Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Dec 24 - St Mochua of Timahoe (d. 657)
Summary: St Mochua of Timahoe: There are reputedly fifty-eight Mochuas among the saints of Ireland, the one celebrated today is associated with Timahoe in Co Laois, a village about ten kilometres south-east of Portlaoise. (In 2005 an interesting project to commemorate him was taken up by the local school children.)
Patrick Duffy tells what is known about the saint and the project which
commemorates him.
Soldier turned Monk
Mochua was from Achonry in Connaught. His father was Lonan. He became a successful soldier, but at the age of thirty decided to become a monk. His principal foundation was at Timahoe (Teach Mochua = "Mochua's house"), Co Laois.
His pets:
a rooster,
a mouse
and a fly.
Mochua lived as a hermit without worldly goods except he had three pets - a rooster, a mouse and a fly.
1.The rooster called him for the hour of Matins.
2. If, weak from his vigils and prayers and dosed off during the day, the mouse would nibble at his ear to arouse him again.
3. The fly would walk along each line of his Psalter as he read it, and when he became tired, the fly would stop at the point where the saint had broken off until he could return to resume reading the Psalms.
St. Mochua's Desk
In 2005 the children of the local Scoil Mhuire Fatima decided to enhance their village through the creation of a piece of sculpture. Through The Laois Leader, the Timahoe Development Association, local sponsorship and artists they succeeded in having a sculpture called St Mochua's Desk erected to commemorate the story of their local saint - It took the form of St. Mochua's Desk with rooster, mouse and fly. It is constructed out of welded stainless steel, red granite and bronze: the book and the column are made of limestone. Through the local library the children also researched the history of the building in the area - the Round Tower, the Monastic ruins and a former church turned into the Willie Headon Memorial Library. They had an environmental clean-up in the grounds around the round tower and got Dúchas to put up a sign detailing the history of Timahoe.
At the unveiling a small replica sculpture was presented to the school principal, David O'Brien. He was delighted. “Timahoe now has a wonderful piece of sculpture, which I’m sure will be written about in tourist brochures. When people come to see it they will want to learn more about Mochua and the history of Tigh Mochua”, he enthused. “All of this will make our children even more proud of their village”.
Reputation as a Healer
Mochua had a reputation as a healer, and is said to have cured two other abbots - St Colman Elo of a sudden loss of memory and St Fintan Munnu of 'leprosy'.
Death and Influence
The year 657 is given as the year of his death. There is a record of the burning of an oratory of St Mochua there in 919 and the Annals of the Four Masters give details of abbots of Timahoe. A monastic community existed in Timahoe up to 1650. Today there is a round tower and the ruins of a church to the south-east of the village.
Other Mochuas
Some monasteries in Scotland claim Mochua as their founder, but it is important to note that there are fifty-eight Irish saints with the name of Mochua. The name is also associated with places at Celbridge, Co Kildare and Clondalkin, Co Dublin and with Derinish in Co Cavan.
Patrick Duffy tells what is known about the saint and the project which
commemorates him.Soldier turned Monk
Mochua was from Achonry in Connaught. His father was Lonan. He became a successful soldier, but at the age of thirty decided to become a monk. His principal foundation was at Timahoe (Teach Mochua = "Mochua's house"), Co Laois.
His pets:
a rooster,
a mouse
and a fly.
Mochua lived as a hermit without worldly goods except he had three pets - a rooster, a mouse and a fly.
1.The rooster called him for the hour of Matins.
2. If, weak from his vigils and prayers and dosed off during the day, the mouse would nibble at his ear to arouse him again.
3. The fly would walk along each line of his Psalter as he read it, and when he became tired, the fly would stop at the point where the saint had broken off until he could return to resume reading the Psalms.
St. Mochua's Desk
In 2005 the children of the local Scoil Mhuire Fatima decided to enhance their village through the creation of a piece of sculpture. Through The Laois Leader, the Timahoe Development Association, local sponsorship and artists they succeeded in having a sculpture called St Mochua's Desk erected to commemorate the story of their local saint - It took the form of St. Mochua's Desk with rooster, mouse and fly. It is constructed out of welded stainless steel, red granite and bronze: the book and the column are made of limestone. Through the local library the children also researched the history of the building in the area - the Round Tower, the Monastic ruins and a former church turned into the Willie Headon Memorial Library. They had an environmental clean-up in the grounds around the round tower and got Dúchas to put up a sign detailing the history of Timahoe.
At the unveiling a small replica sculpture was presented to the school principal, David O'Brien. He was delighted. “Timahoe now has a wonderful piece of sculpture, which I’m sure will be written about in tourist brochures. When people come to see it they will want to learn more about Mochua and the history of Tigh Mochua”, he enthused. “All of this will make our children even more proud of their village”.
Reputation as a Healer
Mochua had a reputation as a healer, and is said to have cured two other abbots - St Colman Elo of a sudden loss of memory and St Fintan Munnu of 'leprosy'.
Death and InfluenceThe year 657 is given as the year of his death. There is a record of the burning of an oratory of St Mochua there in 919 and the Annals of the Four Masters give details of abbots of Timahoe. A monastic community existed in Timahoe up to 1650. Today there is a round tower and the ruins of a church to the south-east of the village.
Other Mochuas
Some monasteries in Scotland claim Mochua as their founder, but it is important to note that there are fifty-eight Irish saints with the name of Mochua. The name is also associated with places at Celbridge, Co Kildare and Clondalkin, Co Dublin and with Derinish in Co Cavan.
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Memorable Saying for Today
If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.
~Vincent Van Gogh~
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Liturgical Readings for: Wednesday, 24th December, 2025
Final Day of the Octave before Christmas Day
1. Wednesday, , Dec 24th. - Christmas Eve Morning Mass -
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2. Wednesday, Christmas Eve, Dec 24th. - Evening Vigil Mass
John's father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke his 'Benedictus' prophecy.
1. Morning Mass
FIRST READING
A reading from the second book of the Prophet Samuel 7:1-5. 8-12. 14. 16
The kingdom of David will always stand secure before the Lord.
Once David had settled into his house and the Lord had given him rest from all the enemies surrounding him,
the king said to the prophet Nathan, 'Look, I am living in a house of cedar while the ark of God dwells in a tent'.
Nathan said to the king, 'Go and do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you'.
But that very night the word of the Lord came to Nathan:
Go and tell my servant David, "Thus the Lord speaks:
Are you the man to build me a house to dwell in?
This is what you must say to my servant David, " The Lord says this:
I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader of my people Israel;
I have been with you on all your expeditions; I have cut off all your enemies before you.
I will give you fame as great as the fame of the greatest on earth.
I will provide a place for my people Israel;I will plant them there and they shall dwell in that place and never be disturbed again;
nor shall the wicked continue to oppress them as they did, in the days when I appointed judges over my people Israel; I will give them rest from all their enemies. The Lord will make you great;
the Lord will make you a House.
And when your days are ended and you are laid to rest with your ancestors,
I will preserve the offspring of your body after you and make his sovereignty secure.
I will be a father to him and he a son to me.
Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me
and your throne be established for ever."'
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 88:2-5,27, 29 R/v 2
Response I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.
1. I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth.
Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established as the heavens. Response2. 'I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant;
I will establish your dynasty for ever and set up your throne through all ages.' 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
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
O Morning Star, radiance of eternal light, sun of justice,
come and enlighten those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 1:67-79 Glory to you, O lord
Our God from on high will bring the rising Sun to visit us.
John's father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:
'Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel for he has visited his people, he has come to their rescue
and he has raised up for us a power for salvation in the House of his servant David,
even as he proclaimed, by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times,
that he would save us from our enemies and from the hands of all who hate us.
Thus he shows mercy to our ancestors, thus he remembers his holy covenant the oath he swore to our father Abraham that he would grant us, free from fear, to be delivered from the hands of our enemies, to serve him in holiness and virtue in his presence, all our days.
And you, little child, you shall be called Prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way for him. To give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins; this by the tender mercy of our God who from on high. Will bring the rising Sun to visit us,
to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace.'
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Gospel Reflection Morning Mass: 24th Dec. Christmas Eve Fourth Week of Advent Luke 1:67-79
Today’s gospel reading is the prayer of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. His prayer has become part of the Church’s daily prayer. It is prayed every morning as part of the Church’s Morning Prayer. Zechariah prayed his prayer in response to the birth of his son, John the Baptist. He had come to recognize that his son would have a special role in God’s purpose. His son would go before Jesus to prepare the way for him. Jesus is spoken of in this prayer as 'the rising Sun who comes from on high to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death.' It is a lovely image of Jesus and one that is very appropriate for this time of year when the sun begins to make a return and the days start to get longer. As we look upon the rising sun we thing of Jesus who has come to visit us from on high and who remains with us until the end of time.
(Towards the end of his Confessions, our own patron St Patrick declares, ‘We believe in and worship Christ the true sun who will never perish, nor will anyone who does his will’. Zechariah celebrates this rising sun as the manifestation of the tender mercy of our God. At Christmas we call on Jesus, the rising Sun, to shed the light of God’s loving mercy into the dark areas of our lives. We position ourselves beneath the rays of the light of God’s mercy and love that shine upon us through Jesus, 'Emmanuel'. (God with us). In gratitude for that rising Sun from on high, like Zechariah, we praise and bless God who has visited all people in this life-giving way.)
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- CHRISTMAS TIME - (repeat of the above)
2. Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve (24th Dec) -Evening Mass
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 with your spirit
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/
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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/
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2. Christmas Midnight Mass
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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
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 Lk 2:10
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 with your spirit
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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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 from Fr 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/
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Liturgical Readings for: Wednesday, 24th December, 2025
Aifreann Breacadh an Lae 24/12/24
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as dara Leabhar Samuél, Fáidh 7:1-5. 8-12. 14. 16
Seasfaidh teaghlach Dáiví i gcónaí go daingean romham.
A luaithe a bhí Dáiví socair ina theach agus go raibh suaimhneas aige óna naimhde go léir ina thimpeall, dúirt an rí leis an bhfáidh Nátán: “Féach, táimse ag cur fúm i dteach céadrais, ach tá áirc Dé i mboth!” Dúirt Nátán leis an rí: “Imigh agus déan an uile ní is áil le do chroí, óir tá an Tiarna leat.”
An oíche cheanann chéanna tháinig briathar an Tiarna go Nátán:
“Imigh leat agus abair le mo sheirbhíseach Dáiví:
"Seo mar a labhraíonn an Tiarna: An amhlaidh gur mian leat teach a thógáil dom ina ndéanfaidh mé cónaí?
Seo an rud is gá duit a rá le mo sheirbhíseach Dáiví:
‘Deir Tiarna na Slua an méid seo:
Thóg mé ón talamh féaraigh thú agus ó aoireacht na gcaorach chun go mbeifeá i do thaoiseach ar Iosrael, mo phobal. Gach slógadh dá ndearna tú, bhí mé in éineacht leat; rinne mé do naimhde go léir a threascairt romhat. An té is mó ar talamh, ní mó a chlú ná an clú a thabharfaidh mé duitse. Cuirfidh mé áit ar fáil do mo phobal Iosrael. Suífidh mé ansin iad agus déanfaidh siad cónaí san áit sin agus ní chuirfear isteach orthu arís; ní bheidh cos ar bolg á imirt ag na lucht foréigin orthu, mar a bhíodh an uair úd a cheap mé breithiúna ar mo phobal Iosrael; tabharfaidh mé faoiseamh duit ó do naimhde go léir. Fógraíonn an Tiarna duit go ndéanfaidh an Tiarna teaghlach díot. Seasfaidh do theaghlach agus do fhlaitheas i gcónaí go daingean romham agus daingneofar do ríchathaoir go deo.’”
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 88:2-5,27, 29 R/v 2
Freagra Canfaidh mé de shíor faoi do bhuanghra an Tiarnabh
1. Canfaidh me de shíor faoi bhuanghrá an Tiarna, fógróidh mé do dhílseacht ó ghlúin go glúin.
Óir daingníodh do bhuanghrá go síoraí agus tá do dhílseacht chomh buan leis na flaithis. Freagra
2. Cheangail mé conradh le m'fhear tofa. Dhearbhaigh mé do Dháiví, mo sheirbhíseach: '
Socróidh mé do shliocht ar feadh na síoraíochta, agus bunóidh mé do ríchathaoir go síoraí.' Freagra
3. Déarfaidh se liom: 'Is tú m'athair, is tú mo Dhia agus carraig mo shlánaithe.'
Coinneoidh mé mo bhuanghrá dó go síoraí, agus seasfaidh mo chonradh leis go daingean. Freagra
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Lúcás 1:67-79 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Ar nDé a bhéarfaidh an Láchan dár bhfiosrú ó uachtar neimhe.
Líonadh Zachairias a athair den Spiorad Naomh, agus rinne tairngreacht á rá:
“Moladh don Tiarna, Dia Iosrael, óir rinne sé a phobal a fhiosrú agus a fhuascailt;
agus thóg sé dúinn Slánaitheoir neartmhar i dteaghlach Dháiví a sheirbhíseach – de réir mar a labhair trí bhéal a naomhfháidh anallód –
mar shaoradh dúinn ónár naimhde agus óna láimh siúd uile ar fuath leo sinn, ag déanamh trócaire mar sin ar ár n-aithreacha, agus ag cuimhneamh ar a thiomna naofa –ar an mionn a mhionnaigh sé d’Abrahám ár n-athair – go dtabharfadh sé dúinn,
tar éis ár saortha as láimh ár naimhde,” bheith ag seirbhís dó gan eagla,
i gcrábhadh agus i bhfíréantacht ina láthair gach lá dár saol.
Agus tusa, a leanbh, glaofar ortsa fáidh an Té is Airde,
óir gluaisfidh tú roimh an Tiarna ag ullmhú a bhóthair,
ag tabhairt eolas an tslánaithe dá phobal trí mhaithiúnas a bpeacaí
de chionn trócaire chroí ár nDé a bhéarfaidh an Láchan dár bhfiosrú ó uachtar neimhe,
chun a soilsithe siúd atá ina suí sa dorchadas agus faoi scáil an bháis; chun ár gcéimeanna a sheoladh i mbóthar na síochána.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
Briathar an Tiarna
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Tráth na Nollag
1. Aifreann an Tráthnóna 24-12- 2025
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as Leabhar Fáidh Íseáia 62:1-5
Óir lig an Tiarna a rún leat.
Ar mhaithe le Síón ní fhanfaidh mé i mo thost, agus mar gheall ar Iarúsailéim ní mian liom bheith socair,
nó go dté a fíréantacht amach mar an maidneachan agus a slánú mar bheadh lóchrann ag lonrú.
Is ann a fheicfidh na ciníocha d’fhíréantacht agus na ríthe uile do ghlóir;
agus tabharfar ainm nua ort,
ainm a fhógróidh béal an Tiarna féin.Beidh tú i do choróin taibhseach i láimh an Tiarna,
i do cheannbheart ríoga ar bhois do Dhé.
Ní déarfaidh siad Uaigneach leat feasta,
ná ní ghairfear Fásach do do dhúiche.
Ach is é ainm a bheidh ort féin “Bean mo rúin”
agus “an Céile” a bheidh ar do dhúiche.
Óir lig an Tiarna a rún leat agus gheobhaidh do dhúiche é mar chéile.
Díreach mar a phósann ógfhear cailín, is é an Saor féin a phósfaidh thusa;
agus mar is cúis ghairdis a chéile don fhear nuaphósta,
beidh tú féin i do chúis ghairdis ag do Dhia
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Sliocht as Leabhar Gníomhartha 13:16-17. 22-25
Is dá shliocht siúd a thóg Dia slánaitheoir d’Iosrael de réir mar a bhí geallta aige – is é sin Íosa.
Tháinig Pól go dtí Aintíoc na Pisidia. D’éirigh sé ina sheasamh sa tsionaóg, thug comhartha láimhe dóibh agus thosaigh ag caint:
“A fheara Iosrael,” ar seisean, “agus sibhse a bhfuil ómós agaibh do Dhia, éistigí liom. Dia an phobail seo Iosrael, rinne sé ár n-aithreacha a thoghadh; agus fad a bhí siad ina gcoimhthígh san Éigipt rinne sé pobal mór díobh. Ansin sheol amach as sin iad le neart a láimhe.
Ansin d’ardaigh sé Dáivi ina rí dóibh, agus rinne sé fianaise dósan, agus dúirt: Fuair mé Dháiví mac Ieise, gur fear de réir mo chroí féin é, fear a dhéanfaidh gach ní is toil liom.’ Is dá shliocht siúd a thóg Dia slánaitheoir d’Iosrael de réir mar a bhí geallta aige – is é sin Íosa. Roimh theacht dó sin bhí Eoin tar éis baisteadh chun aithrí a fhógairt do phobal uile Iosrael, agus nuair a bhí Eoin ag teacht go deireadh a chúrsa, is é a dúirt sé:
‘Ní mise an té is dóigh libhse is mé, mar tá duine le teacht i mo dhiaidhse agus ní fiú mise go scaoilfinn a bhróga.’
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Matha 1:1-25 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Leabhar ghinealach Íosa Críost, mac Dháiví, mac Abrahám.
Leabhar ghinealach Íosa Críost, mac Dháiví, mac Abrahám.
Ghin Abrahám Íosác;
ghin Íosác Iacób; ghin Iacób Iúdá agus a dheartháireacha;
ghin Iúdá Fearas agus Zára ó Thámár;
ghin Fearas Easróm; ghin Easróm Áram;
ghin Áram Aimineadab; ghin Aimineadab Náiseon;
ghin Náiseon Salmón; ghin Salmón Boaz ó Ráchab;
ghin Boaz Ióibeid ó Rút; ghin Ióibeid Iseái; ghin Iseái Dáiví rí.
Ghin Dáiví Solamh ó bhean Úirías;
ghin Solamh Róbóam; ghin Róbóam Aibiá; ghin Aibiá Ásaf;
ghin Ásaf Iósáfat; ghin Iósáfat Iórám; ghin Iórám Ózáias;
ghin Ózáias Iótám; ghin Iótám Áchaz; ghin Áchaz Eizichias;
ghin Eizichias Manasaes; ghin Manasaes Amós; ghin Amós Iósáias;
ghin Iósáias Iachónáias agus a dheartháireacha le linn bhroid na Bablóine.
Tar éis bhroid na Bablóine, ghin Iachónáias Salaitiéil; ghin Salaitiéil Zoróbaibeil;
ghin Zoróbaibeil Aibiúd; ghin Aibiúd Eiliáicím; ghin Eiliáicím Azór;
ghin Azór Sadóc;ghin Sadóc Aichím; ghin Aichím Eiliúd;
ghin Eiliúd Eiliazar; ghin Eiliazar Matan; ghin Matan Iacób;
ghin Iacób Iósaef, fear céile Mhuire ónar rugadh Íosa ar a dtugtar Críost.
A bhfuil de ghlúine ann dá bhrí sin: ó Abrahám go dtí Dáiví, ceithre glúine déag; ó Dháiví go dtí broid na Bablóine, ceithre glúine déag; agus ó bhroid na Bablóine go dtí Críost, ceithre glúine déag.
Seo mar a tharla Íosa Críost a shaolú. Bhí Muire, a mháthair, luaite le Iósaef, agus sula ndearnadar aontíos, fuarthas torrach í ón Spiorad Naomh. Ba dhuine cóir a fear céile Iósaef, ach níorbh áil leis go dtabharfaí míchlú di, agus chinn sé í a scaoileadh uaidh os íseal. Ag machnamh ar an méid sin dó, áfach, thaispeáin aingeal ón Tiarna é féin do i mbrionglóid agus dúirt:
“A Iósaef, a mhic Dháiví, ná bíodh eagla ort do bhean chéile Muire a thabhairt abhaile leat, óir, an leanbh atá gafa aici, is ón Spiorad Naomh é.
Béarfaidh sí mac, agus tabharfaidh tú Íosa mar ainm air, óir slánóidh sé a phobal óna bpeacaí.”
Thit an méid sin go léir amach chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúirt an Tiarna tríd an bhfáidh:
“Beidh an Mhaighdean torrach agus béarfaidh sí mac agus tabharfar Imeánuéil mar ainm air,”
– ainm a chiallaíonn: Tá Dia linn.
Dhúisigh Iósaef agus d’éirigh, agus rinne mar d’ordaigh aingeal an Tiarna dó: a bhean a thabhairt abhaile leis. A
ch ní raibh cuid aige di nó gur rug sí mac, agus thug sé Íosa mar ainm air.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
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SOISCÉAL Gearr :
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha, 1:18-25 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Seo mar a tharla Íosa Críost a shaolú.
Seo mar a tharla Íosa Críost a shaolú. Bhí Muire, a mháthair, luaite le Iósaef, agus sula ndearnadar aontíos, fuarthas torrach í ón Spiorad Naomh. Ba dhuine cóir a fear céile Iósaef, ach níorbh áil leis go dtabharfaí míchlú di, agus chinn sé í a scaoileadh uaidh os íseal. Ag machnamh ar an méid sin dó, áfach, thaispeáin aingeal ón Tiarna é féin do i mbrionglóid agus dúirt:
“A Iósaef, a mhic Dháiví, ná bíodh eagla ort do bhean chéile Muire a thabhairt abhaile leat, óir, an leanbh atá gafa aici, is ón Spiorad Naomh é. Béarfaidh sí mac, agus tabharfaidh tú Íosa mar ainm air, óir slánóidh sé a phobal óna
bpeacaí.”
Thit an méid sin go léir amach chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúirt an Tiarna tríd
an bhfáidh:
“Beidh an mhaighdean torrach agus béarfaidh sí mac
agus tabharfar 'Imeánuéil' mar ainm air,” – ainm a chiallaíonn: 'Tá Dia linn.'
Dhúisigh Iósaef agus d’éirigh, agus rinne mar d’ordaigh aingeal an Tiarna dó: a bhean a thabhairt abhaile leis.
Ach ní raibh cuid aige di nó gur rug sí mac, agus thug sé Íosa mar ainm air.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
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Machtnamh ar Bhriathar Dé
Cad a mhúineann na h’aoirí dúinn
Nuair a chuala na haoirí teachtaireacht na n’aingeal, dúirt siad lena chéile,"Imímís go mBeitheal chun féachaint are an rud íontach seo dúinn féin."
Is turas fhionnachtana é an saol Críostaí, chun rudaí nua a fháil amach. Is é atá i gceist againn teacht ar an fhírinne dúinn féin. Tar éis an bhunús a fuaireamar ón ár dtuismitheoirí, múinteoirí nó teagasg na heaglaise; ní mór dúinn ár n’aithne ar Dhia a fháil amach dúinn féin. Caithfidh gach éinne an droichead sin a thrasnú: Ní mór dom féachaint ar mo shon féin.
Creidim go bhfuil teachtaireacht an soiscéal inniú idir dhá abairt: "Tagaigí chun féachaint libh féin," agus ar deireadh, "Imigí chun insint le daoine eile"?
Pádraig Ó Rúairí, cp, Sliabh Argus, Átha Cliath.
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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.
