Liturgical Bible Study Readings: Feast of Sto. Nino Cycle A

Feast of the Sto Nino

For the Philippine Church, since we are celebrating the Feast of Sto. Nino, please use the following readings: 1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6 (1) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.(2) You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, As […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading – Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Commentators who have interpreted this book as a historical narrative identify Jonah with the 8th century B.C. prophet mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25. However, a majority of scholars today date the book between 200 and 400 B.C. based on the language used and the fact that a number of words used […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading – 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19 The two books under Samuel’s name in the Greek version of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, correspond to one book in the Hebrew Bible where it is located among the “later prophets.” The Vulgate, following the Greek, puts 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st and 2nd Kings under the same heading: […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Introduction Epiphany means revelation or manifestation. Epiphany was originally an Eastern Church celebration. It was originally and primarily a celebration of baptism, the first Epiphany or manifestation. As the celebration moved westward, it took on the meaning of the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles. The central point of this celebration is that God’s salvation is intended not only […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: Feast of the Holy Family Cycle B

Feast of the Holy Family

Introduction The Feast of the Holy Family honors the family group of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. This feast developed only in the 17th century. Built on the Gospel accounts, this family is looked upon as an excellent domestic unit representing the ideal family life. To promote family life and build up devotion to the Holy […]