THE FAMILY GATHERED AROUND CHRIST
Ecclesiasticus 3:2-14; Psalm 127(128): 1-5; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:33-23
Feast of the Holy Family, Yr A
28th December 2025
We often romanticise the Holy Family, picturing them in a serene, static tableau. Yet, today’s Gospel presents a terrifying reality: a family on the run. They are refugees, displaced by the murderous jealousy of a tyrant. Here lies the mystery of the Incarnation: to show the essential nature of the family in the economy of salvation, God did not enter the world as a fully formed warrior, but as a vulnerable child.
THE GLORY OF THE SON, THE PRAISE OF THE WORD
Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 97(98); Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18
CHRISTMAS DAY
25th December 2025
Last night, we looked down at a child; the liturgy today invites us to look up into the very heart of the Trinity. Our readings shift from the narrative of St Luke—shepherds and swaddling clothes—to the soaring theological hymn of St John and the precise Christology of the Letter to the Hebrews. We move from the events of history to the meaning of history.
THE GLORY AROUND US: “IN SWADDLING CLOTHS”
Isaiah 9:1-7; Psalm 95(96):1-3,11-13; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14
CHRISTMAS NIGHT
25th December 2025
We gather in the deep silence of this night—a silence that the Carmelite heart knows is not empty, but teeming with Presence. St Luke begins his narrative not in heaven, but with the cold, hard facts of earthly history: Caesar Augustus issued a decree. The whole world is in motion at the command of a man who called himself a god and the ‘saviour of the world’.
LOVE HAS A NAME
Meditation by Rev. Chidi Ezeakacha, OCD
Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Mathew 1:18-24
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
21st December 2025
God’s love and faithfulness shine forth through the fulfilment of His promise to send His Son to humanity as its Lord and Saviour. He fulfilled it at the appointed time when Christ came into the world. As we celebrate this fourth Sunday of Advent, let us light the candle of Love, because soon the Rising Sun will shine upon us, illuminating our hearts with Love.
THE JOY, CHRIST’S GLORY!
Jerome Ituah, OCD
Isaiah 43:1–3a, 4–5; Psalm 138; Roman 8:14–18, 28–30; John 17:11, 17–26
SOLEMNITY OF ST JOHN OF THE CROSS
14th December 2025
In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah powerfully reassures the exiled people of Israel, repeating the divine command: ‘Fear not.’ ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you… Fear not, for I am with you.’ God promises that Israel is called by name and, when passing through the waters and fire, will neither be overwhelmed nor consumed. This promise is the foundation of courage: faith in God’s redemptive presence.
YOU ARE A HERALD OF JOY
By Chidi Ezeakacha, OCD
Isaiah 35:1-6,10; Psalm 145(146):6-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11
GAUDATE: THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR A
14th December 2025
The opening words of Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium proclaim: “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ, joy is constantly born anew.” With these sentiments of expectation, I invite you, on this third Sunday of Advent, to light your candle of joy.
CHRIST IS OUR PEACE
By Chidi Ezeakacha, OCD
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 71:1-17; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12
SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR A
7th December 2025
Our world yearns for peace and harmony. We find ourselves torn apart on every side by conflict and division. Yet, amidst this discord, we cling firmly to the words of our Lord: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” As we petition the Lord for this gift on the Second Sunday of Advent, let us light the candle of peace and proclaim with the Psalmist: “In his days, justice shall flourish, and great peace forever.”