Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Dec 11 - Pope St Damasus (366-384)
Summary : St Damasus I, pope. Born in Rome about 305, the son of a priest, died there on this day in 384. He was elected bishop of Rome amid violent rivalry and was very active in opposing fourth century heresies.
Damasus was a strong proponent of the papal primacy of Rome in well known for sorting out controversies during the 4th century. He was also responsible for introducing Latin to replace Greek as the language of the liturgy at Rome, for building and restoring churches and for his care of the Roman catacombs.
Patrick Duffy tells his story.
After Christianity became the official religion of the Roman state and Latin was becoming the principal liturgical language, he is also remembered for promoting the cult of the Roman martyrs, inscribing their tombs with epitaphs in verse and commissioning St Jerome to prepare a new Latin translation of the Bible.
Controversies on doctrine and the papacy
Controversy had become quite common both with regard to the Arian heresy and with regard to the papacy itself by the time Damasus was named pope in 366. Having the emperors supporting the Church was not always an unmixed blessing, especially when they had their own opinions on doctrine and if there was a split in the imperial family.
Controversies during the pontificates of Julius (337-352) and Liberius (352-366)
Constantine died in 337. Of the two sons who succeeded him, Constans ruling in the West from Milan was an ardent Catholic, whereas Constantius in the East ruling from Constantinople was a declared Arian. A council was called in 343 at Sardica (modern Sofia in Bulgaria) to resolve the differences. Eighty bishops from each side attended, but when the Eastern delegation, who were mostly Arians, saw Athanasius, their great opponent from Alexandria, sitting with the Western bishops, they refused to take part and set up their own rival council, excommunicating Athanasius, Hosius of Cordoba, the leader of the Western delegation, who had presided also at Nicea and the pope himself, Pope Julius (337-352).
The Western delegation counteracted by restoring Athanasius to his bishopric at Alexandria, excommunicating his opponents and passing some canons saying that Rome had the final say in matters of dispute.
Interference in the papacy of the emperor Constantius
When Constans was killed in 350, Constantius became master of the whole empire and strengthened the Arians during the papacy of Pope Liberius (352-366). He actually exiled Liberius in 355 and installed his archdeacon Felix as pope. Although some of Roman clergy supported Felix, the Roman people rebelled. Constantius wanted both to function jointly. But in the end Felix withdrew.
Damasus election as Pope
When Damasus, a deacon first under both Liberius and then under Felix, was elected, his election was contested and he was confronted by a rival pope, Ursinus. A violent struggle followed in which Damasus won out with the help of the Roman police.
Damesus Supports Orthodoxy, Snubs the East
Soon supporters of Nicea in the East, like Basil of Caesarea, wrote to Damasus asking for his support against Arianism, but the manner in which he replied to them, addressing them not as "brothers", as was the traditional formula, but as "sons", contained an unveiled claim to superiority that did not escape notice and was deeply resented.
Supported by Emperor Theodosius
However, when the Spanish general, Theodosius, a devout Catholic who hated Arianism, became co-emperor with Gratian in 379, Damasus's position was greatly strengthened. In February 380 Theodosius issued an edict requiring all the citizens of the empire to follow the Christian religion, "which Holy Peter delivered to the Romans... and as the Pontiff manifestly observes". In 381 Theodosius called the Council of Constantinople which confirmed Nicea, effectively ending Arian opposition, and formulating the Creed as it is now recited by most Christians at their Sunday liturgy.
The Apostolic See
Damasus was the first pope to refer to Rome as "the apostolic see" and held a synod there in 382 to proclaim Rome's primacy, but he resented the growing strength of Constantinople which was already claiming to be the New Rome.
Friendship with St Jerome
St Jerome (342-420) attended this synod in Rome and subsequently became Damasus's secretary, advisor and friend. Damasus commissioned him to revise the Latin translations of the Bible. This work subsequently became known as the Vulgate.
Other Achievements
It was during Damasus's pontificate that Latin replaced Greek as the language of the Mass.
He was also notable for his work in discovering the tombs of martyrs, for which he wrote many verse inscriptions.
He was also an active builder and restorer of major churches in Rome and took responsibility for restoring the Roman catacombs.
Damasus was a strong proponent of the papal primacy of Rome in well known for sorting out controversies during the 4th century. He was also responsible for introducing Latin to replace Greek as the language of the liturgy at Rome, for building and restoring churches and for his care of the Roman catacombs.Patrick Duffy tells his story.
After Christianity became the official religion of the Roman state and Latin was becoming the principal liturgical language, he is also remembered for promoting the cult of the Roman martyrs, inscribing their tombs with epitaphs in verse and commissioning St Jerome to prepare a new Latin translation of the Bible.
Controversies on doctrine and the papacy
Controversy had become quite common both with regard to the Arian heresy and with regard to the papacy itself by the time Damasus was named pope in 366. Having the emperors supporting the Church was not always an unmixed blessing, especially when they had their own opinions on doctrine and if there was a split in the imperial family.
Controversies during the pontificates of Julius (337-352) and Liberius (352-366)
Constantine died in 337. Of the two sons who succeeded him, Constans ruling in the West from Milan was an ardent Catholic, whereas Constantius in the East ruling from Constantinople was a declared Arian. A council was called in 343 at Sardica (modern Sofia in Bulgaria) to resolve the differences. Eighty bishops from each side attended, but when the Eastern delegation, who were mostly Arians, saw Athanasius, their great opponent from Alexandria, sitting with the Western bishops, they refused to take part and set up their own rival council, excommunicating Athanasius, Hosius of Cordoba, the leader of the Western delegation, who had presided also at Nicea and the pope himself, Pope Julius (337-352).
The Western delegation counteracted by restoring Athanasius to his bishopric at Alexandria, excommunicating his opponents and passing some canons saying that Rome had the final say in matters of dispute.
Interference in the papacy of the emperor Constantius
When Constans was killed in 350, Constantius became master of the whole empire and strengthened the Arians during the papacy of Pope Liberius (352-366). He actually exiled Liberius in 355 and installed his archdeacon Felix as pope. Although some of Roman clergy supported Felix, the Roman people rebelled. Constantius wanted both to function jointly. But in the end Felix withdrew.
Damasus election as Pope
When Damasus, a deacon first under both Liberius and then under Felix, was elected, his election was contested and he was confronted by a rival pope, Ursinus. A violent struggle followed in which Damasus won out with the help of the Roman police.
Damesus Supports Orthodoxy, Snubs the East
Soon supporters of Nicea in the East, like Basil of Caesarea, wrote to Damasus asking for his support against Arianism, but the manner in which he replied to them, addressing them not as "brothers", as was the traditional formula, but as "sons", contained an unveiled claim to superiority that did not escape notice and was deeply resented.
Supported by Emperor Theodosius
However, when the Spanish general, Theodosius, a devout Catholic who hated Arianism, became co-emperor with Gratian in 379, Damasus's position was greatly strengthened. In February 380 Theodosius issued an edict requiring all the citizens of the empire to follow the Christian religion, "which Holy Peter delivered to the Romans... and as the Pontiff manifestly observes". In 381 Theodosius called the Council of Constantinople which confirmed Nicea, effectively ending Arian opposition, and formulating the Creed as it is now recited by most Christians at their Sunday liturgy.
The Apostolic See
Damasus was the first pope to refer to Rome as "the apostolic see" and held a synod there in 382 to proclaim Rome's primacy, but he resented the growing strength of Constantinople which was already claiming to be the New Rome.Friendship with St Jerome
St Jerome (342-420) attended this synod in Rome and subsequently became Damasus's secretary, advisor and friend. Damasus commissioned him to revise the Latin translations of the Bible. This work subsequently became known as the Vulgate.
Other AchievementsIt was during Damasus's pontificate that Latin replaced Greek as the language of the Mass.
He was also notable for his work in discovering the tombs of martyrs, for which he wrote many verse inscriptions.
He was also an active builder and restorer of major churches in Rome and took responsibility for restoring the Roman catacombs.
____________________________________
******************************
Memorable Saying for Today
Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position. or prestige.
It is discovered in goodness, humility, service and character.
~ Author unknown ~
******************************
Liturgical Readings for: Thursday, 11th December, 2025
Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
The people must not grow weary and tired of waiting for God's saviour.
Saint of the day; Dec 11th: St Damasus I, pope in the fourth century.
Damasus commissioned St Jerome to to prepare the Vulgate version of the Bible. He died aged 80
c/f short history of today’s saint can be found below today’s Readings and Reflection.
FIRST READING
A reading from the prophet Isaiah 41:13-20
I, the Holy One of Israel, am your redeemer.
For I, the Lord, your God, I am holding you by the right hand; I tell you, 'Do not be afraid, I will help you'
'Do not be afraid, Jacob, poor worm, Israel, puny mite. I will help you'
– it is the Lord who speaks – the Holy One of Israel is your redeemer.
See, I turn you into a threshing-sled, new, with doubled teeth;
you shall thresh and crush the mountains, and turn the hills to chaff.
You shall winnow them and the wind will blow them away, the gale will scatter them.
But you yourself will rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the Holy One of Israel.
The poor and needy ask for water, and there is none,
their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the Lord, will answer them,
I, the God of Israel, will not abandon them.
I will make rivers well up on barren heights, and fountains in the midst of valleys;
turn the wilderness into a lake, and dry ground into water springs.
In the wilderness I will put cedar trees, acacias, myrtles, olives.
In the desert I will plant juniper, plane tree and cypress side by side;
so that men may see and know, may all observe and understand
that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 144: 1. 9-13, R/v 8
Response The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love.
1.I will give you glory, O God my King, I will bless your name for ever.How good is the Lord to all, compassionate to all his creatures. Response
2. All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord, and your friends shall repeat their blessing.
They shall speak of the glory of your reign and declare your might, O God,
to make known to men your mighty deeds and the glorious splendour of your reign. Response
3. Yours is an everlasting kingdom; your rule lasts from age to age. Response
Gospel Acclamation Is 45:8:8
Alleluia, alleluia!
Come to us, Lord, with your peace that we may rejoice in your presence
with sincerity of heart.
Alleluia!
or
Alleluia, alleluia!
Send victory like a dew, you heavens, and let the clouds rain it down.
Let the earth open and bring forth the saviour.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 11:11-15 Glory to you, O Lord.
A greater than John the Baptist has never been seen.
Jesus spoke to the crowds:
I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women,
a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen;yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.
Since John the Baptist came, up to this present time, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm.
Because it was towards John that all the prophecies of the prophets and of the Law were leading;
and he, if you will believe me, is the Elijah who was to return. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen!
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
********************
Gospel Reflection Thursday, Second Week of Advent Matthew 11:11-15
In the gospel reading, Jesus says something very striking about John the Baptist, ‘Of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen’. The greatness of John consists in his willingness to embrace the role that the prophet Elijah was expected to play in the age of the coming of the Messiah. It was believed that Elijah would be sent ahead of the Lord to prepare a way for him. In referring to John as the promised Elijah, Jesus is implicitly referring to himself as the promised Messiah. Having made that striking statement about John the Baptist, Jesus then makes an even more striking statement, declaring that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist.
John did not live to see the coming of God’s kingdom through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. He was executed by Herod Antipas shortly into the public ministry of Jesus. Jesus is reminding his disciples of how privileged they are. We are all being reminded of how greatly graced we have been, graced in a way that even John the Baptist wasn’t. We have been given a great deal through the life, death, resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Spirit, not on the basis of anything we have done, but purely as an expression of God’s love for the world. In the language of the fourth gospel, Jesus has come among us full of grace and truth and from his fullness we have all received. We spend our lives trying to fully appreciate all we have received and are receiving from God through the life, death and resurrection of his Son and then learning to give generously to the Lord and others out of all that we have received.
________________________________
The Scripture Readings are taken from The Jerusalem Bible, published 1966 by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/
The Scripture Reflection is made available with our thanks to Martin Hogan's book Reflections on the Weekday Readings : The Word is Near to You, on your lips and in your heart published by Messenger Publications c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/_
**************************
Saint of the Day: December 11: St Damasus I, pope
Damasus, born in Rome about 305, the son of a priest. He died there on this day in 384. He was elected bishop of Rome amid violent rivalry and was very active in opposing fourth century heresies.
Damasus was a strong proponent of the papal primacy of Rome in well known for sorting out controversies during the 4th century. He was also responsible for introducing Latin to replace Greek as the language of the liturgy at Rome, for building and restoring churches and for his care of the Roman catacombs.Patrick Duffy tells his story.
After Christianity became the official religion of the Roman state and Latin was becoming the principal liturgical language, he is also remembered for promoting the cult of the Roman martyrs, inscribing their tombs with epitaphs in verse and commissioning St Jerome to prepare a new Latin translation of the Bible.
Controversies on doctrine and the papacy
Controversy had become quite common both with regard to the Arian heresy and with regard to the papacy itself by the time Damasus was named pope in 366. Having the emperors supporting the Church was not always an unmixed blessing, especially when they had their own opinions on doctrine and if there was a split in the imperial family.
Controversies during the pontificates of Julius (337-352) and Liberius (352-366)
Constantine died in 337. Of the two sons who succeeded him, Constans ruling in the West from Milan was an ardent Catholic, whereas Constantius in the East ruling from Constantinople was a declared Arian. A council was called in 343 at Sardica (modern Sofia in Bulgaria) to resolve the differences. Eighty bishops from each side attended, but when the Eastern delegation, who were mostly Arians, saw Athanasius, their great opponent from Alexandria, sitting with the Western bishops, they refused to take part and set up their own rival council, excommunicating Athanasius, Hosius of Cordoba, the leader of the Western delegation, who had presided also at Nicea and the pope himself, Pope Julius (337-352).
The Western delegation counteracted by restoring Athanasius to his bishopric at Alexandria, excommunicating his opponents and passing some canons saying that Rome had the final say in matters of dispute.
[caption id="attachment_73469" align="alignright" width="227"]
St Damasus domestic prayer: "Turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons"[/caption]Interference in the papacy of the emperor Constantius
When Constans was killed in 350, Constantius became master of the whole empire and strengthened the Arians during the papacy of Pope Liberius (352-366). He actually exiled Liberius in 355 and installed his archdeacon Felix as pope. Although some of Roman clergy supported Felix, the Roman people rebelled. Constantius wanted both to function jointly. But in the end Felix withdrew.
Damasus election as Pope
When Damasus, a deacon first under both Liberius and then under Felix, was elected, his election was contested and he was confronted by a rival pope, Ursinus. A violent struggle followed in which Damasus won out with the help of the Roman police.
Damesus Supports Orthodoxy, Snubs the East
Soon supporters of Nicea in the East, like Basil of Caesarea, wrote to Damasus asking for his support against Arianism, but the manner in which he replied to them, addressing them not as "brothers", as was the traditional formula, but as "sons", contained an unveiled claim to superiority that did not escape notice and was deeply resented.
Supported by Emperor Theodosius
However, when the Spanish general, Theodosius, a devout Catholic who hated Arianism, became co-emperor with Gratian in 379, Damasus's position was greatly strengthened. In February 380 Theodosius issued an edict requiring all the citizens of the empire to follow the Christian religion, "which Holy Peter delivered to the Romans... as the Pontiff manifestly observes". In 381 Theodosius called the Council of Constantinople which confirmed Nicea, effectively ending Arian opposition, and formulating the Creed as it is now recited by most Christians at their Sunday liturgy.
The Apostolic See
Damasus was the first pope to refer to Rome as "the apostolic see" and held a synod there in 382 to proclaim Rome's primacy, but he resented the growing strength of Constantinople which was already claiming to be the New Rome.Friendship with St Jerome
St Jerome (342-420) attended this synod in Rome and subsequently became Damasus's secretary, advisor and friend. Damasus commissioned him to revise the Latin translations of the Bible. This work subsequently became known as the Vulgate.
Other Achievements
It was during Damasus's pontificate that Latin replaced Greek as the language of the Mass. He was also notable for his work in discovering the tombs of martyrs, for which he wrote many verse inscriptions. He was also an active builder and restorer of major churches in Rome and took responsibility for restoring the Roman catacombs.
******************************
Memorable Saying for Today
Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position or prestige.
It is discovered in goodness, humility, service and character.
~ Author unknown ~
******************************
Liturgical Readings for: Thursday, 11th December, 2025
CÉAD LÉACHTSliocht as an fáidh Íseáia 41:13-20
Is mé Neach Naofa Iosrael d’fhuascailteoi.
Mise, an Tiarna, do Dhia, tá greim agam ar do láimh dheas; deirim leat:
“Ná bíodh eagla ort, táimse ag teacht i gcabhair ort.”
Ná bíodh eagla ort, a Iacóib, a chnumhóigín, a fhrídín, a Iosrael.
Táimse ag teacht i gcabhair ort – briathar an Tiarna – is é Neach Naofa Iosrael d’fhuascailteoir.
Seo, tá mé chun cliath buailte a dhéanamh díot, é úrnua agus dhá chíor fiacal ann.
Buailfidh tú agus meilfidh tú na sléibhte, déanfaidh tú lóchán mín de na cnoic.
Cáithfidh tú iad agus tabharfaidh an ghaoth ar shiúl iad, cuirfidh an stoirm scaipeadh orthu.
Maidir leat féin, beidh lúcháir ort sa Tiarna, beidh tú ag déanamh mórtais as Neach Naofa Iosrael.
Tá na dearóile agus na bochtáin ag lorg uisce, agus níl sé ann. Tá an teanga spallta iontu le tart.
Ach mise, an Tiarna, tabharfaidh mé éisteacht dóibh, mise, Dia Iosrael, ní thréigfidh mé iad.
Ar na dumhcha osclóidh mé aibhneacha agus fuaráin uisce i lár na ngleannta.
Déanfaidh mé lochán den ghaineamhlach agus toibreacha den talamh tirim.
San fhásach cuirfidh mé crainn chéadrais, crainn acáise agus crainn mhiortail agus crainn olóige.
Sa díthreabh cuirfidh mé an t-aiteal, crann plána agus cufróg le hais a chéile.
Chun go bhfeice daoine agus go n-aithní siad, chun go meabhraí siad agus go dtuige siad le chéile
gurb í lámh an Tiarna a rinne an méid sin, gurb é Neach Naofa Iosrael a chuir i gcrích.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 144: 1. 9-13, R/v 8
Freagra Is ceansa trócaireach é an Tiarna, mall chun feirge agus lán de chineáltas.
1. Tabharíaidh mé glóir duit, a Dhia liom, is a Rí; beannóidh mé d'ainm de shíor.
Is maith é an Tiarna don uile ní, is is trócaireach é dá oibreacha uile. Freagra
2. Ceiliúrfaidh d'oibreacha thú, a Thiarna, agus beannóidh do dhaoine naofa thú.
Canfaidh siad glóir do ríochta, agus foilseoidh siad do chumhacht
chun do chumhacht a nochtadh don chine daonna
agus glóir do riochta maorga. Freagra
3. Ríocht shíoraí do ríochtsa, is maireann do cheannas ó ghlúin go glúin. Freagra
Alleluia Lc 3:4, 6
Alleluia, alleluia!
A spéartha, fearaigí anuas fíréantacht mar bheadh drúcht ann,
ligeadh na néalta anuas í ina báisteach!
Osclaíodh an talamh lena gabháil agus tagadh an slánú aníos ina gheamhar!
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Matha 11:11-15 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Níor éirigh ar shliocht na mban duine ba mhó ná Eoin Baiste.
Dúirt Íosa leo
“Deirim libh go fírinneach,
níor éirigh ar shliocht na mban duine ba mhó ná Eoin Baiste;ach an té is lú i ríocht na bhflaitheas, is mó é ná eisean.
Ó laethanta Eoin Baiste go dtí anois tá foréigean á dhéanamh
ar ríocht na bhflaitheas agus fuadaíonn lucht an fhoréiginleo í.
Óir, na fáithe uile, agus an dlí freisin, thug siad a dtairngreacht chomh fada le hEoin,
agus mura miste libh mé a chreidiúint ann, is é an tÉilias a bhí le teacht é.
An té a bhfuil cluasa air, éisteadh sé!
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 14th December, 2025
- 14 December 2025 -
Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday! - Rejoicing Sunday!
This week the joy of the kingdom is anticipated. The signs of the kingdom are given to the messengers of John the Baptist, and they are very familiar with the prophecies of Isaiah. 'Patient waiting' There should be no complaining, no giving up or losing heart. Joy, prayer and thanksgiving should characterise us as a 'waiting' Christian community.
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 35:1-6. 10
God himself is coming to save you.
Let the wilderness and the dry-lands exult, let the wasteland rejoice and bloom,
let it bring forth flowers like the jonquil, let it rejoice and sing for joy.
The glory of Lebanon is bestowed on it, the splendour of Carmel and Sharon;
they shall see the glory of the Lord, the splendour of our God.
Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees
and say to all faint hearts,
'Courage! Do not be afraid.
'Look, your God is coming, vengeance is coming,
the retribution of God; he is coming to save you.'
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf unsealed, then the lame shall leap like a deer and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy; for those the Lord has ransomed shall return.
They will come to Zion shouting for joy, everlasting joy on their faces; joy and gladness will go with them and sorrow and lament be ended.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm Ps 145: 6-7, 8-9,10 R/v Is35:4
Response Come, Lord, and save us
or Alleluia!
1. It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever, who is just to those who are oppressed.
It is he who gives bread to the hungry, the Lord, who sets prisoners free. Response
2. It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind, who raises up those who are bowed down,
the Lord, who protects the stranger and upholds the widow and orphan. Response
3. It is the Lord who loves the just but thwarts the path of the wicked.
The Lord will reign for ever, Zion's God, from age to age. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of St James 5:7-10
Do not lose heart: the Lord’s coming will be soon.
Now be patient, brothers, until the Lord's coming. Think of a farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has had the autumn rains and the spring rains!You too have to be patient; do not lose heart, because the Lord's coming will be soon. Do not make complaints against one another, brothers, so as not to be brought to judgement yourselves; the Judge is already to be seen waiting at the gates. For your example, brothers, in submitting with patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Gospel Acclamation Is 61:1
Alleluia, alleluia!
The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 11:2-11 Glory to you, O Lord
Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?
John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him,'Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?'
Jesus answered,
'Go back and tell John what you hear and see;
the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear,
and the dead are raised to life, the Good News is proclaimed and
happy is the man who does not lose faith in me'.
As the messengers were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John:
'What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze?
No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes?
Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces.
Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says:
'Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way before you.'
'I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen;
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’
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. http //dltbooks.com/
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 14th December, 2025
-14 - 12- 2025-
AN TRÍÚ DOMNACH DEN AIDBHINT
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as Leabhar Íseáia, Fáidh 35:1-6. 10
Is é Dia féin atá ag teacht do bhur slánú.
Déanadh an díthreabh agus tír an triomaigh lúcháir, bíodh gairdeas ar an ngaineamhlach agus é faoi bhláth;
tagadh bláthanna air chomh tiubh leis an gcróch, déanadh sé gairdeas le gártha agus le ceol.
Maise na Liobáine tugtar dó, scéimh Chairmell agus Sheárón lena chois sin;
beidh maise an Tiarna le feiceáil acu seo agus scéimh an Dé seo againne.
Déanaigí láidir na lámha atá faonlag agus cuirigí téagar sna glúine atá ag lúbadh;
abraigí le lucht an chroí mhearaithe:
“Músclaígí bhur misneach; ná bíodh eagla oraibh.
Breathnaígí! Is é bhur nDia atá ann, tá sé chugaibh leis an díoltas atá ag dul daoibh;
Dia atá ann ag agairt a chúitimh, agus é ag teacht do bhur slánú.”
Déanfar a súile do na daill an uair sin agus réiteofar cluasa na mbodhar; beidh an bacach ag léimneach mar a bheadh fia ann agus teanga an bhalbháin ag gabháil ceoil le lúcháir,
agus an dream atá saortha ag an Tiarna, leanfaidh siad abhaile é.
Tiocfaidh siad go Síón, ag liúireach le gairdeas, agus aoibhneas síoraí ina choróin ar a gceann;
tiocfaidh áthas agus aoibhneas ag triall ina gcuideachta, agus beidh casaoid agus crá bailithe leo ar shiúl.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 145: 6-7, 8-9,10 R/v Is35:4
Freagra Tar, a Thiarna, dár slanú.
Malairt Freagra Alleluia!
I. An té a sheasann lena bhriathar de shíor, agus a dhéanann ceart don drong atá faoi chois,
is é a thugann bia don ocrach: is é an Tiarna a scaoileann na braighdeanaigh. Freagra
2. Osclaíonn sé súile na ndall, tógann sé suas an dream atá crom.
Cumhdaíonn an Tiarna an coimhthfoch, déanann tacaíocht don dílleachta is don bhaintreach. Freagra
3. Tugann an Tiarna grá don fhíréan, ach cuireann sé slí na bpeacach trí chéile.
Beidh an Tiarna i réim go brách, ina Dhia, a Síón, ó ghlúin go glúin. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as céad Litir Séamus 5:7-10
Ná biodh drochmhisneach oraibh; is gearr go dtaga an Tiarna.
Bíodh foighne agaibh dá bhrí sin a bhráithre go dtí teacht an Tiarna. Féach an feirmeoir agus é ag feitheamh le fómhar luachmhar na hithreach, agus foighne aige leis nó go bhfaighe sé an fhearthainn luath agus dhéanach. Bíodh foighne agaibhse chomh maith. Bíodh misneach agaibh in bhur gcroí mar tá teacht an Tiarna lámh linn. Ná déanaigí casaoid ar a chéile ionas nach dtabharfar breith oraibh; féach, tá an breitheamh cheana féin i mbéal an dorais. A bhráithre, bíodh na fáithe a labhair in ainm an Tiarna mar shampla agaibh den fhulaingt agus den fhoighne.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Vérsa Is 61:1
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Tá Spiorad an Tiarna orm. Chuir sé uaidh mé ag tabhairt an dea-scéil do na bocht.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 11:2-11 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
An tú an té atá le teacht no an ceart damn bheith ag súil le duine eile?
San am sin chuala Eoin, agus é i bpríosún, iomrá faoi oibreacha Chríost, agus chuir sé scéala chuige trína dheisceabail féin, á rá leis: “An tú an té atá le teacht nó an ceart dúinn bheith ag súil le duine eile?”
Dúirt Íosa leo á bhfreagairt:
“Imígí agus insígí d’Eoin a bhfuil á chloisteáil agus a fheiceáil agaibh:
tá radharc ag daill, tá siúl ag bacaigh, glantar lobhair agus tá éisteacht ag bodhráin,
éiríonn na mairbh agus fógraítear an dea-scéal do bhoicht.
Is méanar don té nach ceap tuisle dó mise.”
Le linn dóibh seo bheith ag imeacht, thosaigh Íosa ag caint leis na sluaite faoi Eoin:
“Cad a chuaigh sibh amach faoin bhfásach a fheiceáil? Giolcach á suaitheadh ag an ngaoth?
Ach cad a chuaigh sibh amach a fheiceáil? Duine a bhí cóirithe go mín?
Iad seo a mbíonn éadaí míne orthu, is i dtithe na ríthe atá siad.
Ach cad a thug amach sibh? Chun fáidh a fheiceáil?
Sea, deirim libh, agus duine ba mhó ná fáidh. Is é seo an té a bhfuil scríofa mar gheall air:
‘Féach, cuirim mo theachtaire romhat a réiteoidh do bhóthar faoi do chomhair.’
“Deirim libh go fírinneach, níor éirigh ar shliocht na mban duine ba mhó ná Eoin Baiste;
ach an té is lú i ríocht na bhflaitheas, is mó é ná eisean.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
