Sunday between 7 and 13 January    

First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

First Reading - Isaiah 43.1b-3a,4a,5-7

A reading from prophet Isaiah. The Lord says, ‘Do not be afraid. I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you, and your descendants, from the East, and from the West, my sons and daughters from the North and from the South. From the ends of the earth I will gather together all I created for my glory and called by my name. This is the word of the Lord.

Second Reading - Hebrews 2.14-15,17-18

A reading from the letter to the Hebrews. Jesus, by sharing in our human flesh and blood, has, through his death, destroyed the power of death; and has freed those who were held captive by the fear of death. By becoming like us, in every respect, Jesus was able to serve as a faithful and merciful high priest, offering sacrifice to God on behalf of the people. And having been tested himself, by what he suffered, he is able, now, to help those who face the same trials. This is the word of the Lord.

Gospel - Luke 2.22-40

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. In the law of the Lord, it is written that every firstborn male must be dedicated to the Lord. So on the fortieth day after his birth, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, and to offer a sacrifice, in accordance with the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’ Now there was, in Jerusalem, a man named Simeon, who was righteous, and devout.

And it had been revealed to Simeon, by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came to the temple that day. And when Mary and Joseph brought in the child Jesus, Simeon took the child in his arms, and praised God, saying, ‘Now, Lord, you dismiss your servant in peace, fulfilling the word that you have spoken. For my own eyes have now seen the salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all, to be the light that enlightens all nations, and to be the glory of your people Israel.’ The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about the child; and Simeon blessed them. Then Simeon said to Mary, ‘This child will cause the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and will be a sign that many will oppose. The inner thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul, also.’ There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years, after her marriage, and then having lived as a widow, to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshipped there, night and day, with fasting and prayer. She also approached, and began to praise God, and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the salvation of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had fulfilled everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew, and became strong, and filled with wisdom. And the favour of God was upon him. This is the Gospel of the Lord.