COMMENTARY ON

SUNDAY MASS READINGS

YEAR C

2021-2022
EASTER SUNDAY
TO SOLEMNITY OF
CHRIST, THE KING

BY

NAT JOHNSON

ST BAKHITA CATHOLIC CHURCH,

COMMUNITY 20, TEMA

EASTER SUNDAY

Theme: The Lord has indeed risen

1st Reading: The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 10: 34a, 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: 6b-8
St Paul challenges us to celebrate Christ’s resurrection with a new
mind-set that is based on Christ-like morals.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 1-9

Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and the other disciple, certainly,
rushed to the tomb with mixed feelings. They found out, as we also
do by faith, that Christ is risen!

OR

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 24: 1-12

The women were puzzled when they saw an empty tomb. The
disciples initially expressed doubts about the good news of the
resurrection. For us, today, the resurrected Christ lives among us, as
he prophesied he would.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
2ND
SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY) YEAR C
Theme: Faith and fellowship

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 5: 12-16

The early church witnessed a good number of miracles. In addition,

the bond of fellowship among the brethren was so outstanding that it
did not take long for more and more people to be drawn to the Lord.

2nd Reading: Revelations, chapter 1: 9-11a, 12-13 and 17-19

John puts his mission as the recorder or writer of the Revelations into
perspective. It is clear from his vision that Jesus is the one who lives
forever.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20; 19 -31

Jesus greets his disciples with the peace offering, and breathed the
Holy Spirit on them, to empower them. Christ’s words to Thomas:
“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 C
Theme: What the Lord means to Christians

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 5: 27-32, 40b-41

After they had received firm instructions never again to preach Christ,
the Apostles remained resolute, and were delighted to suffer for the
sake of the Saviour.

2nd Reading: Revelations, chapter 5: 11-14

The angels and the other heavenly inhabitants sing praises to Jesus.
Like all the other creatures in the universe, we also must echo the
voices of the angels, to affirm the fact that Jesus is Lord!

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 21: 1-19

During our Lord’s third appearance to his disciples, he provided them

with a miraculous catch, and went on to entrust a three-fold ministry
to Peter. Finally, he commanded Peter, and all of us, with these
words: “Follow me!”

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C
Theme: Perseverance in trials

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles: chapter 13: 14, 43-52

The joy of Paul and Barnabas, as they won more souls for Christ,
was followed by persecution and expulsion by the powers that were.
The fact that their converts remained joyful in the face of all these
challenges should encourage us to persevere in trials.

2nd Reading: Revelation, chapter 7: 9, 14b-17

The crowd that was standing before the throne of the Lord attained
sainthood after having gone through a period of trials. Their testimony
is a lesson in how to remain steadfast in the Lord.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 10: 27-30

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows us thoroughly. This scripture

affirms that he will not allow evil to befall his followers.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C
Theme: Christian joy tempered with trials

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 14: 21-27

Paul and Barnabas made stop-overs in the cities where they had
planted the church. Everywhere they went, they encouraged the
faithful to press on, in spite of trials that may come their way.

2nd Reading: Revelations, chapter 21: 1-5a

This scripture is a message of hope to all people. God, our Creator,

at the end of time, will usher us into a new heavenly home, where we
shall no longer experience uncertainties, doubts or sorrows.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 13: 31-33a, 34-35

Jesus is looking forward to his glorification; a time during which he

would not be physically present with us. He commands us, his
followers, to preserve the distinction between us and others, by
following his own example of love for one another.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C
Theme; Constant renewal under guidance of the Spirit

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 15: 1-2, 22-29

The Word of God teaches that all issues pertaining to the growth and
renewal of our faith, as well as the continuity of the Church can be
resolved through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord expects us
to tap into the richness of our Advocate, the Holy Spirit.

2nd Reading: Revelations, chapter 21: 10-14, 22-23

John tries to describe, within the limitations of his human capacity,

the new Jerusalem.

The assurance is that our new dwelling place is going to be filled by

the presence of God.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 14: 23-29

Jesus’ instructions to his disciples contain all that we, his followers,
need to do, in order to continue in his steps. These are: keeping
God’s word, embracing the Holy Spirit and accepting his gift of deep
and lasting peace.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
7TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C
Theme: The image of Jesus Christ keeps us together

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 7: 55-60

The martyrdom of St Stephen should convince us that it is more than

worthy to stand up for Jesus in the face of all opposition, even at the
peril of our lives.

2nd Reading: Revelations, chapter 22: 12-14, 16-17, 20

Jesus is the beginning and the end. In fact, he is the all-in-all for
those who strive to remain faithful to him. Christ invites everyone to
accept all that he stands for.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 17:20-26

Jesus prays for his disciples, and all of us who follow him, for unity,
God’s protection and sanctity. It is our Lord’s desire that we remain
united with him, in the same way as he is united with God, our
Creator.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
PENTECOST SUNDAY YEAR C

Theme: The Spirit at work

Theme: The Spirit at work

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

The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, and they spoke in various
tongues, to the amazement of all. The Pentecost event means that
the Christian message is meant for all people.

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

The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people. No matter how
they are manifest, the gifts are to be used for the good of all.

Through the Holy Spirit, we all have become members in the one
body of Christ.

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 us this day, to receive his life-transforming Holy Spirit.

OR

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 14: 15-16, 23b-26.

Jesus promises his followers his Holy Spirit, who would teach us
everything, as well as the indwelling of Christ and God our Creator in
us. These words of hope tell us the lengths to which Christ would go
to keep us in his fold.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
TRINITY SUNDAY YEAR C
Theme: The Ineffable Mystery of God

1st Reading: Proverbs, chapter 8:22-31

Scripture says that God’s wisdom was present when God created all
things. God’s wisdom is the foundation on which all things were
made.

2nd Reading: Romans, chapter 5: 1-5

Paul explains that God the Father, through Jesus, the Son, has
granted us a faith and a hope that is made complete by the Holy
Spirit that was given to us in baptism.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 16: 12-15

Jesus assures us that even though we might not fully understand the
next step in our life of faith, the Holy Spirit, which he would send from
his father, would be our guide.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI) YEAR C
Theme: Sharing life with Christ

1st Reading: Genesis, chapter 14: 18-20

Melchizedek, a God-loving King and priest, offered Abram bread and

wine, an act that is symbolic of the Holy Eucharist, as we know it
today.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 11:23-26

Paul invites us to focus on the real meaning of the Eucharist. The

body and blood of our Lord signifies oneness with him, and
togetherness with fellow believers.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 9:11b-17

The feeding of the crowd with five loaves and two fish shows that
even if we, like the disciples, do not have the resources with which to
feed or tend the Lord’s sheep, Jesus is ever ready to place his
miracles at our disposal.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
10TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: YEAR C

Theme: Victory over death

1st Reading: 1 Kings, chapter 17: 17-24

The widow attributes the death of her son to her own sins. Through
the intercession of the prophet Elijah, God shows us that his care and
mercy for us should put all our anxieties to rest.

2nd Reading: Paul’s letter to the Galatians, chapter 1: 11-19

St Paul’s credentials as having received God’s word through personal

encounter with Christ lends credence to his testimony, and enjoins us
not to be swayed from Christ, the source of the Good News.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 7: 11-17

Jesus brings back to life, the son of a widow. The declaration of the
crowd that witnessed this miracle, that “God has visited his people,”
must forever be on the lips all who experience God’s favour.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
11TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: Love, understanding, forgiveness

1st Reading: 2 Samuel, chapter 12: 7-10, 13

Even though God had blessed King David in several ways, he sinned
grievously against God. At the prompting of the prophet Nathan,
David repents, and thus obtains forgiveness from God.

2nd Reading: Galatians, chapter 2:16, 19-21

We cannot earn God’s favour by what we do. The only way to gain
his approval is by completely trusting in his gift to us, the gift of
Christ’s Sacrifice on the cross.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 7:36 to chapter 8:3

In the eyes of the Lord, Simon, his host, was guilty of non-observance
of protocol. The woman was also guilty of living a wayward life. But
for us, Jesus’ verdict teaches that repentance is a condition for
forgiveness of sins.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
SOLEMNITY OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Theme: Real greatness

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 49:1-6

Our call to discipleship, or greatness for that matter, begins even

before our birth. God equips us for the job, and though we may feel
inadequate, he assures us of our reward because we remain a
beacon of hope to the nations.

2nd Reading: Acts, chapter 13: 22-26

Paul draws on the reverence of King David by the Hebrews, and

compares that to Jesus, the Messiah. The role of John the Baptist in
the scheme of things is that of fore-runner to the King of kings.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 1:57-66, 80

The events of the day when John the Baptist was named confirm the
greatness God placed on the child even before his birth.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
12TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: Ongoing knowledge and deeper understanding of the Lord Jesus

1st Reading: Zechariah, chapter 12:10-11, and chapter 13: 1

Scripture predicts a time to come when God’s Spirit shall lead the
people to turn, with remorse, to the Messiah whom they had rejected.

2nd Reading: Galatians, chapter 3:26-29

Faith in Christ is the bond that unites all of us as children of God, and
heirs of the promise to Abraham, our father in faith.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 9: 18-24

The people had their own ideas about who Jesus was. Jesus says
that if we want a deeper knowledge of who he is, then we should
identify completely with his message.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: Fit and unfit for the reign of God

1st Reading: 1 Kings, chapter 19: 16b, 19-21

Elisha responds to God’s call to be a prophet by leaving all that he

had, and resolutely following Elijah, his mentor. The Lord expects a
similar attitude when he calls us.

2nd Reading: Galatians, chapter 5:1, 13-18

Christ gave us the freedom to live selflessly, the freedom to serve,

and the freedom to glorify God through a Holy Spirit-directed life-
style.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 9: 51-62

The response of people who were called to follow Christ, and Jesus’
reaction to their sentiments means that when we decide to follow
Jesus, there is no turning back.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: the “Already” and the “Not Yet” of God’s reign

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 66: 10-14c

Scripture urges us to be glad and grateful because of the freedom we

have now. We should have hope that God’s guidance shall surely
rain prosperity over us in future.

2nd Reading: Galatians, chapter 6: 14-18

Paul’s message to us is that we must cherish our status as “new

creatures” by virtue of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 10: 1-12, 17-20

As workers in the Lord’s vineyard, we shall be victorious here on

earth, even in the face of obstacles. All the same, the Lord expects
that we should look forward even more to the heavenly inheritance.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: Christian love guided by faith.

1st Reading: Deuteronomy, chapter 30: 10-14

Obeying God’s laws is not a difficult task. It is as easy as listening to

the promptings of the Spirit of God which is already in us.

2nd Reading: Colossians, chapter 1: 15-20

The divine nature of Christ is summed up in the fact that all things
were made through him and for him. Jesus remains the centre of
everything in heaven and on earth.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 10: 25-37

The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us that love of God

cannot be separated from love of neighbour. We cannot say that we
love God, and, at the same time, refuse to show concern for his
children, our neighbours.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: Hospitality

1st Reading: Genesis, chapter 18:1-10a

Abraham’s attention to details, as he served the strangers, shows

what is expected of every child of God in his or her line of duty.

2nd Reading: Colossians, chapter 1:24-28

Paul says that he is still joyful despite the suffering he has to

experience while bringing the good news or the mystery of Christ to
the Gentiles.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 10: 38-42

Martha and Mary show two different ways of serving the Lord. From
the scripture, we see that it is more beneficial to spend time with
Jesus, rather than to be seen to be busy doing things for him our own
way.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: Ask and you shall receive

1st Reading: Genesis, chapter 18: 20-32

Abraham’s prayer encounter with God, and God’s response at each

turn of the dialogue is a lesson in the power of persistent prayer. We
also learn that God’s mercy is abundant.

2nd Reading: Colossians, chapter 2:12-14

St Paul reminds us that the Grace that was poured into us at baptism
leads to new life in Christ, and, consequently, to salvation.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 11: 1-13

Jesus teaches us the basic elements of prayer, and stresses the

importance of persistence in prayer.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: What makes life meaningful?

1st Reading: Ecclesiastes, chapter 1: 2 and chapter 2: 21-23

The writer of this scripture cautions that all our struggles, all our
anxieties and all our concerns are of no lasting value if we leave God
out of the equation.

2nd Reading: Colossians, chapter 3:1- 5, 9 - 11

Our new life as Christians must be lived continually in the company of

Christ. This way, our past behaviours will be put to death, and then
we can really grow to be like Christ.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 12: 13-21

The parable of the rich fool teaches that it is pointless being

complacent with our achievements. God should be the foundation of
our well being.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: Faith in God gives hope for a destiny to come.

1st Reading; Wisdom, chapter 18: 6-9

The night of the Exodus, or the night of our freedom from bondage
from sin was known by our ancestors in the faith long ago. The same
faith gives us hope for salvation.

2nd Reading, Hebrews, chapter 11: 1-2, 8-19

Like Abraham, our journey of faith would become meaningful when

we accept the simple truth that God is trustworthy.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 12:32-48

Waiting for the Lord with unwavering faith would ensure us a place of
honour in his presence when he comes again.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: Can we stand correction?

1st Reading: Jeremiah, chapter 38: 4-6, 8-10

Like Jeremiah, those who stand up against the standards of the flesh,
are at risk of condemnation by the powers that be. God is however
ever ready to deliver them from their foes.

2nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 12:1-4

St Paul compares our call to be Christians to running a race. We

must remain focused on Christ, our coach, and what he went through
for us, so that we would not give up.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 12:49-53

Jesus says that our decision to follow him might entail giving up even
close relationships. All the same our Saviour demands a clear-cut
response from us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: Shall all be saved and you be rejected?

1st Reading: Isaiah chapter 66: 18-21

The Lord assures us that his saving grace will be available to all
people all over the world. In fact he would use some of the gentiles as
instruments to spread the Good News.

2nd Reading: Hebrews chapter 12: 5-7, 11-13

When the Lord disciplines us, he only intends to lovingly whip us back
on the track to salvation.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 13: 22-30

We read that salvation belongs to those who go to Jesus through the

narrow door, as well as to people from any part of the world that
repent and live a Christ-like life-style.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: He who humbles himself shall be exalted

1st Reading: Sirach, chapter 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29

Scripture explains that a humble person is appreciated by God, our

Creator, and is highly regarded by his fellow men.

2nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 12: 18-19, 22-24a

In contrast to the old perceptions about the manifestations of God’s

greatness, it is soothing for followers of Christ to know that the God
we worship is as approachable as he is affable.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 14:1, 7-14

This scripture is as much a lesson in good social behaviour, with
regards to self-esteem, as it is a caution about the need to be humble
in order to attain a place of honour at the Lord’s banquet.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: Wisdom and the demands of discipleship

1st Reading: Wisdom, chapter 9: 13-18

This scripture emphasises the need to pray for and to obtain wisdom
from God, like the holy people of old did. God’s wisdom in us would
enable us to understand even the ordinary things that happen to us.

2nd Reading: Philemon, verses 9-10, 12-17

Paul’s admonition to Philemon to take the runaway slave back as a

brother breaks conventional wisdom. The practice of clemency, which
Paul is obviously advocating, is in line with divine wisdom.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 14: 25-33

Jesus says that those who feel called to follow him must, like the
builder of the tower and the king in the scripture, diligently weigh the
options, assess their strengths and weaknesses and take a decisive
step.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: This man welcomes sinners!

1st Reading: Exodus, chapter 32: 7-11, 13-14

Moses intercedes for the Israelites, and thus averts the punishment
God had intended to visit upon them. God still listens to the plea of a
repentant people.

2nd Reading: 1Timothy, chapter 1: 12-17

Paul describes himself as a former sinner, who obtained forgiveness

through Christ’s death. All of us sinners should appreciate the Lord’s
mercy.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 15: 1-32

To explain why he welcomes sinners, Jesus uses the parables of the
lost sheep, the lost silver coin and the prodigal son to teach about
God’s care for the sinner, the conditions for forgiveness and God’s
willingness to forgive when we repent.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Theme: To each his/her own

1st Reading: Amos, chapter 8: 4-7

Amos preaches against social injustice, and warns that God will not
spare those who oppress the lowly.

2nd Reading: 1Timothy, chapter 2: 1-8

Paul intimates that one kind of prayer that pleases God is prayer that
seeks to intercede for all people.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 16: 1-13

Jesus condemns the manager’s dishonesty, but applauds his
shrewdness. Children of the light can learn useful lessons on how to
use their God-given talents to earn the favour of God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: They have Moses and the prophets. Let them hear them”

1st Reading: Amos, chapter 6: 1a, 4-7

The prophet Amos criticises the lack of compassion by the wealthy

for the poor in our society. With time, he says, their wealth would be a
thing of the past.

2nd Reading: 1Timothy, chapter 6: 11-16

Paul reminds Timothy, and all of us, to live a virtuous life, and to
continually renew our baptismal vows until the end of time.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 16: 19-31

The fate that befell the rich man in the parable, should remind us that
those who are the most insignificant socially may be the ones who
have a value in God’s kingdom. It is unwise to ignore the Lazarus in
our community.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: Increase our faith

1st Reading: Habakkuk, chapter 1: 2-3, and chapter 2: 2-4

Habakkuk complains to God about the wrong-doings which were

prevalent in his day. God’s word to us this day is that his response to
our lamentations will surely come, if only we have the faith to wait
upon him.

2nd Reading: 2 Timothy, chapter 1: 6-8, 13-14

Paul reminds us that God has placed his powerful Holy Spirit in us.
He encourages us to hold firm onto, and jealously guard our faith,
even in times of difficulties.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 17: 5-10

Jesus says that a little faith, which must, of necessity, be the right
kind of faith, is all that we need. This kind of faith translates into the
knowledge that it is a privilege to serve the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: Was there no one to return to give thanks?

1st Reading: 2 Kings, chapter 5: 14-17

This scripture teaches that when God works his miracles in us, we,
like Naaman, have only one option: to worship the God of Israel, in
gratitude, all the days of our lives.

2nd Reading: 2 Timothy, chapter 2: 8-13

Paul says that living in Christ, difficult as it sometimes may be, must
be done with appreciation and thankfulness, because Christ will
always remain faithful.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 17: 11-19

This scripture teaches that it is possible to receive God’s grace by

faith. When we receive with thankful hearts and return God’s
kindness with gratitude, he is pleased with us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: The sacred scripture, source of wisdom

1st Reading: Exodus, chapter 17: 8-13

God’s word to us is that the God who fought for our ancestors in the
faith many years ago, will continue to be on our side now and forever.

2nd Reading: 2 Timothy, chapter 3: 14, to chapter 4: 2

The Word of God is the source of wisdom that should guide the
Christian when he teaches or trains or interacts with other believers in
God’s ways.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 18: 1-8

Christ’s lesson for us is that persistent and purposeful prayer does

not go unanswered.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds

1st Reading Sirach, chapter 35: 12-14, 16-18

Scripture says that God treats all of us equally and fairly, but he pays
particular attention to the needs of the deprived and down-trodden.

2nd Reading: 2 Timothy, chapter 4: 6-8, 16-18

This event in the life of St Paul teaches us that when we are lonely or
feel rejected, we should not be dejected. We should find strength in
prayer.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 18: 9-14

Jesus condemns the self-righteousness of the Pharisee. To him, the

one whose prayer is acceptable to God is the one who approaches
the Most High in humility.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: The Lord is gracious and merciful

1st Reading: The Book of Wisdom, chapter 11: 22 to chapter 12: 2

God loves everything he has created, whether significant or

otherwise; indeed, everything that has God’s Spirit can access His
grace and mercy.

2nd Reading: Paul’s Second letter to the Thessalonians, chapter

1: 11 to chapter 2: 2

Paul prays that his congregation should remain faithful to their call to
be followers of Christ. His advice to them is that they should not be
deceived into believing that Christ’s second coming was imminent.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 10: 1 – 10

Zaccheaus, the tax collector, and a sinner, by the ethics of his day,
went all out to seek Jesus. Jesus reminds us in this scripture that he
has come to seek out the Zaccheauses of our day.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
ALL SAINTS DAY: YEAR C
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
THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

(ALL SOULS)
Theme: For faithful people life is changed, not ended

1st Reading: Wisdom, chapter 3: 1-9

Scripture paints a picture of unsurpassed peace and unparalleled

bliss of the hereafter. Even though the world thinks our passing away

is for the worse, these verses should strengthen our faith in what God

our Creator has in store for us.

2nd Reading: Romans, chapter 5: 5-11

This scripture teaches that salvation is God’s own initiative that is

meant to show us how much he loves us, though we are unworthy of

his saving grace.

OR

Romans, chapter 6: 3-9

Our baptism into Christ ushers us into a life that is dead to sin, but

alive in Christ. Sin’s power over us is broken, and so we should see

ourselves as sharing a new life with Christ, the Messiah.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 6: 37-40

We hear the reassuring promise that God wants all of us to be saved.

Nobody who turns to our Lord will be rejected. And because of his

meritorious death and resurrection, Jesus has the power to raise us

up to an everlasting life with him.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: Living on as a beautiful person

1st Reading: Second Maccabees, chapter 7: 1 – 2, 9 – 14

The seven brothers and their mother defiantly defended their faith,
even to the point of death. Their living hope for a better life in eternity
should give meaning to our call to be disciples.

2nd Reading: Paul’s Second letter to the Thessalonians, chapter

2: 16, to chapter 3: 5

Paul’s prayer for the fledging congregation and his prayer request for
a successful mission show the need to support each other in prayer.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 20: 27 – 38

Jesus’ response to the Sadducees, which is the message for us, is

that though we may die physically, we would become new creations
in eternity, a place whose set-up has no parallel in this life.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA IN ROME
Theme: Christians are God’s living temple

1st Reading: Ezekiel, chapter 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12

The water flowing from the temple in all directions, bringing life,

freshness and nourishment to all things in its way symbolizes what

mankind would experience in the new life that Christ brings.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 3: 9-11, 16-17

Paul states emphatically that Jesus Christ is the foundation on which

we, the people God, are building upon. The kind of building we put up

will be put to the test on judgment day.

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 2: 13 – 22

Jesus drives out those who were putting God’s Temple to wrong use,

and predicts his own resurrection. What this scripture teaches us is

that Christ is ever ready to purge our bodies of all evil, and to restore

or resurrect them to a condition that will please God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice

1st Reading: Malachi, chapter 3: 19 – 20a

On Judgment Day, the enemies of Christ will receive their sanctions

in good measure, while the righteous shall find comfort in the arms of
the Lord.

2nd Reading: Paul’s Second letter to the Thessalonians, chapter

3: 7 – 12

Paul requires of us to follow his example of continuous hard work and

independence, so as not to be a burden on anyone.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 21: 5 – 19

The events that will precede the second coming of the Lord will
include persecution of the faithful, wars and plagues. Jesus urges us
to go through all these with perseverance.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST, THE KING YEAR C

Theme: The God-given leadership of our Lord

1st Reading: Second Book of Samuel, chapter 5: 1 – 3

This scripture identifies the leader of God’s people as an “anointed

king”, or a “Messiah”. In doing obeisance to David, the people
acknowledge that his kingship is God-given.

2nd Reading: Paul’s letter to the Colossians, chapter 1: 12 – 20

Paul throws more light on who Christ is: he is the all in all for his
followers, the beginning and the end of everything, and through
whose blood we receive pardon for our sins.

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 23: 35 – 43

The kingship of Jesus, as seen through the paradox of cross and

suffering, means that his kingdom is beyond our understanding. He is
the king who can forgive sins, even from his throne on the cross.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION