Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection December 30, 2024
The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
30th December 2024 (Monday)
Psalter: Proper
Readings of the Day
First Reading: 1 John 2:12-17
I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the Evil One. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the Evil One. Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.
Psalm 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 (R. 11a)
R/. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon the earth.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 2:36-40
There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Monday – The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Guidelines: Many wonder why love for God (Faith) seems to be fading even as knowledge and abilities grow. The reason is simple: love for the world is increasing at an overwhelming speed.
1. Love for God and love for the world cannot go hand in hand. Loving the world doesn’t mean merely living in it but being consumed by its false values, harmful distractions, and destructive influences. It means being trapped by the enemy, controlled by selfish desires, and filled with pride.
2. These attitudes pull us away from God, making it vital for each person, no matter their age or stage in life, to resist these temptations. That’s why John, in the first reading, speaks directly to children, fathers, and young people.
3. He offers specific guidance to each group. Children are encouraged to know the Father and embrace His forgiveness. Fathers are called to recognize the Father’s eternal nature. Young people are urged to be strong, live by God’s Word, and overcome evil.
4. Regardless of these individual instructions, the central message is the same for everyone: love God and reject the pull of worldly desires. Know God, defeat evil, and always strive to do His will. The prophetess Anna, featured in the Gospel, is a shining example of this steadfastness and devotion.
5. After losing her husband just seven years into marriage, Anna dedicated her life entirely to serving God. For decades, until the age of 84, she devoted herself to prayer, fasting, and worship. She stayed unshaken by worldly distractions, completely committed to her love for God.
6. The child Jesus also provides a model for how to live. He grew strong, filled with wisdom, and lived under God’s favor. This is how we are called to live: constantly growing stronger in faith, increasing in wisdom, and striving to please God.
Practice: Do you want to find favor with God? Love Him wholeheartedly. Do His will, follow His Word, and resist evil. Rise above the temptations of the flesh and the senses, and live in a way that truly pleases Him.
