Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection January 01, 2025
Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
01st January 2024 (Wednesday)
Psalter: Proper
Reading of the Day
First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
The LORD said to Moses: “Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (R. 2a)
R/. May God bless us in his mercy.
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel : Luke 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
Guidelines: The New Year offers new opportunities filled with hope and confidence because God is with us.
As we step into 2025, let us begin with gratitude for the past year. Though it had its challenges, we must not overlook the blessings and positive moments.
There are countless reasons to thank God and others. His protection, love, guidance, and strength have enriched us with success, joy, and fulfillment.
The kindness and support from others also remind us to be grateful. Simply being alive to celebrate this New Year is proof of God’s blessings.
We must stay realistic. The New Year won’t erase all our fears and problems. Many challenges will remain. However, bringing God into the year with us makes all the difference.
As we start this New Year, God’s blessings are assured. In Numbers, we hear, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
This blessing is emphasized through the naming of Jesus and honoring Mary as His Mother. These affirm that this year will be blessed because we are protected by Jesus’ powerful name.
Moving forward, we can face the future confidently. Jesus’ name and strength will guide, protect, and define us.
Additionally, we are placed under Mary’s care. She will watch over us with a mother’s love, guide us to her Son, and intercede for our forgiveness and the grace to live faithfully.
Practice: To experience the newness of this year, we must remember our dignity as God’s children. Let us find Him in the manger of our hearts and entrust ourselves to Jesus’ holy name and Mary’s loving care.
