🕊️ Opening Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit,
inspire our hearts as we celebrate the final day of Christmastide.
May the Word made flesh fill us with joy, hope and courage,
that we may walk in truth and love throughout the coming year.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
*(Adapted from common prayers for Christmastide and opening collects in the Order of Mass.) catholic.sg
🛐 SCRIPTURE READINGS
📖 First Reading
1 John 2:18–21 (from 1st Letter of St John)
“Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many antichrists have appeared…”
John reminds us that Christians are anointed with the truth of Christ and must stand firm in faith, rejecting lies and deception. catholicmagazine.news
🎶 Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 96:1–2, 11–12, 13
R/. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD all the earth…”
This joyful song calls all creation to praise God who comes to rule with justice and faithfulness. catholicmagazine.news
✨ Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia)
Alleluia. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Alleluia. Catholic Gallery
📜 Gospel
John 1:1–18 (Prologue to St John’s Gospel)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…”
This majestic opening reveals Jesus Christ as the Eternal Word — God from all eternity — who became flesh to dwell among us, full of grace and truth. catholicmagazine.news
📘 Explanations & Reflections
📌 1 John 2:18–21 – Standing Firm in Truth
-
St John writes to believers living in a time of confusion and division. He warns about “antichrists” — false teachers or influences pulling people away from the truth.
-
For Catholics and catechumens today, this calls us to discernment: hold fast to Christ who is the Truth, especially as we anticipate a new year.
-
The anointing from the Holy One refers to the grace bestowed in Baptism and Confirmation — strengthening believers to remain faithful witnesses. catholicmagazine.news
📌 Psalm 96 – Praise and Joy
-
This psalm expresses the joy of creation at the coming of the Lord.
-
It fits perfectly at the end of the year: a reminder to praise God for what He has done and to trust Him as Lord of all times to come.
-
As we close the year, we join all creatures in rejoicing and proclaiming God’s salvation. catholicmagazine.news
📌 John 1:1–18 – The Word Made Flesh
-
The Gospel takes us back to the beginning: long before time began, the Word (Logos) existed with God and was God.
-
This prologue teaches core truths of the Christian faith:
-
Christ is fully divine.
-
In Him was life and light.
-
The world could not grasp Him, but those who received Him became children of God.
-
-
It is especially appropriate as we transition from one year to the next — Christ is alpha and omega, beginning and end. catholicmagazine.news
🪞 Applications for Catholics & Catechumens (Singapore)
✨ For Catholics
-
End the Year in Christ — Reflect on how Jesus has been present in your year: in times of joy, challenge, and growth.
-
Discern Truth from Falsehood — In a world of many voices, renew your commitment to Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium as guides in truth.
-
Live as Children of God — Be witnesses of Christ’s light in your families, workplaces and communities.
🕯️ For Catechumens & Inquirers
-
Know the Faith You’re Entering — The readings emphasize Christ’s identity and the call to remain faithful.
-
Let Scripture Guide You — Spend time with the Gospel of John as you prepare for initiation — especially its portrayal of Jesus as the Word made flesh.
-
Become Part of God’s Family — The psalm and readings remind you that Baptism brings you into a spiritual family that rejoices in Christ’s salvation.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Father in Heaven,
as this year draws to a close, we thank You for the gift of Your Son,
for Your Word made flesh among us, and for the grace to walk in truth.
Strengthen our faith, kindle our hope, and set our hearts aflame with love,
that in the new year we may honor You in word and deed.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
📌 Sources & Links
-
Catholic Gallery – Mass readings for 31 December 2025: First John 2:18–21, Psalm 96, Gospel John 1:1–18. Catholic Gallery
-
CatholicMagazine.news – Full text of readings for Dec 31. catholicmagazine.news
-
Universalis – Liturgical calendar and readings. universalis.com
-
Wikipedia – Saint Sylvester’s Day (feast and context) – explains the memorial and Christmastide celebration. Wikipedia
No comments:
Post a Comment