In this reading we see Jesus submit to the challenge of evil. He is tempted, as through his humanity he has the same power of choice that we have, but does not succumb. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
Gospel Reflections
‘I have come not to abolish but to complete them’
Having challenged the inadequate ‘virtue’ of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus shows how his teaching deepens the scriptural tradition of Jewish faith. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘You are the light of the world’
In this reading Jesus uses the images of salt and light to challenge his disciples – and us – to share the good news with others through lives that are transparently good. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘How happy are the poor in spirit’
In this reading the beatitudes of Jesus present a radical challenge to commonly accepted ideas, challenging us to rethink our behaviour and beliefs. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand’
Today’s reading begins the story of the ministry of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘He is the chosen one of God’
In this reading the evangelist focuses on the witness to Jesus given by John the Baptist rather than the self-abasement of Jesus. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him’
The baptism of Jesus, who is sinless, is a clear expression of his will to stand alongside sinners in order to bring us the fulness of life. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Where is the infant king of the Jews’
The story of the Magi tells us that Jesus is ‘made manifest’ as Messiah not only for his own people, but for all the peoples of the earth. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘The Word was made flesh, he lived among us’
‘Many will reject the Word, but those who accept him become children of God.’ On the second Sunday of Christmas, Fr Adrian Graffy reflects on the deeper meaning of the coming of Christ.
‘Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart’
This reading asks us to focus on the role and on the behaviour of Mary, the mother of the Messiah, whose fiat is a turning point in history. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.