YEAR B 2020-2021 PART 2 - Commentary On Sunday Readings

COMMENTARY ON SUNDAY
MASS READINGS: YEAR B

PART 2
EASTER SUNDAY TO
SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST, THE
KING
BY NAT JOHNSON
ST BAKHITA CATHOLIC CHURCH, COMMUNITY 20
TEMA
EASTER SUNDAY YEAR B
Theme: The Lord has indeed risen
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 10: 34, 37-43

Peter’s homily summarises what the Gospel is all about: that is,
Jesus’ perfect life of servanthood, his death on the cross, his
resurrection, his fulfillment of the scriptures, and the need for each
of us to have personal faith in him, for our salvation.
2nd Reading: Colossians, chapter 3: 1-4

The implication of having been resurrected with Christ is that we
should no longer be pre-occupied with the petty things of this life;
rather we should focus on our heavenly inheritance.
OR
2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 5: 6-8

St Paul challenges us to celebrate Christ’s resurrection with a new
mind-set that is centred on Christ-like morals.
Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 1-9

Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and the other disciple, must have
rushed to the tomb with mixed feelings. They found out, as we also
do by faith, that Christ is risen!
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
.
2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR B (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY)
Theme: Faith and fellowship
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles chapter 4; 32-35

The focus of the early church was on togetherness. They shared
every thing they had in common. For us today, the additional
obligation is to take up the challenge of sharing our Christian
values such as love, justice and mutual respect with everyone.
2nd Reading: 1st letter of John, chapter 5: 1-6.

John writes that the children of God are those who believe that
Jesus is the Christ, and, in addition, keep his commandments. The
child of God conquers the world, and the power with which he
achieves this is the power of faith.
Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 19 -31

Jesus greets his disciples with the peace offering and breathed the
empowering Holy Spirit on them. Thomas, who was absent when
this happened, did not believe. Christ’s statement: “Blessed are
they who have not seen and have believed,” underscores the
importance of faith in the life of the Christian.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR B
Theme: May the Lord open our minds for understanding of the
Scriptures
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 3: 13-15, 17-19

Peter addresses a crowd that had gathered to see the miraculous
healing of a cripple. Although he rebukes them for rejecting Christ,
he appears to pardon their ignorance, while declaring that this was
the means by which God saved the world.
2nd Reading: 1 John, chapter 2: 1-5a

John writes that Christ helps us out of sin, and that the surest way
we can have a fruitful knowledge of our saviour, and at the same
time remain in union with God, is to obey his commandments.
Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 24: 35-48

Jesus appeared in the midst of his disciples while they were
hearing a testimony about the encounter on the road to Emmaus.
To allay their fears, Jesus opened their minds to the scriptures.
Like the disciples, we also need Jesus to open our minds to the
understanding of the Word of God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR B
Theme: There is salvation in the name of Jesus
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 4: 8-12

Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin for healing a
cripple. Peter answered his interrogators that the power behind
their miracles is the name, JESUS! The fact remains that Jesus is
the only one designated by God to be the Saviour of the world.

Scripture says that God loves us so much so that he allows us to
call him “Father”. We are, indeed, his children even now; and this
relationship will become perfect at the end of time.
Gospel Reading: John, chapter 10: 11-18.

Jesus uses the example of the shepherd and his sheep, to
describe the relationship between himself and his followers. He
assures you and me this day that he is committed to loving us, and
to lay down his life for us.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: Our union with the Lord in the community of the Church
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 9: 26-31.

The congregation at Jerusalem refused to accept the newly-
converted Paul as one of them, because they did not trust him.
The message in this scripture is that a professed good relationship
with God and Jesus alone is insufficient: we need the support of
our fellow believers if we should participate fully in the Christian
life.

This scripture teaches that we should not just talk about our love
for our neighbour, but that we should translate that love into action.
The reading also reminds us of our saviour’s commandment that
we should love one another, so that we can be in Christ, and he in
us.

Jesus is the true vine on which all the faithful grow, as branches.
God is the vine-grower, who makes sure that we are producing
good fruits. We can only grow on Jesus, the vine, so we must
develop and maintain a living relationship with him.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: God is Love
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-

48
The Holy Spirit came down on Cornelius, a Roman soldier, as well
as the other non-Jews who were listening to Peter, even before
they were baptized. By this event, we learn, first of all that the
Good News of our faith can be shared with everyone, and
secondly, that the Holy Spirit can take the initiative and start
working in us, whenever he wishes.
2nd Reading: 1st letter of John, chapter 4: 7-10

This scripture explains that we must love one another, because
love comes from God, and, indeed, God is love. God showed his
love for us by the sacrifice of his only son, through whom we have
salvation.
Gospel Reading: John, chapter 15:9 -17

Jesus commands us to love one another, as he loved us, and as
God loved him. In fact he loves us well enough to teach us
everything he received from God, in order that we should become
his friends. Jesus urges us this day, to maintain and sustain our
love for each other.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: That all may be one
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1:15-17, 20-26

The apostles chose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot, so that the
work of the early church might continue without hindrance. They
were united in prayer, and in supplication. This attitude of oneness
of purpose remains a definite requirement for the success of our
church in the present day.
2nd Reading: 1st letter of John, chapter 4: 11-16

God loves us, so we must love one another. This mysterious spirit
of love is the principle that underscores Christian unity. In other
words, it is the love of God and love of neighbour that keeps us,
and shall continue to keep the Christian community together.
Gospel Reading: John, chapter 17: 11b-19

We read an excerpt from Jesus’ prayer for his disciples, including
those of us who follow him today. He prays that we should be
united in love, as the Holy Trinity is united; and that we shall be
protected from the evil one.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
PENTECOST SUNDAY YEAR B
Theme: The Spirit at work
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2: 1-11

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the
disciples, and they spoke in various tongues, even to the
amazement of visitors who were present in Jerusalem that day.
The Pentecost event means that the Christian message is meant
for all people.
2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 12: 3b-7, 12-13.

Scripture makes it clear that the Holy Spirit gives different gifts to
different people. No matter the way in which these gifts manifest,
they are to be used for the good of the congregation.
Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 19-23.

John’s account of the Pentecost is based on Jesus’ appearance in
the midst of his disciples, soon after the resurrection. He breathed
the Holy Spirit into them, and empowered them to continue his
work. Christ invites all of us this day, to receive his life-
transforming Holy Spirit.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
TRINITY SUNDAY YEAR B
Theme: The ineffable mystery of God
1st Reading: Deuteronomy, chapter 4: 32-34, 39-40

Moses asks the Hebrews a few thought-provoking questions,
which are meant to remind them and all the faithful, of the great
things that God has done for us. In addition, Moses urges that we
all must know, and keep in our hearts that our Lord is God for all
eternity.
2nd Reading: Romans, chapter 8: 14-17

God has given us his Spirit, so that we can become his adopted
children. As children of God, we are heirs: heirs of God, and joint-
heirs with Christ Jesus.
Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 28: 16-20

God gave authority over heaven and earth to Jesus. On the basis
of this authority, Jesus commands all who call him Lord, to go and
make disciples of all people, in the name of the Holy Trinity.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
(CORPUS CHRISTI) YEAR B
Theme: Sharing life with Christ
1st Reading: Exodus, chapter 24: 3-8

God ratifies the blood covenant with the nation, Israel. The object
of the sacrifice was an animal, whose blood was proof that one life
had been given for another. Some of the blood was sprinkled on
the altar, the symbol of God, and the rest on the people to show
that they could now be re-united to God.
2nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 9: 11-15

Jesus Christ is the High Priest, who shed his own blood as
atonement for our sins. Our saviour’s blood is the perfect sacrifice.
It is superior to the blood of animals, and that is why the new
covenant, signified by the blood of Jesus, is greater than any other
sacrifice.
Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 14: 12-16, 22-26

Jesus chose the Feast of Passover to institute the Holy Eucharist,
as we know it today. By commanding us to celebrate the Holy
Eucharist in his memory, Jesus is reminding us of the price he paid
for our salvation.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
11TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Theme: Hope
1st Reading: Ezekiel, chapter 17: 22-24

Ezekiel carries a message of hope to all God’s people. As a point
of reference, he describes how God will take a seemingly weak
part of a tree, and transform it into a magnificent tree.

Paul’s message of hope is expressed in his confidence that faith in
Christ positions us for faithful service. The reward for our faith,
which is eternal life with Christ, is worth the waiting.
Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 4: 26-34

Jesus likens the reign of God to the process of sowing a seed and
watching it grow to full maturity. This process, like following in the
footsteps of Christ, requires patience and a living hope.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: Prayer in faith
1st Reading: Job, chapter 38: 1, 8-11

Job had been lamenting about the disaster that had befallen
him. Instead of answering his prayers, God rather asked him
a series of questions, which no human could possibly
answer. The lesson from this scripture is that during difficult
times, we, too, must humbly remember our position before
the all-powerful God, and wait upon him.

Scripture says that because Christ died for us, we are also
dead to our old lives. Like Paul, we should no longer live to
please ourselves, but live for Christ, because we are new
creations in him.

Mark recounts the story of how Jesus calmed the storm. The
disciples were so amazed that they asked themselves: “Who
can this be that the wind and the sea obey him?” Our answer
to this question could be: “He is the man who calms the
storms in our lives; he is Jesus, whom we worship!”
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: That we may have life
1st Reading: Wisdom, chapter 1: 13-15, and chapter 2:

23-24
Scripture explains that God did not create spiritual death. In
fact, he made us in his own likeness, so that like him, we
could live forever. Spiritual death is caused by the devil. He
who is dead spiritually, is cut off from God, the source of life.
2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians, chapter 8: 7, 9, 13-15.
St. Paul says that since we excel in everything, such as in

faith and in knowledge, we should also excel in the practice
of charity, because it pays to be generous.
Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 5: 21-43 or 21-24, 35-43.

Jesus heals a bleeding woman, and restores a girl to life.
These miracles show, in a nutshell, the purpose of Jesus’
coming: to restore our spiritual health, and give us eternal
life.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: The Priest’s ministry
1st Reading: Ezekiel, chapter 2: 2-5

God sent Ezekiel to preach to a rebellious Israel. He
encourages the prophet, and all priests, for that matter, that
in spite of the people’s stubbornness, the word of God will
make an impact on them.

St Paul does not think highly of himself; instead, he is
content to portray himself as a weak vessel that God is using
for his purpose. He invites us to see in him the Christ whom
he preaches.

Jesus’ own people failed to appreciate his ministry, and so
did not benefit from his miracles. We also stand the chance
of missing out on divine insights if we do not acknowledge
those whom the Lord has anointed to be our shepherds.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: Acceptance and rejection
1st Reading: Amos, chapter 7: 12-15

The disagreement between Amaziah, priest of Bethel, and
Amos the preacher from Judah, shows that there could be
contrasting styles of presenting the Good News to God’s
people. Notwithstanding how we perceive these methods,
the situation calls for mutual respect and fraternal love.
2nd Reading: Ephesians, chapter 1:3-14

St. Paul urges us to constantly praise God, our Creator, for
making us his own. We should also be grateful that God has
been generous enough to let us understand his plans for us.
Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 6:7-13

Jesus sent his disciples out, to spread the Gospel, and also
to drive out evil spirits. His parting words to them suggest
that not everyone would accept the Good News.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: As a shepherd tends his flock
1st Reading: Jeremiah, chapter 23:1-6

God warns that he will punish those shepherds, or leaders of
his people, who have misled their followers. He himself will
bring together and prosper his people, and will appoint for
them a true shepherd, a righteous king from David’s
descendants.
2nd Reading: Ephesians, chapter 2:13-18

St. Paul teaches that Jews and Gentiles were brought
together by Christ’s sacrifice, a sacrifice which was meant for
all people. By so doing, Jesus intends that people of all
nations should have a common identity, which is based on
the universal law of love: love of God and love of neighbour.

Even though Jesus and the Apostles wanted to rest for a
while, the crowd kept on coming to them. Jesus felt sad for
them because “they were like sheep without a shepherd”. He
assumed the role of the Good Shepherd, and began to teach
them, in the same way as he continues to teach us by his
word.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: The hand of the Lord feeds us
1st Reading: 2 Kings, chapter 4: 42-44

Elisha supports his order that his people be fed with what
seems to be a small quantity of food, with God’s assurance
that the food would be more than adequate for their needs.
2nd Reading: Ephesians, chapter 4: 1-6

Paul calls on the church to maintain and to preserve the unity
among its members by living such attributes as humility and
patience, because it is the Spirit of the one God which is in
all of us.

Jesus feeds a crowd of five thousand men from the same
stock of five loaves and some fish. The symbolism for us
today is that of the faithful feeding on the one body and blood
of Christ, in the Eucharist.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: the Lord gave them bread from heaven
1st Reading: Exodus, chapter 16: 2-4, 12-15

God led the Jews out of Egypt into freedom; but in their
moment of hunger and despair, they craved for the days of
slavery, when they could, at least, eat to their fill. God
answered their petition, and fed them with manna from
heaven. God has called us into his freedom, and will provide
us with all our needs through the desert of life.
2nd Reading: Ephesians, chapter 4: 17, 20-24

St Paul entreats us to live purposeful lives. We must change
from our old and aimless goals. We must acquire a spiritual
way of thinking, and live like people who have been created
in the image of the Almighty God.

Jesus is the manna, the bread of life, which we need on our
journey through life. If we come to him, we shall never be
hungry; if we believe in him, we shall no longer be thirsty.
Going to Jesus, and believing in him means having absolute
confidence in him.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: Christ our viaticum, food for our journey
1st Reading; 1 Kings 19: 4-8

The prophet Elijah was forced by circumstances to flee for
his life. While on his way through the desert, God fed him,
and so he had enough strength to walk forty days and forty
nights to his destination. God’s message for us is that he will
provide for us all that we need to strengthen us on our way to
him.
2nd Reading: Ephesians 4: 30-5:2

St Paul advises that we should not offend the Holy Spirit in
whom we have been sealed. There should be no ill-feeling
within and amongst us, but rather we should emulate the
love of Christ and the compassion of God.
Gospel Reading: John 6: 41-51

The Jews did not accept Christ’s claim to be the bread of life
that came down from heaven, through which mankind would
have everlasting life. All that Jesus is saying to us is that if
we allow him to fill every part of our being, we will never be
alienated from God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY INTO
HEAVEN YAR B
Theme: Mary is taken up to Heaven
1st Reading: Revelation, chapter 12: 1-6a, 10b

This scripture provides an insight into the battle between a queenly
but vulnerable woman, the embodiment of Mother Mary, and the
evil one. In the end, we see the protection God provides his own,
so we escape the traps of the evil one.

St Paul explains that for now Jesus, the resurrected Christ reigns
as king, until all evil is defeated. At the end of time he will hand
over his kingdom to God the father so that the redeemed can
relate to God directly.
Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 1: 39-56

Mary’s focus and commitment to the goal of bearing the Messiah
earned her the title “Blessed”. If we also trust that the Lord’s words
to us, especially about the coming of the Saviour would be fulfilled,
then we too shall be blessed.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
20th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEYEAR B
Theme: the Eucharistic celebration
1st Reading: Proverbs, chapter 9: 1-6

The wisdom of God passionately invites you and I to a
banquet, with the promise that if we honour the invitation we
would grow wise and live forever. The message for us is that
searching for God’s wisdom should be our number one
priority.

Paul demands that we act the wise man, by drawing
inspiration from the Holy Spirit so that we can enjoy the
companionship of fellow believers, and thank the Lord for
everything, and in all things.

Jesus explains that eating his body and drinking his blood
would create the kind of relationship that exists between him
and God, a relationship that leads to everlasting life.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Theme: The risk of faith
1st Reading: Joshua, chapter 24: 1-2a, 15-17, 18b

At Shechem, Joshua and the Israelites renew their covenant with
God, vowing to serve him, because they were witnesses to his
miracles. The Lord’s protective presence belongs to us as well, if
we choose to serve him unconditionally.

Paul compares the unity that exists between Christ and his church,
to the love between a husband and his wife. It is the love borne out
of faith which often defies logic. Christ love for us cannot always
be explained, and therefore it is pointless for us to analyse.

The disciples who turned their backs on Christ obviously had their
faith shaken by his teachings. Peter’s response sums up the
sentiment of the genuine followers: Jesus has the words of
everlasting life.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Theme: The human and the divine elements in religion
1st Reading: Deuteronomy, chapter 4: 1-2, 6-8

After Moses had given God’s law to the Israelites he cautioned
them not to add to, nor subtract from them. Through careful
observation of the law, he notes, all other nations will acknowledge
the wisdom, intelligence and greatness of their nation, Israel which
has God as its Lord.
2nd Reading: James, chapter 1: 17-18, 21b-22 & 27

This scripture stresses that the word of God is a genuine gift from
heaven, freely given by God, our father. The believer is expected
to receive this gift by faith, because it is the source of our
salvation. We are required to go beyond mere listening to the
word; we must live the word of God.
Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Jesus set the records straight as regards what is pure and what is
impure in the sight of God. Man becomes impure when he
relegates God’s commandments to the background. Secondly, it is
the ungodly thoughts that we entertain in our hearts and minds,
such as greed and arrogance that make us impure.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Theme: The healing activity of our Lord
1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 35: 4-7a
This scripture teaches that human beings are afflicted by all kinds
of spiritual ailments. However, at the coming of the Messiah, the
blind will see, the deaf will hear; streams will flow from the desert.
These are some of the miracles that the Lord will perform when he
comes.
2nd Reading: James, chapter 2:1-5
St James advises the believer against the tendency to discriminate

against our fellow men. He says that God did not show any
partiality when he chose us, and for that matter, we should not
indulge in favoritism.
Jesus heals a man who was deaf and dumb. The Lord’s
command: “Be opened!” is a command unto every believer’s
spiritual sickness. And when we are cured, we can gratefully say,
like the friends of the man who was healed, that, “Indeed, the Lord
has done everything well!”
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Theme: Taking up our cross
1st Reading: Isaiah chapter 50: 5-9a
This scripture is, in fact, a song that extols the virtues of carrying
your own cross, and following the Messiah. It is also a call to the
faithful to adopt a new attitude towards their Christian way of life,
and, by so doing, walk in the presence of the Lord.
2nd Reading: James, chapter 2: 14-18
St James teaches that faith, without good deeds, is useless. True

Christian charity may be difficult, but it is the kind of sacrifice that
makes our faith real and acceptable in the sight of the Lord.
Gospel Reading: Mark chapter 8: 27-35
St Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus, as it were,

nods in agreement, and begins to teach his disciples about his
death and resurrection, as well as the need for all who want to
follow him to deny their very selves, and take up their crosses.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Theme: Church management is service
1st Reading: Wisdom, chapter 2: 12, 17-20
This scripture describes the fate that often befalls the just and
upright man. He is under constant attack by his opponents who
find fault with his principles. God will, indeed, protect him.
2nd Reading: James, chapter 3:16, to chapter 4: 3
St James traces the source of conflict among the congregation to

attitudes such as envy and jealousy. The antidote for such
tendencies is prayer for divine wisdom, which brings peace as a
dividend.
While Jesus was concerned with his last days on earth, his
disciples were preoccupied with the ideas of personal greatness.
Jesus teaches them, and all of us, that in spite of our personal
ambitions, greatness, by God’s standards, comes from service.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: Open-minded respect and love for all.
1st Reading: Numbers, chapter 11: 25-29
The coverage area of God’s spirit is not restricted. God can send
his spirit to fill anyone he chooses, at any time he wishes,
irrespective of where the person might be.
2nd Reading: James, chapter 5: 1-6
St James has harsh words for the rich who exploit the poor, or
anyone who indulges in social injustice, for that matter. This is a
call to the faithful to rethink their social responsibilities.
Gospel Reading: Mark chapter 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48
Jesus encourages us to welcome anyone who shares our faith in

him, or follows his example. At the same time our Lord cautions
those who mislead his followers, or allow their personal
weaknesses to stand in the way of their faith.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YAR B
Theme: Unshakable fidelity.
1st Reading: Genesis, chapter 2: 18 – 24
By allowing man to give names to the various creatures, God

made man a co-creator. Man’s proclamation: “Bone of my bones”
and “flesh of my flesh” completes the creation, and underlines the
companionship of man and woman.
2nd Reading: Hebrews chapter 2: 9-11
Jesus the divine being, had to die like a human being, in order to
identify himself with us, so as to be in the position to save us, and
to call us brothers.
Jesus endorses the sanctity of marriage, by stressing that we

should not tamper with God’s intentions. Secondly, our Lord invites
us to approach our heavenly inheritance with child-like simplicity.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: Renunciation and stewardship
1st Reading: Wisdom, chapter 7: 7-11
Wisdom from God is portrayed as better than thrones, riches or

even good health. He who chooses divine wisdom receives every
good gift from God.
God’s life-changing word permeates every part of our being. We

Christians must endeavour to allow this living word to mold our
lives.
Observation of the commandments is no guarantee for salvation.

Obeying the orders of Christ, which may imply placing our
resources at the disposal of others, is what the Saviour requires of
us.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATON
Theme: Being of service
1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 53: 10-11
The true servant of God is he who offers everything that he has,

including his own life, for the benefit of others.
Jesus Christ empathizes with our predicament. He understands

our human failings and weaknesses, and so we can turn to him
confidently and trustingly in all situations.
Jesus makes it clear that greatness is not derived from the position
we occupy, nor does it come with exercising authority by
intimidation. Greatness comes from stooping to serve our subjects.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Theme: Rabboni (Teacher), I want to see!
1st Reading: Jeremiah, chapter 31: 7-9
This scripture expresses not only God’s care, but also the people’s
hope and trust in the Lord to deliver them from exile. God truly
cares!
In order to reinforce the basis of our faith, St Paul reminds us that

Jesus’ roles as Son of God, High Priest and mediator, were
conferred on him by God our Creator.
Jesus’ healing of the blind man teaches that persistent, purposeful

payer, backed with faith, will draw the Lord’s ear to our requests.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
ALL SAINTS DAY YEAR B
Theme: Our communion with the Saints
1st Reading: Revelation, chapter 7: 2-4, 9-14
Scripture says that the saints, from Israel and the other nations of
the world, were too numerous to be counted! The good news is
that God has made it possible for us also to worship before his
heavenly throne.
2nd Reading: 1 John, chapter 3: 1-3
Followers of Christ, no doubt, go through times of peril. The

soothing words of scripture assure us that like the saints, our hope
of meeting our Maker will, indeed, become a reality.
Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 5: 1-12
The Beatitudes or “Beautiful Attitudes” summarise the nature of

Christ. The saints pursued these ideals. We, also, are expected to
adopt same for our salvation.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Theme: Two loves not to be separated
1st Reading: Deuteronomy, chapter 6: 2-6
Keeping the commandments of God, and paying him all due

respect is the foundation of long life, prosperity and our very
existence.
In this scripture, St Paul compares the functions of the Jewish High

Priests, which were limited by their physical infirmities, to Jesus,
the divine and eternal High Priest, whose sacrifice was made
once, and for all mankind.
Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 12: 28b-34
Love of neighbour cannot be separated from love of God; the two

go hand-in-hand, reinforcing each other and resulting in a kind of
love everlasting that is pleasing to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Theme: Self-giving to God
1st Reading: Kings, chapter 17: 10-16
By the example of the widow of Zarephath, we learn that when we

generously give of ourselves, no matter how little, our gift is
precious in God’s eye. It shall not go unrewarded.
St Paul places Christ’s sacrifice in its proper context: the context of

Christ himself, as High Priest, entering the heavenly sanctuary with
his own blood, his very life, as atonement for the sins of all
mankind.
The poor widow gave to God all that she had, out of generosity.
Jesus commends this kind of self-giving, and cautions us against
actions that are done only to attract attention.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Theme: Hope for a better future
1st Reading: Daniel, chapter 12:1-3
Daniel’s prophecy describes the last days, which would be a

period of extreme hardship. God will however send a deliverer to
protect his people. The prophecy is therefore a message of hope
for those who place their trust in the Lord.
2nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 10: 11-14, 18
St. Paul writes that Jesus’ sacrifice is the only sacrifice that takes
away sins. Our Lord’s sacrifice therefore supersedes all others.
Christ, our Saviour, shares power with God, and this fact should
give hope to all believers.
Jesus describes the terrible events that will precede the end times,
and how everybody will witness his glorious second coming. Our
Lord requires us to observe the signs of the times, and not to
speculate on the exact day if his coming.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
SOLEMNITY OF CHIRST, THE KING YEAR B
Theme: God’s reign in the process of being established
1st Reading: Daniel, chapter 7: 13-14
Daniels’s vision of the honours accorded the one whom we

acknowledge as the Son of God, underscores the universal and
eternal kingship of Jesus Christ.
2nd Reading: Revelation, chapter 1: 5-8
This scripture seeks to encourage all the faithful that at the end of
time, all of us shall behold our Saviour, Jesus Christ, as he comes
in glory.
Gospel Reading: John, chapter 18: 33b-37
Jesus reveals the source of his kingship, as well as the purpose of

his coming into the world. The kingship of our Messiah is to prove
that truth can not be disputed.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

YEAR B 2020-2021 PART 2 - Commentary On Sunday Readings

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YEAR B 2020-2021 PART 2 - Commentary On Sunday Readings

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COMMENTARY ON SUNDAY

MASS READINGS: YEAR B

Theme: The Lord has indeed risen

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 10: 34, 37-43

2nd Reading: Colossians, chapter 3: 1-4

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 5: 6-8

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 1-9

Theme: Faith and fellowship

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles chapter 4; 32-35

2nd Reading: 1st letter of John, chapter 5: 1-6.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 19 -31

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 3: 13-15, 17-19

2nd Reading: 1 John, chapter 2: 1-5a

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 24: 35-48

Theme: There is salvation in the name of Jesus

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 4: 8-12

2nd Reading: 1st letter of John, chapter 3: 1-2.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 10: 11-18.

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 9: 26-31.

2nd Reading: 1st letter of John, chapter 3: 18-24.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 15: 1-8

Theme: God is Love

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-

2nd Reading: 1st letter of John, chapter 4: 7-10

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 15:9 -17

Theme: That all may be one

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1:15-17, 20-26

2nd Reading: 1st letter of John, chapter 4: 11-16

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 17: 11b-19

Theme: The Spirit at work

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2: 1-11

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 12: 3b-7, 12-13.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 19-23.

Theme: The ineffable mystery of God

1st Reading: Deuteronomy, chapter 4: 32-34, 39-40

2nd Reading: Romans, chapter 8: 14-17

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 28: 16-20

Theme: Sharing life with Christ

1st Reading: Exodus, chapter 24: 3-8

2nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 9: 11-15

Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 14: 12-16, 22-26

1st Reading: Ezekiel, chapter 17: 22-24

2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians, chapter 5: 6-10

Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 4: 26-34

Theme: Prayer in faith

1st Reading: Job, chapter 38: 1, 8-11

2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians, chapter 5: 14-17

Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 4: 35-41

Theme: That we may have life

1st Reading: Wisdom, chapter 1: 13-15, and chapter 2:

2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians, chapter 8: 7, 9, 13-15.

St. Paul says that since we excel in everything, such as in

Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 5: 21-43 or 21-24, 35-43.

Theme: The Priest’s ministry

1st Reading: Ezekiel, chapter 2: 2-5

2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians, chapter 12: 7-10

Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 6: 1-6

Theme: Acceptance and rejection

1st Reading: Amos, chapter 7: 12-15

2nd Reading: Ephesians, chapter 1:3-14

Gospel Reading: Mark, chapter 6:7-13

Theme: As a shepherd tends his flock

1st Reading: Jeremiah, chapter 23:1-6