Thursday 30th JANUARY

by | Jan 29, 2025 | Evangelium

Saint Aedan of Ferns

(c.550 – 632)

Psalter: Week IV

Green

He was the son of an Irish tribal chieftain and studied under St Finian and St David. He was the first bishop of Ferns, in Ireland, and founded many churches and monasteries.

Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 95: 1, 6               

O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.

Collect

Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

First reading: Hebrews 10:19-25

Through the blood of Jesus we have the right to enter the sanctuary, by a new way which he has opened for us, a living opening through the curtain, that is to say, his body. And we have the supreme high priest over all the house of God. So as we go in, let us be sincere in heart and filled with faith, our minds sprinkled and free from any trace of bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us keep firm in the hope we profess, because the one who made the promise is faithful. Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works. Do not stay away from the meetings of the community, as some do, but encourage each other to go; the more so as you see the Day drawing near.

Responsorial Psalms: Psalm 23(24):1-6

R/ Such are the men who seek your face, O Lord.

The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples. It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm.

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things.

He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him. Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Gospel Acclamation: Ph2:15-16

Alleluia, alleluia! You will shine in the world like bright stars because you are offering it the word of life. Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 4:21-25     

Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this.’ He also said to them, ‘Take notice of what you are hearing. The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given – and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’

Prayer over the Offerings              

Accept our offerings, O Lord, we pray, and in sanctifying them grant that they may profit us for salvation. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 33: 6             

Look toward the Lord and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed.

Prayer after Communion              

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, receiving the grace by which you bring us to new life, we may always glory in your gift. Through Christ our Lord., we may always glory in your gift. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

Jesus uses the image of the lamp to convey crucial truths about our Christian journey. In this context, the lamp symbolises the light of faith bestowed upon us through Christ. Rather than conceiling or hoarding this light, we are urged to share and openly display it for all to see. As followers of Christ, our role is to serve as beacons of His light in the world, illuminating the path for those seeking the truth. By emphasising that « there is nothing hidden, but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light», Jesus invites us to live transparent and authentic lives guided by His teachings. Our actions, words, and intentions should radiate the light of Christ, bringing clarity and truth to a world often clouded by darkness and confusion. The Gospel also reminds us of the significance of the measure we use in sharing our light. We are called upon to be generous with the gifts and blessings we receive from God. The more we share His light, the more it multiplies not only in our lives but also in the lives of those around us. As we embark on each day, let us reflect the light of faith within us. May we dedicate ourselves to living as faithful disciples of Christ, sharing His light with others, and thereby bringing glory to His name.