions she had made as a wife, mother, widow and consecrated nun.________________________
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Memorable Quotes of the Day
Live simply, so that all may simply live.
The gate of heaven is very low; only the humble can enter it.
also
The first end I propose in our daily work
is to do the will of God;
secondly, to do it in the manner he wills it;
and thirdly to do it because it is his will.
~ St Elizabeth Ann Seten ~
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Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 4th January, 2026
01-04 before Epiphany
Jesus has come to undo the work of the devil.
FIRST READING
A reading from the first letter of St John 3:7-10
He cannot sin when he has been begotten by God.
My children, do not let anyone lead you astray: to live a holy life is to be holy just as he is holy;
to lead a sinful life is to belong to the devil, since the devil was a sinner from the beginning.
It was to undo all that the devil has done that the Son of God appeared.
No one who has been begotten by God sins; because God's seed remains inside him,
he cannot sin when he has been begotten by God.
In this way we distinguish the children of God from the children of the devil:
anybody not living a holy life and not loving his brother is no child of God's.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm Ps 97
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. Let the sea and all within it, thunder; the world, and all its peoples.
Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy at the presence of the Lord. Response
3. For the Lord comes, he comes to rule the earth.
He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with fairness. Response
Gospel Acclamation Jn 1:14. 12
Alleluia, alleluia!
The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.
To all who received him he gave power to become children of God.
Alleluia!
Or Heb 1:1-2
Alleluia, alleluia!
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.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 1:35-42 Glory to you, O Lord
We have found the Messiah.
As John stood there again with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said,
'Look, there is the lamb of God'.
Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said,
'What do you want?'
They answered, 'Rabbi,' - which means Teacher -'where do you live?'
'Come and see' he replied;
so they went and saw where he lived, and stayed with him the rest of that day. It was about the tenth hour.
One of these two who became followers of Jesus after hearing what John had said was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter.
Early next morning, Andrew met his brother and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' - which means the Christ - and he took Simon to Jesus.
Jesus looked hard at him and said,
'You are Simon, son of John; you are to be called Cephas' - meaning Rock.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Gospel Reflection 4th Jan. before Epiphany, John 1:35–42
In today’s gospel reading John the Baptist introduced two of his disciples to Jesus, saying to them, ‘Look, there is the Lamb of God’. It was because of what John the Baptist said to his two disciples that they began to follow Jesus. Jesus could then speak to them directly, ‘What do you want?’ ‘Come and see’. The Lord wants to speak to each one of us directly, but he often needs others to firstly pave the way. A person of faith takes some initiative towards us, and then we discover the call of the Lord for ourselves. John the Baptist created a space for Jesus to engage directly with his disciples and for them to respond. According to the gospel reading, that pattern then repeated itself. One of John the Baptist’s two disciples was Andrew. Having spent time with Jesus, having developed a personal relationship with Jesus, Andrew then introduced his brother Simon to Jesus. He created a space for Jesus to engage personally with Peter and for Peter to respond. What John the Baptist did for Andrew and what Andrew did for Peter, Peter would go on to do for many others.
He created a space for the Lord to relate in a very personal way to others and for them to respond. We can each give thanks for all those who introduced us to the Lord, who played the role in our lives that Andrew played in the life of Peter, that Peter played in the life of many others, and that, later on in John’s gospel, the Samaritan woman played in the life of her townspeople, and that Mary Magdalene played in the life of the other disciples on Easter Sunday morning. Both these women played a significant role in bringing others to the Lord. Each of us is called to bring others to the Lord, perhaps just one person. We don’t have to be great missionaries to introduce someone to the Lord. Very often our own quiet and faithful witness to the Lord and his way of life will, in time, bear that rich fruit for others.
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The Scripture Readings are taken from The Jerusalem Bible, published 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd. and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/
The Scripture Reflection is made available with our thanks from his book Reflections on the Weekday Readings 2024: The Word is near to you, on your lips and in your heart by Martin Hogan and published by Messenger Publications , c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
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Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 4th January, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHT Sliocht as an chéad litir Naomh Eoin 3:7-10
Ní féidir leis peacú mar gur ó Dhia a shíolraigh.
A chlann liom, ná cuireadh éinne amú sibh. An té a shaothraíonn an fhíréantacht, is fíréan é amhail is fíréan eisean.
An té a dhéanann an peaca is den diabhal é mar gur peacach an diabhal ó thús.
Is chuige seo a foilsíodh Mac Dé, go scriosfadh sé saothar an diabhail.
Gach duine a shíolraigh ó Dhia, ní dhéanann peaca mar go maireann a shíolsan ann agus ní féidir dó peacú mar gur ó Dhia a shíolraigh.
Mar seo a léirítear cé hiad clann Dé agus cé hiad clann an diabhail;
gach duine nach saothraíonn an fhíréantacht ní ó Dhia dó,
agus is é a fhearacht sin ag an té nach dtugann grá dá bhráthair.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 97
Freagra Chonaic críocha uile na cruinne slánú ár nDé
I. Canaigí amhrán nua don Tiarna óir rinne sé éachtaí
Le neart a dheasláimhe is a chuisle naofa Rug sé bua dó féin. Freagra
2. Bíodh an fharraige agus a bhfuil inti ag búirthíl, an domhan agus a maireann ann.
Bíodh na haibhneacha ag bualadh a mbos; Déanadh na sléibhte gairdeas
i bhfianaise an Tiarna atá ag teacht a rialú na cruinne. Freagra
3. Tá an Tiarna ag teacht a rialú na cruinne.
Sé an domhan a rialú go cóir agus náisiúin go cothrom. Freagra
Alleluia Véarsa 1 Eoin :14 12
Alleluia, alleluia!
Agus rinneadh feoil den Bhriathar agus bhí sé inár measc,
An uile dhuine a ghlac é, thug sé de cheart dóibh go ndéanfaí clann Dé díobh.
Alleluia!
Alleluia Véarsa eile Eib 1: 1-2
Alleluia, alleluia!
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.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Eoin 1:35-42 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Fuaireamar an Meisias.
San am sin bhí Eoin ina sheasamh ansiúd agus beirt dá dheisceabail. Agus ag stánadh dó ar Íosa ag gabháil thart dúirt sé: “Seo é Uan Dé.” Chuala an bheirt deisceabal é ag rá na cainte agus lean siad Íosa.D’iompaigh Íosa, chonaic iad á leanúint agus dúirt sé leo: “Cad tá uaibh?”
D’fhreagair siad é:
“A raibí” – is é sin le rá “a mháistir” – “Cá bhfuil cónaí ort?”
“Tagaigí agus feicigí,” ar sé leo.
Tháinig siad dá bhrí sin agus chonaic siad cá raibh cónaí air, agus d’fhan siad fairis an lá sin. Bhí sé timpeall an deichiú huair.
Duine den bheirt a chuala Eoin agus a lean Íosa a ba ea Aindrias, deartháir Shíomóin Peadar. Fuair seisean ar dtús a dheartháir féin Síomón agus dúirt sé leis: “Fuaireamar an Meisias” – is é sín le rá an tUngthach.
Thug sé leis é chun Íosa. D’fhéach Íosa go grinn air agus dúirt:
“Is tú Síomón mac Eoin. Tabharfar ort Céafas” – focal a chiallaíonn Carraig.
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.
_______________________________________________
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.
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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.
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.
************************
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.
************************
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
