Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Jan 8 - St Nathalan of Tullicht near Aberdeen (died 678 AD)
Summary: St Knoll of Nathalan. A Scot by birth, by legend a rich man, Knoll became a monk and earned his living by cultivating the soil, which he also found good for contemplation.
Patrick Duffy retells his story.
Tulachnathlak, or St Knoll of Nathalan
As a Scot by birth, from the village of Tullicht, near Aberdeen, where he is said to have built a church. He picked an excellent site, which was called Tulachnathlak, the knoll of Nathalan. During the Reformation, however, the saint's name was dropped, and it became known as just Tulach or Tullich. Nathalan is also said to have built churches at Bothelim and Colle (Cowie).
(The image(above right) shows the ruin of the church at Tullicht near Aberdeen, which was called Tulachnathlak, the knoll of Nathalan, after our saint of today.)
The 16th century Aberdeen Breviary portrays Nathalan as a rich nobleman who decided to cultivate the earth in order to devote himself to God as a hermit. He also fed the people nearby in times of famine. He is praised for having earned his living by cultivating the soil, "which approaches nearest to divine contemplation". He found that farming also served him as a type of penance.
Legend of the Lock
Nathalan's story also has elements of folklore. When a sudden storm interfered with his harvest, Nathalan protested against God. But when he realised what he had done, he was struck with remorse and to punish himself, he locked his hand and leg together with an iron lock and threw the key in the River Dee. The key was swallowed by a fish
To Rome where he becomes a bishop
He vowed that his arm would never be free until after he had made a penitential pilgrimage to Rome. When he arrived in the holy city, he met a boy who offered him a fish for sale. Nathalan bought the fish and recovered the key from its belly. When the Pope heard of this miracle, he decided to make Nathalan a bishop!
Patrick Duffy retells his story.
Tulachnathlak, or St Knoll of Nathalan
As a Scot by birth, from the village of Tullicht, near Aberdeen, where he is said to have built a church. He picked an excellent site, which was called Tulachnathlak, the knoll of Nathalan. During the Reformation, however, the saint's name was dropped, and it became known as just Tulach or Tullich. Nathalan is also said to have built churches at Bothelim and Colle (Cowie).(The image(above right) shows the ruin of the church at Tullicht near Aberdeen, which was called Tulachnathlak, the knoll of Nathalan, after our saint of today.)
The 16th century Aberdeen Breviary portrays Nathalan as a rich nobleman who decided to cultivate the earth in order to devote himself to God as a hermit. He also fed the people nearby in times of famine. He is praised for having earned his living by cultivating the soil, "which approaches nearest to divine contemplation". He found that farming also served him as a type of penance.
Legend of the Lock
Nathalan's story also has elements of folklore. When a sudden storm interfered with his harvest, Nathalan protested against God. But when he realised what he had done, he was struck with remorse and to punish himself, he locked his hand and leg together with an iron lock and threw the key in the River Dee. The key was swallowed by a fish
To Rome where he becomes a bishop
He vowed that his arm would never be free until after he had made a penitential pilgrimage to Rome. When he arrived in the holy city, he met a boy who offered him a fish for sale. Nathalan bought the fish and recovered the key from its belly. When the Pope heard of this miracle, he decided to make Nathalan a bishop!
*************************************
Memorable Quote about acceptance of High Office
When the Conclave asked me if I would accept
my election as pontiff, I told them.
'I am a sinner, but I trust in the infinite mercy
and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and I accept it in a spirit of penance'
~ Pope Francis ~
******************************
Liturgical Readings for: Thursday, 8th January, 2026
01-08 -Thursday After the Epiphany
FIRST READING
A reading from the letter of St John 4:19-5:4
Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
We are to love, because God loved us first.
Anyone who says, 'I love God', and hates his brother, is a liar, since a man who does not love the brother that he can see
cannot love God, whom he has never seen.So this is the commandment that he has given us,
that anyone who loves God must also love his brother.
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been begotten by God; and whoever loves the Father that begot him loves the child whom he begets.
We can be sure that we love God's children if we love God himself and do what he has commanded us;
this is what loving God is- keeping his commandments;
and his commandments are not difficult, because anyone who has been begotten by God
has already overcome the world; this is the victory over the world -our faith.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm Ps 71
Response All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.
1 O God, give your judgement to the king, to a king's son your justice,
that he may judge your people injustice and your poor in right judgement. Response
2 T
he kings of Tarshish and the sea coasts shall pay him tribute.The kings of Sheba and Seba shall bring him gifts.
Before him all kings shall fall prostrate, all nations shall serve him. Response
3 For he shall save the poor when they cry and the needy who are helpless.
He will have pity on the weak
Gospel Acclamation Lk 7.16
Alleluia, alleluia!
A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people.
Alleluia!
Or Lk 4:18
Alleluia, alleluia!
The Lord has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 4:14-22 Glory to you, O Lord
This text is being fulfilled today.
Jesus with the power of the Spirit in him, returned to Galilee; and his reputation spread throughout the countryside. He taught in their synagogues and everyone praised him.He came to Nazara, where he had been brought up, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day as he usually did.
He stood up to read, and they handed him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
Unrolling the scroll he found the place where it is written:
The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me.
He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives
and to the blind new sight,
to set the downtrodden free,
to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.'
He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the assistant and sat down.
And all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to speak to them,
‘This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.’
And he won the approval of all, and they were astonished by the gracious words that came from his lips.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
********************
Gospel Reflection 08 January Thursday after Epiphany Luke 4:14–22
We sometimes ask people to do us a favour. In using the word ‘favour’ we understand that this is a request that the other person does not have to respond to. There is no requirement on someone’s part to do us a favour. Our favouring someone, in that sense, is sheer gift. According to Luke’s gospel, when Jesus was born, the shepherds heard a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those whom God favours’. The birth of Jesus was the greatest possible sign of God’s favour. Through the birth of this child, God was favouring all of humanity in the most complete way imaginable.
According to today’s gospel reading from Luke, when this child became an adult, he went to the synagogue of his home town, Nazareth, and proclaimed the ‘Lord’s year of favour’. Jesus understood that his whole ministry was a making present of God’s favour for all, especially for those who had been made to feel out of favour with God and with others, such as the poor, the captives, the blind, the downtrodden and the lost.
That ‘year of the Lord’s favour’ was not a calendar year. It coincided with the whole of Jesus’ public ministry and, also, his ministry as risen Lord in the church, which continues until the end of time. We continue to be graced by God’s favour through Jesus today. Our calling is to keep opening ourselves to God’s favour, to allow ourselves to be deeply touched by it, and then to reveal something of God’s favour to others, especially to those most in need of it.
________________________________-
The scripture readings are taken from The Jerusalem Bible, published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/The Gospel reflection comes from WEEKDAY REFLECTIONS The Word of God is Living and Active by Martin Hogan and published by Messenger Publications c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
_________________________________________________
Liturgical Readings for: Thursday, 8th January, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHT Sliocht as Céad Litir Naomh Eoin 4:19-5:4
Má deir duine: “Mo ghrá-sa Dia” agus gur fuath leis a bhráthair, is bréagach é.
A clann ionúin, Tugaimisne grá, mar gur thug seisean grá dúinne ar dtús.
Má deir duine: “Mo ghrá-sa Dia” agus gur fuath leis a bhráthair, is bréagach é, mar an té nach dtugann grá don bhráthair ar léir dó é, ní féidir leis grá a thabhairt do Dhia nach bhfaca sé riamh.Agus tá an aithne seo againn uaidh: an té a thugann grá do Dhia tugadh sé grá dá bhráthair chomh maith. Gach duine a chreideann gurb é Íosa an Críost is ó Dhia a gineadh é, agus gach duine a thugann grá don té a ghin tugann grá fós don té a gineadh.
Is mar seo is feasach dúinn go dtugaimid grá do chlann Dé, nuair a thugaimid grá do Dhia agus nuair a chomhlíonaimid a aitheanta. Mar gurb é seo grá Dé, comhlíonadh a aitheanta; agus ní tromualach a aitheanta.
Óir gach a ghintear ó Dhia sáraíonn sé an saol agus is í an chaithréim a sháraíonn an saol, ár gcreideamh.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 71
Freagra Cromfaidh an uile rí go talamh ina láthair, a Thiarna.
1. Tabhair do bhreithiúnas, a Dhia, don rí agus d'fhíréantacht do mhac an rí.Go dtuga sé ceartbhreithiúnas ar a phobal agus cothrom do na bochta. Freagra
2. Saorfaidh sé a n-anam ón bhfeall is ón bhforéigean;
óir is luachmhar leis a bhfuil.
Beifear ag guí ar a shon i gcónaí;
á bheannachadh ar feadh an lae. Freagra
3. Go moltar a ainm go brách, fad a bheidh an ghrian ann.
Is tríd a bheannófar gach treibh; beidh gach cine á mholadh. Freagra
Alleluia Véarsa Lc 4: 18-19
Alleluia, alleluia!
Chuir an Tiarna uaidh mé ag tabhairt an dea-scéil do na boicht,
ag fógairt a scaoilte do bhránna.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Lúcás 4:14-23 Glóir duit a Thiarna
“Inniu atá an scríbhinn seo comhlíonta i gclos bhur gcluas.”
San am sin d’fhill Íosa le neart an Spioraid ar an nGailíl, agus leath a cháil ar fud na tíre go léir.Agus bhíodh sé ag teagasc ina sionagóga, agus moladh ó chách air.
Tháinig sé go Nazará, mar ar oileadh é, agus chuaigh isteach mar ba ghnáthbhéas dó sa tsionagóg lá na sabóide, agus d’éirigh ina sheasamh chun an léitheoireacht a dhéanamh.
Síneadh chuige leabhar Íseáia fáidh, agus ar oscailt an leabhair dó, fuair sé an t-ionad ina raibh scríofa:
“Tá Spiorad an Tiarna orm, mar gur choisric le hola mé.
Chuir sé uaidh mé ag tabhairt an dea-scéil do na boicht,
ag fógairt a scaoilte do bhránna
agus aiseag a radhairc do dhaill;
ag scaoileadh lucht géarbhroide saor;
ag fógairt bhliain ghrásta an Tiarna.”
D’fhill sé an leabhar ina chéile, thug ar ais don seirbhíseach é, agus shuigh.
Agus bhí súile a raibh sa tsionagóg dlúite air. Agus thosaigh sé ag rá leo:
“Inniu atá an scríbhinn seo comhlíonta i gclos bhur gcluas.”
Agus thug cách fianaise air, b’ionadh leo na briathra grástúla a bhí ag teacht as a bhéal.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 11th January, 2026
The Baptism of the Lord The Baptism of the Lord. Jesus is anointed with the Spirit and proclaimed Messiah.
He now goes about doing good, working the signs that make him known as the Servant of God.
Jesus is the one who brings the Good News to the poor and tells of salvation.
His public life and ministry begins
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Here is my servant in whom my soul delights
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights.
I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations.
He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets.
He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame.
Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed
until true justice is established on earth, for the islands are awaiting his law.
I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right;
I have taken you by the hand and formed you;
I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations,
- to open the eyes of the blind,
- to free captives from prison,
- and those who live in darkness from the dungeon
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 28, 1-2, 3-4, 9-10
Response The Lord will bless his people with peace.
1. O give the Lord you sons of God, give the Lord glory and power;
give the Lord the glory of his name. Adore the Lord in his holy court. Response
2. The Lord's voice resounding on the waters, the Lord on the immensity of waters;
the voice of the Lord, full of power, the voice of the Lord, full of splendour. Response
3. The God of glory thunders. In his temple they all cry: 'Glory!'
The Lord sat enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits as king for ever. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
God anointed him with the Holy Spirit
Then Peter addressed Cornelius and his household:
'The truth I have now come to realise' he said 'is that God does not have favourites,
but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.
'It is true, God sent his word to the people of Israel, and it was to them that the good news of peace was brought by Jesus Christ - but Jesus Christ is Lord of all men. You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.'
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Mk:9:8
Alleluia, alleluia!
The heavens opened and the Father's voice resounded:
'This is my Son, the beloved. Listen to him.'
Alleluia!
GOSPEL Year A
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 3:13-17 Glory to you, O Lord
As soon as Jesus was baptised he saw the Spirit of God descending on him.
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him.
'It is I who need baptism from you' he said 'and yet you come to me!'
But Jesus replied,
'Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands'.
At this, John gave in to him.
As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven,
'This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him'.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________
Alternatives Readings for other years
for Year C
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke 3:15-16.21-22 Glory to you, O Lord
While Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened.
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all,
'I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire'
Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove and a voice came from heaven,
You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
********************************
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.
___________________________________________
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.
alternate FIRST READING
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah 40:1-5. 9-11
'Console my people, console them' says your God.
'Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended,
that her sin is atoned for, that she has received from the hand of the Lord
double punishment for all her crimes.'
A voice cries, 'Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord.
Make a straight highway for our God across the desert.
Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low,
let every cliff become a plain, and the ridges a valley;
then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it;
for the mouth of the Lord God has spoken'
Go up on a high mountain, joyful messenger to Zion.
Shout with a loud voice, joyful messenger to Jerusalem.
Shout without fear, say to the towns of Judah, 'Here is your God'.
Here is the Lord the coming with power, his arm subduing all things to him.
The prize of his victory is with him, his trophies all go before him.
He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms,
holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother ewes.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-2. 3-4.24-25. 27-30 R/v 1
Response Bless the Lord my soul! Lord God how great you are.
1. Lord God how great you are, clothed in majesty and glory
wrapped in light as in a robe! you stretch out the heavens like a tent. Response
2. Above the rains you build your dwelling. you make the clouds your chariot,
you walk on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messengers
and flashing fire your servants. Response
3. The God of glory thunders. In his temple they all cry: 'Glory!'
The Lord sat enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits as king for ever. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of Paul to Titus 2:11-14. 3:4-7
He saved us by the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with he Holy Spirit
God's grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions: we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessings which will come with the appearance of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to ser us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it very own and would have no ambition except to do good.
When the kindness and the love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of cleansing water of rebirth by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has generously poured over us through Jesus Christ , our saviour. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Lk 3:16
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Someone is coming, said John, someone greater than I.
h will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke 3:15-16.21-22
While Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened.
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all,'I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire'
Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove and a voice came from heaven,
You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
************************
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.
___________________________________________
Alleluia!
________________________
Responsorial Psalm Ps 28, 1-4
Response The Lord will bless his people with peace.
1. O give the Lord you sons of God, give the Lord glory and power;
give the Lord the glory of his name. Adore the Lord in his holy court. Response
2. The Lord's voice resounding on the waters, the Lord on the immensity of waters;
the voice of the Lord, full of power, the voice of the Lord, full of splendour. Response
3. How many are your works , O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all'
The earth is full of your riches. There is the sea vast and wide,
with its moving swarms past counting, living things great and small. Response
4. All of these look to you to give them their food in due season.
You give it, they gather it up. You open your hand, they have their fill. Response
5. You take back their spirit, they die, returning to the dust from which they came.
You send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of Paul to Titus 2:11_14. 3:4-7
Alternative First and Second Readings and Responses
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Here is my servant in whom my soul delights
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights.
I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations.
He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets.
He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame.
Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed
until true justice is established on earth, for the islands are awaiting his law.
I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right;
I have taken you by the hand and formed you;
I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations,
- to open the eyes of the blind,
- to free captives from prison,
- and those who live in darkness from the dungeon
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 28, 1-4
Response The Lord will bless his people with peace.
1. O give the Lord you sons of God, give the Lord glory and power;
give the Lord the glory of his name. Adore the Lord in his holy court. Response
2. The Lord's voice resounding on the waters, the Lord on the immensity of waters;
the voice of the Lord, full of power, the voice of the Lord, full of splendour. Response
3. The God of glory thunders. In his temple they all cry: 'Glory!'
The Lord sat enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits as king for ever. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
Theme: God anointed him with the Holy Spirit
Then Peter addressed Cornelius and his household:
'The truth I have now come to realise' he said 'is that God does not have favourites,
but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.
'It is true, God sent his word to the people of Israel, and it was to them that the good news of peace was brought by Jesus Christ - but Jesus Christ is Lord of all men. You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.'
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Mk:9:8
Alleluia, Alleluia!
The heavens opened and the Father's voice resounded:
'This is my Son, the beloved. Listen to him.'
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke 3:15-16.21-22
While Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened.
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all,
'I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire'
Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove and a voice came from heaven,
You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
************************
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.
___________________________________________
Alternate Gospel for Year A : Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him.
'It is I who need baptism from you' he said 'and yet you come to me!'
But Jesus replied,
'Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands'.
At this, John gave in to him.
As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven,
'This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him'.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
************************
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 11th January, 2026
Féle Bhaiste ár dTiarna
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as an Leabhar Íseáia, Fáidh. 40:1-5. .9-11
Seo é mo shearbhónta a bhfuil páirt mo chléibhe leis.
“Sólás, beirigí sólás chuig mo mhuintir,” a deir bhur nDia.
“Labhraigí le croí Iarúsailéim agus fógraígí di go bhfuil aimsir a seirbhíse istigh,
go bhfuil a peaca maite, go bhfuair sí ó láimh an Tiarna pionós faoi dhó ina cionta go léir.”
Tá glór ag fógairt: “Réitigí cosán san fhásach le haghaidh an Tiarna.
Déanaigí díreach thar an machaire bealach mór dár nDia.
Líontar isteach gach gleann, agus íslítear gach sliabh agus gach cnoc;
déantar achréidh de na hailteanna agus míntír den gharbhchríoch.
Ansin foilseofar glóir an Tiarna agus feicfidh an uile fheoil í in éineacht.
Óir tá béal an Tiarna tar éis labhairt.”
Suas leat ar shliabh ard, a challaire an dea-scéala chuig Síón.
Ardaigh do ghlór go láidir, a challaire an dea-scéala chuig Iarúsailéim.
Ardaigh do ghlór gan eagla, abair le bailte Iúdá: “Seo é bhur nDia.”
Féach an Tiarna Dia ag teacht lena neart,agus a lámh ag smachtú roimhe!
Tá a luach saothair leis ina sheilbh,agus a éadáil ag dul roimhe amach.
Mar a dhéanfadh aoire ag aoireacht a thréada dó,
ag bailiú na n-uan chuige ina bhaclainn,
á n-iompar ar chlár a uchta
agus ag fosaíocht na gcaorach tórmaigh.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 28: 1-4. 9-10 R/v 11
Freagra Beannóidh an Tiarna a phobal Ie síocháin
1. Tugaigí don Tiarna, a chlann Dé, tugaigí don Tiarna clú agus cumhacht.
Tugaigí don Tiarna glóir a ainm. Adhraigí an Tiarna ina phálás naofa. Freagra
2.Tá glór an Tiarna ar an uisce, I tá an Tiarna ar na huiscí móra.
Tá glór an Tiarna go lánchumhachtach, tá glór an Tiarna go lánmhaorga. Freagra
3. Tá Tiarna na glóire ag toirneach. Cluintear ‘glóir!’ ó gach aon neach ina theampall.
Tá an Tiarna ina rí os cionn na díleann; tá an Tiarna ina rí go brách. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as Gníomhartha na nAspal 10:34-38
Rinne Dia é a ungadh leis an Spiorad Naomh.
Thosaigh Peadar ag labhairt le Coirnéilias agus lena theaghlach:
“Tuigim anois go fíor nach bhféachann Dia chun pearsan seachas a chéile ach cibé duine a thugann ómós dó agus a dhéanann an ceart, gur taitneamhach an duine sin dó is cuma cén cine ar díobh é.
Sin é an teachtaireacht a chuir sé go dtí clann Iosrael nuair a d’fhógair sé dea-scéal na síochána dóibh trí Íosa Críost – an té atá ina Thiarna ar chách uile. Tá a fhios agaibh an rud a thit amach ar fud Iúdáia, tar éis dó tosú sa Ghailíl i ndiaidh an bhaiste a d’fhógair Eoin, an scéal faoi Íosa ó Nazarat: mar a choisric Dia é leis an Spiorad Naomh agus le cumhacht; mar a chuaigh sé timpeall na tíre ag déanamh na maitheasa agus ag leigheas gach duine a bhí faoi smacht an diabhail, mar go raibh Dia fairis.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Mc 9: 8
Alleluia,alleluia!
Osclaíodh na flaithís agus cloiseadh glór an athar, á rá:
'Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach: éstigí leis.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 3:13-17 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Tháinig Íosa i láthair ansin: ón nGailíl a tháinig, go dtí an Iordáin ag triall ar Eoin chun baisteadh a fháil uaidh. Ach bhí Eoin ag iarraidh é stop.
“Is domsa is gá baisteadh a fháil uaitse,” ar seisean, “agus an bhfuil tusa ag teacht chugamsa?”
Dúirt Íosa leis á fhreagairt:
“Lig dó anois: is mar seo is cuí dúinn an fhíréantacht a chur i gcrích go hiomlán.” Lig sé dó ansin. An túisce is a baisteadh é, tháinig Íosa aníos as an uisce, agus osclaíodh na flaithis dó, agus chonaic sé Spiorad Dé ag teacht anuas mar a bheadh colm agus é ag tuirlingt air. Agus tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
__________________________________________________
Malairt Soiscéal
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as naofa de réir Naomh Lúcás 3:15-16.21-22 Glóir duit a Thiarna.duit.
Ó bhí an pobal ar fionraí, agus cách ag machnamh ina gcroí i dtaobh Eoin,
go
mb’fhéidir gurbh é an Críost é, d’fhreagair Eoin á rá leo uile:“Táimse do bhurmbaisteadh le huisce, ach tá an té ag teacht atá níos treise ná mé, nach fiú mé iall a chuarán a scaoileadh; baistfidh seisean sibh leis an Spiorad Naomh agus le tine."
Ach tar éis don phobal uile a bheith baiste, tharla, nuair a bhí Íosa féin baiste agus é
ag guí, gur osclaíodh na flaithis, agus tháinig an Spiorad Naomh anuas air i gcruth
corpartha mar a bheadh colm, agus tháinig glór ó na flaithis:
“Is tú mo Mhac muirneach; is duit a thug mé gnaoi.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
*********************************
___________________________________
Malairt Soiscéal Blian A
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 3:13-17 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Tháinig Íosa i láthair ansin: ón nGailíl a tháinig, go dtí an Iordáin ag triall ar Eoin chun baisteadh a fháil uaidh. Ach bhí Eoin ag iarraidh é stop.
“Is domsa is gá baisteadh a fháil uaitse,” ar seisean, “agus an bhfuil tusa ag teacht chugamsa?”
Dúirt Íosa leis á fhreagairt:
“Lig dó anois: is mar seo is cuí dúinn an fhíréantacht a chur i gcrích go hiomlán.” Lig sé dó ansin. An túisce is a baisteadh é, tháinig Íosa aníos as an uisce, agus osclaíodh na flaithis dó, agus chonaic sé Spiorad Dé ag teacht anuas mar a bheadh colm agus é ag tuirlingt air. Agus tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 3:13-17 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Tháinig Íosa i láthair ansin: ón nGailíl a tháinig, go dtí an Iordáin ag triall ar Eoin chun baisteadh a fháil uaidh. Ach bhí Eoin ag iarraidh é stop.
“Is domsa is gá baisteadh a fháil uaitse,” ar seisean, “agus an bhfuil tusa ag teacht chugamsa?”
Dúirt Íosa leis á fhreagairt:
“Lig dó anois: is mar seo is cuí dúinn an fhíréantacht a chur i gcrích go hiomlán.” Lig sé dó ansin. An túisce is a baisteadh é, tháinig Íosa aníos as an uisce, agus osclaíodh na flaithis dó, agus chonaic sé Spiorad Dé ag teacht anuas mar a bheadh colm agus é ag tuirlingt air. Agus tháinig glór ó na flaithis a dúirt: “Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
