Echoing God’s Word
Reflections on the readings from the Lectionary
Reflections on the readings from the Lectionary by Rev. Clement D. Thibodeau (1932-2017)
Click on the date to read the reflection...
Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time - November 16, 2025
Malachi 3:19-20 - There will come a day when God will correct evil.
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 - Be faithful and not lazy in Christian living.
Luke 21:5-19 - The day of the Lord is surely coming.
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - November 23, 2025
2 Samuel 5:1-3 - God’s choice, David, is anointed as king.
Psalm 122:1-5 - We long for the Lord’s house.
Colossians 1:12-20 - We were brought into the kingdom of Christ.
Luke 23:35-43 - Our King, a Crucified Lord, grants salvation.
First Sunday of Advent - November 30, 2025
Isaiah 2:1-5 - All nations shall come to the house of the Lord.
Psalm 122:1-9 - We rejoice in the Lord.
Romans 13:11-14 - The night is far gone; the day is at hand.
Matthew 24:37-44 - Be ready; the Day of the Lord will be sudden.
Second Sunday of Advent - December 7, 2025
Isaiah 11:1-10 - A descendant of David will bring salvation.
Psalm 72:1-17 - The Anointed King will rule all creation.
Romans 15:4-9 - Grace for the circumcised is now available to all.
Matthew 3:1-12 - The wild one, the Baptist, calls all to conversion.
Third Sunday of Advent - December 14, 2025
Isaiah 35:1-6,10 - The desert will bloom like paradise.
Psalm 146:6-10 - God comforts those who suffer.
James 5:7-10 - Lord is near; be patient in suffering.
Matthew 11:2-11 - Jesus gives evidence to John the Baptist.
Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 21, 2025
Isaiah 7:10-14 - Immanuel: Sign of God’s sovereignty
Psalm 24:1-6 - The King of Glory comes.
Romans 1:1-7 - Peace with God comes through Christ.
Matthew 1:18-24 - Joseph welcomes Mary into his home.
Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord - December 25, 2025
Isaiah: 52:7-12 - Sing for joy. There is good news coming!
Hebrews 1:1-6 - Now God speaks to the people through the Son.
John 1:1-18 - The Word of God is one with us, living in our midst.
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - December 28, 2025
Sirach 3:2-6,12-14 - Respect and kindness in families bring blessings.
Psalm 128:1-5 - Care for the family gently if you fear the Lord.
Colossians 3:12-21 - Practice humility and thankfulness at home.
Matthew 2:13-15,19-23 - The Holy Family escapes danger.
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God - January 1, 2026
Numbers 6:22-27 - Aaron blesses the people of Israel in God’s name.
Galatians 4:4-7 - God blesses time by sending his Son in history.
Luke 2:16-21 - On the eighth day, the Child is named.
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord - January 4, 2026
Isaiah 60:1-6 - All nations are invited to praise God.
Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6 - All have been called to hear the Good News.
Matthew 2:1-12 - The nations come to worship the Christ.
Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord - January 11, 2026
Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7 - God’s servant will bring sight to the blind.
Acts 10:34-38 - God has anointed Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah and Lord.
Matthew 3:13-17 - Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father.
Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - January 18, 2026
Isaiah 49:3-6 - God uses One who was rejected to bring salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:1-3 - We have been called into fellowship with Christ.
John 1:29-34 - Jesus is the Lamb who will be sacrificed for us.
Third Sunday of Ordinary Time - January 25, 2026
Isaiah 8:23-9:3 - God’s light will shine in places of darkness.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Christians are called to perfect unity.
Matthew 4:12-23 - Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee.
Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time - February 1, 2026
Zephaniah 2:3,3:12-13 - Safety can be found only in humility and justice.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - God chooses the lowly to show forth his power.
Matthew 5:1-12a - Righteousness comes from dependence on God.
Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time - February 8, 2026
Isaiah 58:7-10 - Showing compassion is like a light shining in the dark.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - God’s wisdom does not rest on human intelligence.
Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and light do not exist for their own sake.
Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time - February 15, 2026
Sirach 15:15-20 - Sin is our fault, not God’s.
1 Corinthians 2:6-10 - God’s wisdom is given to us through the Spirit.
Matthew 5:17-37 - Jesus restores the spiritual meaning of the Law.
First Sunday of Lent - February 22, 2026
Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 - The human race rebels against God.
Romans 5:12-19 - Disobedience of Adam; Obedience of Christ.
Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus defines his mission through testing.
