Christmas 2024

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Sunday, 12 January 2025 : Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : White

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this Sunday the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, and this day marks the last day of the entire Christmas season and celebrations, although traditionally, it is still celebrated in some form until the fortieth day after Christmas, which is on the second day of February, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas. On this day, the Lord’s baptism at the River Jordan by St. John the Baptist is the focus of what we commemorate today, reminding ourselves that the Holy Child born in Bethlehem over two millennia ago eventually grew up in Body, Wisdom and Spirit, and became the Man ready to embark on the ministry which He had been sent into this world for, to save us all mankind and to reveal the love of God manifested perfectly through Him.

In our first reading this Sunday, we heard from the Book of the prophet Isaiah in which the Lord reassured His people living in the southern kingdom of Judah with the words of comfort reminding them of the salvation that He would give to them through the Saviour that He promised to all of them. The Lord told His people that salvation shall come to Zion, Jerusalem, representing the people of God, and this would be heralded by the ‘voice crying out in the wilderness’ which was fulfilled by St. John the Baptist, who lived in the wilderness and called on all the people to return towards the Lord their God, to repent from their many sins, evils and wickedness, turning back to the righteous paths and ways of the Lord.

The Lord revealed that in the coming of His salvation, His intentions and desire to be reunited with His people, His love and compassion towards all of them would be made known to them, and the Lord Himself would come to the people He loves very much in order to gather them all and to bring them all into His Presence, as their Good and loving Shepherd. He did all these through His Son, Who has embraced our human nature and existence, coming into our midst in the form of Man, to gather all of us back into the one flock of those whom God had called and chosen. Through His baptism, the Lord is sharing with us this journey that we shall all walk together with Him, towards the true happiness and eternal life in God.

This is what we have also heard from the second reading today, taken from the Epistle of St. Paul to St. Titus, his protege and godson, in which the Apostle spoke of the salvation which God had brought into our midst through His Son, and how by the grace of His love and mercy, all of us who believe in Him has shared the gift of the waters of baptism, hearkening back to our own baptism, the moment when we become parts and members of the One Church of God, brought together into this family of God’s Kingdom, giving us the new hope through the Sacrament of Baptism, that by sharing in His death and Resurrection, all of us share die to our past sins and wickedness, our faults and corrupt nature, and enter into a new grace-filled life with Christ.

St. Paul essentially reminded each and every one of us that through our baptism, we have received the sanctifying grace from God, and through the Holy Spirit that He has given us by this baptism, we have all been made the children of God, the adopted sons and daughters of the Lord, and through grace that we have received, the path towards eternal life and true happiness have been opened to us, and salvation itself, our reunion with God our loving Father and Creator is no longer just merely a dream or inspiration, but rather has become a reality for us all. He has given us all the grace of salvation and has redeemed us all through what He has done in His Son, by His loving sacrifice on the Cross, manifesting perfectly the great and ever enduring love that God has always had for us all.

In our Gospel passage this Sunday, all of us heard of the account of the moment the Lord’s Baptism took place, as recounted by St. John the Baptist himself, who told his own disciples about the One Who has just come into their midst, the Messiah that has been long awaited for by everyone, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. St. John the Baptist recognised the Lord when he saw Him just as much earlier on when both of them were still in their mothers’ wombs, at the time when Mary, the Mother of God visited Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist. St. John the Baptist recounted to his disciples how great signs happened when Jesus was baptised, that the voice of God the Father Himself was heard, affirming that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit, completing the Presence of the Holy Trinity, descended on Him like a Dove.

All of these evidence first showed us all that our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the salvation that He has brought into our midst is one that we should truly treasure and hold firm amidst all the challenges and temptations that we may be facing in our lives, and we should not easily allow anything to dissuade us from our faith and trust in Him. We must continue to uphold our faith courageously and proclaim Him at all times in each and every moments of our lives. And reminded of our own baptism, we should also continue to live our lives worthily of the Lord henceforth, and do our best to show what we believe in within our every actions, words and deeds in life. Just as the Lord’s Baptism marked the beginning of His ministry in this world, we are also therefore reminded that our own baptism is not the end of the journey or the goal, but rather the beginning of our new mission and ministry entrusted to us by God.

Let us all therefore strive to carry out our missions entrusted to us by God faithfully in our lives, doing whatever we can so that we may truly embrace our calling in life as Christians, and to truly embody our faith in God which we have professed at our own baptism. Let us all remember that we have been made children and the holy people of God’s own flock, family and kingdom, and thus, we should do our part in ensuring that we resist whatever temptations we may have encountered in our path, that we may be free from the corruptions of sin, all the things that have become obstacles and barriers in our journey towards the Lord, our most loving and compassionate God. May the Lord be with us always, and may He continue to guide us in each and every moments of our lives, so that we will always be exemplary and good inspiration to one another in faith. Amen. 

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Sunday, 12 January 2025 : Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : White

Luke 3 : 15-16, 21-22

At that time, the people were wondering about John’s identity, “Could he be the Messiah?” Then John answered them, “I baptise you with water, but the One Who is coming will do much more : He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. As for me, I am not worthy to untie His sandal.”

Now, with all the people who came to be baptised, Jesus, too, was baptised. Then, while He was praying, the heavens opened : the Holy Spirit came down upon Him in the bodily form of a Dove, and a voice from Heaven was heard, “You are My Son, in Whom I am well pleased.”

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Sunday, 12 January 2025 : Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Second Reading)

Liturgical Colour : White

Titus 2 : 11-14 and Titus 3 : 4-7

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, teaching us to reject an irreligious way of life and worldly greed, and to live in this world as responsible persons, upright and serving God, while we await our blessed Hope – the glorious manifestation of our great God and Saviour Christ Jesus.

He gave Himself for us, to redeem us from every evil and to purify a people He wanted to be His own and dedicated to what is good. But God our Saviour revealed His eminent goodness and love for humankind and saved us, not because of good deeds we may have done but for the sake of His own mercy, to the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit poured over us through Christ Jesus our Saviour, so that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs in hope of eternal life.

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Sunday, 12 January 2025 : Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : White

Psalm 103 : 1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30

Clothed in majesty and splendour; o YHVH, my God, how great You are! You are wrapped in light as with a garment; You stretch out the heavens like a tent.

You build Your upper rooms above the waters. You make the clouds Your chariot and ride on the wings of the wind; You make the winds Your messengers, and fire and flame Your ministers.

How varied o YHVH, are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all – the earth, full of Your creatures. Behold the sea, wide and vast, teeming with countless creatures, living things, both great and small.

They all look to You for their food in due time. You give it to them, and they gather it up; You open Your hand, they are filled with good things.

When You hide Your face they vanish; You take away their breath, they expire and return to dust. When You send forth Your Spirit, they are created, and the face of the earth is renewed.

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Sunday, 12 January 2025 : Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : White

Isaiah 40 : 1-5, 9-11

Be comforted, My people, be strengthened, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, proclaim to her that her time of bondage is at an end, that her guilt has been paid for, that from the hand of YHVH she has received double punishment for all her iniquity.

A voice cries, “In the wilderness prepare the way for YHVH. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley will be raised up; every mountain and hill will be laid low. The stumbling blocks shall become level and the rugged places smooth. The glory of YHVH will be revealed, and all mortals together will see it; for the mouth of YHVH has spoken.”

Go up onto the high mountain, messenger of Good News to Zion, lift up your voice with strength, fear not to cry aloud when you tell Jerusalem and announce to the cities of Judah : Here is your God! Here comes YHVH Sabaoth with might; His strong arm rules for Him; His reward is with Him, and here before Him is His booty. Like a shepherd He tends His flock : He gathers the lambs in His arms, He carries them in His bosom, gently leading those that are with young.

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(Usus Antiquior) Feast of the Holy Family (II Classis) – Sunday, 12 January 2025 : Offertory, Secret Prayer of the Priest, Preface, Communion and Post-Communion Prayer

Liturgical Colour : White

Offertory

Luke 2 : 22

Tulerunt Jesum parentes Ejus in Jerusalem, ut sisterent Eum Domino.

English translation

The parents of Jesus carried Him to the Temple, to present Him to the Lord.

Secret Prayer of the Priest

Placationis hostiam offerimus Tibi, Domine, suppliciter deprecantes : ut, per intercessionem Deiparae Virginis cum beato Joseph, familias nostras in pace et gratia Tua firmiter constituas. Per eumdem Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Tuum, qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

To appease You, o Lord, we offer the Victim of Salvation, humbly beseeching You that, through the prayers of the Virgin Mother of God and of St. Joseph, You would establish our households in Your peace and favour. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany

Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos Tibi semper et ubique gratias agere : Domine, Sancte Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus : Quia, cum Unigenitus Tuus in substantia nostrae mortalitatis apparuit, nova nos immortalitatis suae luce reparavit.

Et ideo cum Angelis et Archangelis, cum Thronis et Dominationibus cumque omni militia caelestis exercitus hymnum gloriae Tuae canimus, sine fine dicentes :

English translation

It is truly meet and just, right and salutary, that we should always and in all places, give thanks to You, o Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God, because Your only Begotten Son appearing in our mortal nature had restored it by the shedding upon us of that new and immortal light which is His very own.

And therefore with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions and with all the array of the heavenly host, we sing a hymn to Your glory and unceasingly repeat :

Communion

Luke 2 : 51

Descendit Jesus cum eis, et venit Nazareth, et erat subditus illis.

English translation

Jesus went down with them, and came to Nazareth and was subject to them.

Post-Communion Prayer

Quos caelestibus reficis sacramentis fac, Domine Jesu, sanctae Familiae Tuae exempla jugiter imitari : ut in hora mortis nostrae, occurrente gloriosa Virgine Matre Tua cum beato Joseph; per Te in aeterna tabernacula recipi mereamur : Qui vivis et regnas in unitate Spiritu Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

May You, o Lord, bring us whom You have refreshed with heavenly mysteries to imitate the example of Your holy Family, that at the hour of our death, with the Virgin Mother and blessed Joseph at hand, we may be received by You into our everlasting home. You who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

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(Usus Antiquior) Feast of the Holy Family (II Classis) – Sunday, 12 January 2025 : Holy Gospel

Liturgical Colour : White

Sequentia Sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam – Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke

Luke 2 : 42-52

Cum factus esset Jesus annorum duodecim, ascendentibus illis Jerosolymam secundum consuetudinem diei festi, consummatisque diebus, cum redirent, remansit Puer Jesus in Jerusalem, et non cognoverunt parentes Ejus.

Existimantes autem illum esse in comitatu, venerunt iter diei, et requirebant eum inter cognatos et notos. Et non invenientes, regressi sunt in Jerusalem, requirentes eum. Et factum est, post triduum invenerunt illum in templo sedentem in medio doctorum, audientem illos et interrogantem eos.

Stupebant autem omnes, qui eum audiebant, super prudentia et responsis Ejus. Et videntes admirati sunt. Et dixit Mater Ejus ad illum : Fili, quid fecisti nobis sic? Ecce, pater Tuus et ego dolentes quaerebamus Te. Et ait ad illos : Quid est, quod me quaerebatis? Nesciebatis, quia in his, quae Patris Mei sunt, oportet Me esse?

Et ipsi non intellexerunt verbum, quod locutus est ad eos. Et descendit cum eis, et venit Nazareth : et erat subditus illis. Et Mater Ejus conservabat omnia verba haec in corde suo. Et Jesus proficiebat sapientia et aetate et gratia apud Deum et homines.

English translation

And when Jesus was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, and having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and His parents did not know it.

And thinking that He was in the company, they came a day’s journey, and sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And not finding Him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the Temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions.

And all who heard Him were astonished at His wisdom and His answers. And seeing Him, they wondered, and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done so to us? Behold Your father and I have sought You sorrowing.” And He said to them, “How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

And they did not understand the word that He spoke unto them. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And His mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and man.

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(Usus Antiquior) Feast of the Holy Family (II Classis) – Sunday, 12 January 2025 : Gradual and Alleluia

Liturgical Colour : White

Psalm 26 : 4, Isaiah 45 : 15 and Psalm 83 : 5

Unam petii a Domino, hanc requiram : ut inhabitem in domo Domini omnibus diebus vitae meae.

Beati, qui habitant in domo Tua, Domine : in saecula saeculorum laudabunt Te.

Alleluja, Alleluja.

Response : Vere Tu es Rex absconditus, Deus Israel Salvator. Alleluja.

English translation

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this I will seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Blessed are they who dwell in Your house, o Lord, they shall praise You forever and ever.

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Response : Truly You are a hidden King, the God of Israel, the Saviour. Alleluia.

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(Usus Antiquior) Feast of the Holy Family (II Classis) – Sunday, 12 January 2025 : Epistle

Liturgical Colour : White

Lectio Epistolae Beati Pauli Apostoli ad Colossenses – Lesson from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Colossians

Colossians 3 : 12-17

Fratres : Induite vos sicut electi Dei, sancti et dilecti, viscera misericordiae, benignitatem, humilitatem, modestiam, patientiam : supportantes invicem, et donantes vobismetipsis, si quis adversus aliquem habet querelam : sicut et Dominus donavit vobis, ita et vos.

Super omnia autem haec caritatem habete, quod est vinculum perfectionis : et pax Christi exsultet in cordibus vestris, in qua et vocati estis in uno corpore : et grati estote. Verbum Christi habitet in vobis abundanter, in omni sapientia, docentes et commonentes vosmetipsos psalmis, hymnis et canticis spiritualibus, in gratia cantantes in cordibus vestris Deo.

Omne, quodcumque facitis in verbo aut in opere, omnia in Nomine Domini Jesu Christi, gratias agentes Deo et Patri per ipsum.

English translation

Brethren, put you on as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another, even as the Lord had forgiven you, so you should also too.

But above all these things, have charity, which is the bond of perfection, and let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein you are also called in one body, and may you be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God.

All whatsoever you do in word or in work, all things you should do in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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(Usus Antiquior) Feast of the Holy Family (II Classis) – Sunday, 12 January 2025 : Introit and Collect

Liturgical Colour : White

Introit

Proverbs 23 : 24-25 and Psalm 83 : 2-3

Exsultet gaudio pater Justi, gaudeat Pater tuus et Mater tua, et exsultet quae genuit te.

Quam dilecta tabernacula Tua, Domine virtutum! Concupiscit et deficit anima mea in atria Domini.

Response : Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto, sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper : et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

Let the father of the Just rejoice greatly, let your father and your mother be joyful, and let she who bore you rejoice.

How lovely are Your tabernacles, o Lord of hosts. My soul longs and faints for the courts of the Lord.

Response : Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Collect

Domine Jesu Christe, qui, Mariae et Joseph subditus, domesticam vitam ineffabilibus virtutibus consecrasti : fac nos, utriusque auxilio, Familiae sanctae Tuae exemplis instrui; et consortium consequi sempiternum : Qui vivis et regnas in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who in the days of Your subjection to Mary and Joseph, had consecrated home life by ineffable acts of virtue, by the intercession of Your holy mother and of Your foster father, make us so to profit by the example they with You have set us, that we may be counted as members of Your household forevermore. You Who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.