Mass Readings for December 29, 2023

1 John 2:3-11
Psalms 96:1-3,5-6
Luke 2:22-35

1 John 2:3-11
(3) This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. (4) One who says, “I know him,” and doesn’t keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn’t in him. (5) But whoever keeps his word, God’s love has most certainly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him: (6) he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked. (7) Brothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. (8) Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shines. (9) He who says he is in the light and hates his brother, is in the darkness even until now. (10) He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him. (11) But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Psalms 96:1-3,5-6
(1) Sing to Yahweh a new song! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth. (2) Sing to Yahweh! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day! (3) Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. (5) For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens. (6) Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Luke 2:22-35
(22) When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord (23) (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), (24) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” (25) Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. (26) It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (27) He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, (28) then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, (29) “Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; (30) for my eyes have seen your salvation, (31) which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; (32) a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.” (33) Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, (34) and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. (35) Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”