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.
Gospel Reflections
‘A light that shines in the dark’
The feast of Christ’s birth invites us to renew our faith and welcome the Word of light into our lives again. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son’
This gospel reading, just like the annunciation to Mary in the Gospel of Luke, gives us the basis for our belief in the virginal conception of Jesus. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘‘Happy is the man who does not lose faith in me’’
John expected Jesus to bring retribution rather than the gospel of mercy. In a similar way, it may well be difficult for us to come to terms with the extraordinary love of God, who offers forgiveness to all. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand’
The preaching of John the Baptist prepares us for the coming of Christ. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Stand ready because you do not know when your master is coming’
The fundamental message here is the need to be ready at all times for Christ’s return – a call to trustful perseverance in response to the gospel. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’
The heart of the message of this gospel is that Jesus welcomes the repentant sinner, no matter how grievous his offence. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Your endurance will win you your lives’
Here Jesus talks about the end of the world and the importance of trust in God in the midst of disasters and persecutions.
‘To God all men are alive’
In this reading Jesus responds to the Saducees, who do not believe in the resurrection of the dead.
‘This man too is a son of Abraham’
In this story about Zacchaeus, Jesus declares that the purpose of his coming is ‘to seek out and save what was lost’. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.