Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen Catholic Church
Sunday Readings Theme
This page is dedicated to explaining the theme based on the chosen Sunday Readings for a meaningful celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Here, you will find insightful explanations and reflections on the readings, helping you to better understand the message and apply it to your daily life. Join us in this journey of spiritual growth and discovery.
From Self-Preservation to Self-Giving
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), 15 Sept 2024
The readings for this Sunday concern the paradox of faith and obedience. They suggest that authentic faith demands total trust, obedience, action, and a willingness to embrace sacrifice.
1st Reading: Isaiah 50:5-9: This passage outlines the Servant’s steadfast obedience, willingness to suffer, and absolute trust in God amidst hardships. Despite suffering, the Servant remains confident, as he knows God helps and vindicates him, so he fears no accusations or consequences. It is a cautionary tale for those who rely on their strength instead of God’s guidance.
Responsorial Psalm 114(116):1-6,8-9: The verses from this psalm depict a staunch belief in God’s deliverance and majesty. They illustrate a celebration of God’s divine power and intervention, recalling His miracles and guiding power. We are urged to reflect on the blessings in their lives and understand that there’s no obstacle so significant that God cannot move for them.
2nd Reading: James 2:14-18: This passage confronts the relationship between faith and deeds. It argues that faith is dead if it isn’t accompanied by action. Genuine faith should manifest in works informed by that faith. Words without the backing of action are essentially meaningless. The passage emphasizes the need for demonstrable faith through good deeds.
Gospel: Mark 8:27-35: This passage contains a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus reveals his true identity as the Christ and begins to teach about His eventual suffering, death, and resurrection. It also stresses the cost of discipleship—self-denial, acceptance of suffering, the symbolic “taking up the cross,” and following Jesus. Jesus emphasizes the paradoxical truth that life is gained through sacrifice.
From Rituals to Relationship: A Journey to Heart-Centered Faith
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), 1 Sept 2024
The central theme of these readings is emphasising inner faith and purity of the heart instead of adhering to external rituals.
1st Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8
This reading is a part of Moses’ speech to Israelites in the wilderness as they are about to enter the Promised Land. Moses reminds them to follow God’s commands to thrive in the land that God has given them. It emphasises the need not to adjust God’s words to personal liking but to obey them as they are given, an earful warning against leading lives driven by individual desires regardless of God’s laws. The central theme of Moses’ message was that the future of Israel depends on their obedience to God’s commands.
Responsorial Psalm: The just will live in the presence of the Lord
This psalm reinforces the theme of living righteous lives by focusing on the benefits of such a life - living in the presence of the Lord.
2nd Reading: James 1:17-18,21-22,27
The excerpt from James underscores the lessons of living in the presence of God. It highlights that God’s words are not just meant to be listened to but to be enacted in our actions. This implies not just looking after one’s own purity but also looking out for others, especially the needy in society. It discusses the need to have genuine faith that is outwardly expressed through actions and not defiled by the evil present in the world.
Gospel: Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus criticises the Pharisees and scribes for prioritising external rituals over understanding and living out the spirit of God’s laws. He explains that a person’s purity comes from within and not from the external environment.
Choosing Christ: Embracing Freedom, not Constraints
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), 25 August 2024
The central theme for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) readings is the commitment and loyalty to God, expressed in choosing God over other alternatives, and the faith in Jesus as the spiritual nourishment for eternal life.
1st Reading: Joshua 24:1-2,15-18
In this reading, Joshua addresses the Israelites, reminding them of their history and God’s goodness, including His deliverance of their ancestors from Egypt. He urges them to reject idolatry and choose to serve the Lord. Despite the consequences of disobedience highlighted by Joshua, the people pledge their loyalty to God, affirming their commitment to serve Him over other gods.
Responsorial Psalm: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
This verse is part of Psalm 34. The psalmist urges people to personally experience God’s goodness, delight in His attributes, and trust His providence. It presents the satisfaction and blessings that come from taking refuge in God, affirming that those who trust in Him will lack nothing good.
2nd Reading: Ephesians 5:21-32
Written by Paul, this text addresses the concept of reciprocal submission in Christian relationships, using the marital relationship analogy to illustrate the relationship between Christ and the Church. Husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, signifying sacrificial, purifying, and caring love. Wives are instructed to respect and be loyal to their husbands as the Church does to Christ.
Gospel: John 6:60-69
The Gospel of John presents a dialogue in which Jesus acknowledges that His teachings, mainly that He is the bread of life and one must eat His flesh and drink His blood to gain eternal life, are hard to accept. Consequently, many disciples abandon Jesus. However, when Jesus asks the Twelve Apostles if they also want to leave, Peter, on behalf of the Twelve, reaffirms their commitment to Jesus, recognizing Him as the Holy One of God, containing the words of eternal life.
God, our Provider and Sustainer
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), 4 August 2024
The Holy Mass readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) emphasize God's role as the Provider and Sustainer who nourishes our spiritual and physical needs.
Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15: This passage discusses when the Israelites were in the wilderness and complaining against Moses and Aaron out of hunger. God responds to their grumbling by promising to provide bread from heaven (manna). In response to their physical needs, God manifests his providential care by feeding the Israelites with the heavenly bread.
Responsorial Psalm: The psalm serves as a response to the first reading. It reiterates the concept of God as the provider by stating, "The Lord gave them bread from heaven."
Ephesians 4:17, 20-24: The text from Ephesians speaks to our spiritual needs instead of physical. Here, Paul urges the Ephesians to abandon their old ways and adopt a new life in Christ, which mirrors the divine righteousness and holiness. The bread from heaven in the Exodus reading can metaphorically be viewed as God's word and teachings that nourish our soul.
John 6:24-35: This reading from John's Gospel recalls the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000, which is a clear echo to God feeding the Israelites as in the Exodus account. When the crowd seeks Jesus hoping for more bread, Jesus uses the opportunity to teach them about the imperishable bread from Heaven. He identifies Himself as the 'Bread of Life,' indicating that belief in Him leads to spiritual fulfillment.
Each reading accentuates God's role as the provider who caters to our physical and spiritual needs. Whether through the miraculous manna in the wilderness, the teachings of Paul for a holy life, or Jesus being the bread of life promising eternal satisfaction, they all spotlight that our reliance should be on God, our ultimate provider and sustainer.
Renewed by Faith: Finding Strength in Christ Amidst Life's Trials
10th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), 9 June 2024
The first reading from Genesis recounts the fall of Adam and Eve, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the promise of a savior. Despite their transgression, God's mercy endures, offering a path to redemption.
The second reading from 2 Corinthians speaks of the confidence we have through faith in Christ. Though our earthly bodies may be subject to decay, we are renewed inwardly day by day, fixing our eyes on the eternal glory that awaits us.
In the Gospel, Jesus is accused of being possessed by Beelzebul, but He refutes this claim, teaching that a house divided against itself cannot stand. He also emphasizes the importance of doing the will of God, stating that whoever does so is like a brother, sister, or mother to Him.
As we reflect on these passages, let us remember that though we may stumble and fall, God's mercy is always available to us. Through faith in Christ, we are strengthened and renewed, even in the face of life's challenges. May we strive to do the will of God, fostering unity and love within our families and communities, and recognizing our shared identity as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Family Connections:
How can our family support one another in times of struggle or temptation, remembering that God's mercy is always available to us? How can we encourage each other to do the will of God, even when it may be challenging?
Prayer:
Lord, grant us mercy and strength to do Your will.
- Fr. Viktor Aurellana, RCJ
Nourished by Love: The Gift of the Eucharist
The Body and Blood of Christ (B), 2 June 2024
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi. In the first reading from Exodus, we witness the ratification of the covenant between God and His people through the sacrifice of bulls and the sprinkling of blood. This ancient ritual foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood seals the new and eternal covenant.
The second reading from Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the old sacrifices. Through His own blood, Christ enters the sanctuary once for all, obtaining eternal redemption for humanity.
In the Gospel, we see the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Jesus offers His body and blood under the appearance of bread and wine, a sacrament that will be celebrated in His memory until the end of time. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, nourishing us with Christ's real presence and uniting us as one body in Him.
As we reflect on this great mystery, let us approach the altar with reverence and gratitude, recognizing the immense love Christ has for us. May our participation in the Eucharist transform us and strengthen us to live as faithful disciples, witnessing to His love in the world.
Family Connections:
How can our family make participation in the Eucharist a priority, even amidst the busyness of our daily lives? How can we encourage one another to approach the altar with reverence and gratitude?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, nourish us with Your Body and Blood. Amen.
- Fr. Viktor Aurellana, RCJ
Adopted in Love:
Embracing Our Identity in the Trinity
The Most Holy Trinity Sunday, 26 May 2024
Today, we celebrate the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, a profound mystery that lies at the heart of our faith. The first reading from Deuteronomy reminds us of God's unique and powerful intervention in the history of His chosen people, Israel. Through mighty deeds and wonders, God revealed Himself as the one true God, inviting His people to keep His statutes and commandments.
In the second reading, Paul speaks of our adoption as children of God through the Spirit, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father!" This intimate relationship with God allows us to share in Christ's sufferings and glory as coheirs with Him.
The Gospel recounts the commissioning of the disciples by the risen Christ. Jesus sends them forth to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This great commission underscores the Trinity's centrality in the Church's life and mission.
As we reflect on the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, let us marvel at the love and unity within the Godhead. May we strive to mirror this love and unity in our relationships as beloved children of God and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Family Connections:
How can our family life reflect the love and unity of the Holy Trinity, especially when faced with challenges or disagreements?
Prayer
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, unite us in Your love..Amen.
- Fr. Viktor Aurellana, RCJ
Empowered by the Spirit: Embracing Our Mission in Christ
Pentecost Sunday, 19 May 2024
On the feast of Pentecost, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, marking the birth of the Church. The first reading from Acts recounts this transformative event, where the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, begin to speak in various tongues, symbolizing the universality of the Gospel message.
The second reading from Galatians contrasts life in the flesh with life in the Spirit. Paul reminds us that the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - should be evident in the lives of those who follow Christ. By walking in the Spirit, we can overcome the desires of the flesh and live in a manner pleasing to God.
In the Gospel, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who will guide the disciples and reveal to them the fullness of truth. The Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church in her mission to proclaim the Good News and lead all people to the knowledge of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
As we celebrate Pentecost, let us open our hearts to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to renew us and bear abundant fruit in our lives. May we, as members of the Church, be faithful witnesses to Christ's love and truth in the world.
Family Connections:
How can our family be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's promptings in our daily lives, especially when faced with difficult decisions or challenges?
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, renew us and guide us in truth. Amen.
- Fr. Viktor Aurellana, RCJ