The Vineyard Laborer

The Presentation of the Lord Lk 2: 22 – 40 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Introduction Today is the feast of the presentation of the Lord in the temple of Jerusalem. As Jesus was presented, he is identified by two prophets who spoke about him as the savior and the light to the gentiles. Gospel 22  When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23  (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24  and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25  Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; [ a ] this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that...

The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Mt 4: 12 – 23 Introduction Today’s Gospel presents to us the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee. There, Jesus calls his first disciples and begins his ministry of preaching and healing. The Gospel 12  Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13  He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14  so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15  “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,      on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16  the people who sat in darkness      have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death      light has dawned.” 17  From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingd...

Pit Senyor Sto. Nino Mt 18: 1 – 5, 10 Feast of the Sto. Nino Introduction Today is the feast of the Sto. Nino. Today’s reading reflects Jesus’ attitude toward children. Jesus considers children as the greatest in the Kingdom of God and demands that we change our ways and become like little children ourselves. The Gospel 18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2  He called a child, whom he put among them, 3  and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4  Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5  Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 10  “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. Reflection Today is the feast of t...

The Baptism of Jesus Mt 3: 13 – 17 Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Introduction Today we celebrate the feast of the baptism of the Lord. Our reading shows us Jesus approaching John the Baptist to be baptized. There, we see the Father and the Spirit revealing to us who Jesus is: the Son of God, the Anointed of God and the Servant of God. Gospel 13  Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14  John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15  But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16  And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Refle...

Wise Men From the East Mt 2: 1 – 12 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Introduction Today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Our Gospel reading recounts to us the story of the wise men from the east who came looking for the child Jesus. When these wise men finally found Jesus, they gave him homage and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Gospel  In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2  asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3  When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4  and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5  They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6  ‘...