Reading I Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 God sets a father in honor over his children;     a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins,     and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard;     he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,     and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;     he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother. My son, take care of your father when he is old;     grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;     revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten,     firmly planted against the debt of your sins     —a house raised in justice to you. OR: Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3 The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what good will your gifts be, if I keep on being childless and have as my heir the steward of my house, Eliezer?” Abram continued, “See, you have given me no offspring, and so one of my servants will be my heir.” Then the word of the LORD came to him: “No, that one shall not be your heir; your own issue shall be your heir.” The Lord took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.” Abram put his faith in the LORD, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. The LORD took note of Sarah as he had said he would; he did for her as he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time that God had stated. Abraham gave the name Isaac to this son of his whom Sarah bore him. Responsorial Psalm Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5. R. (cf. 1)  Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,    who walks in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;    blessed shall you be, and favored. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine    in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants    around your table. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Behold, thus is the man blessed    who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion:    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem    all the days of your life. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. OR: Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 R. (7a , 8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! Look to the LORD in his strength; constantly seek his face. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. Reading II Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another,  if one has a grievance against another;  as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love,  that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,  the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,  as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,  singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs  with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed,  do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,  giving thanks to God the Father through him.   Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,  as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives,  and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything,  for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children,  so they may not become discouraged. OR: Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another,  if one has a grievance against another;  as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love,  that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,  the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,  as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,  singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs  with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed,  do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,  giving thanks to God the Father through him.   OR: Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 Brothers and sisters: By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age --and Sarah herself was sterile-- for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore. By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac,  and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.” He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol. Alleluia Col 3:15a, 16a R. Alleluia, alleluia. Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. R. Alleluia, alleluia. OR: Heb 1:1-2 R. Alleluia, alleluia. In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel LK 2:22-40 When the days were completed for their purification  according to the law of Moses,  They took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,  and to offer the sacrifice ofa pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,  in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel,  and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit  that he should not see death  before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple;  and when the parents brought in the child Jesus  to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,  He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;  and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,  “Behold, this child is destined  for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted  —and you yourself a sword will pierce—  so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna,  the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years,  having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,  and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple,  but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time,  she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child  to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.  When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;  and the favor of God was upon him.Or Lk 2:22, 39-40 When the days were completed for their purification  according to the law of Moses,  they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.  When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord,  they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;  and the favor of God was upon him. Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Sylvester I, pope - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 1 Jn 2:12-17 I am writing to you, children,because your sins have been forgiven for his name's sake.I am writing to you, fathers,because you know him who is from the beginning.I am writing to you, young men,because you have conquered the Evil One.I write to you, children,because you know the Father.I write to you, fathers,because you know him who is from the beginning.I write to you, young men,because you are strong and the word of God remains in you,and you have conquered the Evil One.Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world,sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life,is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever. Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!Give to the LORD, you families of nations,give to the LORD glory and praise;give to the LORD the glory due his name!R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!Bring gifts, and enter his courts;worship the LORD in holy attire.Tremble before him, all the earth.R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!Say among the nations: The LORD is king.He has made the world firm, not to be moved;he governs the peoples with equity. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.A holy day has dawned upon us.Come, you nations, and adore the Lord.Today a great light has come upon the earth.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 2:36-40 There was a prophetess, Anna,the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years,having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple,but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time,she gave thanks to God and spoke about the childto all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.When they had fulfilled all the prescriptionsof the law of the Lord,they returned to Galilee,to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;and the favor of God was upon him. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and MartyrReading 1 1 Jn 2:3-11 Beloved:The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, "I know him," but does not keep his commandmentsis a liar, and the truth is not in him.But whoever keeps his word,the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him:whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked.Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to youbut an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. And yet I do write a new commandment to you,which holds true in him and among you,for the darkness is passing away,and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light,yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother remains in the light,and there is nothing in him to cause a fall. Whoever hates his brother is in darkness;he walks in darknessand does not know where he is goingbecause the darkness has blinded his eyes. Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!Sing to the LORD a new song;sing to the LORD, all you lands.Sing to the LORD; bless his name. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!Announce his salvation, day after day.Tell his glory among the nations;among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!The LORD made the heavens.Splendor and majesty go before him;praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary.R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Alleluia Lk 2:32 R. Alleluia, alleluia.A light of revelation to the Gentilesand glory for your people Israel.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 2:22-35 When the days were completed for their purificationaccording to the law of Moses,the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalemto present him to the Lord,just as it is written in the law of the Lord,Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,and to offer the sacrifice ofa pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout,awaiting the consolation of Israel,and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spiritthat he should not see deathbefore he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple;and when the parents brought in the child Jesusto perform the custom of the law in regard to him,he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:"Lord, now let your servant go in peace;your word has been fulfilled:my own eyes have seen the salvationwhich you prepared in the sight of every people,a light to reveal you to the nationsand the glory of your people Israel."The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,"Behold, this child is destinedfor the fall and rise of many in Israel,and to be a sign that will be contradicted(and you yourself a sword will pierce)so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 1 Jn 1:5—2:2 Beloved:This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christand proclaim to you:God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.If we say, "We have fellowship with him," while we continue to walk in darkness,we lie and do not act in truth.But if we walk in the light as he is in the light,then we have fellowship with one another,and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.If we say, "We are without sin,"we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.If we say, "We have not sinned," we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.My children, I am writing this to youso that you may not commit sin.But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.He is expiation for our sins,and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. Responsorial Psalm Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8 R. (7) Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.Had not the LORD been with us—When men rose up against us,then would they have swallowed us alive,When their fury was inflamed against us.R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.Then would the waters have overwhelmed us;The torrent would have swept over us;over us then would have swept the raging waters.R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.Broken was the snare,and we were freed.Our help is in the name of the LORD,who made heaven and earth.R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare. Alleluia See R. Alleluia, alleluia.We praise you, O God,we acclaim you as Lord;the white robed army of martyrs praise you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 2:13-18 When the magi had departed, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,"Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,and stay there until I tell you.Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him."Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by nightand departed for Egypt.He stayed there until the death of Herod,that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,Out of Egypt I called my son.When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,he became furious.He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinitytwo years old and under,in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:A voice was heard in Ramah,sobbing and loud lamentation;Rachel weeping for her children,and she would not be consoled,since they were no more. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.