​December 31,2019 Tuesday
Gospel : John 1:1-18

“and the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”

This is the “Christmas Gospel”. More than the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus , it is also about the mystery of the Incarnation of God who chose to be among us and remains in us forever through his Word. 

As new year unfolds, let us take time to reflect back on how the light and presence of Jesus has  impacted our life this past year. His Word, alive and effective guiding our path. Let us be grateful and give thanks . 

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December 30,2019 Monday
Gospel: Luke 2:36-40

“and the favor of God was upon him”

Christmas is for all ages- young and old! Today, we can learn from Prophet Anna whose life is “hidden” in the temple, praying with fasting day and night . Waiting for the coming of redemption. Then comes the moment of delight upon her recognition that Jesus is indeed present! And she tells everyone of this good news! People of this generation need not wait like the people in the past . We are blessed to have Jesus with us all the days of our lives! He is Emmanuel - God with us!

Let us pray to Lord Jesus that in the midst of festivities , we may find time to withdraw in silence for quality prayer . Let us never doubt the value of “wasting time” hidden before God the Father. Just like Jesus “hidden life”, may we too grow in strength , wisdom and favour from God .

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​December 29, 2019 Sunday
Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
 
“Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt”
 
Joseph listened to the Lord through the angel and quickly obeyed regardless of the time being – resulting to the fulfillment of what the Lord has said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt, I called my son.”
 
As we prepare for the coming of another year, may we learn from Joseph’s obedience and love for the  Word – to be willing enough to rise from our old ways in order to immediately arrive to God’s promise destination.
 
St. Joseph, continue to pray for our hearts so we, too, may be an instrument for the fulfillment of God’s Word.
 
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​December 28, 2019 Saturday
Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18
 
“That what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled”
 
In today’s gospel, Joseph once again listened to the Lord when He instructed him to bring Jesus and run away to Egypt in order to be saved from Herod. In our lives, we may picture running away as a sign of weakness. But if we start listening to God even in contradicting situations, He can work through even the least of our days. Because He is working in us and through us.
 
As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents today, may we continue letting the Lord to lead us where to go – to Egypt or Jerusalem, may we be confident knowing that whatever He says shall be fulfilled.
 
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​December 27, 2019 Friday
Gospel: John 20:2-8
 
He saw and believed.
 
To see means to not be blind. Many times in our walk with Jesus, He invites us to see not only through our eyes, but through our hearts – the love He has for everyone. The love willing to defy rejections, the kind of love willing to conquer death.
 
Today as we celebrate the feast of St. John, apostle and evangelist; may we not be afraid to see the real reason of this season. May we be brave to believe.
 
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​December 26, 2019 Thursday
Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22
 
“Whoever endures to the end will be saved”
 
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr whose last word was a prayer of forgiveness for his attackers. Just like him, may we also allow the Spirit to speak through our lives of what we believe: JESUS and His truth in us – enduring everything for the glory of God as being witness of His life.
 
St. Stephen, patron saint of deacons and stonemasons, may you pray for our hearts to be His witness, so we may always look for the strength we need in Jesus.
 
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​December 25, 2019 Wednesday
Gospel: John 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14
 
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
 
Today we are celebrating the fulfillment of God’s promise: Jesus. May this day remind us of the moments we almost gave up, moments we almost lost hope and faith. May this day make us remember that even in our worst days, God is working on His promise – and it is His love.
 
Mother Mary, may you continue to pray for our hopeful hearts so that we shall never get tired of hoping in God’s promises.
 
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​December 24, 2019 Tuesday
Gospel: Luke 1:67-79
 
“And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High”
 
How are you in your preparation for Christmas? Despite everyone being so busy waiting for the food to be cooked, waiting for the long lines in the shopping malls, may we never lose sight of what we shall truly spend time on waiting: Jesus’ coming,
 
In this moment, let us be like Zechariah in the Gospel – while everyone was filled with joy by the coming  of John, he did not forget that behind it all was the mighty power of the Lord’s hand in their lives. Like him, may we let the Holy Spirit fill us up with songs of praise and adoration for the real reason of the people’s celebration.
 
Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room.
 
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​December 23, 2019 Monday
Gospel: Luke 1:57-66
 
“John is his name”
 
In our society of today, we may sometimes be overwhelmed by all the voices around us – trying to tell and dictate us who we really are in this world. But just like Elizabeth and Zechariah in the Gospel, may we always end up finding and listening to the voice of God among others. Because after all, it is His voice that truly matters. You are what He made you to be.
 
Mother Mary, may you continue to pray for our attentive hearts so that we can be able to use these to continuously seek for the Lord’s voice so we will never lose who we truly are.
 
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December 22, 2019  Sunday
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

“God is with us”

What makes Christmas special? Beyond the festivities and the gifts, let us focus on the simplicity and humility during the first Christmas, when the Baby Jesus was born in a lowly manger.  In our gospel today, we see that through the obedience of simple and ordinary individuals- Mary and Joseph- that the salvation of humankind came about; that God himself proved that He is with us.

As we draw nearer and nearer the celebration of Christ’s birth, may we ask the Lord for the grace to also have such simple obedient faith. May Christ Himself be born in our humble hearts, so that we may be a living proof that indeed, God is with us always.
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