Pod Apostle

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Lectionary: 75. February 10, 2019

Reading 1 Is 6:1-2a, 3-8

In the year King Uzziah died,I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne,with the train of his garment filling the temple.Seraphim were stationed above.They cried one to the other,"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!All the earth is filled with his glory!"At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shookand the house was filled with smoke.Then I said, "Woe is me, I am doomed!For I am a man of unclean lips,living among a people of unclean lips;yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"Then one of the seraphim flew to me,holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar.He touched my mouth with it, and said,"See, now that this has touched your lips,your wickedness is removed, your sin purged."Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,"Whom shall I send?  Who will go for us?""Here I am," I said; "send me!"

Responsorial Psalm Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8

R. (1c) In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,for you have heard the words of my mouth;in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;I will worship at your holy templeand give thanks to your name.R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.Because of your kindness and your truth;for you have made great above all things your name and your promise.When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me.R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD,when they hear the words of your mouth;and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD:"Great is the glory of the LORD."R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.Your right hand saves me.The LORD will complete what he has done for me;your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;forsake not the work of your hands.R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Reading 2 1 Cor 15:1-11

I am reminding you, brothers and sisters,of the gospel I preached to you,which you indeed received and in which you also stand.Through it you are also being saved,if you hold fast to the word I preached to you,unless you believed in vain.For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received:that Christ died for our sinsin accordance with the Scriptures;that he was buried;that he was raised on the third dayin accordance with the Scriptures;that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.After that, Christ appeared to morethan five hundred brothers at once,most of whom are still living,though some have fallen asleep.After that he appeared to James,then to all the apostles.Last of all, as to one born abnormally,he appeared to me.For I am the least of the apostles,not fit to be called an apostle,because I persecuted the church of God.But by the grace of God I am what I am,and his grace to me has not been ineffective.Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them;not I, however, but the grace of God that is with me.Therefore, whether it be I or they,so we preach and so you believed.Or 1 Cor 15:3-8, 11

Brothers and sisters,I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received:that Christ died for our sinsin accordance with the Scriptures;that he was buried;that he was raised on the third dayin accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.After that, he appeared to morethan five hundred brothers at once,most of whom are still living,though some have fallen asleep.After that he appeared to James,then to all the apostles.Last of all, as to one abnormally born,he appeared to me.Therefore, whether it be I or they,so we preach and so you believed. Alleluia Mt 4:19

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Come after meand I will make you fishers of men.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 5:1-11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listeningto the word of God,he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.He saw two boats there alongside the lake;the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,"Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch."Simon said in reply,"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,but at your command I will lower the nets."When they had done this, they caught a great number of fishand their nets were tearing.They signaled to their partners in the other boatto come to help them. They came and filled both boatsso that the boats were in danger of sinking.When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,"Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized himand all those with him,and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee,who were partners of Simon.Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid;from now on you will be catching men."When they brought their boats to the shore,they left everything and followed him.

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Lectionary: 72. February 3, 2019.

 

Reading 1 Jer 1:4-5, 17-19

The word of the LORD came to me, saying:Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I dedicated you,a prophet to the nations I appointed you.But do you gird your loins;stand up and tell themall that I command you.Be not crushed on their account,as though I would leave you crushed before them;for it is I this daywho have made you a fortified city,a pillar of iron, a wall of brass,against the whole land:against Judah's kings and princes,against its priests and people.They will fight against you but not prevail over you,for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17

R. (cf. 15ab) I will sing of your salvation.In you, O LORD, I take refuge;let me never be put to shame.In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;incline your ear to me, and save me.R. I will sing of your salvation.Be my rock of refuge,a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress.O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.R. I will sing of your salvation.For you are my hope, O Lord;my trust, O God, from my youth.On you I depend from birth;from my mother's womb you are my strength.R. I will sing of your salvation.My mouth shall declare your justice,day by day your salvation.O God, you have taught me from my youth,and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.R. I will sing of your salvation.

Reading 2 1 Cor 12:31—13:13

Brothers and sisters:Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.But I shall show you a still more excellent way.If I speak in human and angelic tongues,but do not have love,I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.And if I have the gift of prophecy,and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge;if I have all faith so as to move mountains,but do not have love, I am nothing.If I give away everything I own,and if I hand my body over so that I may boast,but do not have love, I gain nothing.Love is patient, love is kind.It is not jealous, it is not pompous,It is not inflated, it is not rude,it does not seek its own interests,it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,it does not rejoice over wrongdoingbut rejoices with the truth.It bears all things, believes all things,hopes all things, endures all things.Love never fails.If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing;if tongues, they will cease;if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.For we know partially and we prophesy partially,but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.When I was a child, I used to talk as a child,think as a child, reason as a child;when I became a man, I put aside childish things.At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror,but then face to face.At present I know partially;then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.So faith, hope, love remain, these three;but the greatest of these is love.or  1 Cor 13:4-13

Brothers and sisters:Love is patient, love is kind.It is not jealous, it is not pompous,it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests,it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.It bears all things, believes all things,hopes all things, endures all things.Love never fails.If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing;if tongues, they will cease;if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.For we know partially and we prophesy partially,but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.When I was a child, I used to talk as a child,think as a child, reason as a child;when I became a man, I put aside childish things.At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror,but then face to face.At present I know partially;then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.So faith, hope, love remain, these three;but the greatest of these is love.Alleluia Lk 4:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,to proclaim liberty to captives.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 4:21-30

Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying:"Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."And all spoke highly of himand were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?"He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb,'Physician, cure yourself,' and say,'Do here in your native placethe things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'"And he said, "Amen, I say to you,no prophet is accepted in his own native place.Indeed, I tell you,there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijahwhen the sky was closed for three and a half yearsand a severe famine spread over the entire land.It was to none of these that Elijah was sent,but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.Again, there were many lepers in Israelduring the time of Elisha the prophet;yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."When the people in the synagogue heard this,they were all filled with fury.They rose up, drove him out of the town,and led him to the brow of the hillon which their town had been built,to hurl him down headlong.But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Lectionary: 69. January 27, 2019.

Reading 1 Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly,which consisted of men, women,and those children old enough to understand.Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate,he read out of the book from daybreak till midday,in the presence of the men, the women,and those children old enough to understand;and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law.Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion.He opened the scrollso that all the people might see it— for he was standing higher up than any of the people —;and, as he opened it, all the people rose.Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God,and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, "Amen, amen!"Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD,their faces to the ground.Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God,interpreting it so that all could understand what was read.Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribeand the Levites who were instructing the peoplesaid to all the people:"Today is holy to the LORD your God.Do not be sad, and do not weep"—for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks,and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared;for today is holy to our LORD.Do not be saddened this day,for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!"

Responsorial Psalm Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15  

R. (cf John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.The law of the LORD is perfect,refreshing the soul;The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,giving wisdom to the simple.R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.The precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heart;The command of the LORD is clear,enlightening the eye.R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring forever;The ordinances of the LORD are true,all of them just.R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heartfind favor before you,O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Reading 2 1 Cor 12:12-30

Brothers and sisters:As a body is one though it has many parts,and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,so also Christ.For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons,and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.Now the body is not a single part, but many.If a foot should say,"Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body, "it does not for this reason belong any less to the body.Or if an ear should say,"Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body, "it does not for this reason belong any less to the body.If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be?If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?But as it is, God placed the parts,each one of them, in the body as he intended.If they were all one part, where would the body be?But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body.The eye cannot say to the hand, "I do not need you, "nor again the head to the feet, "I do not need you."Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weakerare all the more necessary,and those parts of the body that we consider less honorablewe surround with greater honor,and our less presentable parts are treated with greater propriety,whereas our more presentable parts do not need this.But God has so constructed the bodyas to give greater honor to a part that is without it,so that there may be no division in the body,but that the parts may have the same concern for one another.If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it;if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.Now you are Christ's body, and individually parts of it.Some people God has designated in the churchto be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers;then, mighty deeds;then gifts of healing, assistance, administration,and varieties of tongues.Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing?Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?Or 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27

Brothers and sisters:As a body is one though it has many parts,and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,so also Christ.For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons,and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.Now the body is not a single part, but many.You are Christ's body, and individually parts of it.Alleluia Cf. Lk 4:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,and to proclaim liberty to captives.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the eventsthat have been fulfilled among us,just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginningand ministers of the word have handed them down to us,I too have decided,after investigating everything accurately anew,to write it down in an orderly sequence for you,most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachingsyou have received.Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,and news of him spread throughout the whole region.He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day.He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captivesand recovery of sight to the blind,to let the oppressed go free,and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.He said to them,"Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Lectionary: 66. January 20, 2019.

 

For Zion's sake I will not be silent,for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet,until her vindication shines forth like the dawnand her victory like a burning torch.Nations shall behold your vindication,and all the kings your glory;you shall be called by a new namepronounced by the mouth of the LORD.You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,a royal diadem held by your God.No more shall people call you "Forsaken, "or your land "Desolate, "but you shall be called "My Delight, "and your land "Espoused."For the LORD delights in youand makes your land his spouse.As a young man marries a virgin,your Builder shall marry you;and as a bridegroom rejoices in his brideso shall your God rejoice in you.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10

R. (3) Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.Sing to the LORD a new song;sing to the LORD, all you lands.Sing to the LORD; bless his name.R. Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.Announce his salvation, day after day.Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.R. Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.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. Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.Worship the LORD in holy attire.Tremble before him, all the earth;Say among the nations: The LORD is king.He governs the peoples with equity.R. Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Reading 2 1 Cor 12:4-11

Brothers and sisters:There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord;there are different workings but the same Godwho produces all of them in everyone.To each individual the manifestation of the Spiritis given for some benefit.To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom;to another, the expression of knowledge according to thesame Spirit;to another, faith by the same Spirit;to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit;to another, mighty deeds;to another, prophecy;to another, discernment of spirits;to another, varieties of tongues;to another, interpretation of tongues.But one and the same Spirit produces all of these,distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

Alleluia Cf. 2 Thes 2:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.God has called us through the Gospelto possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 2:1-11

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you." Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from — although the servers who had drawn the water knew —, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Epiphany of the Lord Lectionary: 21. January 13, 2019.

Reading 1 Is 42:1-4, 6-7

Thus says the LORD:Here is my servant whom I uphold,my chosen one with whom I am pleased,upon whom I have put my spirit;he shall bring forth justice to the nations,not crying out, not shouting,not making his voice heard in the street.a bruised reed he shall not break,and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,until he establishes justice on the earth;the coastlands will wait for his teaching.I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,I have grasped you by the hand;I formed you, and set youas a covenant of the people,a light for the nations,to open the eyes of the blind,to bring out prisoners from confinement,and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.or Is  40:1-5, 9-11

Comfort, give comfort to my people,says your God.Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to herthat her service is at an end,her guilt is expiated;indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORDdouble for all her sins.A voice cries out:In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!Every valley shall be filled in,every mountain and hill shall be made low;the rugged land shall be made a plain,the rough country, a broad valley.Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,and all people shall see it together;for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.Go up on to a high mountain,Zion, herald of glad tidings;cry out at the top of your voice,Jerusalem, herald of good news!Fear not to cry outand say to the cities of Judah:Here is your God!Here comes with powerthe Lord GOD,who rules by a strong arm;here is his reward with him,his recompense before him.Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;in his arms he gathers the lambs,carrying them in his bosom,and leading the ewes with care.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10.

R. (11b)  The Lord will bless his people with peace. Give to the LORD, you sons of God, give to the LORD glory and praise, Give to the LORD the glory due his name; adore the LORD in holy attire. R. The Lord will bless his people with peace. The voice of the LORD is over the waters, the LORD, over vast waters. The voice of the LORD is mighty; the voice of the LORD is majestic. R. The Lord will bless his people with peace. The God of glory thunders, and in his temple all say, "Glory!" The LORD is enthroned above the flood; the LORD is enthroned as king forever. R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.  

or Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30

R. (1)  O bless the Lord, my soul. O LORD, my God, you are great indeed! you are clothed with majesty and glory, robed in light as with a cloak. You have spread out the heavens like a tent-cloth; R. O bless the Lord, my soul. You have constructed your palace upon the waters. You make the clouds your chariot; you travel on the wings of the wind. You make the winds your messengers, and flaming fire your ministers. R. O bless the Lord, my soul. How manifold are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you have wrought them all-- the earth is full of your creatures; the sea also, great and wide, in which are schools without number of living things both small and great. R. O bless the Lord, my soul. They look to you to give them food in due time. When you give it to them, they gather it; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. R. O bless the Lord, my soul. If you take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. R. O bless the Lord, my soul.

Reading 2 Acts 10:34-38

Peter proceeded to speak to those gatheredin the house of Cornelius, saying: "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightlyis acceptable to him.You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptismthat John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazarethwith the Holy Spirit and power.He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him."

or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Beloved:The grace of God has appeared, saving alland training us to reject godless ways and worldly desiresand to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,as we await the blessed hope,the appearance of the glory of our great Godand savior Jesus Christ,who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessnessand to cleanse for himself a people as his own,eager to do what is good.When the kindness and generous loveof God our savior appeared,not because of any righteous deeds we had donebut because of his mercy,He saved us through the bath of rebirthand renewal by the Holy Spirit,whom he richly poured out on usthrough Jesus Christ our savior,so that we might be justified by his graceand become heirs in hope of eternal life.Alleluia Cf. Mk 9:7

R. Alleluia, alleluia.The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:This is my beloved Son, listen to him.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or  Cf. Lk 3:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.John said: One mightier than I is coming;he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

The people were filled with expectation,and all were asking in their heartswhether John might be the Christ.John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water,but one mightier than I is coming.I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon himin bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son;with you I am well pleased."

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Epiphany of the LordLectionary: 20. January 6, 2019

Reading 1 Is 60:1-6

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem!  Your light has come,the glory of the Lord shines upon you.See, darkness covers the earth,and thick clouds cover the peoples;but upon you the LORD shines,and over you appears his glory.Nations shall walk by your light,and kings by your shining radiance.Raise your eyes and look about;they all gather and come to you:your sons come from afar,and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.Then you shall be radiant at what you see,your heart shall throb and overflow,for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.Caravans of camels shall fill you,dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;all from Sheba shall comebearing gold and frankincense,and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13.

R. (cf. 11)  Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.O God, with your judgment endow the king,and with your justice, the king's son;He shall govern your people with justiceand your afflicted ones with judgment.R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.Justice shall flower in his days,and profound peace, till the moon be no more.May he rule from sea to sea,and from the River to the ends of the earth.R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.All kings shall pay him homage,all nations shall serve him.R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;the lives of the poor he shall save.R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Reading 2 Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6

Brothers and sisters:You have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealedto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Alleluia Mt 2:2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.We saw his star at its risingand have come to do him homage.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews?We saw his star at its risingand have come to do him homage."When King Herod heard this,he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;since from you shall come a ruler,who is to shepherd my people Israel."Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance.He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child.When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage."After their audience with the king they set out.And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the housethey saw the child with Mary his mother.They prostrated themselves and did him homage.Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Lectionary: 17. December 30, 2018

Reading 1 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 1Sm 1:20-22, 24-28

In those days Hannah conceived, and at the end of her term bore a sonwhom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him.The next time her husband Elkanah was going upwith the rest of his householdto offer the customary sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vows,Hannah did not go, explaining to her husband,“Once the child is weaned,I will take him to appear before the LORDand to remain there forever;I will offer him as a perpetual nazirite.”Once Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him up with her,along with a three-year-old bull,an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine,and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh.After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull,Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said:“Pardon, my lord!As you live, my lord,I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD.I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request.Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD;as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.”Hannah left Samuel there.

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 vinein the recesses of your home;your children like olive plantsaround your table.R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.Behold, thus is the man blessedwho fears the LORD.The LORD bless you from Zion:may you see the prosperity of Jerusalemall the days of your life.R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10.

R. (cf. 5a) Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD.My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.Happy they who dwell in your house!Continually they praise you.Happy the men whose strength you are!Their hearts are set upon the pilgrimage.R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.O LORD of hosts, hear our prayer;hearken, O God of Jacob!O God, behold our shield,and look upon the face of your anointed.R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.

Reading 2 Col 3:12-21

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 COL 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. or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24

Beloved:See what love the Father has bestowed on usthat we may be called the children of God.And so we are.The reason the world does not know usis that it did not know him.Beloved, we are God’s children now;what we shall be has not yet been revealed.We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,for we shall see him as he is.Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us,we have confidence in God and receive from him whatever we ask,because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.And his commandment is this:we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ,and love one another just as he commanded us.Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them,and the way we know that he remains in usis from the Spirit he gave us.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 Cf. Acts 16:14b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Open our hearts, O Lord,to listen to the words of your Son.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 2:41-52

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feastof Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom.After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.Thinking that he was in the caravan,they journeyed for a dayand looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him,they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.When his parents saw him,they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us?Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”And he said to them,“Why were you looking for me?Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”But they did not understand what he said to them.He went down with them and came to Nazareth,and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favorbefore God and man.

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Nativity of the Lord – Christmas Mass During the Night. Lectionary: 14. December 25, 2018

Reading 1 Is 9:1-6

The people who walked in darknesshave seen a great light;upon those who dwelt in the land of glooma light has shone.You have brought them abundant joyand great rejoicing,as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,as people make merry when dividing spoils.For the yoke that burdened them,the pole on their shoulder,and the rod of their taskmasteryou have smashed, as on the day of Midian.For every boot that tramped in battle,every cloak rolled in blood,will be burned as fuel for flames.For a child is born to us, a son is given us;upon his shoulder dominion rests.They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.His dominion is vastand forever peaceful,from David's throne, and over his kingdom,which he confirms and sustainsby judgment and justice,both now and forever.The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

Responsorial Psalm Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13.

R. (Lk 2:11) Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.Sing to the LORD a new song;sing to the LORD, all you lands.Sing to the LORD; bless his name.R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.Announce his salvation, day after day.Tell his glory among the nations;among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;let the sea and what fills it resound;let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;for he comes to rule the earth.He shall rule the world with justiceand the peoples with his constancy.R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Reading 2 Ti 2:11-14

Beloved:The grace of God has appeared, saving alland training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ,who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.Alleluia Lk 2:10-11

R. Alleluia, alleluia.I proclaim to you good news of great joy:today a Savior is born for us,Christ the Lord.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustusthat the whole world should be enrolled.This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.While they were there,the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.The angel said to them,"Do not be afraid;for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,praising God and saying:"Glory to God in the highestand on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Fourth Sunday of Advent. Lectionary: 12. December 23, 2018.

Reading 1 Mi 5:1-4a

Thus says the LORD:You, Bethlehem-Ephrathahtoo small to be among the clans of Judah,from you shall come forth for meone who is to be ruler in Israel;whose origin is from of old,from ancient times.Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the timewhen she who is to give birth has borne,and the rest of his kindred shall returnto the children of Israel.He shall stand firm and shepherd his flockby the strength of the LORD,in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;and they shall remain, for now his greatnessshall reach to the ends of the earth;he shall be peace.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.

R. (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.O shepherd of Israel, hearken,from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.Rouse your power,and come to save us.R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.Once again, O LORD of hosts,look down from heaven, and see;take care of this vine,and protect what your right hand has plantedthe son of man whom you yourself made strong.R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.May your help be with the man of your right hand,with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.Then we will no more withdraw from you;give us new life, and we will call upon your name.R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Reading 2 Heb 10:5-10

Brothers and sisters:When Christ came into the world, he said:"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,but a body you prepared for me;in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight.Then I said, 'As is written of me in the scroll,behold, I come to do your will, O God.'"First he says, "Sacrifices and offerings,holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in."These are offered according to the law.Then he says, :Behold, I come to do your will."He takes away the first to establish the second.By this "will," we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.Alleluia Lk 1:38

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.May it be done to me according to your word.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 1:39-45

Mary set outand traveled to the hill country in hasteto a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariahand greeted Elizabeth.When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.Blessed are you who believedthat what was spoken to you by the Lordwould be fulfilled."

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Third Sunday of Advent. Lectionary: 9. December 16, 2018.

Reading 1 Zep 3:14-18a

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!Sing joyfully, O Israel!Be glad and exult with all your heart,O daughter Jerusalem!The LORD has removed the judgment against youhe has turned away your enemies;the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,you have no further misfortune to fear.On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!The LORD, your God, is in your midst,a mighty savior;he will rejoice over you with gladness,and renew you in his love,he will sing joyfully because of you,as one sings at festivals.

Responsorial Psalm Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.

R. (6) Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.God indeed is my savior;I am confident and unafraid.My strength and my courage is the LORD,and he has been my savior.With joy you will draw waterat the fountain of salvation.R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;among the nations make known his deeds,proclaim how exalted is his name.R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;let this be known throughout all the earth.Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,for great in your midstis the Holy One of Israel!R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Reading 2 Phil 4:4-7

Brothers and sisters:Rejoice in the Lord always.I shall say it again: rejoice!Your kindness should be known to all.The Lord is near.Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.Alleluia Is 61:1 (cited in Lk 4:18)

R. Alleluia, alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 3:10-18

The crowds asked John the Baptist,“What should we do?”He said to them in reply,“Whoever has two cloaksshould share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.”Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him,“Teacher, what should we do?”He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”Soldiers also asked him,“And what is it that we should do?”He told them,“Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ.John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water,but one mightier than I is coming.I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floorand to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.