WORD OF GOD IN THE EYES OF LASALLIANS by La Salle Worldwide

2023 SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE (1651-1719) Founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Patron Saint of Christian teachers.

WORD OF GOD IN THE EYES OF LASALLIANS

is a First Pastoral Initiatives Published by the Communication Commission - LASAD, Indian Sector Biblical texts are taken from the LECTIONARY published by the conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) in 2020.

Published by

DE LA SALLE BROTHERS,

The Communication Commission (Sector India), Lasallian South Asia District (LASAD), Boys’ Town, Pulluthu, Madurai- 625 019. Tamil Nadu, S. India. Creative : JAS ADDS, Manaparai, Trichy (Dt). Mob: 7639982827 | 8220999026

SUPERIOR GENERAL’S MESSAGE Dear Friends, De La Salle, in the FSC Rule of 1718, bequeathed to his brothers a deep love for God’s Word: “The Brothers of this Society shall have a most profound respect for the Holy Scriptures; and, in proof thereof, they shall always carry the New Testament about them, and pass no day without reading some of it, …looking upon it as their first and principal rule.” At every key event in his life but also in those small daily steps, his heart was attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. De La Salle looked at the events unfolding in his life story in the light of God’s Word and discerned how to respond to God’s will as best he could. We are also invited to open our hearts each day and find a special place and time to be attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who is eager to speak to us through the Holy Scriptures. In this sacred space, we bring our life experiences and stories so the light of God’s Word can reveal the deeper meaning and purpose of our life’s journey. In this oasis, we dare to look at our story in the light of God’s Story. In this sanctuary, we consider everything human as deserving of divine attention. In this temple, we open even the dark shadows in our hearts to be permeated with the light of God’s presence. In this loving exchange between my story and God’s Story, God’s Word becomes alive in me and through me. Every ordinary bush suddenly becomes enkindled with the holy presence, and nothing in my life is left untouched by grace. Wherever I am, I have the assurance that I am in the presence of God. Whatever I do, I am inspired to work with zeal as God’s instrument of grace. Our journey through life will be as bright as the dawn if we heed God’s loving invitation and claim this promise for ourselves: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm119:105).

BR. ARMIN A. LUISTRO FSC

Superior General, Brothers of the Christian Schools, Rome, Italy.

VISITOR’S MESSAGE

Dear Friends, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thanks in coming up with this new initiative to include a wider reader base for Lasallian Bible. The collection of reflections based on the “WORD OF GOD IN THE EYES OF LASALLIANS” is fabulous and inspiring. These short reflections can be a good starting point to begin each new month to get into the right disposition to continue to live in the Presence of God. Congratulation to the communication Commission team for this worthy & wonderful effort and wish you the very best for futureendeavors!

BR. BERTRAM PERERA FSC Visitor Provincialate Secretariate Lasallian South Asia District (LASAD) Mutwal, Colombo-01500, Sri Lanka.

AUXILIARY VISITOR’S MESSAGE Dear Friends, Prayerful greetings to you. Lasallian Spirituality is first, a spirit of faith, which should induce those who compose it not to look upon anything but with the eyes of faith, not to do anything but in view of God, and to attribute all to God and second is the spirit of zeal. The purpose of the Institute is to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor, according to the ministry which the church has entrusted to it. Foundational intuitions of St. De La Salle: “Children deserve to know about a God who is good, to have their dignity recognized and to be educated for life.” In the biography of Saint John Baptist de La Salle written by Brother Saturnino Gallego (1986), he develops at length the immoveable conviction of the Founder about the right of all to education, regardless of their social condition. Moved by this conviction, he refused to limit admission to his schools to those who, in his time, were registered in the parish “catalogues” of the poor. We also owe it to him that his intuitions were transformed into initiatives to ensure that schools were open at all times to those who had to alternate between supporting their families and studying (flexible admission and even flexible timetables; Sunday schools, etc.). In this way, he made access to education possible, especially for the lower classes. It’s with great joy, I acknowledge the maiden efforts taken by the Communication Commission to bring out the “WORD OF GOD IN THE EYES OF LASALLIANS” with the reflections of 13 Brothers all over the world sharing their lived spirituality for each month. I do believe that these daily reflections would enhance the quality of spiritual life of all who use it. God bless us all.

BR. T. AMALAN FSC

Auxiliary Visitor Lasallian South Asia District (LASAD) Madurai-625 019, Tamil Nādu, India.

EDITOR’S WORD …. from the Communication Commission.

Very Beloved in Jesus Christ, Greetings from Communication Commission, LASAD-Indian Sector, The WORD OF GOD in the eyes of Lasallians - Bible Diary 2023 is the first pastoral project of the De La Salle Brothers in India by the Communication Commission, and we are thrilled to introduce it to you. De La Salle Brothers from all around the world have created such thought-provoking information for us. The entire liturgical and content of Lasallian spirituality is included in this. This Lasallian meditation will better enable us to live through the seven-path ways of transformation, as our 46th General chapter is urging us to do. We constantly hold fast to the conviction that we are one Christian Family, with a variety of callings; leaven for a fraternal world, sent forth to discover God in the underprivileged and to the peripheries. These characteristics will be used to serve us by the WORD OF GOD in Lasallian view.  The Lasallian Holy Rosary with Six Decades, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Eucharistic Prayers.  Lasallian prayers and a brief citation of the Blessed and Venerable Lasallian Saints.  The day’s complete liturgical information.  The entire text of the reflections from the Lasallian Mass.  Psalms of response and applause.  Today’s patron saint.  A monthly planner. We appreciate Br. T. Amalan FSC and his team, the Auxiliary Visitor of LASAD, for their unwavering support and encouragement during this work. We want to thank everyone who provided reflections for this edition. We want to express our gratitude to Br. Brickston FSC for reaching out to the Brothers in different countries for the reflections. We thankfully remember Br.Tom Johnson from Midwest District, United States of America for accompanying us in editing the reflections.Sincere thanks to Fr Wilson Sagayaraj SVD and everyone who collaborated to make this edition successful. Thanks to the members of the Communication Commission for their excellent job. I sincerely hope that everyone who reads this will be inspired to follow in the path of St. John Baptist De La Salle, our beloved Founder and father. God bless us all.

BR. ARUL JEEVAGAR FSC Chairman, The Communication Commission, LASAD, Indian Sector, Boys Town, Nagamalai, South India - 625019

LASALLIAN SAINTS, BLESSEDS, VENERABLES & SERVANTS OF GOD 14 LASALLIAN SAINTS Saint John Baptist De La Salle, (1651-1719) (Feast day: April 7), Our Holy Founder. Saint Benildus Romançon, FSC, 1805-1862 (Feast day: August 13) Saint Miguel Febres Cordero, FSC, 1854-1910 (Feast day: February 9) Saint Mutien-Marie Wiaux, FSC, 1841-1917 (Feast day: January 30) Saint Jaime Hilario Barbal, FSC, 1898-1937 (Feast day: October 9) Saint Martyrs of Turón, 1934 (Feast day: October 9) (St. Marciano Jose , St. VictorianoPío ,St. Julian Alfredo, St. Benjamin Julian St. Augusto Andres,St.Ancieto Adolfo ,St. Benito de Jesus,St. Cirilo Bertan) Saint Solomon Le Clercq, FSC, 1745-1792 (Feast day: September 2)

151 LASALLIAN BLESSED BROTHERS Blessed James Miller, FSC, 1944-1982 (Feast day: February 13) Blessed Arnold Rèche, FSC, 1838-1890 (Feast day: October 23) Blessed Scubilion Rousseau, FSC, 1797-1867 (Feast day: September 27) Blessed Raphael Louis Rafiringa, FSC, 1856-1919 (Feast day: May 19) 3 Blessed Martyrs of the Rochefort, 1794 (Feast day: September 2) 7 Blessed Martyrs of Almeria, 1936 (Feast day: November 6) 5 Blessed Martyrs of Valencia, 1936 (Feast day: November 6) 44 Blessed Brothers of Barcelona, 1936 (Feast day: November 6) 5 Blessed Brothers of Santa Cruz de Múdela, 1936 (Feast day: November 6) 4 Blessed Brothers of Consuegra, 1936 (Feast day: November 6) 5 Blessed Brothers of Lorca, 1936 (Feast day: November 6) 39 Blessed Brothers of Tarragona, 1936 (Feast day: November 6) 19 Blessed Brothers of the Madrid –Grinon, 1936 (Feast day: November 6) 16 Blessed Brothers of the Madrid - Sagrado Corazón, 1936(Feast day: November 6)

09 LASALLIAN VENERABLES & SERVANTS OF GOD Brother Exuperien Mas (1829 - 1905) Brother TeodoretoGarberoglio (1871 - 1954) Brother Gregorio Buhl (1896 - 1973) Brother Alpert Motch (1849 - 1898) Brother Adlophe Chatillon (1871 - 1929) Brother Juan Fromental Cayroche (1895 - 1978) Brother Nymphas - Victorian Arnaud (1885 - 1966) Brother Andres Hibernon (1880 - 1969) Brother Adolfo Lanzuela (1894 - 1976)

Signum Fidei is the motto and official Seal of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Signum Fidei is Latin for “Sign of Faith”.

Relics of John Baptist De La Salle in the Casa Generaliza in Rome, Italy.

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE (1651 - 1719)

Founder of the Institute of the brothers of the Christian Schools (De Lasalle Brothers), Patron of Christian teachers, Educational Reformer and Father of Modern Pedagogy. John Baptist De La Salle was born into a world that was very different from our own. He was the first son of wealthy parents living in France over 300 years ago. Born at Rheims, John Baptist De La Salle received the tonsure at the age of eleven and became canon of the Rheims Cathedral at sixteen. Though he had to assume the administration of family affairs after his parents died, he completed his theological studies and was ordained a priest on April 9, 1678. Two years later he received a doctorate in theology. Meanwhile he became tentatively involved with a group of rough and barely literate young men in order to establish schools for poor boys. At that time, a few people lived in luxury, but most of the people were extremely poor peasants in the country, and slum dwellers in the towns. Only, a few could send their children to school; most children had little hope for the future. Moved by the plight of the poor who seemed so “far from salvation” either in this world or the next, he was determined to put his own talents and advanced education at the service of the children “often left to themselves and badly brought up.” To be more effective, he abandoned his home, moved in with the teachers, renounced his position as Canon and his wealth, and formed the community that came to be known as the Brothers of the Christian schools”.

His enterprise met opposition from the ecclesiastical authorities who resisted the creation of a new form of religious life and a community of consecrated laymen to conduct gratuitous schools “together and by association.” The educational establishment resented his innovative methods and his insistence on gratuity for all, regardless of whether they could afford to pay or not Nevertheless, De La Salle and his Brothers succeeded in creating a network of quality schools throughout France that featured instruction in the vernacular. Students were grouped according to their ability and achievements. Integration of religious instruction with secular subjects, well-prepared teachers with a sense of vocation and mission, and the involvement of parents were at the core of the new enterprise. In addition, De La Salle pioneered programs for training lay teachers, Sunday courses for working young men, and founded one of the first institutions in France for the care of delinquents. Worn out by austerities and exhausting labours, he died at Saint Yon near Rouen early in 1719 on Good Friday, only weeks before his sixty-eighth birthday. John Baptist De La Salle was a pioneer in founding training colleges for teachers, reform schools for delinquents, technical schools and secondary schools for modern languages, arts, and sciences. His work quickly spread throughout France and, after his death, continued to spread across the globe. In 1900, John Baptist De La Salle was declared a Saint. In 1950, because of his life and inspirational writings, he was made “Patron Saint” of all those who work in the field of education. John Baptist De La Salle inspired others to teach and care for young people, to meet failure and frailty with compassion, to affirm, strengthen and heal. Presently, there are De La Salle Institutions in 80 different countries around the globe. Born at Rheims, France, April 30, 1651 Ordained a priest on April 9, 1678 Died on April 7, 1719 Beatified on February 19, 1888 Canonized on May 24, 1900 Proclaimed Patron of Christian Teachers on May 15, 1950

LASALLIAN PRAYERS PRAYERS FOR LASALLIAN VOCATIONS (For the use of Monthly Novena)

DAY : 1 Eternal God, bless our Institute with holy and faithful Lasallian brothers and sisters. Give those you have called to the married state and those you have chosen to live as vowed religious in the world, the special graces that their lives require. Form us all in the likeness of your Son so that, in him, with him and through him, we may love you more deeply and serve you more faithfully, and always be faithful to the Lasallian mission entrusted to all of us. With Mary we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

DAY: 2 Heavenly Father, Lord of the harvest, call many members of the Church to be generous workers for your people and to gather in your harvest. Send them to share the Good News of Jesus with all the people on earth. Father, we ask this prayer Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

DAY : 3 Lord Jesus, you chose the apostles to propagate the faith and establish your holy Church in the world. We earnestly beseech you to bless our Institute with many more Lasallian brothers and sisters who will love you with their whole strength and will gladly spend their entire lives in making you known and loved by all men. Amen.

DAY: 4 O God, you sent your Son, Jesus, to bring eternal life to those who believe in Him. We join Him in praying for laborers for your harvest. May your holy Spirit inspire men and women to continue his mission through religious life and lay ministry. May this same Spirit make known your will to every one of us. This we ask through Christ our Brother. Amen.

DAY: 5 Lord Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world, we humbly beg of you to revive in your Church that Spirit which you did so abundantly bestow on the Apostles. Call, we pray you, very many to be the witnesses of the Lasallian mission in the world. May the zeal for your glory and the salvation of souls inflame those whom you have chosen. May they be saints in your likeness, and may your Spirit strengthen them. O Jesus, give us more Lasallians after your own Heart! Amen.

DAY: 6 Lord, in your love for your people, you provide inspired men and women as shepherds for your people, and you call them to leave all things to serve you joyfully. May those whom you have chosen as servants and ministers of the Gospel, show forth dedication and compassion. May they provide, by their way of life, a convincing sign of your Kingdom for the Church and the whole world. Amen

DAY: 7 Almighty and eternal God, in your unfailing love, you provide ministers for your Church. We pray for those whom you call to serve the Church as religious. Inspire in them a generous response. Grant them courage and vision to serve your people. May their lives and service call your people to respond to the presence of your Spirit among us. Being faithful to the Gospel and hope of Jesus the Christ, may they announce glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, set prisoners free and renew the face of the earth. This we ask through Christ our Lord Amen.

DAY: 8 O God, Father of all mercies, provider of a bountiful harvest, send your graces upon those you have called to gather the fruits of your labor. Preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service of you. Open the hearts of your children that they may discern your holy will; inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves to serving others in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Teach all your faithful to follow their respective paths in life, guided by your divine word and truth. Through the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, all the angels, and saints, humbly hear our prayers and grant your Church’s needs, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

DAY: 9 Lord Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father and Mary Immaculate, give to our young people the generosity necessary to follow your call and the courage required to overcome all obstacles to their vocation. Give to parents, that faith, love and spirit of sacrifice which will inspire them to offer their children to God’s service and to rejoice whenever one of their children is called to serve you. May your example and that of your Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph encourage both young people and parents and let your grace sustain them. Amen.

LASALLIAN PRAYER TO MOTHER MARY Oh Holy Mary my Sovereign Queen, I humbly commend my soul and body to you and to your special protection, now, everyday of me life and at the hour of my death. To you I commit all my hopes and consolation, to you I fly in all my wretchedness and trouble, To you I entrust my life and the end thereof, so that through your holy intercessions and through your merits, all my actions may be directed and disposed according to your will and that of your Divine Son. Amen.

LASALLIAN PRAYER TO THE MOST HOLY TRINITY Help us to be Brothers who are visible signs of hope, as Your Holy Presence enlivens our world today. Give us compassionate hearts as we face those Brothers and Sisters who experience the challenges of human Poverty. Inspire us in word and deed when we meet those who are alone and vulnerable. Make us welcoming and available persons to all those who feel excluded and depressed. May your church on earth be a true community of truth and love, the symbol of freedom and justice, so that all people may find in it abundant reasons for faith, hope and love. May we, Brothers of the Christian Schools be genuine ambassadors and ministers of your Gospel to all those entrusted to our care. We ask all these things, Oh loving God of the Universe, in the name of Jesus our Brother, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and with the intercession of Saint John Baptist De La Salle and all our saintly Brothers. Amen.

LASALLIAN PRAYER O God, who for the Christian education of the poor and for the preservation of youth in the way of truth, did raise up St. John Baptist, Confessor, and did form by him a new religious family in the Church, mercifully grant that, through his intercession and example, we may be animated with zeal for your glory in saving souls, and merit to share his crown in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OF A LASALLIAN TEACHER This prayer echoes the spirituality of St. John Baptist De La Salle, who was proclaimed by the Catholic Church on May 15,1950, to be the Patron Saint of Teachers. You, O Lord, are my strength, my patience, my light, and my counsel. It is you who touch the hearts of the children entrusted to my care. Abandon me not to myself for one moment. For my own guidance and that of my students, grant me the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and piety, the spirit of a holy fear of you and an ardent zeal to procure your glory. I unite my efforts to those of Jesus Christ, and I beg the Most Blessed Virgin, Saint Joseph, the Guardian Angels and Saint John Baptist De La Salle to protect me this day in the performance of my duties. Amen.

EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION THE INTRODUCTORY RITES The Entrance Procession and Song Celebrant: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All : Amen. Greeting C

: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with You all.

All : And with your spirit.

PENITENTIAL RITE C

: Brethren (brothers and sisters), let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries. (a brief silence)

All : I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, (and, striking their breast, they say:) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault, therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God C

: May Almighty God have mercy onus, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

All : Amen. C

: Lord, have mercy.

All :

Lord, have mercy.

: Christ, have mercy.

All :

Christ, have mercy.

: Lord, have mercy.

All :

Lord, have mercy.

THE HYMN “GLORIA” Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore You, We glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For You alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

OPENING PRAYER

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD First Reading The Responsorial Psalm The Second Reading (When prescribed). The Acclamation before the Gospel The Gospel The homily The Profession of Faith (when prescribed)

THE APOSTLE’S CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, (At the words that follow, up to and including the Virgin Mary, all bow) who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. THE PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST THE PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS The offertory procession and song Presenting the bread: C

: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.

All : Blessed be God for ever. Presenting the Chalice: C

: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, It will become our spiritual drink.

All : Blessed be God for ever. C

: Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters), that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

All : May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands / for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.

THE PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS

THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER EUCHARISTIC PRAYER - II C

: The Lord be with you.

All : And with your spirit.

: Lift up your hearts

All : We lift them up to the Lord.

: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All : It is right and just.

: It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, your Word through whom you made all things, whom you sent as our Saviour and Redeemer, incarnate by the Holy spirit and born of the Virgin.

Fulfilling your will and gaining for you a holy people, he stretched out his hands as he endured his Passion, so as to break the bonds of death and manifest the Resurrection. And so, with the Angels and all the Saints we declare your glory, as with one voice we acclaim: All : Holy, Holy, Holy.... C

: You are indeed Holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness.

CC : Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall, So that they may become for us the Body and + Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. + time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion, he took At the bread and,giving thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT, FOR THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.

In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice and, once more giving thanks, he gave it to his disciples, saying: TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT, FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT, WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE FOR FORGIVENESS OF SINS. DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME. C

: The mystery of faith.

All : We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and Profess Your Resurrection until you come again. CC : Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of his Death and Resurrection, we offer you, Lord, the Bread of life and the Chalice of salvation, giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you. Humbly we pray that, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.

C1 : Remember, Lord,Your Church, Spread throughout the world, and bring her to the fullness of charity, together with N.our Pope and N.Our Bishop and all the clergy. In Masses for the Dead,The following may be added : Remember your servant N., Whom you have called (today) from this world to yourself. Grant that he (she) who was united with your Son in a death like his, may also be one with him in his Resurrection. C2 : Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection, and all who have died in your mercy: welcome them into the light of your face. Have mercy on us all, we pray, that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with blessed Joseph, her spouse, with the blessed Apostles, and all the Saints who have pleased you throughout the ages, we may merit to be coheirs to eternal life, and may praise and glorify you through your Son, Jesus Christ. CC : Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, for ever and ever. All : Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER C

: At the Saviour’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

All : Our Father, who art in heaven, / hallowed be thy name; / thy Kingdom come, / thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, / Give us this day our daily bread, / and forgive us our trespasses, / as we forgive those who trespass against us; / and lead us not into temptation, / but deliver us from evil. C

: Deliver us, Lord, WePray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Saviour,Jesus Christ.

All : For the kingdom / the power and the glory are yours /now and for ever. THE RITE OF PEACE C

: Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will who live and reign for ever and ever.

All : Amen. C

: The peace of the lord be with you always.

All : And with your spirit.

: Then the deacon (or the priest) adds: Let us offer each other the sign of peace. All : Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace. COMMUNION The Priest, with hands joined, says the following prayer in a low voice: May the receiving of your Body and Blood, Lord Jesus Christ, not bring me to judgement and condemnation, but through your loving mercy be for me protection in mind and body and a healing remedy. The Priest genuflects, takes the host and, holding it slightly raised above the paten or above the chalice, says: C

: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

All : Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. THE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION THE DISMISSAL C

: The Lord be with you.

All : And with your Spirit.

: May almighty God bless you,the Father, All : Amen. and the Son + and the Holy Spirit.

: Go forth, the Mass is ended.

All : Thanks be to God.

THE CHAPLET OF THE DIVINE MERCY OPENING PRAYER First, make the sign of the Cross. Touch the forehead, then chest, then left Shoulder, then the right shoulder, whilesaying: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Recite this opening prayer once:

Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day, he rose again. He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE DECADES OF THE CHAPLET

You expired, O Jesus but the Source of life gushed forth for souls and the Ocean of Mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

After the Opening prayers, the next prayers are said in sets of ten, called ‘decades’ A set of five decades is called a ‘Chaplet’. The Prayers are said using ordinary Rosary beads.

Recite the following prayer three times:

On the single large bead (before each set of ten smaller beads) recite:

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of Mercy for us, I trust in you.

Then recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary and the Apostles’ Creed: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus, Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Apostles Creed: I believe in God, The Father Almighty Creator of heaven and earth. I Believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our lord, who was conceived by the power of the Holy

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

Then, on each of the ten smaller beads, recite: For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Alternate version of this prayer: For the sake of Jesus Christ’s sorrowful Passion and death on the Cross, have mercy on us and on the whole world.)

After each set of ten prayers, many persons add: O Blood And Water, Which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in you. Repeat the above set of prayers, called a decade, five times to complete one Divine Mercy Chaplet.

CLOSING PRAYERS Recite the following prayer three times: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal one, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Then recite this closing prayer: Eternal God, your Mercy is endless, and Your treasury of compassion is inexhaustible. Look with kindness upon us and increase Your Mercy within us, sothat, in difficult moments, we may not despair, nor become despondent, but may, with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your Holy Will, which is Love and Mercyitself. Amen. Finally, make the sign of the Cross again: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

THE LASALLIAN HOLY ROSARY SIX DECADES

“How fortunate you are to have for your purpose to teach children their religion and to do so by teaching them catechism every day! One of the best means you can use to succeed in your work is to have a very special devotion to the Most Blessed Virgin and to communicate this devotion to the hearts of those entrusted to you. Do you recite the rosary every day? Do you lead your students to do the same? With what piety do you recite it and have them recite it? Do you offer this prayer as

a tribute that we in our Institute pay to the Most Blessed Virgin and as a powerful way to draw down her help and protection on our Institute and on your work?” - ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE [MEDITATIONS 150.3] St. La Salle was famed as the “priest of the rosary”. He used to refer to himself proudly as the Servant of Mary. His devotion was warm and heartfelt: “Through the Most Blessed Virgin, he obtained abundant graces. He threw himself into Mary’s arms on every occasion, as a child into the arms of its Mother.As is well known, the present form of the Six Decade rosary is credited to St. Dominic and then St. Bridget of Ireland developed it still more. We know that La Salle had the six-decade rosary recited, sometimes known as Saint Bridget’s rosary and also the Crown of Our Lady. This Crown of Our Lady, ascribed to Saint John Capistrano, has a total of 63 Hail Marys intending to honour the supposed sixty-three years of Mary’s life on earth. After 1600, as we approached the lifetime of John Baptist de La Salle is mentioned as using and spreading devotion to the six-decade rosary rather than the more common five-decade one. Certainly the six-decade rosary was widely used in various religious orders in seventeenth and eighteenth century France. Therefore, La Salle was in no way unique when he prescribed the use of the six-decade rosary for his first Brothers as well as the pupils in the Christian schools. The custom was begun by Olier at the Society of St. Sulpice, which was attended by Jean Baptiste deLa Salle. The Sulpicians honoured six “aspects” (not “mysteries” as such) of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a decade representing each aspect.

The official rosary of the Christian Brothers consists of six decades of beads, not the usual five. With the Church we pray the Glorious, Luminous, Sorrowful and Joyful mysteries and we Brothers add a sixth decade, inspired by De La Salle, to honour the Immaculate Conception, to pray for the Church, the Pope, for good vocations, for all our Brothers living here and in heaven. The rosary is prayed the same as the Common Way of Praying the Rosary, only using these mysteries:

JOYFUL MYSTERIES (Monday and Saturday)

understand the saying which he spoke to them. (Lk 2:49- 50)

6th Lasallian Mystery: The Immaculate Conception.

LUMINOUS MYSTERIES (Thursday)

1. The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jorden: When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from water, and behold, heavens were opened, and [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove alighting on him. (Mt 3:16)

1. The Annunciation:

2. The Miracle at the wedding of Cana:

And angel said to her, “Do not fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (Lk 1:30-31)

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him. (Jn 2:11)

2. The Visitation:

Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God and saying “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mk 1:14)

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Lk 1: 41)

3. The Birth of Jesus: And while they were there, time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born Son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn. (Lk 2:6-7)

4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple: And when time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (Lk 2:22)

5. Finding Jesus in the temple: And he said to them, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not

3. Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God:

4. The Transfiguration of Jesus: And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light, (Mt 17:2)

5. Institution of the Eucharist: While they were waiting, Jesus took bread and said the blessing, broke it and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt 26: 17-35)

6th Lasallian Mystery: To pray for the Church and the Pope.

SORROWFUL MYSTERIES

GLORIOUS MYSTERIES

(Tuesday and Friday)

(Wednesday and Sunday)

1. Jesus’ Agony in the Garden:

1. The Resurrection of Jesus:

Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me (Mt 26:38).

Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. (Mt 28:5-6)

2. Jesus is Scourged: They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barrabbas!” Now Barrabbas was a robber, Then Pilate took Jesus and Scourged him. (Jn 18:40, 19:1)

3. Jesus is Crowned with Thorns: And kneeling before him they mocked him, saying ,”Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spat upon him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. (M 27:29b-30)

4. Jesus Carries His Cross: So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross to the place called the place of the skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha. (Jn 19:17)

2. The Ascension of Jesus: Then he led them as far as Bethany, raised his hands and blessed them. As he blessed them, he departed from them and was taken up heaven. (Lk 44-53)

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit: And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. (Acts 2:1-13)

4. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven: A great sign appeared in the sky, with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars (Rev 12:1-6)

5. Jesus Dies on the Cross:

5. Mary is Crowned Queen of Heaven:

And when they came to the place which is called The skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Lk 23:32-33)

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low state of his handmaide. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. (Lk 1:46-48)

6 Lasallian Mystery:

For the brothers here on earth and those who have died

For good vocations

6th Lasallian Mystery:

THE LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Lord have mercy, R. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy, R. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy, R. Lord have mercy.

Mother admirable, Mother of good counsel, Mother of our Creator, Mother of our Saviour, Mother of mercy,

Christ hear us, R. Christ hear us.

Virgin most prudent,

Christ graciously hear us, R. Christ graciously hear us.

Virgin most renowned,

God, the Father of heaven, R. have mercy on us.

Virgin most merciful,

Virgin most venerable,

Virgin most powerful,

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, R. have mercy on us.

Virgin most faithful,

God the Holy Spirit, R. have mercy on us.

Seat of wisdom,

Holy Trinity, one God, R. have mercy on us.

Spiritual vessel,

Holy Mary, R. pray for us.

Mirror of justice,

Cause of our joy,

Vessel of honour, Singular vessel of devotion,

Holy Mother of God,

Mystical rose,

Holy Virgin of virgins,

Tower of David,

Mother of Christ,

Tower of ivory,

Mother of the Church,

House of gold,

Mother of mercy,

Ark of the covenant,

Mother of divine grace,

Gate of heaven,

Mother of hope

Morning star,

Mother most pure,

Health of the sick,

Mother most chaste,

Refuge of sinners,

Mother inviolate,

Solace of migrants,

Mother undefiled,

Comfort of the afflicted,

Mother most amiable,

Help of Christians,

Queen of Angels, Queen of Patriarchs, Queen of Prophets, Queen of Apostles, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors, Queen of Virgins, Queen of all Saints, Queen conceived without original sin, Queen assumed into heaven, Queen of the most holy Rosary, Queen of families, Queen of peace. Lamb of God, who takest

away the sins of the world, R. spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, R. graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, R. have mercy on us. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray - Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord God, that we, your servants, may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow, and obtain eternal joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

1 JANUARY

Solemnity Mary Mother of God White

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord Make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them. Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6 & 8

R. God, be gracious and bless us. O God, be gracious and bless us, and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your saving help. R Let the nations be glad and exult for you rule the world with justice. With fairness you rule the peoples you guide the nations on earth. R Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. May God still give us his blessings till the ends of the earth revere him R Second Reading: Galatians: 4:4-7

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets: but in these last days he has spoken to us by a son. Gospel Luke: 2:16-21

So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this they made known what, had been told them about this child and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time

to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

This first day of the year, the Church does not officially acknowledge New Year’s Day. Instead, we honor Mary as Mother of God to begin this year. Yet, a new year is a time for reflection as the Gospel tells us Mary kept all these things in her heart (Luke 2:19). As we begin a new year, people commonly make resolutions and they commonly let them disappear after a few weeks. Perhaps it is because we are too ambitious and make too many resolutions. Perhaps one good resolution that we “keep in our hearts” can make a difference as we begin another year. As Our Founder says “Ask God to renew in you today the spirit of your state and of your profession(Meditations 92.3) Keep one good resolution to begin this renewal of spirit.

First Reading: 1 John 2:22-28

2 JANUARY MONDAY Before Epiphany

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NAZIANZEN RY GO

L THE GR BASI EA T

O M E M RI A L

OP & DOCTOR BISH (330-370) (330-390)

St. Basil was born at Caesarea in Asia Minor (modern turkey). He comes from a remarkable holy family, for the church honours as saints his parents, brothers and sisters. He is also the father of eastern monasticism. He fought against Arian heresy. His guidelines in the form of community living, liturgical prayer and manual labour is practised worldwide in the seminaries and monasteries. He was born into a family of saints in Cappadocia. Because of his profound knowledge of the scripture, out standing eloquence and teaching, was called ‘the theologian’. by his great sanctity, learning and eloquence, he brought about a genuine rebirth of the true faith.

Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; everyone who confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he has promised us,eternal life. I write these things to you concerning those who would deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming. Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The word became flesh and dwelt among us to all who received him he gave power to become children of God. Gospel: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ ”as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal. ”This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

As we begin our journey through this new year, we read today from the First Letter of John: Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.(1 John 2:25) Sometimes, the fervor of our first years in ministry, religious life or whatever vocation we have begins to weaken. We become more routinized and less enthusiastic about our lives. Think about those beginning days and your enthusiasm and try to enkindle in your hearts that fire and zeal. If you are starting a new school year or another semester of classes, now is the time for a fresh beginning in your ministry.

First Reading: 1 John 2:29-3:6

If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who does right has been born of him. See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him.

JANUARY TUESDAY Before Epiphany

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HOL Y

Alleluia, The word became flesh and dwelt among us to all who received him he gave power to become children of God.

SUS JE

Gospel Acclamation

L MEMO RIA IONA PT ME OF NA

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Psalm 98:1, 3-4, 5-6

John 1:29-34

The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

In the First Letter of John, we see words: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God. Yet so we are. (1John 2:30) The great miracle of the Incarnation that we celebrate at this time is the realization that God is one of us. The Son, Christ, is our Brother. He shares our DNA as humans. He has experienced the joy, the laughter, the tears, rejection and death that we experience. Yet, John tells us that: we are God’s children now and what we shall be has not yet been revealed. (1 John2:33) Let us then be brothers to each other and to our students so that all we meet will recognize that God is with all of us and knows our joys and sorrows.

The Most Holy Name of Jesus. The Church reveals to us the wonders of the Incarnate Word by singing the glories of His name. The name of Jesus means Savior; it had been shown in a dream to Joseph together with its meaning and to Our Lady at the annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel.

First Reading: 1 John 3:7-10

4 JANUARY WEDNESDAY Before Epiphany

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Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because God’s seed abides in them; they cannot sin, because they have been born of God. The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way; all who do not do what is right are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters. Psalm 98:1, 7-9, 9

AN ETH N

TON SE

ELIZ AB

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, At many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. Gospel: John 1:35-42

FOUNDRESS

1774 – 1821

Saint Elizabeth was a convert to Roman Catholicism. She founded the first American religious community for women, the Sisters of Charity and established the first American Catholic orphanage. She is also the first person born in the United States to be canonized a saint by Pope Paul VI on 14 September, 1975. The virtues of St. Elizabeth are courage, temperance, faith, love and service to others. She is the patron saint of seafarers and widows.

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “Where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

In today’s Gospel, two brothers began following Jesus. They turn out to be Peter and Andrew. Jesus turns around and says to them: What are you looking for? (John1:38) This Gospel episode is different than the other call of the apostle stories in the other Gospels. This time they are following Jesus and looking for something. They take the initiative. Perhaps we are like that sometimes. We are looking for something but don’t always know what we are looking for. It is what Ronald Rolheiser calls “the holy longing”. Rolheiser says that often our inquietude is our unconscious looking for connection with God. Take time to reflect on your own searching and unease. It may be a call from God. This day is also the feast day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton who founded the Sisters of Charity and began the first Catholic school network in the United States. Let us take an example of her zeal for education of young people.

First Reading: 1 John 3:11-21

For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be astonished, brothers and sisters, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. ...(please see appendix Page 444)

5 JANUARY THURSDAY Before Epiphany

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Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5

N HN

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Gospel Acclamation:

R. Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Alleluia, A hallowed day dawned upon us. Come, you nations, worship the Lord, for today a great light has shone down upon the earth. Gospel: John 1:43-51

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you,you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. (1 John 3:15). In this season we celebrate in a special way the Incarnation. God is with us and present to us. This also means God is present in our Brothers. In this first reading John refers to Cain and Abel, two brothers whose relationship goes bad. We are called to love our Brothers and see beyond the petty misunderstandings we encounter daily. Our Founder wrote that people come to religious life to become saints not because they are saints. (Meditations 55.2) This is a good to time to reflect on those Brothers who we live with and especially keep in prayer those who might annoy us. It is in the love of our Brothers that we can pass from death to life, from a dead community to a living one and become saints.

BISHOP

1811 - 1860

St. John Neumann was a Catholic priest from Bohemia belonging to the Redemptorist order. While Bishop of Philadelphia, Neumann founded the first Catholic diocesan school system in the United States. He also introduced the School Sisters of Notre Dame to assist in religious instruction and staffing the orphanage. He is known for his holiness and promotor of parochial schools. He was canonized by Pope Paul VI on June 19, 1977.

First Reading: 1 John 5:5-13

6 JANUARY FRIDAY Before Epiphany

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Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth. There are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree. If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R. O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! Gospel Acclamation: RELIGIOUS

1845 – 1937

St. André Bessette was a lay brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross and was credited with thousands of reported miraculous oil healings associated with his pious devotion to Saint Joseph. On his many visits to the sick in their homes, he would heal them and recommend them in prayer to Saint Joseph. Pope Benedict XVI approved the decree of sainthood for Blessed André on 19 February 2010, and canonized him on 17 October 2010.

Alleluia, A cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud,” This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved;with you I am well pleased.”

The Epiphany of the Lord is one of most ancient and important feast days in the Church. It represents Christ as universal in that the Magi represents all the nations of the world. This feast also has a distinctly Lasallian aspect. First, in our Institute the star they followed represents the sign of faith. It is the star guided the Magi who followed it in faith as we are challenged to see all things in the light of faith. Second, in his Meditation for the Epiphany, our Founder writes: Recognize Jesus beneath the poor rags of the children you have to instruct. Adore Him in them. Love poverty and honor the poor after the example of the Magi. (Meditations 96.3) What challenging words the Founder gives us! He challenges us to see Jesus in the various poverties of those we teach every day. We can say “Let us remember that we are the Holy Presence of God” when we think of our students and those, we are responsible for.

First Reading: 1 John 5:14-21

And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him. If you see your brother or sister committing what is not a mortal sin, you will ask, and God will give life to such a one to those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin that is mortal; I do not say that you should pray about that. ...(please see appendix Page 444)

JANUARY SATURDAY Before Epiphany

Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5 and 6a and 9b

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R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

While today’s Gospel is the miracle at Cana, we are reminded in the first reading: Children, be on your guard against idols (1 John 5:21). This is a seemingly odd comment to make at the end of the Christmas season. What are the idols of today? Our idolatry is not that of the Romans of Jesus time. It is following those things that take us away from Jesus and His message. While we focused liturgically on Advent and Christmas, did we also focus on the materialistic aspects of the Holidays? Did we look for fine gifts or become concerned that any gifts we give were not special enough? We often have a dual attitude about the feast we finishing. It is a time of peace, joy and renewed faith and, simultaneously focusing on the idols that our consumerist society presents. John tells us in his letter: We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment to know the one who is true. (1 John 5:19). Pray always to have that gift of discernment.

RAYM O

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

T FOR NA

Gospel: John 2:1-11

L MEMO RIA IONA PT OF PE ND

Alleluia, A great prophet has arisen among us! and God has visited his people!.

Gospel Acclamation:

ABBOT

(1175-1275)

St. Raymond was a Spanish Dominican priest in the 13th century. He was born in Catalonia in 1175 and canonized on 29th April 1601 by Pope Clement VIII. He promoted evangelization among the Jews and Muslims of North Africa. He was entrusted the enormous task of systematizing, condensing and codifying into convenient form the church’s decrees. He is known as the Father of Cannon Law and the patron saint of canon lawyers.

8 JANUARY

The Epiphany of The Lord White

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midi-an and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD. Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

R. All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord. O God, give your judgment to the king, to a king’s son your justice, that he, may judge your people in justice and your poor in right judgment. R In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails. He shall rule from sea to sea, from the Great River to earth’s bounds. R The 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. R For he shall save the poor when they cry and the needy who are helpless. He will have pity on the weak and save the lives of the poor. R

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

For surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, We have seen his star in the East and have come to worship the Lord. Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod , after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief

priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the ruler of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star has stopped, they were over whelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

From the beginning days of the Church, the Baptism of Jesus has been a mystery. Why was Jesus baptized? We know that Jesus was human “like us in all things but sin”. But if he had no sin, was he human? The late spiritual writer John Kavanaugh wrote: “Christ came not only to reveal his Divinity to us, but to reveal us to ourselves. He is truly human because he does not sin. All of our sin is none other than the rejection of the truth of our humanity”.Jesus begins his mission with his baptism to heal us and make us whole; that is, being fully human Think about it!

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

9 JANUARY MONDAY 1st Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3. 9-10 (11b)

R. The Lord will bless his people with peace. Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38

FEA ST

OF THE SM

RD LO

BAP TI

Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” Gospel Acclamation:

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord. This brings to an end to the season of Christmas. The Church recalls Our Lord’s second manifestation or epiphany which occurred on the occasion of His baptism in the Jordan. In the Eastern Church this feast is called Theophany because at the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan God appeared in three persons.

ADRIAN OF CANTERBURY (ABBOT)

JULIAN AND BASILISSA

Alleluia, alleluia! A voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved,with whom I am well pleased.”

Did you ever wonder what Zebedee must have felt when his two sons, James and John, just walked away from him to follow this itinerant preacher? It must not have felt like Good News to him. Do you wonder if these newly-called disciples looked back with pangs in their hearts as they saw their father standing there? Answering God’s call is a moment of grace and joy but also with some pain and difficulty. To answer God’s call can have a price for us; what Dietrich Bonhoeffer calls the cost of discipleship. Can I pay the cost of my vocation? Can I drink the cup?

First Reading: Hebrews 2:5-12

It was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honour, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, ...(please see appendix Page 444)

JANUARY TUESDAY 1st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 8:2b and 5,6-7a,7b-9

Gospel: Mark 1:21b -28

On the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

For he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes (Mark 1:22). As a teacher, this phrase from Mark’s Gospel always struck me. Authority, author, and authenticity come from the same ancient root meaning truth and power. When we are authentic teachers, we are ourselves, teaching through who we are. We come across as real to the students. In his Tenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat, our Founder writes: your zeal for the children who are under your guidance would be very imperfect if you exercised it only by instructing them. It will only become perfect if you practice what you are teaching them. Example makes a much greater impression on the mind and the heart than words, especially for children, for they do not yet have a mind sufficiently able to reflect, and they ordinarily model themselves on the example of their teachers. They are led more readily to do what they see done for them than what they hear told to them, above all when the teachers’words are not in harmony with the teachers’ actions. (Meditations 203.3) When we teach from the depth of ourselves, we are authentic teachers.

US URG AT

Alleluia, Accept the word of God, not as the word of men,but as what it really is, the word of God.

ST. AGA TH

Gospel Acclamation:

L MEMO RIA IONA PT H AU M OT

R. You have given your son power over the works of your hands.

CONFESSOR POPE

St. Agatho Tahaumaturgus, a Sicilian by birth, was remarkable for his charity and benevolence, aprofound humility, and an engaging sweetness of temper. He was particularly beloved for his gentleness and unfailing charity. He fought against the Monothelite heresy. His dogmatic encyclical against the heresy was received by the council with great joy. The many miracles there-after received through his intercession led to his being called Thaumaturgus (Wonder worker).

11 JANUARY WEDNESDAY 1st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

S THE E IU

CH BIAR NO

THEOD OS

Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

CONFESSOR

(c. 423 - 529)

St. Theodosius was the founder and organizer of the cenobitic way of monastic life. When he was younger, he felt a desire to imitate Abraham by leaving his parents, friends, relatives and everything else for the love of God. Theodosius formed a small community of monks near Bethlehem that became very well known for its work with the sick, elderly, and mentally impaired. While dwelling in the cave he performed great feats of asceticism.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant forever Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s motherin-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.”He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

In today’s first reading from Hebrews, we hear that because Jesus was tested through suffering, he is able to help those being tested. This is the greatest mystery of our faith, the incarnation, that God became one of us. He is the Word that lives as we do. God experiences what we experience, the joy, the suffering, the excitement, the illnesses, all of it. Jesus understands us not only on a Divine level but on a very human level. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those being tested. (Hebrews 2:18)

First Reading: Hebrews 3:7-14

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, as on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your ancestors put me to the test, though they had seen my works for forty years. Therefore I was angry with that generation, and I said, ‘They always go astray in their hearts, and they have not known my ways. ‘As in my anger I swore, ‘They will not enter my rest.’ ”Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end.

12 JANUARY THURSDAY 1st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Jesus was proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!”Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

He touched the leper. Lepers are never to be touched, especially in first century Palestine. They are highly contagious. One who touches lepers could become a leper. However,Jesus did it; he touched the leper. Jesus reached out and made him clean. Jesus acted against all norms of the time to help this person. Jesus overcame any obstacles to his actions. What is my attitude about reaching out to the marginalized, the unappreciated or unappreciative? Can I reach out to the difficult person who may annoy me? What obstacles prevent me from going beyond the comfortable, the known or those who are compatible people? What do I need to do to overcome these obstacles?

OF COR NE LEO

hearts.

BERN A

R. O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your

RELIGIOUS

(1605 - 1667)

St. Bernard of Corleone, O.F.M. Cap., whose name was Filippo Latino before becoming a friar. Bernard had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and encouraged others in this devotion. His biographers claim that Mary appeared to him and placed Jesus, as an infant, in his arms. It is also claimed that she gave him knowledge of the day of his death four months in advance. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 10, 2001.

First Reading: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11

13 JANUARY FRIDAY 1st Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT OF POI RY RS TIE

HIL A

Psalm 78:3 and 4bc, 6c-7, 8

R. Never forget the deeds of God

GREEN

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “As in my anger I swore, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’ ...(please see appendix Page 444)

OP & DOCTOR BISH (c.310 - 367)

St. Hilary, also known as “Hammer of the Arians”, fought against the Arian heresy. This staunch defender of the divinity of Christ was a gentle and courteous man and devoted to writing some of the greatest theology on the Trinity. Raised as a pagan, he was converted to Christianity when he met his God of nature in the Scriptures. He was declared as Doctor of the Church because of his intrepid defending of the faith.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, A great prophet has arisen among us! and God has visited his people!. Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

They carried their friend on a stretcher but they couldn’t get in to see Jesus. So, they struggled to get him up on the roof and took up some tiles and let him down. There was no other way they could get their friend to see Jesus. Sometimes we get to Jesus through others, through our community or our family. Sometimes, we can’t do it alone; we need others. Or conversely, others may need the community. Spiritual growth takes place in community as much as it is an individual effort. Are we a community “where faith is shared”? Do we allow our community to bring us closer to God?

First Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R. Your words, O Lord, are spirit and life. Alleluia, The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to the captives.

JANUARY SATURDAY 1st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN / RED ME

M OR

I A L (I N D

ASAHA EV

)

ILLAI MP YA

Gospel Acclamation:

BLESSED D

Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Gospel: Mark 2:13-17

Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

In today’s first reading from Hebrews, we are told: The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12). If we are attentive to the word of God by taking time to break it open, it is alive and will be effective. If we listen to it or read it in cursory way or without much reflection, it can seem dead and ineffective in our lives. But if it is effective, God’s word can help us penetrate what is happening to us and in us. It can separate the important from the unimportant. Take time each day with the scripture and see where it takes you.

MARTYR

(1712 - 1752)

Blessed Devasahayam is the first Indian lay martyr to be beatified. He was born to a Hindu family as Nilakandan Pillai in the then Kingdom of Travancore (Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu). Convinced of the truth of the Christian mysteries, Pillai took the name Devasahayam. Because of his conversion, he was threatened, imprisoned and tortured uninterruptedly for three years. He was martyred on 14 January, 1752 and beatified by Pope Benedict VI on 2nd December, 2012.

15 JANUARY

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

And he said me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Psalm 39:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

R. Here I am Lord ! I come to do your will. I waited, I waited for the Lord and he stooped down to me; he heard my cry. He put a new song into my mouth Praise of our God. R

In the scroll of the book it stands written that I should do your will. My God, I delight in your law in the depth of my heart. R

You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings, but an open ear. You do not ask for holocaust and victim. Instead, here am I. R

Your justice I have proclaimed in the great assembly. My lips I have not sealed; you know it, O Lord. R

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, to all who did receive him, he gave the right to become children of God. Alleluia. Gospel: John 1:29-34

baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

What are you looking for? That is the question that confronts us. In some ways, we are always searching and often we are looking in the wrong places. Spiritual writer Ronald Rolheiser speaks of the “Holy Longing” in which we keep searching but not fully realizing that we are searching for God. We look for entertainment and distraction. Do you find yourself checking your mobile phone every few minutes or your email? Do you find yourself flipping television channels? What are you really looking for? It may be that we are looking for a relationship with God and nothing else really satisfies. In today’s Gospel, the men ask Jesus, “Where are you living?” Jesus says “Come and See.” He had no address or home. Come and see meant having a relationship with Jesus. The men become his disciples and remain with him. They allow Jesus to come into the depths of their being as spiritual writer John Shea says (John Shea, On Earth as it is in Heaven, Liturgical Press, 2004, p.59) They found what they were looking for.

First Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10

16 JANUARY MONDAY 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN / WHITE

)

ORIAL (INDI EM A M H P E VA OS

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”;as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; ...(please see appendix Page 444) Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

R. You are the priest forever, a priest like Melchizedek of old. CONFESSOR

(1651 - 1711)

St. Joseph Vaz was born on April 21, 1651 in Goa, India. As a priest in Sri Lanka, He disguised himself as a coolie wearing a loin cloth around his waist as part of his mission since no priest was allowed on the island. He built the first Church in Sri Lanka and dedicated it to Mother Mary. He was canonized on 14 January 2015 by Pope Francis. He is the first saint from Goa.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The word of God is living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Alleluia Gospel: Mark 2:18-22

Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. “No one sews a piece of un shrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wine skins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wine skins.”

He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. (Hebrews 5: 6) This passage speaks of the duties and responsibilities of the High Priest. While we are not high priests, the passage is a good reminder to us as educators working with students who may not be well prepared. It reminds us that we too were young and not always up to the task. Take a few minutes to remember and reflect on times when, as a young person, you were not acting appropriately as a student and how a good teacher put you on the right track. Be honest with your past as you work with students who need more direction.

First Reading: Hebrews 6:10-20

17 JANUARY TUESDAY 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

ANT H

O M E M RI A L

Y THE G

AT RE

For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Human beings, of course, swear by someone greater than themselves, and an oath given as confirmation puts an end to all dispute. In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God would prove false, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. ...(please see appendix Page 444) Psalm 111:1-2, 4-5, 9 and 10c

R. The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know what the hope to which he has called us is. Gospel: Mark 2:23-28

One Sabbath he was going through the grain fields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Today’s Gospel passage is a good reminder for those of us who might tend to be perfectionists. There is much to be admired in people who do things correctly and expect things done correctly.Perfectionists can be trusted with doing a good job. But in the spiritual life perfectionism, the slavish following of rules without regard to the needs of individuals can be contrary to accomplish our mission as Lasallian educators. Our Founder told us to be as gentle as mothers and as firm as fathers as teachers. We must be aware of the young person to know how he or she will best respond in order to grow into self-directed individuals.

T CONFESSOR ABBO (251–356)

Saint Anthony is one of the Desert Fathers who was known for his powerful preaching and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick. Though he himself did not create a monastery, a community grew around him based on his example of living an ascetic and isolated life. His intercession is sought in cases of epilepsy, pestilence and skin diseases. He is revered as Patron Saint of hospital workers, butchers and basket makers.

18 JANUARY WEDNESDAY 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

T OF HU RE

ARY NG

MAR GA

GREEN

VIRGIN

(1242 - 1271)

St. Margaret was a Dominican nun and the daughter of king Bela IV of Hungary. According to the history, Margaret chastised herself from early childhood, wore an iron girdle and shoes spiked with nails. She performed simple tasks in the monastery. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII on November 19, 1943.

First Reading: Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17

This “King Melchizedek of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him”; and to him Abraham apportioned “onetenth of everything.” His name, in the first place, means “king of righteousness”; next he is also king of Salem, that is, “king of peace.” Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. It is even more obvious when another priest arises, resembling Melchizedek, one who has become a priest, not through a legal requirement concerning physical descent, but through the power of an indestructible life. For it is attested of him, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

R. You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedeck of old. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Jesus was proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Gospel: Mark 3:1-6

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

Doing the right thing, the charitable thing, is not always pleasing to some people. It is often easy for us to criticize people even if they are doing excellent and Gospel oriented things. If this is our case, if we find ourselves becoming negative to those who might be doing good, perhaps we should take a good look at ourselves and our motives. Are we jealous of others? Are we challenged by the actions of others that call us out of our comfort zone? Do we find fault with others for very minor things and not see the great good being done? Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than do evil, to save life rather than destroy it? (Mark 3:4)

First Reading: Hebrews 7:25 - 8:6

Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. Now the main point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent that the Lord, and not any mortal, has set up. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They offer worship in a sanctuary that is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly one; for Moses, ...(please see appendix Page 444) Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17

R. Behold Lord, I come to do your will. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Gospel: Mark 3:7-12

Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, “You are the Son of God!” But he sternly ordered them not to make him known.

Today, let’s focus on the responsorial psalm. What we pray in the psalm is surprising: Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to the obedience you gave me. (Psalm 40:7). The surprise for me is that in prayer, God is asking us to listen with ears open. Often our prayer life can be a recitation of many prayers that seems we are fulfilling some kind of obligation. It is the difference between “praying” and “saying prayers”. True growth in the spiritual life is in being open and listening to what God may be telling us. There is a place for recited prayers especially in Church or community, but listening may be the best way to spend time with God.

19 JANUARY THURSDAY 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN NUTE IV CA

KING & MARTYR (c. 1042 – 1086)

St. Canute was born in Denmark in 1043. He was deeply a spiritual man, frugal and austere in his habits. As a king, he worked for the welfare of all and propagation of the faith. In temporal matters, Canute attempted just administrative reforms. On 10th July 1086, Canute was slewed during mass by the rebellions, at the foot of altar with arms outstretched. He was canonized by Pope Paschal II on 19th April 1101.

First Reading: Hebrews 8:6-13

20 JANUARY FRIDAY 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT IAN & F ST

IAN AB

SEB A

GREEN / RED

TYR & POPE) (MAR (d.c. 288)

St. Sebastian as an early Christian saint and martyr. King Diocletain tied to turn Sebastian from the faith of Christ. Sebastian was firm in his faith. The king ordered him to be tied to a post and pierced with arrows but he survived and later was scourged until he died. St. Fabian was the Bishop of Rome from January 10, 236 to his death in 250. He is known for his miraculous nature of his election, in which a dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit’s unexpected choice to become the next Pope.

But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need to look for a second one. God finds fault with them when he says: “The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not like the covenant that I made with their ancestors, on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they did not continue in my covenant, and so I had no concern for them, says the Lord. This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach one another or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord, ‘for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” In speaking of “a new covenant,” he has made the first one obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old will soon disappear. Psalm 85:8 and 10, 11-12, 13-14

R. Merciful love and faithfulness have met. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Gospel: Mark 3:13-19

He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Then he went home.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus chooses the Twelve whom he named Apostles. We know that these twelve were not perfect individuals, but Jesus chose them so that they might go forward in his name to preach and drive out demons. We, too, as Lasallians are called to be Apostles. At times we call our ministry our apostolate. To be an apostle requires zeal for our mission. In the meditation for the Feast of St. Paul, the Founder writes may nothing be able to diminish your zeal in the slightest or force from you a single complaint. (Meditation 140.3) We are apostles to the young.

First Reading: Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14

Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 trumpet blast.

JANUARY SATURDAY 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

RED O M E M RI A L

S OF RO NE

R. God goes up with shouts of joy. The Lord goes up with the

For a tent was constructed, the first one, in which were the lamp stand, the table, and the bread of the Presence; this is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a tent called the Holy of Holies. But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Open our hearts, O Lord, that we may pay attention to the words of your Son. Gospel: Mark 3:20-21

And the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.”

What a bleak and sad passage from Mark that we have today. Jesus’ relatives set out to seize him when they see the crowds following him. The believe he is out of his mind. Perhaps they fear some kind of recrimination from authorities (which is what happened). Perhaps they worry that he is not “fitting in” to the local norms of behavior. The family of John Baptist de La Salle also thought he was out of his mind by bringing his teachers into his house. Perhaps we feel that we need to “fit in” to society or go along with the consumerism, racism, sexism and other “isms” of our time. We don’t stand out or stand up for what is right. We worry what others will think of us. Perhaps we, too, if we were there, would think Jesus is out of his mind. If our spirituality makes us too comfortable, we need to do some thinking.

N & MARTYR VIRGI (c.246 – c. 258)

St. Agnes has ever been held in the highest honour as one of seven women who, along with the Blessed Virgin, are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. She was desirous of consecrating herself solely to Christ and so declined the hand of many a suitor. She always maintained her modesty in spite of many hurdles and persecution. She is the patron of purity, of the young girls and gardeners.

22 JANUARY

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time GREEN

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 8:23-9:3

In the former time he brought into contempt the Iand of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they rejoice before thee as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as on the day of Midian. Psalm 26:1, 4, 13-14

R. The Lord is my light and my help. The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear ? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink ? R There is one thing I ask of the Lord, for this I long, to live in the house of the Lord,

all the days of my life, to savour the sweetness of the Lord, to behold his temple. R I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord. R

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

I appeal to you, brethren. by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarrelling among you my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided ? Was Paul crucified for you ? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul ? For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia! Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom and healed every disease among the people.. Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali’ toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region

and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As he walked by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and ever infirmity among the People.

Is Christ divided? This question that Paul used to challenge the divided church at Corinth could easily be used to challenged us Catholics today. We have to admit that we have a very divided Church. We have the reformists and the traditionalists, the pre-Vatican II Catholics and post Vatican II Catholics. In many ways, we Catholics are mired in the same divisions that we have in our societies. However, there is one Gospel and one Christ; there is one call to conversion in Christ. In the Gospel Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James and John. Jesus did not talk about tribes or factions. He simply says, Come after me and I will make you fishers of men. Like those called who dropped their nets, we are called to give up the nets of our prejudices and factions and follow Jesus.

23 JANUARY MONDAY 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

N ERE TIA

GREEN

First Reading: Heb 9:15, 24-28

For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, because a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant. For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own; for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment,so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6

R. Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders. Gospel Acclamation: N & MARTYR VIRGI (d. c. 304)

St. Emerentiana was the foster sister of St. Agnes. A few days after Agnes’ death, Emerentiana, who was a catechumen still learning about Christianity before being officially baptized, went to the tomb to pray and was suddenly attacked by the pagans, stoned to death by the crowd, thus receiving the baptism of blood. She is represented as a young girl who either has stones in her lap and lilies in her hand.

Alleluia, Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Gospel: Mk 3:22-30

And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.“ Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. (Mark 3:24) In today’s Gospel reading, we see Jesus again talking about division and factions as we did yesterday. Factionalism can weaken our own communities when we have competing camps and divisions that break down community life. If you feel that living in community is like walking on eggshells, look for ways to bridge the divide. Pray for those who you find difficult and try to walk in the shoes of the one you don’t get along with. Unity in community is not conformity but the spirit of brotherhood, a true gem.

First Reading: Heb 10:1-10

24 JANUARY TUESDAY 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

FRA

O M E M RI A L

IS DE S NC

ES AL

Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach. Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, since the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sin?But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin year after year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,but a body you have prepared for me;in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’(in the scroll of the book it is written of me).”When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law),then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Psalm 40:2 and 4ab, 7-8a, 10, 11

R. Behold, I come to do your will, O my God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom. Gospel: Mk 3:31-35

Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.”And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will. (Psalm 40:8,9). This is the refrain from today’s responsorial psalm. This idea of God’s will can be found in each reading today. Sometimes we know immediately what is God’s will; other times we need to pray and discern what God may be asking of us. Sometimes it is not the obvious. In the Gospel, Jesus is told that his mother, brothers and sisters are asking for him. Jesus tells his disciples: Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother. The obvious thing would be to think Jesus should immediately stop preaching and go outside to his family. But that is not the case for Jesus in this circumstance. We must think and pray deeply to know God’s will for us even if doing it does not meet others’ expectations.

BISHOP

(1567 – 1622)

St. Francisde Sales was born on 21August 1567 in France. He was known for his deep faith and gentle approach to the religious divisions in his land resulting from the protestant reformation. In 1610, he founded The Order of Visitation. He is known for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, particularly the Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God.

25 JANUARY WEDNESDAY 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE NO SIO F S

AUL T. P

CONV ER

FEA ST

APOSTLE

St. Paul was born at Tarsus, of Jewish parents with the name Saul at the circumcision. He was an ardent follower of law and a violent persecutor of the Christians. While on the way to Damascus to arrest Christians, he was called to be the apostle to the gentiles. His call marked the new beginning of the church. Paul’s life became a tireless proclaiming and living out the message of the cross.

First Reading: Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly according to our ancestral law, being zealous for God, just as all of you are today. I persecuted this Way up to the point of death by binding both men and women and putting them in prison, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. From them I also received letters to the brothers in Damascus, and I went there in order to bind those who were there and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment.“ While I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Then he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting. ‘Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. I asked, ‘What am I to do, Lord?’ The Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told everything that has been assigned to you to do. ‘Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took my hand and led me to Damascus.“ ...(please see appendix Page 445) Psalm 117:1bc, 2

R. Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord. Gospel: Mark 16:15-18

Today we celebrate what might be the most notable conversion in scripture. It seems Paul already had zeal but it was zeal to stop the spread of the Gospel. Paul believed he was doing good. In a flash, God spoke to Paul who consequently channeled his considerable zeal to evangelizing. The question to ask ourselves today is whether our energy and zeal is focused on God’s mission. Sometimes we can be very energetic but with negative energy for complaining, backbiting, and gossiping. If that is the case let’s refocus our energy toward the good.

First Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5

JANUARY THURSDAY 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

HY & TI OT

S TU

Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10

TIM

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.

R. Tell among all the peoples the wonders of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The Lord has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives. Gospel: Mark 4:21-25

He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lamp stand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”

Saint Paul wrote letters to these two disciples that are included in our Scriptures. In our first reading, Paul tells Timothy to stir into flame the gift that God gave you…but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel. (2Timothy:6.8). This is what happened to Paul, his zeal was stirred into flame for the Gospel. Yes, there are hardships in our ministry. Today’s Gospel Jesus tells his disciples: I am sending you like lambs among wolves (Luke 10: 3). It was never going to be easy but there is peace in knowing that we are doing what God wants us to do. Focus on the good you do and do not be discouraged with the inevitable difficulties you encounter.

BISHOPS

(c.32 – c.97) & (c.2 – c.96)

Timothy and Titus were two of Paul’s most faithful and loyal disciples and assistants in the mission. Timothy became the bishop of Ephesus and Titus for the church in Crete. Timothy worked with Paul and Silas and helped Paul found churches, notably in Corinth, Thessalonica, and Philippi. Titus was believed to have been sent to Jerusalem to gather reports on our Lord’s miracles. Timothy is the patron of intestinal disorders and stomach.

REPUBLIC DAY (India)

First Reading: Hebrews 10:32-39

27 JANUARY FRIDAY 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT LA MER GE

ICI

GREEN

But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet “in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay; but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.” But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved. Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. Gospel Acclamation: VIRGIN

1474 – 1540)

St. Angela was born in Italy in 1474. She joined the Third order of St Francis and devoted her time to the religious education of young girls and taking care of sick. She founded the Company of St. Ursula in which women dedicated their lives to the service of Church through the education of girls. From this organisation later sprang the monastic Order of Ursulines, whose nuns established places of prayer and learning throughout Europe.

Alleluia, Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom. Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

We scatter seed, but we don’t make anything grow. This week we have been reflecting on zeal for the Gospel. Yes, it is our zeal that gives us the flame to carry on our ministry. However, today’s Gospel reminds us that nothing is accomplished without God. The man who scattered the seed didn’t make it grow. On its own accord, the land yields fruit and without us even knowing it at times. This is how it is with the Kingdom of God (Mark 4: 26). As educators, we often see the fruit of our labors but there are times when we do not. Once in a while, we may meet a former student who tells us how we made a difference in his or her life education and we never realized it. Yes, it might be our own skill and knowledge, faith or zeal but it may be the grace of God. Think about it.

First Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19

JANUARY SATURDAY 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L THO

Psalm 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75

S AQU I

S NA

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. ...(please see appendix Page 445)

R. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited his people and redeemed them. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

In today’s reading from Hebrews, we are told: Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) I invite you to re-read Article 6 of our Rule which parallels the reading from Hebrews. We are told that the Brothers are to look upon everything with the eyes faith. And in successive sentences all beginning with the words By Faith we are told that we judge all the realities of life, find God in our work, find God in every event and person, dedicate our whole life to building up the Reign of God through education, and abandon ourselves to God’s guidance. Faith is indeed the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things unseen.

FESSOR & DOCTOR CON (1225 - 1274)

St. Thomas was a profound philosopher and theologian. He is also called as Angelic Doctor and Prince of Catholic theologians. He belonged to the Dominican Order. He was the foremost classical proponent of natural theology and the father of Thomism. He is noted for his famous book, Summa Theologiae. He also composed two famous hymns of the Church’s liturgy i.e. Tantum Ergo and O Salutaris Hostia. Pope John XXII canonized him on 18 July 1323.

29 JANUARY

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Zephaniah 2:3; 3: 12-13

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his commands; seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the Lord’s wrath. For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord the remnant of Israel; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. Then they will pasture and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid. Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

R. How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It is the Lord who preserves fidelity forever, who does justice to those who are oppressed. It is he who gives bread to the hungry, the Lord who sets prisoners free. R The Lord who opens the eyes of the blind, the Lord who raises up those who are bowed down. It is the Lord who loves the just, the Lord who protects the stranger. R The Lord upholds the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the path of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever, the God of Sion from age to age. R Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. To all who received him, he gave power to become children of God. Rejoice and be glad, for tour reward is great in heaven.

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

As Christians, we are challenged live in contradiction to society. We might call this counter-cultural. In the second reading, Paul tells his readers we are not wise by human standards; in fact, we seem foolish to shame the wise, weak to shame strong and count for nothing to reduce those who are “something” to nothing. In the Gospel, we have Beatitudes which tell us to be poor and meek, hungry for justice, merciful, clean of heart and peacemakers. So that if persecuted for who we are, the kingdom will be ours. This is not to condemn the powerful, wealthy and wise nor is it “pie in the sky”. The message, the key message of Christian living, is that should not adopt the worst aspects of our society into our lives. If we live simply and honestly, not being boastful or pretentious, we can have inner peace no matter what happens. The message is very simple, but not easy.

First Reading: Hebrews 11:32-40

...(please see appendix Page 445) Psalm 31:20, 21, 22, 23, 24

JANUARY

R. Be Strong,Let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.

MONDAY

Gospel Acclamation:

4 Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mark 5:1-20

GREEN SA L

LI A N S A I

-MARI E IEN

UX WIA

ST. M UT

Alleluia, A great prophet has arisen among us, and God has visited his people.

ALLE BROTHER LA S (1841-1917)

St. Mutien-Marie Wiaux was declared a saint on December 10, 1989. Born in Belgium in 1841, where his father was a blacksmith and his mother helped run a café, Louis Wiaux joined the De La Salle Brothers, took the name Bro. MutienMarie, and became a grade school music and art teacher. He spent 58 years at the same school. Hewas known and loved for his patience and religious spirit. Indeed, his reputation spread throughout Belgium. He died in 1917.

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him anymore, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he had said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits begged him, “Send us into the swine; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea. The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had the legion; and they were afraid....(please see appendix Page 435)

Going along with Sunday’s theme, today we celebrate a Brother would probably not want to be celebrated. His life was very simple. His parents, a blacksmith and a café owner, lived in a small town in Belgium. Upon joining the Brothers, he taught in a small school in and then in boarding school. At first, teaching and perfecting overwhelmed him, but after being assigned to teach music and art, he had great influence on his students. His life was not remarkable in a contemporary sense. It was only after his death that his fame spread. The message of this saint is that we should be at peace in our vocation. Success is not in being renowned, but in serving the young people and our communities as best we can.

First Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4

...(please see appendix Page 445) Psalm 22:26b-27, 28 and 30, 31-32 Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Christ took our illnesses and bore our disease. Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

St. John Bosco gave his life for the teaching of poor boys in northern Italy. It is said that some of his early influences came from the De La Salle Brothers in Turin, Italy. In many ways, his Salesian order’s ministry is like our own. Both congregations focus on the education of young people. In today’s first reading, we are admonished to rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.(Hebrews 12:1). One of the burdens we might have is seeing other congregations serving the young and poor as competitors. Let’s be reminded that our Founder stressed humility. In that spirit let us look on other congregations as partners in the mission of spreading the Gospel to young people.

TUESDAY 4th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

N BOSC OH

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’”He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. ...(please see appendix Page 436)

JANUARY

R. They shall praise you, Lord, those who seek you.

CONFESSOR

(1815 – 1888)

St. John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco, was a Italian Catholic priest, reformer and educator. He dedicated his life for the betterment of the street children, juvenile delinquents and other abandoned youth of his time. He established night schools for the homeless children. He founded the Salesian Fathers, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and Salesian Brothers for the education of the youth. He was canonised by Pope Pius XI on April 1, 1934

First Reading: Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15

1 FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 4th Week in Ordinary Time

Y MOR NR

GREEN

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children—“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.”Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, ...(please see appendix Page 446) Psalm 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a

R. The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. MARTYR

(1595 – 1645)

Henry was born in 1595 at Brome in England. He was brought up in Protestant faith and later became Catholic. After becoming priest, he worked with plague victims catching the plague himself and was healed later. He was arrested and convicted for the crime of Catholicism. He was canonised on 25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI, and was named as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching.

The reading from Hebrews is really challenging. Pain is an essential part of our lives, nobody desires it, we avoid it if at all possible but it “bears fruit in peace and goodness.” Hebrews today tells us: “Suffering is part of your training.” Who has ever informed us that we would suffer? Prepared us for suffering!!!! Saying yes to God is one thing, as humans, as Brothers, as Lasallians but living it out in reality is the problem, the difficulty, the blessing. “For the Lord trains the ones he loves and he punishes all those that he acknowledges as his son.” Suffering is necessary for our growth. Saint Mark’s Gospel forces us to acknowledge who is my brother, my sister? Do I choose the welloff, the high flyers, the wealthy, the pop/sport/music stars and despise the rest? Do I allow God to work miracles where I am or do I prevent miracles happening? “Do your part to help build up the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students.” (Med 67.1)

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 ...(please see appendix Page 446)

Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10

R. The Lord of hosts, he is the king of Glory. Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18

For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, ...(please see appendix Page 446) Gospel Acclamation:

FEBRUARY THURSDAY 4th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

Alleluia, A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.

FEA ST

The great Feast of the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the temple. Candlemas. Feast of the Presentation Order. Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary. Feast of the Holy Encounter. We are spoilt as Christians today as to which celebration we embrace. For me it’s the Feast for the Holy Encounter, where Simeon and Anna embrace the Holy Family. Simeon moved by the Holy Spirit was informed “he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord.”He had experienced the “Messiah” “the Saviour” there and then while he was still alive, then he could declare openly “now, Master, you let your servant go in peace, my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all nations.” Do we wait patiently for the Lord in our lives? Do we acknowledge daily the Lord before others and be “a light to enlighten the pagans” as Simeon says. Lord give us your servants the wish to go in peace to live and share the Lord with others. “You are called like the apostles to make God known to others.” (Med 78.2)

ION OF AT

RD E LO TH

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” ...(please see appendix Page 446)

PRESE NT

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

The feast is celebrated 40 days after Christmas. It came to be called as ‘Candlemass’ when in 8th century, Pope Sergius introduced the solemn procession of clergy and laity carrying blessed candles as a reminder of the light to the gentiles and entry of the son of God into the temple. The feast highlights the protective Joseph, faith of Simeon, prayerful fidelity of Anna and availability of Mary.

First Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8

...(please see appendix Page 447) Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8c-9abc

FEBRUARY

R. The Lord is my light and my salvation Gospel Acclamation:

FRIDAY 4th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT BLAISE

GREEN

OP & MARTYR BISH (d. 316 A.D.)

Blaise was by profession a physician, and a man of outstanding in virtue, he was appointed a bishop of his native city. He was arrested and tortured and beheaded when he refused to abjure Christ. The blessing of St. Blaise is given by the priest today by touching the throats with two candles held in the form of the cross. He is the patron saint of sufferers of throat diseases.

Alleluia, Blessed are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus ‘name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested.

The preface to today’s first reading from the Hebrews states: “Jesus Christ is the same today as he was yesterday and as he will be forever. What a reassuring statement for us all in our lives today. Let us reflect on that statement alone and really take it in. The reading from Hebrews tells us “Continue to love each other as brothers” what a challenge to us today. Also “welcome strangers, for in doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”Did we ever think by welcoming strangers we were entertaining angels in our homes, our parish and in our schools. The best line from this reading states: “God himself has said: I will not fail you or desert you, with the Lord to help me, I fear nothing.” If we meditate on this short reading, we embrace God’s message and live it out among everyone we meet. “Fulfil your ministry with all the affection of your heart.” (Med 201.1) Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may you be delivered from all illnesses of the throat and all other ailments. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

First Reading: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21

Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

SATURDAY 4th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN / RED ORIAL (INDI EM A M E B N D RI

O TT

Gospel Acclamation:

FEBRUARY

)

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

JO H

Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing—for that would be harmful to you. Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

We had an old Irish Brother in our community.Every Friday evening faithfully he would pray, “Thank you God for everything of this week, your graces and blessings, our struggles and difficulties, thank you God, thank you God.” St. Paul asks us in today’s reading to “let us offer God an unendingsacrifice of praise.” He doesn’t say once or twice but an unending sacrifice of praise and as Lasallians we have to daily carry this out in our mission, our lives and our communities for as St. Paul says “for these are sacrifices that please God.” The founder and St. Paul state that these sacrifices “make you ready to do his will in any kind of good action and turn us all into whatever is acceptable to himself through Jesus Christ.” Let us continue as Lasallians wherever we are in the world to offer God an unending sacrifice of praise. Let us also find time to “come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while.” “To be entrusted with the teaching of the young is a great gift and grace of God.” (Med 201.1)

MARTYR

(1647 - 1693)

John de Britto also known as Arul Anandar was a Portuguese Jesuit missionary and martyr, often called ‘the Portuguese St. Francis Xavier’ by Indian Catholics. He enculturated and adopted the local customs. His success in converting Indians to Christianity brought on the ire of the Brahmins. They imprisoned, tortured, and ordered him to leave the country. When he refused, the king ordered his execution. He was canonised on 22nd June 1947 by Pope Pius XII.

5 FEBRUARY

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil. If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. PSALM 111:4-5, 6-7, 8, 9

R. The good man is a light in the darkness for the upright. He is a light in the darkness for the upright: he is generous, merciful and just. The good man takes pity and lands, He conducts his affairs with honour. R The just man will never waver: he will be remembered for ever. He has no fear of evil news; With a firm heart he trusts in the Lord. R With a steadfast heart he will not fear. Open-handed, he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm for ever. His head will be raised in glory. R Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia! Open our heart, O Lord, to accept the words of your Son.

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hiden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Saint Matthew’s Gospel declares: “You are the salt of the earth.” You are precious.You are that light.You have a special gift within you that can preserve life, that can enhance those around you, that can season the souls of those you come in daily contact. Be convinced that you are that salt. How uplifting it is when Jesus says “You are the light of the world.” Be that beacon of light for others, don’t hide that light or be ashamed to let that light shine through you for the benefit of everyone. Don’t say you can’t or you won’t or get someone else, you are that light for Christ. The world needs light today more so than ever. Let your light shine “in the sight of men so that, seeing your good works they will give praise to your Father in heaven.” Christ is our light.Let us be shining lights today for Christ for others. “Young people need the light of watchful guides to lead them on the path of salvation.” (Med 197.3).

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-19

6 FEBRUARY MONDAY 5th Week in Ordinary Time

RED L MIKI C AU

O M E M RI A L

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. ...(please see appendix Page 447) Psalm 104:1-2a, 5-6, 10 and 12, 24 and 35c

R. May the Lord rejoice in his works! Gospel Acclamation: MARTYRS

(1556 – 1597)

Gonsalo Garcia was a Franciscanlay brother from Vasai, India, who died as a martyr in Japan. During the persecution in Japan, Fr. Paul Miki, Br. Gonsalo together with five other Franciscans, three Jesuits and seventy laymen were crucified on a hill near Nagasaki. They were killed simultaneously by being raised on crosses and then stabbed with spears. All were canonised on 8th June 1862 by Pope Pius IX.

Alleluia, Jesus was proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

The Creation story from the Book of Genesis bring us back to the very beginning of existence where God said “Let there be light” God called light ‘day’ and darkness ‘night.’ Jesus in John 18:12, says “Iam the light of the world.”“Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Jesus be our light. Let us seek this light, follow this light and be a light for others. God continued creation by creating “heaven” then the “earth” and “seas” and vegetation: seed-bearing plants and fruit trees” finally God created the Sun, the Moon and the Stars and “saw that it was good.” How do we look upon our world today? Do we destroy it? Do we pollute our land, sea and air!!! Fell our natural forests and over use of fossil fuel Have we contributed to Global warming shrinking our ice caps? Have we cared for our Common Home? Would God say today about our world “that it was good.” “Do not have any anxiety about the future. Leave everything in God’s hands for he will take care of you.” (Letter 101 - to an unnamed Brother)

First Reading: Genesis 1:20 – 2:4a ...(please see appendix Page 447)

Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7a, 7b-9 earth!

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Bend my heart, O God, to your decrees; grant me mercy by your law. Gospel: Mark 7:1-13

GREEN / RED ORIAL (INDI EM A M A L F CO NA

)

God finished creating the world in today’s first reading from Genesis. “God created man in the image of himself, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them.” Have we ever seriously stopped to realise that we are formed in the image and likeness of God? Do we ever see God in others around us, in those we work with or in those we teach? Mother Teresa was able to complete her work with the poor because she saw the face of Jesus in everyone she saved from the gutters. If we can’t love our neighbour how we can we love God who we can’t see? We have to let go of some human traditions while keeping God’s commandments that will preserve us and lead us to the true kingdom. Ask yourself from your experience of life, which is the most important commandment for you, the one you would never let go? Share that view with others today. “Often remind yourself that you are in the presence of God.” (Letter 3 to Brother Denis in Rethel)

TUESDAY 5th Week in Ordinary Time

RI NIE

Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles. So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” Then he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.’ But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, ‘Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban’ (that is, an offering to God)— then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this.”

FEBRUARY

JUL IA

R. O Lord our God, how majestic is your name through all the

VIRGIN

(1270 - 1341)

St. Juliana was from Italy. At 15 she took a vow of virginity and became the foundress of the Third Order of Servites of Mary. Her mortification and penance were so severe that at the end of her life she was unable to retain any food, but God permitted her on her deathbed to receive Holy Viaticum in a miraculous manner. She was deeply devoted to Blessed Sacrament. She is called the saint of Holy Eucharist.

GONSALO GRACIA ADAUCUS OF PHRYGIA

First Reading: Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17

8 FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 5th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

I IAN

JER

)

ORIAL (INDI EM A M E M E IL OM

In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. ..(please see appendix Page 448) Psalm 104:1-2a, 27-28, 29bc-30

R. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth. FOUNDER

(1486 - 1537)

He was born in Italy. He was a humanitarian who had special concern for the orphans. He started the religious congregation for men called ‘the company of the servants of the poor’, known as ‘somascan fathers.’

JOSEPHINE BAKHITA VIRGIN (1869 – 1947)

Josephine Bakhita was a Sudanese - Italian Canossian sister. As a little African girl she was kidnapped by Arab slave traders, sold and resold in local slave markets and forcibly converted to Islam. In 1885, she was sold to an Italian family. On 9 January 1890, Bakhita was baptized as Josephine Margaret Bakhita. Her gentleness, calming voice, and everpresent smile earned her the title “little brown sister”. She was canonised on 1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

Gospel: Mark 7:14-23

Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, “Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “It is what comes out of a person that defiles. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

“The Lord God fashioned man from the dust of the soil.” Humanity was created and God breathed life into his nostrils and man became a living being. God made man master of everything he had created. Power over animals, vegetation, birds the entire world except God threw in a spanner to really test man: “the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil you are not to eat.” Amazingly we can’t resist temptation and man fell from grace. Being in charge of the earth our common home, how have we fared? When we have to give an account of our own stewardship how good will our report present? Will God be happy with our stewardship and what we have passed on to the next generation? What can I do even today to protect and preserve our earth? “The way you behave should be a model for those you teach.” (Med 132.1)

First Reading: Genesis 2:18-25

R. Blessed are all who fear the Lord.

FEBRUARY THURSDAY 5th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN LA

SA L

LI A N S A I

FEBRES EL

DERO CO

Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

ST. MIG U

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they be-come one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Gospel: Mark 7:24-30

From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Crippled from birth but at the age of five mysteriously took his first steps. His family were synonymous with Ecuadorian politics and opposed his religious vocation. He was the first Ecuadorian De La Salle brother. A renowned linguist who publishing many Spanish texts that were accepted as standard text in various countries. Saint Miguel was an international scholar, researcher, formation director, scholar, teacher and devoted religious. Loved to prepare young children for their First Holy Communion and had an intense devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin. Many schools for the poor were accredited as Miguel Schools. I had the pleasure to attend the canonisation of Br. Miguel in Rome on the 21 of October 1984, it was a really wonderful occasion. “In the light of faith you see things quite differently.” (Letter 118 - to a laywoman)

ALLE BROTHER LA S (1854-1910)

St. Miguel Febres Codero was declared a saint in 1984. He was born in 1854 in Ecuador, South America. His family was prominent in politics. Though he lived with a physical disability (he was crippled from birth), he was a good student and, later, a gifted teacher. In 1868, he became the first Ecuadorian De La Salle Brother despite his family’s desire of a different career for him. Over time, he wrote many books and was honored for his scholarship in Ecuador and Spain. His students’ admired his simplicity, directness, concern for them, and prayerfulness. He died in Spain in 1910 from pneumonia. Today, throughout the U.S.A., several San Miguel Middle Schools that serve innercity neighborhoods have been named after him as a tribute to his love for teaching and his good work with younger students.

10 FEBRUARY FRIDAY 5th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

LASTI

O M E M RI A L

First Reading: Genesis 3:1-8

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’? ” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. ...(please see appendix Page 448) Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7

R. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Open out hearts, O Lord, that we may pay attention to the words of your Son. VIRGIN

(480 – 543)

Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia. Dedicated to God from infancy, she chose to renounce family and wealth and follow Christ fully. She is the foundress of the women’s branch of Benedictine Monasticism. She is the patron saint of nuns, education, book fairs, and convulsive children, and is invoked against storms and rain.

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

As human beings, as Lasallians, as professional educators, to whom do we listen? Where do we receive our values for life? Do we receive them from our elders, from our teachesr, spiritual directors, our families or from our religious upbringing on Gospel values? Or will most of us rely on social media, the most modern fads available on every possible social platform? Do we follow the crowd and give into what is “pleasing to the eye and desirable for the knowledge that it could give?” (Genesis 3:5) Do we crave the fruit from the tree of knowledge and think we can be like gods? Our Gospel today asks us to “Beopened” to what God wants of us, as Lasallians, as religious, through our way of living, through our teaching, through our example in life, let us liberate others: let the deaf hear, let the blind see, let the dumb speak. I hope the Lord will say at the end of time they have “done all things well.” “The young should be able to see in your wisdom how they should behave.” (Med 132.1)

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-24

But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” ...(please see appendix Page 448)

FEBRUARY

Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 5-6, 12-13

SATURDAY

R. O Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to

5th Week in Ordinary Time

generation.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

GREEN / WHITE

OUR L

What is the story of Our Lady of Lourdes? Bernadette Soubirous was born on the 7th of January 1844 into a poor family in Lourdes, in France. She was the eldest of nine children. In 1858 Bernadette witnessed a total of seventeen apparitions of Our Lady. She was illiterate and found it hard to express herself. Many refused to believe her and others ridiculed her and when the local priest demanded she ask the Lady what her name was, Bernadette returned to tell him the Lady said “She was the Immaculate Conception.” The message of Lourdes was: “Penance! Penance! Penance! Pray to God for sinners” Our lady asked Bernadette to tell the people to build her a church and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was constructed. A total of seventy miraculous healings have been recognised at Lourdes since 1858. Lourdes is a great Marian pilgrimage site for the sick, millions visit it annually. Bernadette died on the 16th of April 1879 her body has remained internally incorruptible. “Take even more care of the education of the young people entrusted to you than if they were the children of a king.” (Med 133.2)

L MEMO RIA IONA PT Y OF LO AD DES UR

In those days when there was again a great crowd without anything to eat, he called his disciples and said to them, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way and some of them have come from a great distance.” His disciples replied, “How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them to the crowd. They had also a few small fish; and after blessing them, he ordered that these too should be distributed. They ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Now there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

Gospel: Mark 8:1-10

In the year 1858, our Lady reportedly appeared 18 times to a 14 year old girl amed Marie Bernadette Soubirous in a cave in France. She described that the apparition as dressed in a flowing white robe, with a blue sash around her waist. Lourdes water has become a focus of devotion to the Virgin Mary at Lourdes. Since the apparitions, many people have claimed to have been cured by drinking or bathing in it.

12 FEBRUARY

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Sirach 15:15-20

If you choose, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice. He has placed before you fire and water; stretch out your hand for whichever you choose. Before each person are life and death, and whichever one chooses will be given. For great is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power and sees everything; his eyes are on those who fear him, and he knows every human action. He has not commanded anyone to be wicked, and he has not given anyone permission to sin. PSALM 118:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

R. They are happy who follow God’s law ! They are happy whose life is blameless, Who follow God’s law ! They are happy those who do his will, Seeking him with all their hearts. R

Bless your servant and I shall live and obey your word. Open my eyes that I may consider the wonders of your law. R

You have laid down your precepts to be obeyed with care. may my footsteps be firm to obey your statutes. R

Teach me the demands of your statutes and I will keep them to the end. Train me to observe your law, to keep it with my heart. R

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia! I am the living bread which has come down from heaven, says the Lord. Any one who eats this bread will live for ever. Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be

liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the Judge, and the Judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of un chastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And donot swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or “’No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

“Man has life and death before him; whichever a man likes better he will be given.” (Ecc. 15:15) In today’s Gospel Saint Matthew portrays simply, clearly, profoundly what life is about. Do we want to be considered the “least” or “be considered great in the kingdom of heaven?” The choice is yours and mine, we have to make up our own minds on what we say, what we do, how we behave in life, how we guide and be role models for others. “By their fruits you shall know them.” The keeping of the Commandments will be our yardstick. We can’t just pick and choose what we like among them. The first three are our attitude towards God and the final seven are our behaviour towards our neighbour. Choose life. Choose right. Choose God as He has chosen You. Be “great” not the “least” in the Kingdom of God as many will look up to you for guidance. “To touch the hearts of your students is the greatest miracle you can perform.” (Med 139.3)

First Reading: Genesis 4:1-15, 25

13 FEBRUARY MONDAY 6th Week in Ordinary Time

A L LI

AN BL E S

ES MIL AM

R LE

BL J

GREEN

ALLE BROTHER LA S (1944-1982)

This Brother of the Christian Schools was martyred on February 13, 1982, at the age of 37, in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Brother James was born into a family of farmers near Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA, on September 21, 1944. He attended grammar school and then went to Pacelli High School in the city of Stevens Point, where he met the Brothers for the first time. In September 1959 he entered the Juniorate in the state of Missouri. After three years there, he was admitted into the Postulancy program and then entered the Novitiate in August 1962, when he took the habit of the Brothers and the religious name Brother Leo William. Later, like so many other Brothers, he went back to using his baptismal name.

Now the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have produced a man with the help of the Lord.” Next she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel for his part brought of the first lings of his flock, their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” And the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen; your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you till the ground, it will no longer yield to you its strength; ...(please see appendix Page 449) Psalm 50:1 and 8, 16bc-17, 20-21

R. Give your praise as a sacrifice to God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me. Gospel: Mark 8:11-13

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.

Today’s first reading clearly challenges us with the question “Where is your brother/sister?” We seriously need to reflect on this question. Can we hold our heads high and respond positively to this question? Has our pride, our prejudices, our lofty education qualifications and social upbringing hampered our approach to others? Do we segregate those whom we meet into certain mind compartments that suit ourselves? God asks Cain “What have you done?” Now we have to ask ourselves the same question and hopefully give the answer God is looking for. The Gospel today demands a “sign” for us Lasallians.The greatest sign is our lives: have we “taught minds, touched hearts and transformed lives?” Yes, we have to be our brother’s/sister’s guardian, we fail in life if we aren’t. Be the signs and witness of Christ in the world today! “You can perform miracles by touching the hearts of those entrusted to your care.” (Med 180.3)

The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made humankind on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, “I will blot out from the earth the human beings I have created people together with animals and creeping things and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the sight of the Lord. Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you alone are righteous before me in this generation. Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and its mate; and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and its mate;...(please see appendix Page 449) Psalm 29:1a and 2, 3ac-4, 3b and 9c-10 Gospel Acclamation:

FEBRUARY TUESDAY 6th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

& METH

IUS OD

R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

CYR IL

First Reading: Genesis 6:5-8; 7: 1-5, 10

Alleluia, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. Gospel: Mark 8:14-21

Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Today’s Gospel from Saint Mark is food for thought, where the disciples have only one loaf, they are worried, concerned about their day ahead. Jesus challenges them when he says “Are you still without perception?” Are we constantly seeking positions of authority, the most modern gadgets, the latest fashion and the most comfortable lives?” Do we follow our own perception of life, religious life or seek out what God rally wants? Do we travel the road less travelled that makes all the difference? Our daily Eucharist is one essential moment where God distributes his graces abundantly to us. Have we chosen the right boat, God’s boat or our own boat? It’s all about our own perception or is it more than that? Saint Valentine’s Day is an annual festival to celebrate romantic love, friendship and admiration. “Throw yourself into God’s arms. He will carry you when the road is rough.” Palm Sunday 69-A

OP CONFESSORS BISH (826 – 815)

Both were brothers who descended from a senatorial family in Thessalonica (Greece). They are called the apostles of the Slavs for their tireless work in preaching in the eastern Europe they both perfected a Slavonic alphabet, which is now known as ‘Cyrillic alphabet.’ In 1980, Pope John Paul II declared them copatron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia

15 FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 6th Week in Ordinary Time

US & J TIN

ITA OV

FAU S

GREEN

First Reading: Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22

At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made and sent out the raven; and it went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. Then he sent out the dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground; but the dove found no place to set its foot, and it returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took it and brought it into the ark with him. He waited another seven days, and again he sent out the dove from the ark; and the dove came back to him in the evening, and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. Then he waited another seven days, and sent out the dove; and it did not return to him any more. In the six hundred first year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and saw that the face of the ground was drying. Hen Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, ...(please see appendix Page 449) Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

R. A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord. MARTYRS

(d. c. 120)

The priest St.Faustinus and his brother, St. Jovita, a deacon, preached the Word of God with such fearlessness and zeal in Italy, even during Trajan’s bloody persecution, that the heathens were exasperated by their success. They were subjected to frightful torments. When persuasions and arguments proved equally fruitless, they were condemned to die by the sword. St. Faustinus and Jovita have been the chief Patrons of Brescia.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us. Gospel: Mark 8:22-26

They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Can you see anything?” And the man looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even go into the village.”

What catches my attention today from the scripture readings is the “olive-branch.” Noah sent out the dove and it returned with the olivebranch. The floods had to recede to allow life to grow. What has to recede in my life today that stops growth, that choks relationships, that prevents God’s will from being done through me? To whom do I have to extend an olive-branch to stop the hurt, to begin a fresh, to heal the open wounds to let a new world begin? Like in the Gospel we need to remove our blindness, the obstacles that prevents us from seeing “clearly.” With the use of the “olive branch” Lord, let us be cured and “see everything plainly and distinctly.” Lord, today let me be brave enough to extend my “olive branch” to anyone. No one else can do it for you. “It is impossible to please God if you do not live on friendly terms with others.” (Letter 47)

First Reading: Genesis 9:1-13

God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you shall rest on every animal of the earth, and on every bird of the air, on everything that creeps on the ground, and on all the fish of the sea; into your hand they are delivered. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; and just as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. Only, you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. For your own lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning: from every animal I will require it and from human beings, each one for the blood of another, I will require a reckoning for human life. Whoever sheds the blood of a human, by a human shall that person’s blood be shed;for in his own image God made humankind. And you, be fruitful and multiply, abound on the earth and multiply in it....(please see appendix Page 449) Psalm 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23

16 FEBRUARY THURSDAY 6th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN ESIMUS ON

R. The Lord looked down from heaven to the earth. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Your words, Lord, are spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life. Gospel: Mark 8:27-33

MARTYR

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.”And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

(d. c.90)

Jesus asks his disciples “Who do people say I am?” They gave him many answers, so stop, reflect and think, what answer would you give? When you consider your own life lived experience, what does God, Jesus and your faith really mean to you? When times are good, happy, and joyful do we abandon God? When troubles come, disasters, floods, tsunamis and death visit our doors, then and only then, do we bombard heaven with pleas, requests and atonements for our previous behaviour? Let’s share our faith. Let’s speak, work and behave like Christ would. Let our lives be the reflection and answer to the question “Who do people say I am?” In the first reading God made a “Covenant” with us. Have we ever stopped to make a covenant with God? What sort of “bow in the clouds” would we set? “To be entrusted with the teaching of the young is a great gift and grace of God.” (MTR 9.1)

Onesimus, a pagan, was a slave in the house hold of the wealthy Philemon. Onesimus offended Philemon and fled. When he met Paul, he was baptized later tortured cruelly for infuriating the governor by his preaching on the merit of celibacy. Before he was stoned to death his legs were broken.

First Reading: Genesis 11:1-9

17 FEBRUARY FRIDAY 6th Week in Ordinary Time

THE O OF R

R OF DE

SERVITES

N FOUND ER SEVE S

L MEMO RIA IONA PT L

GREEN

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and is a day of fasting. It occurs 46 days before Easter (40 fasting days and six Sundays). The ashes, applied in the shape of a cross symbolizes fragility and mortality and the need to be redeemed by the mercy of God. Far from being a merely external act, the Church has retained the use of ashes to symbolize that attitude of internal penance to which all the baptized are called during Lent.

Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. And the Lord said, “Look, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. ...(please see appendix Page 449) Psalm 33:10-11, 12-13, 14-15

R. Happy are the people whom the Lord has chosen as his own. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I have called you friends, says the Lord; for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. Gospel: Mark 8:34 – 9: 1

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.”

Being a keen gardener when you plant a potato, you prepare the ground, till the soil, apply fertilizer and plant that potato. That potato has to die to give life to numerous new potatoes. Unless it dies no future growth can take place. Jesus tells us we too must die to self, in order to really flourish and grow as human beings. Dying to self is not easy. We often see it as a negative rather than a positive in our lives. The world judges us by the outward expressions, our wealth, our status in society, our university qualifications etc., but God looks at the heart and our internal convictions. Being humble, meek, caring, loving, one can reach out seriously to others in need. Only by dying to self can we really reach out to others and share and feel their empathy. Choose life, die to self, the rewards are endless. “Prepare a path for God so that he can enter your heart.” (Med 2.1)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. ...(please see appendix Page 449) Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11

R. I will bless your name, O Lord, for ever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, A cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him”.

Saint Mark speaks of the transfiguration of Jesus in today’s Gospel, where Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant in glory upon the mountain. Peter, James and John have experienced and witnessed the divinity of Jesus before their own eyes on that mountain. How could they ever again be that same after that encounter? They too had to be transformed there and then for a new life and be disciples of Jesus. I love Peter’s response and I often repeat it “it is wonderful for us to be here.” We too as Brothers, partners, teachers, and Lasallians must respond in our mission to the voice of God in the cloud: “This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.” We have to be authentic witnesses, disciples in today’s world for Jesus. We are the eyes and ears of Christ today for our young people entrusted to us, it’s wonderful for us to be here and do God’s work. “Often remind yourself that you are in the presence of God.” (Letter 3)

SATURDAY 6th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN / WHITE ORIAL (INDI EM A M I A L S C SE VARA HA

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.”

FEBRUARY

)

Gospel: Mark 9:2-13

KURIA KO

First Reading: Hebrews 11:1-7

ST & FOUNDER PRIE (1805 - 1871)

Kuriakose Elias Chavara is a Syrian Catholic, founder of CMI and CMC congregations. He is the first canonized male saint of Indian origin. He is a known social reformer. He was canonized by Pope Francis on November 23, 2014.

19 FEBRUARY

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Psalm 102:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

R. The Lord is compassion and love. My soul, give thanks to the Lord, all my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings. R It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion. R The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. He does not treat us according to our sins Nor repay us according to our faults. R As far as the east is from the west so far does he remove our sins. As a father has compassion on his sons, The Lord has pity on those who fear him. R Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future all belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord ! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest ! Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Wow!!!! What a statement to begin with? “Didn’t you realise that you were God’s temple and that the Spirit of God was living among you.” How many of us take this statement to heart and understand it fully? Why would God choose you or me to be his temple? If I am God’s temple then how am I preserving, nourishing and enhancing that temple for God and the good of others? Our litmus test as to how we perform as God’s temple here on earth will be reflected in the Gospel. Can I love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me? Can I go the extra mile even the pagans do that? Do I want to be perfect? Then love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, let your goodness shine on good and bad. Be the best temple possible while you are here on this earth. “Be perfect like your heavenly Father is perfect.” Can you be that perfect temple? “You are called like the apostles to make God known to others.” (Med 78.2)

20 FEBRUARY MONDAY 7th Week in Ordinary Time

O&J A ISC

TA CIN

FRA NC

GREEN

OF FATIMA SEERS (1908 - 1919)

(1910 - 1920)

Ten year old Lucia de Jesus and her two cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto were the three seers and witnesses of several apparitions of virgin Mary. As a result of apparitions at Fatima, Mary was given the title of Our Lady of Fatima. They were asked by Mary to learn to read and write, to pray rosary for peace in the world and the end of war. They were canonised by Pope Francis on 13 May 2017.

First Reading: Sirach 1:1-10 ...(please see appendix Page 450) Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5

R. The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Gospel: Mark 9:14-29 When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.” He answered them, “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you are able!All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “This kind can come out only through prayer.”

Even after Jesus had given his disciples the gift of healing, there are still some demons his disciples were unable to vanish as in today’s Gospel from Saint Mark. Jesus tells them “This is the kind that can only be driven out by prayer.” In other gospels texts it’s “prayer and fasting.” Prayer and fasting cleanses the soul, forces us to go beyond the present reality to the divine. All our focus then is on God and what God wants not our own selfish desires. Medjugorje has for years called pilgrims to “fast and pray” on only water and bread. Sister Rose in Tamil Nadu (with the stigmata) says “if you want anything fast and pray and you will get it.” How many of us will put ourselves out even for one day to fast and pray? We will find many excuses to avoid fasting and run a mile from it. The Gospel today challenges us to “fast and pray” and the results will be staggering. Try it, you will be amazed. “Show the great love you have for Jesus by being eager to talk with him in prayer.” (Med 144.3)

First Reading: Sirach 2:1-11

My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing. Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity. Cling to him and do not depart, so that your last days may be prosperous. Accept whatever befalls you,and in times of humiliation be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not stray, or else you may fall. You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. Consider the generations of old and see: ...(please see appendix Page 450)

FEBRUARY TUESDAY 7th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Gospel Acclamation:

L MEMO RIA IONA PT ER DAM

R. Commit your life to the Lord, trust him and he will act.

Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40

Alleluia, Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

I often wonder why people crave attention, need constant affirmation and be the centre of everything that is going on. Even among the disciples today they were discussing openly among themselves but were embarrassed when Jesus asked them what they were discussing on the road? They were arguing “which of them was the greatest.” Jesus didn’t condemn them but took a little child and explained clearly to them: “Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me and the one who sent me.” That statement from Jesus endorses our work, our ethos, our mission, our dedication to education and our lifetime working with young people. Let us be humble and complete the marvelous work that God has given us. Let us realise daily the face of God in young people in our care. “Look upon those whom God has entrusted to you as his own children.” (Med 133.2)

OP & DOCTOR BISH (1007 – 1072)

St Peter was orphaned at early age. He was known for his life of strict austerity. Peter gave up teaching to retire from the world and become a Benedictine monk. He encouraged Pope Gregory VI to support a revitalization of Church zeal and clerical discipline. He also tried to restore primitive discipline among priests and religious who were becoming more and more worldly and strongly opposed antipope Benedict X.

First Reading: Joel 2:12-18 ...(please see appendix Page 450)

Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17

R. Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned.

FEBRUARY

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2

WEDNESDAY Ash Wednesday

Verse before the Gospel:

VIOLET

E INENC ST

DAY OF

N JOURNEY B ENTE EGI EL N H T

AND AB ST

So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, ...(please see appendix Page 450)

CHAIR OF ST. PETER

A pure heart create for me, O God, and give me again the joy of your help. Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season of Lent. It’s a time for us to stop and reflect, to repent for our past demean ours and make serious amendments going forward during the next forty days. It’s an occasion to begin again to pray, fast and give alms. The Ashes symbolise our humble state before God, our acknowledgement of our sinfulness, our desire for forgiveness and our need for God’s reparation. For some it’s a time to give up alcohol, smoking, sweets, chocolates, meat, etc. and they find it extremely difficult but rewarding; while others take up things: bible reading, walks, being more humble, kind, generous, considerate etc. Lent has to make a significant impact to our lives and it has to bring noticeable change for the good of all. By their fruits you shall know them. What have I decided to do for Lent? Maybe I haven’t started at all!!!! Why???? “It is in the company of Jesus that you work for the glory of God.” (Med 78.2)

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

23 FEBRUARY THURSDAY After Ash Wednesday

VIOLET

POLY C

O M E M RI A L

P OF S AR

RNA MY

See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

R. Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord. Verse before the Gospel:

Glory and praise to you, O Christ. Repent, says the Lord, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Gospel: Luke 9:22-25

“The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?

Today in Lent, we as genuine Christians are offered the great challenge of “life or death” or “save your life or lose it.” Only you and I can decide, nobody can do it for us. We have the scriptures, the Gospels, the prophets and above all the example of Jesus, now it’s up to us. We are the beacon of light for others to see and follow. We can’t be found wanting, indifferent, halfhearted or insincere in our way of living. We have to choose life. We have to lose our life in Christ to be saved. Let us take up our cross for Christ today, it will be difficult at time but our reward will be great in heaven. The call of this world is gratification in this life, while the call of Christ is eternal gratification in the life to come. Choose Life!!!! “Are you ready to give your very life, so dear to you are the young people entrusted to you?” (MTR 6.2)

OP & MARTYR BISH (69 - 155)

Polycarp was converted and instructed by St John the evangelist. When he was asked to renounce Christ and save his life, he said, “for sixty years I have served him and he has never wronged me. How can I renounce the king who has saved me? Polycarp was to be burned alive but the flames did not harm him and he was finally killed by a dagger, and his body burned.

24 FEBRUARY FRIDAY After Ash Wednesday

AR AES IU

VIOLET

First Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9a

Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God. “Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers. Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? ...(please see appendix Page 450) Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19

PHYSICIAN

R. A broken and humbled heart, O God, you will not spurn.

(331 - 368)

Verse before the Gospel:

St Caesarius was the son of St Gregory the elder, bishop of Nazianzus. He perfected his medical studies, and became the foremost physician of his age. Caesarius resisted all the efforts of the prince to make him abjure the faith after his baptism. After escaping from the earthquake which shook Nicaea, his brother pleaded for him to withdraw to a religious life. However, Caesarius was suddenly killed by the widespread plague which followed the earthquake.

Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you. Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often,[c] but your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

The disciples of Jesus didn’t fast while Jesus was amongst them but later, they would fast and suffer. Many people fast but we have to have the right type/form of fasting. The prophet Isaiah explains it clearly when he says: our fasting should “break unjust fetters, let the oppressed go free, share your bread with the hungry, clothe the naked, break every yoke and shelter the homeless poor.” Let’s struggle with those ideals for a moment. Have I ever broken unjust fetters? Have I helped liberate the oppressed in my society? Have I shared my food (not leftover food) with others? Would I ignore those that are naked or in rags rather than clothe them? What have I done for the street kids or the ever-increasing homeless number? Reflect for a while today on fasting!!!! If we do fast properly then “Cry and the Lord will answer; call and he will say, I am here.” “Have much care and affection for the young people entrusted to you.” (Med 110.3)

25 FEBRUARY SATURDAY After Ash Wednesday

VIOLET

ALBURG

First Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-14 If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. If you refrain from trampling the Sabbath, from pursuing your own interests on my holy day; if you call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, serving your own interests, or pursuing your own affairs; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of your ancestor Jacob, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Psalm 86:1-2 , 3-4 , 5-6

R. Teach me, O Lord, your way, so that I may walk in your truth. Verse before the Gospel:

I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord, but that he turn from his way and live. Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up, left everything, and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Jesus in the scriptures today teaches us a difficult lesson about life. Jesus calls a tax collector, a hated figure in Jewish circles, to come “Follow me.” Even though tax collectors are despised, frowned upon and shown no respect within society because they overcharged their people, yet it’s this unique group that Jesus targets and offers salvation. He welcomes them as he would any other group to share the Kingdom of heaven. I love when he says: “It is not those who are well that need the doctor but the sick.” Who are the tax collectors in my life and society today that I shun, despise and frown upon? Who are those I detest, ostracise and for whom I make life miserable? Jesus sums up his message in the last line: “I have not come to call the virtuous but sinners to repentance.” So really, he has come to call You and Me, to heed that call. “Have great respect for each person you are with.” (Part 1, Ch: 2 of ‘The Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility.’

ABBESSS

(710 - 777)

Walburga was English. She became nun and followed St.Lioba to Germany at the invitation of St. Boniface. She died abbess of Hiedenheim. She is invoked against hydrophobia and storms at sea.

RANI MARIA VIRGIN & MARTYR (1954 – 1995)

Rani Maria Vattalil was a religious sister from Kerala in the Franciscan Clarist Congregation. She dedicated herself to the catechetical formation and educational instruction. On her way back home by an hitman, she was stabbed for more than 50 times because she was vocal in matters of social justice and in social activism. Till her last breath she kept on repeating Jesus’ name. She was beatified on 4 November 2017 by Cardinal Angelo Amato.

26 FEBRUARY

1st Sunday of Lent Violet

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9; 3, 1-7

Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. Psalm 50:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.. Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. R

a pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit. R

My offences truly I know them; my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done. R

Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of favour sustain me. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise. R

Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19 (or 5: 12, 17-19)

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore just as one man’s trespass led

to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Verse before the Gospel: Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

Oh, the joy of the scriptures today, even though we are in Lent, fasting, praying and alms giving. Saint Paul assures us “so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” The ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross has saved us, has offer us eternal life. Can we really comprehend that statement and live it? We shall be tested and tempted in many ways throughout our lives as Jesus was in today’s Gospel. Some of us will surrender ourselves to the temptations of this world, to what they offer, giving us immediate gratification and submitting to the subtle request of the serpent. We taste the apple/bread, even though we know we shouldn’t, we throw ourselves before false gods and promises and by our behaviour at times will test God. We have “to serve God and serve him alone.” God give us to strength to serve you and you only. “Think of what a blessing it is that the Holy Spirit lives in you.” (Med 62.2).

27 FEBRUARY MONDAY 1st Week of Lent

GABRIEL OF

LADY UR

OW SORR S OF

VIOLET

CONFESSOR

(1838 – 1862)

At an early age, St. Gabriel gave up ambitions of a secular career to enter the Passionist congregation. He was a source of great edification and inspiration to his fellow students. He had proved himself a perfect follower of the Passionist Rule, being especially devoted to the Virgin Mary. He is the chief patron of Catholic youth, students, and those studying for the priesthood. He was canonised on May 13, 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.

First Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18...(please see appendix Page 450) Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R. Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life. Gospel Acclamation: Behold, now is the favourable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Lent is a great time for us to stop and reflect on our lives to date. It’s a great time to examine our conscience and to set new short- or long-term goals. The Book of Leviticus today is our litmus test on how we are doing in our spiritual lives. Revisit that reading and calculate your own performance and mark yourself on your behaviour. Did you score very well, you probably did. You may even have been too generous to yourself, many of us are. So, the Gospel tells us we are divided into either sheep or goats, this time it is God who will judge us and reward us for our efforts or failures in life. He judges us basically on what he says “I tell your solemnly, in so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it to me.” Lent is the time for this serious examination and change for good in our lives. Be like the publican “I am not worthy, Lord.” Repent! “It is impossible to please God if you do not live on friendly terms with others.” (Letter 47)

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Psalm 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19

R. The Lord rescues them in all their distress. Verse before the Gospel:

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Jesus in today’s Gospel outlines specifically how we should pray, simply and honestly before God. He gives us a genuine template to come to acknowledge God and respect for our neighbour. It’s summed up in the lines “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.” Through our prayers we find out God’s will, accept God’s will and above all fulfil God’s will. Our prayer is worthless if it’s not reflected daily in our relationships and treatment of our neighbour. If we can’t forgive our neighbour their shortcomings, don’t expect God to forgive us, ours. God will certainly put us to the test and the rewards we reap will reflect our love of God and of our neighbour. By their fruits we shall know them. Father may “your will be done” in me. Give me the strength to do your will however difficult it may be. “God of love set me aflame with love for you and for my neighbour.”

28 FEBRUARY TUESDAY 1st Week of Lent

VIOLET HILARY

POPE

(d 468)

St. Hilary was one of the papal legates for Pope Leo I, and was entrusted with the task of opposing the condemnation of St. Flavian. He rebuilt and remodeled many churches, fought Nestorianism and Arianism, and held several Councils at Rome. He maintained ecclesiastical discipline in conformity with canon law, and in settling jurisdictional disputes among the bishops of both Gaul and Spain. He erected a Lateran in honor of John the Evangelist

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 ...(please see appendix Page 451)

Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19

MARCH WEDNESDAY 1st Week of Lent

OF WA ID

S LE

DA V

VIOLET

BISHOP

(c.500 - 589)

St. David was a bishop. He is the patron saint of wales. The legend states that once while he was preaching, a dove descended to his shoulder to show he had blessings of the Spirit. He lived a simple life and practised asceticism, teaching his followers to refrain from eating meat and drinking beer. His famous words were “Do ye the little things in life”.

R. A broken and humbled heart, O God you will not spurn. Verse before the Gospel:

Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, for I am gracious and merciful. Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!

Looking for extraordinary signs beyond natural interventions has been the general urge of many believers of God from time immemorial. However they ultimately fail to recognise many of the genuine Signs that validate their belief in God who calls, leads and provides. In today’s Gospel Jesus is challenged to perform an extraordinary action to prove his claim as Son of God. Jesus on his part refused to oblige since he knew that the sign seekers were core hardened non-believers both in his words and actions. Obliging them would have no real conversion of heart. Instead they would have been more convinced of his miracles performed with the help of the Devil. He quotes the people of Nineveh, and the gentle queen from the South as better believers than the people of His own generation since the latter believed and appreciated the signs presented to them. Authentic faith does not depend on external signs, but on personal experiential encounter with the person who talks and acts in the name of God. Moreover Jesus claimed Himself equal to the Father in heaven. But the Pharisees were not ready to accept Jesus as He was, since their only objective was to discredit Him, and ultimately crucify Him on the cross. What is the foundation of our own Faith in Jesus? Is it based on the words and actions of Jesus, who is the Son of God, or on the superficial reading and reflection of the extraordinary actions he performed during his earthly existence? We imbibe the Spirit of Faith by reading, reflecting and acting on the living words of Jesus every day of our lives. “Show that you really believe in the maxims of the Gospel by making your actions conform to (the maxims of the Gospel), and by putting them in practice.” (DLS Mediations 84/01)

First Reading: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 ...(please see appendix

Page 451)

Psalm 138:1-2a, 2bcd-3, 7d-8, Verse before the Gospel:

Create a pure heart of me, O God; restore in me the joy of your salvation. Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12

“The Lord will provide,” (Gene: 22/14)so goes an old adage. In presenting the Heavenly Father to the people, Jesus instructed that they were to approach the Father as sons filled with trust and hope in His loving providence. Askers receive, seekers find, and door would be opened to those who knock even if the specific things disciples ask were not always granted. God cannot be taken for granted expecting to perform and concede to every whimsical prayers and petitions. Many a times prayer tend to become repetitive litany of daily temporary needs, rather than genuine desire to be united with Him. “God, wishing to give us His assistance has provided us with a certain means of obtaining it, namely prayer.” (SDL Medi: 36/01) We are invited to examine the quality of our prayers to the heavenly Father. After instructing his disciples how to pray with Faith, Jesus continues also provided the guiding principle of how to treat and relate with one another, “Whatever you wish that other would do to you, do also to them.” In summarizing the Law and the Prophets, Jesus laid emphasis on the importance of being charitable to others both in words and in actions. The loosely connected group of ‘ethical sayings’ reaches its climax with the ‘golden rule’ (V.12) God’s Providence and love of the neighbour are intrinsically connected for a qualitative Christian life. We rely on God not only for our earthly existence, but also for our ultimate union with Him through His Son Jesus. While we live here on earth, we are asked to live in harmony with our neighbours treating them as fellow sojourners, who too are called to the same life and glory with Him in heaven. Thus we try to attain both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of our Christian Faith. “The miracle of God’s providence take place every day.” (Part of the Founder’s address to the first teachers about Providence, as quoted by Blain)

THURSDAY 1st Week of Lent

VIOLET

F MER

CIA

“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

MARCH

CH A

R. On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.

OP CONFESSOR BISH (d. c. 672)

St. Chad was well known for his humility and holiness. He founded monasteries, evangelized, travelled and preached, reformed monastic life in his diocese, and built a cathedral on land that had been the site of the martyrdom of 1,000 Christians by the pagan Mercians. He features strongly in the work of the Venerable Bede and is credited, together with Chad, with introducing Christianity to the Mercian kingdom.

First Reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28 ...(please see appendix Page 451)

Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6ab, 6c-8

MARCH FRIDAY 1st Week of Lent

INE AR DR

EL EX

KAT H

VIOLET

RELIGIOUS

(1858 - 1955)

Born in Pennsylvania, Katherine joined the Sisters of Mercy, and later founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in 1891. Being pious and charitable, she established 36 schools, 40 mission centres and 50 Indian missions. She was canonized by Pope Saint John Paul Il on 1 October 2000.

R. If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? Verse before the Gospel: Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, says the Lord, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Anger is the result of unresolved resentment against someone. When unsettled, it leads to rancour, and at times even to the point of murder. Jesus warns of these negative consequences and advises reconciliation at the earliest. Anger breeds hatred and so it should be eliminated at all levels, mental, physical and spiritual. In human practical terms, Jesus also advises reconciliation for avoiding legal disputes and related consequences in prison. He makes reconciliation a must even before one approaches the altar of God with any offerings. Our Christian Faith involves an inseparable two way relationship with God and neighbour. So offering a sin or guilt offering to God (VV 23-24) is of no avail if one has not sought reconciliation with neighbour wronged. Prophets like Isaiah have long before expressed the same in their admonitions to the people (e.g. Isa 1:10-17). The clear message is: make amends before one is overtaken by the final judgement (Matt 18:23 -35). Being angry and rancorous is basically unChristian. Minor mental irritations and wordily outbursts are part of human life. Expressing regrets for such behaviours is not only socially accepted norm, but also spiritually compensating. However harbouring deep seated anger and rancour not only hurts the other person, but also affects the inner tranquillity of the person himself. The best manner of dealing with such emotions is to ‘come to terms’ with the other person. “Let not the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephes: 4/ 26-27), so advises St. Paul. Let us actively engage in diffusing anger within our hearts and seek righteous relationship with all. It is blasphemy if you pray before God while you are full of anger.” – St. Ephraem the Syrian

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26:16-19

This very day the Lord your God is commanding you to observe these statutes and ordinances; so observe them diligently with all your heart and with all your soul. ...(please see appendix Page 452) Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8

R. Blessed are those who follow the law of the Lord ! Verse before the Gospel:

Behold, now is the favourable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Love as a commandment, concerns not feelings but deeds that reflect faithfulness to the covenant. Nowhere in the Scripture is there a command to hate the enemy. It was generally understood, that Israelites obliged to practice deeds of covenant fidelity toward one another, but not required to do so toward those outside the covenant community. For Jesus this was inadequate. He explained love as all-embracing inclusive attitude towards friends and foes, known and unknown. For the Samaritan on the way to Jerusalem, the wounded Jew was an unknown stranger, but in need of human assistance, In spite of deep rooted ethnic animosity, the Samaritan went all the way not only to provide immediate medical attention, but also took the trouble of admitting him to the nearest inn with assurance to repay all the dues. Concrete ways to love the enemies include praying for persecutors (v.44) and welcoming outsiders (v. 47). The reason for loving the enemies this that God acts this way treating both the just and the unjust with the same gratuitous bounty (v.45). There must be no limits to one’s goodness, just as the non discriminating love of the heavenly Father is perfect in all dimensions. The challenge to love our persecutors and pray for them is a present reality in certain parts of the world today. The senseless slaughter of Sister Rani Mary and many lay Christians of Kandharmal for their Faith in Christ are still vivid in the memories of the Indian Christian community. Accelerated religious terrorism in different forms continue to haunt the humanity. It is all the more important to follow the great Teacher who prayed for the forgiveness of His torturers even while hanging on the cross; “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Lk 23: 34)

4 MARCH SATURDAY 1st Week of Lent

VIOLET EMORATI MM ON O C M I S CA IR

CE CONFESSOR PRIN (1458 - 1484)

He was born on 3 October, 1458 in Poland. He was the son of the King of Poland. He became so tenderly devoted to the Passion of Our Lord that at Mass he seemed quite rapt out of himself; his charity to the poor and afflicted knew no bounds. His love for our Blessed Lady he expressed in a long and beautiful hymn, familiar to us in English as Daily, Daily, Sing to Mary.

5 MARCH

2nd Sunday of Lent Violet

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4

R. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you. For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love. R The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love,

to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine. R Our soul is waiting for the Lord, The Lord is our help and our shield. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you. R

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8-10

Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Verse before the Gospel:

From the bright cloud the Father`s voice was heard: “This is my beloved Son, Listen to him”. Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the

disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

A summary of the Meditations of St. De La Salle (Med. Nos: 18 & 152) on Transfiguration. The two meditations of St. De La Salle on the Transfiguration of our Lord highlight the following:  One’s interior life as a religious is in need of occasional divine assurances (spiritual consolations) from God. This God provides to those who are prayerful, especially in mental prayer. Let us ‘endeavour to be faithful to this holy exercise.’  Spiritual consolations are to be considered as spiritual boosters and meant to sustain the spirituality. One should not be complacent and grow attached to it.  Since spiritual consolations are meant to animate and strengthen, one should be willing to face new challenges, and doubts both in personal spiritual journey and in the entrusted mission.  Jesus as the Son of God, hid all his divine glory during his earthly existence and submitted to human raillery, mockery, and outrage from those who did not follow his doctrine. We too as His followers be prepared for all forms of rejection, persecution and crucifixion. “Yet in all this we are conquerors through Him.” (Rom 8: 37)  Jesus’ transfiguration was due to His inner glory ever present within Him and manifested to the three apostles. But we must be completely transformed by the light and fullness of grace and by the possession of God’s Holy Spirit.  Prayer, especially the mental prayer, is the primary means of achieving true transformation and enlightenment. Prayer not only provides ample opportunity to be in union with Jesus, but also obtains God’s grace to face every kind of challenges, trails, and be content to participate in the sufferings of Jesus Himself. “If any exterior change be noticed in us, it must be as a result of radiance of the happiness which we experience at the bottom of our heart…” (Med. 152/03)

First Reading: Daniel 9:4b-10

6 MARCH

I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments, we have sinned and done wrong, acted wickedly and rebelled, ...(please see appendix Page 452)

MONDAY

Psalm 79:8, 9, 11, 13

2nd Week of Lent

VIOLET

R. O Lord, do not treat us according to our sins. Verse before the Gospel:

Your words, Lord, are spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life.

E OF CO TT

IE RB

COL E

Gospel: Luke 6:36-38

SS & FOUNDRESS ABBE (1381 – 1447)

St. Colette was a French abbess and the foundress of the Colettine Poor Clares, better known as the Poor Clares. She was known for a deep devotion to Christ’s Passion with an appreciation and care for animals. Colette fasted every Friday, meditating on the Passion. After receiving Holy Communion, she would fall into ecstasies for hours. She is the patron saint of women seeking to conceive, expectant mothers, and sick children

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Mercy and generosity add wonderful and spiritual flavour to the daily life of every Christian. These human and divine attitudes have been the two major pillars among many other Christian virtues. It is these two virtues practiced by the Christians all over the globe that continue to attract many new comers into Christian fold. Jesus himself set the tone for His teachings by reaching out every saint and sinner be it mother Mary at the marriage in Canna, or the criminal nailed to the cross along with Him on Mount Calvary, His mercy and generosity knew no bounds crossing over all religious, ethnic, social stratifications. He was the epitome of mercy and generosity. “Judge not and you shall not be judged,” (Lk 6:37) is not a condition for pardon, but an invitation to go beyond ordinary levels of mercy and generosity. While mercy and generosity promote human physical interventions in others’ lives, Judgement creates mental attitude which can either be positive or negative. Jesus commands His disciples not to be judgmental, but to be empathetic in their relationship with other human beings, especially the least, the lost and the last. He handled persons like Mary Magdalene, woman caught in adultery, Zacchaeus, Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well and many others who were brought before Him seeking judgmental opinions with extreme sensitivity and merciful kindness. His manner of dealing with them brought about their personal conversions. They made amendments for their past wrong doings. “I desire mercy and not sacrifice,” (Hesea 6/6)has been the consistentmessage of Christ to His disciples. Let our minds refrain from being judgmental, let our eyes express mercy and empathy and let our actions be generous in reaching out to those who long for compassion and care.

First Reading: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 ...(please see appendix Page 452)

Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 Verse before the Gospel: Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, says the Lord, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!. Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Unbridled pride and prestige leads to falsified mental, social, and spiritual supremacy. The human history has witnessed numerous atrocities inflicted on mankind due to the due to the falsified pride and prestige of individuals and groups, big and small. The modern version of these evils are the rise of different forms of terrorism, the society is experiencing today. ‘I am better than you are’ is the arrogance that treats other humans with utter contempt and disrespect. In the Gospel Jesus warns against all forms of pride and prestige: Titles (religious and secular), lineage to ancestral assent (Sons of Abraham…), and every of social stratifications. He instructed His disciples to be counter witnesses to all types of pride and prestige. His teaching was to call no one on earth as Rabbi, Teacher, and Father, and not to seek places of honour in public. He warned that one who exalted himself would be humbled and the humbled would be exalted. Human history has proved His words correct. The Lord has thrown down the proud hearted from their falsified prestige and power and continues to raise the lowly and the humble. Only persons with humility and humane perspective towards fellow human beings continue to remain immortal in the pages of history. “You are all brothers,” is a powerful and sublime precept to ponder and act upon. This message is to be implemented in the life of every individual on a daily basis. Then there would be less animosity and more amicability between individuals, groups and societies. This calls for openness of minds, outreaching interventions towards the needy, and tolerance of various human ideologies. “God of love, set me aflame with love for you and for my neighbour.” (Explanation to the method of Mental Prayer, by St. De La Salle)

TUESDAY 2nd Week of Lent

VIOLET EMORATI MM ON O C & A FE TU

ITY LIC

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

MARCH

PER PE

R. To one whose way is blameless I will show the salvation of God.

MARTYRS

(d. 203)

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity are Christian martyrs of the 3rd century. Perpetua was a married noble woman. Felicity, a slave imprisoned with Perpetua and pregnant at the time, was martyred with her. They were all condemned and ordered to be known before the wild beasts, at the garrison games festival in honour of Caesar Geta. On the day of their triumph, they were mauled by wild beasts in the amphitheatre and were beheaded by the gladiators.

First Reading: Jeremiah 18:18-20 ...(please see appendix Page 452)

Psalm 31:5-6, 14, 15-16

MARCH WEDNESDAY 2nd Week of Lent

VIOLET

EMORATI MM ON O C O F HN GO

ESSOR & FOUNDER CONF (1495 - 1550)

St. John of God organized his followers into the Order of Hospitallers and founded the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, who care for the sick in countries around the world. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VIII on October 16, 1690, and later named the patron saint of hospitals and the sick. His motto was: “Labor without stopping. Do all the good works you can while you still have the time.”

R. Save me, O Lord, in your merciful love. Verse before the Gospel:

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28

While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.” Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” ...(please see appendix Page 452)

From his first appearance at the marriage in Cana, to delivering His Mother Mary to the mankind as Mother, Jesus was always at the service of others. People sought after Him for both for temporal needs (food, health, physical safety, and solace) and spiritual guidance and wisdom. He wanted His followers also to be selfless and outgoing as He was. He even chided Hid disciples when they tried to prevent the people approaching for genuine assistance. It is jarring to observe the disciples bickering over the places of honour in the kingdom of God, although the mother of the two disciples may be excused for her motherly ambition. Jesus instructs the disciples not to ‘lord it over’ others, rather like Himself to serve the community On Holy Thursday, Jesus set the humbling example of serving others by washing the feet of all His disciples, to the shocking protest from Peter. But as He himself explained, it was to demonstrate to the His disciples that they too need to be like Him in service. His example of giving up His life as a ransom for many, is aimed at leaders who have some degree of power, privilege, status, and choice. It is liberating when leaders voluntarily choose to take lowly positions of service, accompanied by empowerment of those who are otherwise powerless. Genuine authority and power neither come by birth and lineage, nor by physical and intellectual dominations. The leader must necessarily be a servant. Only by touching the hearts through service, can an individual be bestowed with genuine responsibility of animating and leading. The servant leadership calls for compassionate interventions not only with human beings, but with every part of creation, embracing the whole ecology.

First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10...(please see appendix Page 453)

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, and 6 Verse before the Gospel:

Blessed are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

The parable of the nameless rich man and the poor Lazarus is exclusive only to the Gospel of St. Luke. The first part of the parable is the selfish attitude and behaviour of the rich man, in comparison to the miserable status of the poor man. The second part is the arrogance and insistence of the same rich man for deliverance for himself and his relatives. The serious fault of the rich man was not merely the refusal of sharing even the smallest part of his affordability, but the total disregard he had for poor Lazarus who was just existing on the door steps of the rich man. In his opulence, the rich man did not even bother to acknowledge the existence of his poor fellow human being. Even the dog which shared the crumps falling from the table of the rich man offered some gesture of solace in the midst of Lazarus’ suffering. In the second part, the rich man expresses no remorse and regret for his past failures, but only tries to use Lazarus to save his other insensitive human relatives. He tries to convince Abraham that only heavenly messengers are capable of converting his sinful near and dear ones, rather than the human instruments God has placed among men. Jesus always stood on the side of the poor and appreciated their attitude of generosity in sharing their meagre resources (Feeding the multitude, donating ti the temple coffer). He responded spontaneously to the cry of the poor widow of Naim in giving back her son alive. He condemned the intellectual arrogance of the Pharisees for trying to rationalise the reasons for the poor to remain as they are. The cry of the poor is the sharpened sword God uses to destroy the insensitive and arrogant rich. The right attitude towards the poor is to recognise the presence of God in their person and reach out with empathetic immediate assistance. “Only the poor come to us, and they have nothing to offer but their hearts”(DLS Med: 86/02).

THURSDAY 2nd Week of Lent

VIOLET EMORATI MM ON O C O S F E R NC E OM

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, ...(please see appendix Page 453)

MARCH

FRA

R. Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

WIDOW

(1384 – 1440)

St. Frances of Rome was a Benedictine oblate who founded a religious community of oblates, who share a common life with out religious vows. She had the gift of miracles and ecstasy, as well as the bodily vision of her guardian angel, had revelations concerning Purgatory and Hell, and foretold the ending of the Western Schism. She was remarkable for her humility and detach ment, her obedience and patience. She is also a patron saint of widows.

First Reading: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a

...(please see appendix Page 453) Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21

MARCH

R. Remember the wonders the Lord has done.

FRIDAY

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

2nd Week of Lent

YRS OF RT MENIA AR

FORTY MA

VIOLET

MARTYR

( 320 )

These Christian soldiers of the Roman Legion XII refused the order of the Eastern Roman Emperor, Licinius, to offer sacrifice to the gods. In the cruel winter, they were condemned to die, lying naked on the surface of a frozen lake that eventually froze them to death.

Verse before the Gospel:

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

“Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ...(please see appendix Page 454)

Both the Old and New Testaments narrate many of the evils caused by Greed and jealousy. The very first sin of mankind in the book of Genesis, was the result of the greed of man and the jealousy of the evil force, represented by the figure of a snake. The sons of Jacob were jealous about their younger brother Joseph, because he was closer to the heart of their father and so they decided to get rid of him. Similarly the tenants of the vineyard in today’s parable were viciously greedy and jealous of the only son of the owner, because he was the heir apparent to the ownership of the land. The Israelites went to the extent of describing God as a ‘jealous God’ (Exodus 34:14). Can there be such a concept in monotheism? Moving away from such misconceptions, greed and jealousy do result in hatred towards others. The world has witnessed the destruction of men and valuable materials and suffered pain and misery because of the greed of few individuals who manipulate and take control of the power systems in the society. Instead of sinking oneself in greed and jealousy, God entrusts every man with gifts and talents and expects appropriate responsibility in using them. A high level of diligence and accountability are expected on the part of the receiver. Instead of looking over the fence into neighbours’ space with greed and jealousy, we are to be sincere tenants of the Master and give ‘the fruits in due season’ (Mt.21:41). Power goes with responsibility. More is expected from the person to whom more is given (Lk 12:48). The vowed religious are considered as more fortunate in many ways compared to others: Personal Formation, and Mission to serve the society. Irresponsible and lack of involvement can make the religious, tepid and useless. God has a warning for such useless servants: “Because you are lukewarm –neither hot nor hot- I will spit you out of my mouth”(Rev. 3:16).

First Reading: Micah 7:14-15. 18-20

...(please see appendix Page 454) Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 Verse before the Gospel:

I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

“Your Brother was dead, and is alive, he was lost and is found.” The most striking element of the parable of the prodigal son is the loving generosity of the Father who tirelessly waits in hope for his son and rejoice over the return of the lost son. No time is allowed to be wasted over regrettable explanations from the son, who squandered the wealth of the family. The father goes further trying to convince the elder son (the just) to accept the younger as ‘brother who was dead, and is alive; lost and is found.’ The God of the Old Testament as presented by Moses was a God with reciprocal conditions (Covenants): ‘I will be your God and you will be my people.’(Exodus 6:7). The misfortunes suffered by Israelites both within and outside of their land was explained as punishment from God for the moral failures of the people and the religious leaders. But the God of the New Testament as presented by Jesus is a loving Father, who not only cares and provides for the people, but also full of mercy and compassion, ready to forgive in spite of the gravity of the sin committed. There is no end to the forgiveness from God. Any small sign of repentance, on the part of the sinner for his sins is enough for God to shower down His graces of forgiveness, compassion, and love. He is the God who stand and knock at the door (heart), to be opened, and invited to join at the table to dine (Rev. 3/20). For the consecrated religious every human person is a brother or sister, may be lost at times, but need to be accepted when found. Jesus never condemned the repentant, but encouraged not to sin again. Are we ready to forgive the failures of our brothers and sisters when they express signs of repentance? ‘To err is human, but to forgive is divine.’

SATURDAY 2nd Week of Lent

VIOLET

S IU

OF CO

OBA RD

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. ’...(please see appendix Page 454)

MARCH

EULO G

R. The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

MARTYR

(c.819 – 859)

St. Eulogius worked to comfort and support Christian martyrs and their survivors during Islamic persecutions in Moorish occupied Spain. Arrested several times for his faith, he wrote Exhortation to Martyrdom while during one of his imprisonments. Eulogius boldly proposed the truths of the Gospel to the officials. But in order not to hear him, the council condemned him immediately to be decapitated. He was scourged and beheaded on 11th March 859 by the Moors.

12 MARCH

3rd Sunday of Lent Violet

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Exodus 17:3-7 ...(please see appendix Page 455) Psalm 94:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

R. O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts. Come, ring out our joy to the Lord; hail the rock who saves us. Let us come before him, giving thanks, with songs let us hail the Lord. R Come in; let us bow and bend low; let us kneel before the God who made us for he is our God and we

the people who belong to his pasture, the flock that is led by his hand. R O that today you would listen to his voice ! “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as on that day at Massah in the desert when your fathers put me to the east; when they tried me, though they saw my work.” R

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Verse before the Gospel:

Lord, you are really the Saviour of the world; give me the living water, so that I may never get thirsty. Gospel: John 4:5-42 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks, drank from it?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you

have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!” The woman said to him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now her, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship is must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (Who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.” Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, ‘What do you want?” or “Why are you speaking with her?” Then the women left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” They left the city and were on their way to him. Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” So the disciples said to one another, “Surely no one has brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds, true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I have ever done.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”

The healing of the invalid at the pool of Bethesda and the long contentious discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees on the identity of Jesus enables us to realise the level of hatred the Pharisees had for Jesus, in spite of witnessing many of his powerful deeds and listening to his authoritative words. Throughout the discussion, the Pharisees remain mentality stubborn with religious arrogance. They were sinfully convinced that they need not be taught or enlightened on religious precepts and there was nothing to adhere or to listen to Jesus. Their only aim was to get rid of Jesus, because according to them he was the religious imposter who had no regard for Jewish religious practices, and dared to violate the rules of the day of Sabbath. On the other hand Jesus declares himself as the true Son of God, equal to the Father, and authority to judge the world on the final day. Jesus tries to convince the Pharisees that His words and deeds are witnesses to His status as the Son of God. He reminded the Jews how John the Baptist himself accepted and indicated Jesus as the person sent by God to declare salvation. Finally He warned the Pharisees that on the Judgement Day Moses, the greatest Jewish leader himself would condemn the Pharisees for their stubbornness in not believing in Jesus. How serious are we about Jesus, His words and actions, all of which we read and read day after day? Do we really believe that Jesus words are life giving, capable of healing our spiritual sickness and enable us to walk in true spirit of freedom of the sons of God? “You are in a state in which you need to have a thorough knowledge of the truth of the Gospel, both for your own satisfaction and that of others.” (DLS Med. 166/01).

13 MARCH MONDAY rd

3 Week of Lent

CONS T

TINOPLE AN

EUPHRAS IA

VIOLET

Born in the year 380, St. Euphrasia was a Constantinopolitan nun. At the age of twelve, she was commanded by Emperor Arcadius to marry a senator but received permission to give her wealth to the poor and remain a nun. Known for her humility, meekness, and charity, she used to often perform manual labor when she was burdened with temptations. As a part of these labors, she often carried heavy stones from one place to another.

First Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-15a...(please see appendix Page 455) Psalm 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4

R. My soul is thirsting for God, the living God. when can I enter and appear before the face of God?

Verse before the Gospel:

I long for you, O Lord, my soul longs for his word, with the Lord there is mercy and plentiful redemption. Gospel: Luke 4:24-30

And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Jesus’ declaration of the dawn of salvation was not accepted by the Jews in Nazareth. Jesus warmed the Jews of their stubbornness in negatively reacting to the Prophets of the Old Testament who were sent by God to call them for conversion. In citing the examples of the window of Zarephath, and Naaman, the Syrian, Jesus wanted the Jews to realise their hard hearted attitude towards the Prophets and Himself. Instead of acknowledging the message Jesus, the Jews try to eliminate Him by throwing Him off the cliff of the mountain. On another occasion, Jesus would condemn the generations of Pharisees for their hypercritic double standard religious justifications: “Woe to you! You build tombs for the prophets, but it was your fathers who killed them.” (LK 11/47). The religious fanaticism of the Pharisees was so deeply ingrained into them, that they could never accept anybody who would dare to interpret the Law other than themselves. THE RULE invites the Brothers to be aware of the prophetic nature of their communities. Through prayer and in work, the Brothers are to go beyond personal differences and natural preferences with the view to build the community of Jesus Christ (R 48/ 01, 02). The prophetic dimensions of a vowed religious enables the religious to be ever ready for critical scrutiny (both positive & negative), and even rejection as it happened to Jesus. While being aware of these dimensions, he religious needs to be steadfast and continue to proclaim the word of God both orally and in committed apostolic interventions in the local community. “The Brothers are convinced that their fraternity demonstrated in the community and in their educational ministry, as lay religious, is a prophetic sign for the Church and for the world.” (THE RULE 159)

First Reading: Daniel 3:25, 34-43...(please see appendix Page 455) Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7 cd, 8-9

R. Remember your compassion ,O Lord. Verse before the Gospel:

Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, for I am gracious and merciful. Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

The slave pleaded for mercy and consideration only to postpone his financial dues to the king. The extraordinarily generous king simply exonerated all the dues of the slave. Instead of sharing the newly found mercy and compassion of the king with his fellow men, the slave mercilessly exerted his rights to punish the defaulter for a very paltry sum of money in comparison to what the he had received from the king. No wonder the king got furious about the mean behaviour and aborted the forgiveness he so lavishly bestowed on the slave. At times ‘rights’ are legal and justifiable. But forgiveness borne out of mercy and compassion is sublime and divine. If Peter was trying to impress Jesus with his ‘seven times’ (a perfect number in Jewish parlance) generosity of forgiveness, Jesus’ countered him with ‘seventy times seven’ meaning that forgiveness is beyond numbers and human calculations. We pray the ‘Our Father’ frequently during which we ask for God’s forgiveness on the basis of our readiness to forgive others. This is not to be construed as a condition for our own forgiveness from God, but the mind-set we ought to create and foster toward others. God, though Jesus, has graciously forgiven all debt of sin. The only response to such mercy is to let it transform heart to act with same kind of graciousness toward others. This enables a person to voluntarily forgo vengeance and foster reconciliation. Those who do not learn to imitate godly ways in their dealings with one another will be treated by God in the same way they have treated others. ‘They (The Brothers) welcome with gratitude the grace of reconciliation and forgiveness between its members’ (R. 48/01).

14 MARCH TUESDAY 3rd Week of Lent

VIOLET TILDA MA

GERMAN QUEEN (c. 894 - 97)

St. Matilda was born in the year 894 and was the Queen of Germany. She was the wife of King Henry. She taught the ignorant, comforted the sick and visited prisoners. She founded several Benedictineabbeys. She was considered to be extremely pious, righteous and charitable. Mathilde’s two hagiographical biographies and The Deeds of the Saxons serve as authoritative sources about her life and work.

15 MARCH WEDNESDAY 3rd Week of Lent

E MAR AC ILL

LOU IS

VIOLET

WIDOW

(1591 - 1660)

St. Louise De Marillac was born in the year 1591, on August 12, in France. She was the co-foundress with St. Vincent de Paul, of the Daughters of Charity. She was a wife, mother, widow, foundress and social service worker. She encouraged her beloved nuns to treat the poor as if they were serving Christ Himself. She was canonised on March 11, 1934 by Pope Pius XI. She was declared Patroness of Christian Social Workers.

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9

So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, ..(please see appendix Page 456) Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20

R. O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord! Verse before the Gospel:

Your words, Lord, are spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life. Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

After defining the beatitudes, Jesus assured the Jewish listeners that He come not to abolish but to fulfill the Law and the prophets. His earlier identification of the poor, mourners hungry, meek, merciful, chaste, peace makers, and the persecuted for justice are the preferred occupiers of the Kingdom of God, and that would be real fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The statement clearly set forth Jesus’ relationship with the Law. Jesus was a thorough observant Jew devoted to keeping the Law. His teachings were never meant to break or replace the Law, but to fulfill it. The declaration sounds radical, even exaggerated since the Pharisees observance of the Law was well known to be thorough and aimed at fulfilling the smallest details of the 613 commandments of the Jewish religion handed over through generations. Jesus was not calling for a stricter and more meticulous observance of the Law, but a different attitude. He was an authentic interpreter of the Law, but for a changed situation. Righteousness is a relational term, and for Jesus it was the loving faithfulness to God and neighbour in accordance with God’s covenant teaching. It is not by legalistic approach that one understands the law of God. All the rules and regulations have two parts for interpretation and observance. The letter of the law insists on practical details, the spirit of the Law becomes the enabling power that generates positive vibes within the person committed to the Rule. The interpretations and the applications of the Rule ought to differ in accordance with specific situations. However the final outcome ought to be the sense of fulfillment of the intentions for which rules are formed and applied. All the rules should be Christ centred and charity based, so that the Kingdom of God as envisaged by Jesus may come true.

First Reading: Jeremiah 7:23-28...(please see appendix Page 456)

Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7abc, 7d-9 hearts.

Verse before the Gospel:

Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, for I am gracious and merciful. Gospel: Luke 11:14-23

Each of the Synoptic writers mention the Beelzebul controversy, with some differences. The religious leaders of the Jews could not digest the popular admiration people had developed for Jesus. Having failed to identify ‘the finger of God’ in the words and deeds of Jesus, they try to brand Him as an evil force in collaboration with Beelzebul,the supreme devil. Jesus knew what was in their minds. Jesus gives the example of the fall of a kingdom divided within itself. Evil cannot be expelled by evil, for eventually the kingdom of Satan cannot persist. Jesus makes it clear that everyone has the choice of either with Him or against Him. Nobody can remain neutral in relation to Jesus’ ministry. A person either gathers or scatters. Those who choose Jesus, follow His precepts of love and compassion and gather in the harvest of God’s kingdom. Those who oppose Him sow discord among the people. Chapter 15 of the Gospel of John presents the notion of being united with Jesus for bearing fruits, less the Heavenly Father prunes away the dry and useless branches. Compromising on the principles of Jesus is not merely a sign of laxity, but the sign of a divided kingdom which Jesus warned about. In the ministry of educational service to the poor, the Brothers and their partners are to spread Jesus’ love and compassion to all who come in contact with them, and build the Kingdom of God here on earth. ‘The primary responsibility of the Brothers, and their distinctive to the shared mission, is the witness of a ministerial community living its religious life in fraternal charity and in solidarity with the poor through its educational services.” (R.15/ 02 paragraph)

THURSDAY 3rd Week of Lent

VIOLET

T ER

OF CO

GNE LO

Now he was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? — for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. ...(please see appendix Page 456)

MARCH

HER IB

R. O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your

BISHOP (c. 970 - 1021)

St. Heribert was born in the year 970 and was the Archbishop of Cologne. He founded and endowed the Benedi ctine mona stery and church of Deutz, Germany. He performed miracles, including ending a drought, he is thus invoked for beneficial rains. He died on 16th March 1021 in Cologne. He was canonised on 1075 by Pope Gregory VII

17 MARCH FRIDAY 3rd Week of Lent

VIOLET EMORATI MM ON O C R I C T K PA

OP & CONFESSOR BISH (c.385-461)

St. Patrick was a fifth century Romano British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Early medieval tradition credits him with being the first bishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland, and regards him as the founder of Christianity in Ireland, converting a society practising a form of Celtic polytheism. Known as the “Apostle of Ireland”, he is the primary patron saint of Ireland.

First Reading: Hosea 14:2-10 ...(please see appendix Page 457) Psalm 81:6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17

R. I am the Lord your God: Listen to my voice. Verse before the Gospel:

Repent, says the LORD, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.

In response to the question of priority of all the 613 commandments governing the Jewish religious practices, Jesus points out to two important aspects: acknowledging God above all creation and loving and obeying Him with one’s whole heart and soul; secondly to love the neighbour equal to oneself. Thus Jesus brought a new twist to the interpretation of the basic ten commands and all other rules and regulations arising out of the basic commandments. As the Letter of James says, we cannot say we love God while hating our brother or neglecting the needs of others. Loving others is how, on a specific level, we love God. Significantly, the most important commandment is not to believe something with our intellect, but to commit our lives to a way of living out God’s will. Love of God cannot be separated from the love of neighbour and that both together are what constitute true worship of God. Love for the neighbour is not an emotion. It is a commitment of respect and caring. It means confronting one’s neighbour in a constructive way when there is harm or offense so that hatred and revenge and grudges do not result. Love does not mean “like.” Love means to act in a constructive way. When one acknowledges and implements the constitutive nature of the love of God and the neighbour, he is not far from the kingdom of God. “Are you united with your Brothers? Do you always speak to them and treat them charitably? Do you ever listen to your antipathies and repugnances? You should remember that the members of a community should be animated with the same sentiments as the first Christians, who had but “one heart and one soul.” (DLS Med 113/02)

First Reading: Hosea 6:1-6

Psalm 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab

R. I desire steadfast love, and not sacrifice. Verse before the Gospel:

O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts. Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Prayer is necessary. But the question is what motivates one to pray. The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican indicate precisely the inner disposition people need to have while praying to God. The Pharisee recites a litany of good deeds he performs and proudly states the reason for his observance of religiosity and good deeds: to justify himself in the eyes of the public as well as in the eyes of God (Verse 9). He, in singing his personal religious achievements makes God his beneficiary. His over confidence reaches the climax by putting himself far above ‘that tax-collector.’ Unlike the Pharisee, the Publican knew his sinfulness. He pleads for mercy and demonstrates his need for God. By confessing his sinful life, the Publican is justified in God’s eyes, while the Pharisee by his boastful proclamation does not succeed in reaching a righteous status in the eyes of God. Apparently being justified is not a consequence of bragging one’s good deeds: avoiding evil or pursuing the good by observance of religious practices. Prayer is not meant to justify, but to seek God’s presence in one’s life. This in turn makes one to be humble in accepting one’s sinfulness and unworthiness before God. God bestows mental peace and spiritual tranquillity on such souls. Jesus declared that the Publican ‘went down to his house justified.’ “Prayer is first of all a gift the Brothers receive from the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. For their part, the Brothers welcome it in all the events of their daily life in a way that it inspires a response in the form of praise or thanksgiving, intercession or asking for forgiveness. They never tire of saying “Lord teach us to pray.” (THE RULE Art:66).

MARCH SATURDAY 3rd Week of Lent

VIOLET EMORATI MM ON O C E R J US OF EM AL

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

CYR IL

Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. ...(please see appendix Page 457)

P & DOCTOR BISHO (c.313-387)

Born in the year 313 A.D., St. Cyril was a deacon, a priest and then became Bishop of Jerusalem after Maximus died. During famine, Cyril sold Church goods to raise money for the poor. He was a great teacher of catechumens. Cyril’s writings are filled with the loving and forgiving nature of God as well as great lines of the healing power of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit, which was somewhat uncommon during his time period.

19 MARCH

4th Sunday of Lent Violet

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 ...(please see appendix Page 457) Psalm 22:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. The Lord is my shepherd;

there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my dropping spirit. R. He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear.

You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort. R. You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. my head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. R. Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever. R.

First Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14 ...(please see appendix Page 457) Verse before the Gospel: I am the light of the world, says the Lord; he who follows me will have the light of life. Gospel: John 9:1-41

As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, I do not know.” They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.” The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents

answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” Then they revealed him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses, We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinner, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out. Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man” He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.

A simple act of healing a blind man becomes the point of trail in absentia of Jesus by the Jewish Leaders. In John’s Gospel, the curing itself is restricted to mere seven verse of the ninth chapter. In the rest of the thirty two verses John elaborately presents the enquiry with the blind man, and finally condemning Jesus for his non observance of the Law of Moses. The main controversy was about the healing performed on a Sabbath. The ensuing events ultimately result in the blind man becoming a believer in Jesus, and the Pharisees being told that their guilt of not believing in Jesus even after witnessing to his miracles would remain against them. Thus Jesus rewards the blind man for accepting Him as the Son of Man, and condemns the Pharisees for their lack of faith. Responding to the needy situation of neighbours and others is not to be restricted by time, space and conditions. Any time is good enough to help. Jesus did not care about religious, social and legal formalities when he had to help others. Instead, He acted with real compassion and also made uses of such occasions to teach the people to be helpful like Himself. Faith cannot be acquired by mere arguments. It is only by personal experience of Jesus, can a person become true follower of Jesus as it happened with the blind man. Some patristic authors saw the man born blind as representing the humanity whom Jesus enlightens. We cannot allow prejudice to blind us to the goodness in others and refraining from manipulating evidence so that so that we may not have to change our attitudes and mentalities. St. De La Salle using the curing of the blind man invites the Brothers to examine the level of obedience they ought to have as professed religious. (MED. No 15). “A truly obedient man examines nothing, pays attention to nothing save to the fact that he must obey. Faith which guides his mind, forbids all these reflections” (MED No 15/01).

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16

...(please see appendix Page 458) Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29

MARCH

R. His descendants shall continue forever.

MONDAY

...(please see appendix Page 458)

4th Week of Lent

WHITE

Second Reading: Romans 4:13. 16-18. 22 Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, They are happy who dwell in your house, O Lord, for ever singing your praise. Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

SBAND MARY OF

JOSEP H,

E M NI T Y S OL

Known as the ‘just’ man, St. Joseph, the spouse of Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus was probably born in Bethlehem and died in Nazareth. He is known for his humility, obedience and justice. Great in the spirit, great in faith, St. Joseph comes through as a man who heard the words of the living God. He is the patron saint of the Universal Church, families, fathers, travellers and workers.

Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and ...(please see appendix Page 458)

St. De La Salle in his meditation for the Feast of St. Joseph touches on three important Qualities attributed to St. Joseph: Holiness, Obedience to God’s orders, and the Responsible foster father for Jesus, the Son of God. God bestowed Joseph with special graces as he was to be the foster father of the Son God, just as God bestowed Mary with special graces, especially being immaculate from time of her conception. Joseph’s obedience to God’s order was immediate, without expression of any doubt, and exemplary. While accepting Mary with the child in her womb before they came together, running into Egypt to escape the murderous wrath of Herod, and returning to Nazareth from Egypt, Joseph acted totally on the advice received from God without any questioning on the feasibility of following God’s orders. Though the Gospels do not provide any indication of Joseph having lived or outlived the public ministry, passion and death of Jesus, he carried out his duty as the faithful foster father of Jesus: Accompanying the child Jesus and the mother for Presentation in the Temple, and spending three anxious days with Mary searching for Jesus. It was only Mary who spoke of the three days of anxiety both she and Joseph had gone through over the loss of Jesus. Joseph fully understood his role in the salvific plan of God for the humanity. He expressed his consent by acting on the advice provided, rather than discussing any details. St. De La Salle exclaims,” How admirable is the prompt and simple obedience on the part of this great saint. He did not delay a single moment in the execution of God’s orders.” (Med No 110/02). He was the most obedient and submissive man of God, after Jesus and Mary. “You ought to have as great a care and affection for the children entrusted to you, in order to preserve or re-establish their innocence and to guard them from whatever may interfere with their education and prevent them acquiring piety, as St. Joseph had for the welfare of the child Jesus…. (DLS MED 110/03).

First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12. ...(please see appendix Page 458)

Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 stronghold.

Verse before the Gospel:

Create a pure heart for me, O God; restore in me the joy of your salvation. Gospel: John 5:1-16

The cure at the pool of Bethesda take place on an unnamed feast day of the Jews (V 5:1) and that day happened to be a Sabbath, hence a double day of rest. While the friends of the paralytic, mentioned in the synoptic Gospels were ready to destroy the roof of the house (MK 2:4; & Mt 5; !8 -19), the paralytic had no one to help him, indicating the total neglect the man suffered from the society for thirty eight long years. He was resigned to being invalid for many more years. He had nobody else, except Jesus who could cure him of his long and weary sufferings. No wonder he immediately obeyed the orders of Jesus when he was asked to rise up and walk. The paralytic was rewarded for his faith and obedience to Jesus. He walked away fully cured. When Jesus was identified as the healer on the Sabbath, the religious leaders shifted their attack from the paralytic to Jesus. But instead of apologizing for his actions, Jesus claimed Himself as God’s Son, giving another reason for his attackers to persecute Him more viciously. However Jesus went on to ascertain that he needed to be working even on a Sabbath just as His Father continue to keep Himself busy on all days. Serving the needy irrespective of time and days, is a virtuous attitude and that is what Jesus did at the pool of Bethesda. The Christian spirituality is both vertical and horizontal. Our union with God through Jesus, our Brother must necessarily be lived by reaching out to all those who in need of service. Had somebody helped the paralytic earlier to the intervention of Jesus, he could have enjoyed few additional years of normal human life. Are we mentally and spiritually sensitive to the different forms of paralysis in and around us? “He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honour. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world”. (1 Samuel 2:8).

TUESDAY 4th Week of Lent

VIOLET AS OF OL

UE FL

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.” ...(please see appendix Page 459)

MARCH

NIC H

R. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our

CONFESSOR

(1417 – 1487)

St. Nicholas was a Swiss hermit, ascetic and the patron saint of Switzerland. Also known as Brother Klaus”, he is reported to have fought in a combat with a sword in one hand and a rosary in the other. His reputation for sanctity spread, and he attracted spiritual students. In 1481 he was called on to mediate a dispute that threatened civil war in Switzerland. He succeeded in averting the conflict, then retired to his hermitage.

22 MARCH WEDNESDAY 4th Week of Lent

IA JOSE AR

VIOLET

& FOUNDRESS NUN (1842 - 1912)

St. Maria Josefa was born on September 7, 1842 in Spain. At a very young age, she demonstrated a profound devotion for the Eucharist and for the Most Blessed Virgin. She also had a special sensitivity for the poor and the sick. Together with four other Servants of Mary, she founded the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus of Charity in 1871. She was canonised on 1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

First Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15...(please see appendix Page 459) Psalm 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18

R. The Lord is kind and full of compassion. Verse before the Gospel:

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Gospel: John 5:17-30

But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, and I also am working.” For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the Sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God. Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. ...(please see appendix Page 459)

The egoistic pride of the Jewish religious leaders never accepted the spiritual supremacy exhibited by Jesus in words and in action. For them he was the son of a Nazarene carpenter, with no religious significance what so ever. He was an imposter, breaker of religious norms of the Law of Moses, blasphemer, friend of the Publicans, tax collectors, & all kinds of social outcasts and performer of extraordinary actions with the help of Beelzebul, the head of the dark and evil force. On the contrary, Jesus grounds His defence on God’s action. God’s ceaseless work is to give and sustain life. As God’s Son Jesus cannot do otherwise. Jews believed that God rested on the Sabbath day, and so must all creation. But God never rests on Sabbath, for there is no time and space for God. Since God is the eternal and continuous Sustainer of all creation, if He ever rested, the whole of creation would cease to exist. Similar to many other cultures of the time of Jesus, the sons were apprenticed into the trade of the father, Jesus was expected to be a carpenter following His foster father’s trade. So His claim of doing God the Father’s work of giving life to whomever wished, was not only unacceptable, but an abhorrent declaration as far as the Pharisees concerned. God the Father, leaves all judgement to the Sonwho has become a human being (V.20). Faith in Jesus guards against condemnation on the judgement day. To pass from death to life is to come out of darkness into light. While involved in the Lasallian mission, there is bound to be words of positive words of appreciation and negative and discouraging comments. One’s response to these moments is to judge the expression by the values of the Gospel, and continue doing what has been initiate out of collective Lasallian vision of the educational service of the youth. Critical comments are to be considered as growth oriented and not impulsive withdrawal from collective commitment.

First Reading: Exodus 32:7-14 ...(please see appendix Page 459)

Psalm 106:19-20, 21-22, 23 Verse before the Gospel:

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son; but have eternal life. Gospel: John 5:31-47

The religious leadership of the Jews never sincerely tries to understand Jesus, His equality with the Father or His mission on earth. They were so engrossed in branding Jesus as a spiritual imposter, none of what Jesus spoke and did ever made any resonance in their intellect and spiritual realm. Hence Jesus had to define Himself. He quotes John the Baptist and the heavenly Father both of whom bore witness to his status and the divine call Jesus has received from the Father. If the Jews had taken declarations of John the Baptist and the Father seriously when Jesus was baptised in the river Jordan, the sin of unbelief would not have been committed. Jesus advised the leaders to read the Scriptures and reflect appropriately in order to identify Jesus as the real Messiah the scriptures mention. Unfortunately religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees prevailed over genuine search for the Messiah, completely fulfilled in Jesus. So Jesus warms the Jews that it would be not Himself, but Moses, the giver of Jewish Law, who would accuse them of not believing Jesus’ words. The passage gives us hope in knowing that God’s primary concern to give and sustain our life takes precedence over legalistic religious observances. Giving life also includes liberating us from the bondage of sin. As sinners we are unable to liberate ourselves and Jesus alone can heal us through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. While Jesus’ work fills us with hope and joy, we should also be conscious of not falling into sin repeatedly. Lest worst should happen to us. It is possible to be so engrossed in defending traditional orthodoxy, especially in religious matters, that one loses contact with Jesus and misses the life that He alone can give. The Word/God Jesus is bigger than and gives full meaning and life to the mere words found in the Scriptures. “In order to enter into and live according to the spirit of their Institute, the Brothers constantly seek sustenance in the Word of God, which they study, mediate on and share with one another.” (THE RULE: Art 08).

THURSDAY 4th Week of Lent

VIOLET EMORATI MM ON O C M F OG SO VEJO RO

“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John’s. ...(please see appendix Page 460)

MARCH

TURIB IU

R. O Lord, remember us with the favour you show to your people.

OP & CONFESSOR BISH (1538 – 1606)

St. Turibius was a lawyer and professor of law at Salamanca and judge of the Court of the Inquisition at Granada, Spain. He was a noted and charismatic preacher who set about baptizing and catechizing to the natives He founded the first seminary in the Western hemisphere. He fought for the rights of the natives against the Spanish masters. He is honored as a saint in the United States Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.

First Reading: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22

...(please see appendix Page 460) Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23

MARCH

R. The Lord is close to the broken – hearted.

FRIDAY

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

4th Week of Lent

NE OF S RI

DEN WE

CATH E

VIOLET

VIRGIN

(1331 - 1381)

Soon after her marriage, St. Catherine and her husband took vows of chastity and continence. As an abbess, she took on the task of forming the community in the rule her mother had written and directing the Order of the Holy Savior, or Bridgettines. Catherine is generally represented with a hind at her side, which is said to have come to her aid “when unchaste youths sought to ensnare her”.

Gospel Acclamation:

Gospel: John 7:1-2. 10. 25-30

After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, “Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, ..(please see appendix Page 460

The ministry of Jesus aroused a lot of public debate both among the Jewish religious leaders and the ordinary people. While the leaders were mostly critical of what Jesus said and did, the ordinary public swayed between admiration and condemnation of Jesus who claimed himself as the Son of God, the Messiah foretold in the Scriptures, and the only Way to the Father in Heaven. While the public wondered, “can this be the Christ?’ (V 27), the leaders were only seeking to arrest him (V. 30). Thus Jesus’ presence and actions were becoming points of flare up both in Judea and in Galilee. Later when Jesus was brought before Pilot, he would be accused of stirring up controversies among the people from Galilee to Jerusalem. However Jesus never backtracked His claims as the Son of God, to whom the Father has given authority to execute judgement. During that judgement those who have done good would be rewarded with life and those who have done evil would be condemned to eternal punishment. Jesus appealed to the people to relate His teachings and promises to the context of the feast they we were celebrating. However finally some believed in Him, while others tried to arrest Him. A good illustration of crowd psychology! The failure of the religious leaders to discover and accept Jesus’ true origin prevents them from believing in Him. Human rationale blocked the minds of the Pharisees from genuine reflection on the Scriptures which pointed to Jesus ass the Son of God. In our own relationships and interactions, many a times we too allow ourselves to be swayed by similar considerations. We become prejudiced by colour, caste, national and ethnic opinions stored up in our minds rather than establishing brotherly relationships based on Gospel values. We find it difficult to accept other members of our communities because of their alternatives or otherness. Genuine Christian life needs to surpass all kinds of differences either physical, mental or spiritual and remain open to interact with every one we are called to live with.

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10

...(please see appendix Page 461) Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11

R. See, I have come, Lord, to do your will. Second Reading: Hebrews 10:4-10

...(please see appendix Page 461) Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we have beheld his glory.

MARCH SATURDAY 4th Week of Lent

WHITE

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

Reflecting on the speciality of the annunciation of Our Lord’s incarnation as a human Being, St. De La Salle highlights first of all the Faith and Humility, Mary exhibited when the angel informed her of God’s plan for her. She did not hesitate to clarify her doubts, but expressed her immediate willingness to be ‘handmaid of the Lord.” God the Son, having been equal with the Father in everything from eternity did not cling on to his divine status, but willingly took the human form to be born of Mary. He lived among us with human flesh and blood, spoke about God’s plan for the humanity, reached out in genuine love to the poor and needy and finally offered Himself as sacrifice for our sins. Thus by His incarnation, Jesus fulfilled the plan of God. On our part, we ought ‘to enable the Son of God to fulfill in our regard that which He sought to do on behalf of all mankind, namely to destroy sin completely.” Through His incarnation, Jesus tells us, “I have come so that you (they) may have life, and have it more abundantly.” By His sufferings, death on the cross, and resurrection, Jesus has won back our freedom from sin, made us blameless before God. We are no longer exiles or aliens, but fellow citizens of the saints in Heaven. We have become part of the household of God. Hence for us today is a day of joy and benediction. Let us sing psalms and play music in praise of God for His abounding mercy towards us. “Let us profit by so great an example (of Mary), and may graces we receive, be they ever so precious, serve only to humble us, make us consider ourselves the lowest of all.” (DLS MED 112/01).

THE ANN UN

S OL

E M NI T Y

TION O CIA

RD HE LO FT

The feast of the Annunciation of the Lord commemorates the most sublime moment in the history of time: the moment when the Second Divine Person of the Holy Trinity assumed human nature in the womb of the Virgin Mary. It is announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus, marking His Incarnation (Lk 1:2638).

26 MARCH

5th Sunday of Lent Violet

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Ezekiel: 37:12-14 ...(please see appendix Page 461) Psalm 129:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R. With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption Out of the depths I Cry to you, O Lord, Lord, here my voice ! O let you ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading R

My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak (Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord). R

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive? But with you is found forgiveness; for this we revere you. R

Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity R

My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word. R Second Reading: Romans 8:8-11 ...(please see appendix Page 461) Verse before the Gospel:

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me shall never die. Gospel: John 11:1-45

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, She went an met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give

you whatever you ask for him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. ...(please see appendix Page 462)

Raising Lazarus from the dead as presented in the Gospel of John, is full of spiritual symbolism and its worth considering some of them for spiritual nourishment. On receiving the news of Lazarus being sick and dying, Jesus delays his visit to the family rather than rushing to help. His disciples warms Him of the danger of being arrested if He is sighted around Bethany. However Jesus decides to go to see his friends Martha, and Maria, gets emotionally moved when Martha expressed her failed expectations, and finally orders Lazarus back to life. The miracle infuriates the religious leaders and they decide to kill Jesus. When Jesus is informed of Lazarus’ illness Jesus assures that Lazarus would not die, but the glory of God would be brought out. When Martha proclaims that Lazarus would rise up on the day of resurrection, Jesus advises her only to believe in Him and she is ultimately rewarded for her faith in Jesus. Like in most cultures, men are not expected to weep in public, yet with deep emotion ‘Jesus wept’ (V 35) publicly, thereby showing deep humanity and attachment for the two sisters. Lazarus was not resurrected, but only brought back to his natural life. The final resurrection would take place later when Jesus had ultimately conquered sin and death. The whole narrative of Lazarus coming back to his natural life indicate the our need for uncompromising faith in the power of Jesus (as Martha and Mary), and waiting patiently for God’s intervention for our prayers. Like the sisters of Lazarus, we need to love our Brothers and sisters, friends and relatives and seek help before it is too late. Ultimately it is Jesus who can wipe the tears from our eyes, express genuine empathy and love during our trials and tribulations, and help us to overcome our short and long troubles. “In this pluralistic and in numerous places, secularised world, the Brothers feel the need for daily contact with the Word of God. It is what nourishes their whole life and helps them to understand people, events and the world, in relation to God’s plan.” (THE RULE Art. 64).

First Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 (or 13: 41-62)

MARCH

R. Though I should walk in the valley of the shadow of death, no

MONDAY

Verse before the Gospel:

5 Week of Lent

OF EGY PT

VIOLET

HERMIT

(c.305 - 394)

Born in the year 305, in Egypt, St. John was one of the most famous early desert hermits, a noted prophet of his era. His reputation for wisdom and holiness caused him to be chosen as advisor to Emperor Theodosius. He had the gifts of prophecy, healing, and knowledge of the hidden sins of his visitors. He died in the year 394 A.D.

...(please see appendix Page 462) Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6, evil would I fear, for you are with we.

I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Gospel: John 8:1-11

While Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. ...(please see appendix Page 463)

The episode focus on the testing of Jesus by the leaders and His brilliant way of dealing with them. It reminds of the scenes from Old Testament recalling King Solomon’s method of dealing with the woman who falsely made claims to the child (1 Kings 3: 24 -28), and Susana who was accused of immoral behaviour (Daniel 13). Like the accusers of Susana, the men who brought the women before Jesus were themselves guilty of sin. However Jesus refuses to take the bait and writes in the sand. We cannot know what he wrote, but it does not matter. Finally when challenged by Jesus to prove their own innocence, they were forced to admit their own sinfulness (V 9). Yet Jesus did not condemn any of them, but simply led them to recognise their own sinfulness. Jesus did not condemn the woman either. The episode is more about non-condemnation than forgiveness. However the ultimate irony was that Jesus the sinless Son of God was condemned to death on a cross as a sinner. All through the episode, Jesus acts with tact, and determination in dealing with the religious leaders, and with compassionate mercy to the woman caught in sinful act. He makes it clear to the woman that he had no intention to condemn her whatever the level of sins committed so far. He simply advises her not to sin any more. A positive approach in dealing with hardened criminals can bring about change of heart. Persons who have been vicious and cruel to others have been converted to mend their life for good. Non-condemnation coupled with compassionate mercy have turned many sinners to saints. Every act of reconciliation, small and big or small on the part of the affected victim is a sign of ‘neither do I condemn you. Sin no more.’ Let us strive to be extraordinarily generous and magnanimous in our personal assessment and judgement of others.

First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9...(please see appendix Page 463) Psalm 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21

R. O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Verse before the Gospel:

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live forever. Gospel: John 8:21-30

Again he said to them, “I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” Then the Jews said, “Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” He said to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.” They said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” ...(please see appendix Page 464)

As the feast of the Passover drew close during the third year of Jesus’ ministry, the animosity of the Jews fueled up by the religious leaders also grew, and Jesus was very well aware of the developments taking place against Him. He all the more went about speaking about His status as the Son of God, destined to liberate the world from its bondage to sinfulness. The Pharisees question the validity of His testimony, to which Jesus claims the Father as a corroborating witness (V 13 -18). John in his Gospel portrays as the embodiment and fulfillment of the Scriptures and the light coming into the world (Jn 1: 4-5). Jesus is light and acts according to the principles of light, while His opponents are in the dark and they act accordingly. Self –righteousness results in spiritual blindness and prevents from recognising one’s sinfulness. Such a person needs to submit oneself to be freed by the Son. To reject Jesus and His teachings is to remain ignorant of God and of God’s ways. He told the Jews that when they lifted Him up to death on the Cross, they would realise His status with the Father in heaven. Jesus’ glorification after His resurrection from the dead would serve as the definitive proof of His claim to be light of the world, and the Son of God. Jesus insists that the root of the problem is that the general crowd of the Jews really does not know Him or the Father. Indeed they do not do so because they are from below with all accompanying ignorance and limitations, while Jesus is from above (V 19-24). Only by believing in Jesus can one be saved. A personal reading and deep reflection in prayer can foster true faith in Jesus. Christian faith is not time- pass, or a mere Sunday practice, but a daily recurring experience. Jesus and His teachings need to become part and parcel of one’s daily life. Conviction in Jesus as the Son of God need to permeate all events of life, both in joy and in sorrow.

28 MARCH TUESDAY 5th Week of Lent

VIOLET TUS II I SIX

POPE

(d. 440)

St. Sixtus III was born in Rome, Italy and was the 44th Pope of Rome in the year 432. His ascension to the papacy is associated with a period of increased construction in the city of Rome such as St. Peter’s and St. John Lateran. He also defended the supremacy of the Pope over local Bishops. He attempted to restore peace between Cyril of Alexandria and John of Antioch.

29 MARCH WEDNESDAY th

5 Week of Lent

ARAC IUS HIS

JON AS

VIOLET

MARTYRS

(d. 327)

Sts. Jonas and Barachisius were brothers and fellow monk from Persia. They were martyred for refusing to worship the sun, moon, fire and water. St. Jonas was beaten with knotty clubs and with rods, and set in a frozen pond, with a cord tied to his foot. St. Barachisius had two red-hot iron plates and two red hot hammers applied under each arm, and melted lead dropped into his nostrils and eyes.

First Reading: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 ...(please see appendix

Page 464)

Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

R. You are to be praised and highly exalted forever! Verse before the Gospel:

Blessed are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Gospel: John 8:31-42

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. ...(please see appendix Page 464)

Discussion between Jesus and the people about His identity led to Jesus declaring Himself as the Truth, and those who believed in Him would in fact know and understand what he was saying. Jesus gave a spiritual meaning for the concept of slavery. Accordingly, everyone who practiced sin is a slave to sin and so cannot really be free. As slaves the sinners could not stay in the Father’s House, unless the Son delivers them from their slavery. When the Jews proudly claimed their lineage to Abraham, Jesus told them that true ancestral claims depend on how they followed Abraham and his Faith in God. Abraham was noted for his faith and openness to God. If they were his offspring, they would believe in Jesus who was sent from God. By rejecting and trying to murder Jesus they were proving that the devil rather than God and Abraham was their father (V 41 -44). When we sin we forfeit our identity as God’s children. Only the Saviour Son can set us free and reinstate us permanently in God’s house, as in the case of the prodigal son. On our part, we need to retain within ourselves the hard won freedom of the sons of God. Living the sonship is not a onetime privilege, but a daily commitment to follow Jesus and His teachings. “Truth is bitter and difficult to digest,” is an old adage. The human tendency is to make compromises in expressing the Truth as it is. Jesus stood His ground while proclaiming the truth, declaring that He was the truth itself. He said, “Know the truth and the truth will set you free.” While standing before Pilate with clear understanding that He would be condemned to crucifixion, Jesus never flinched a bit in declaring that he had come to earth to witness to truth. How much are we truthful?

Psalm 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. Gospel Acclamation:

O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts as at Meribah. Gospel: John 8:51-59

Having failed to win over wordily arguments with Jesus about slavery and freedom, the Jews slander Jesus as being low birth, devilish, and possessed (V 49 -52). The Jews in spite of their own past slavery, exile and political submission to the Roman Empire never failed to mistreat the non- Jews as outcastes. They tried to slander the person of Jesus. Disregarding their attempt to social profiling, Jesus points out the shallow understanding of the Jews about God, and all that related to Him. He further declared how Abraham, whom the Jews revere and respect had longed to see the coming of the Messiah, but was not given the opportunity. Jesus finally claimed His eternal existence with the Father, even before Abraham lived here on earth, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” This was the last nail, Jesus put in the coffin of religious pride of the Jews in general and the Pharisees in particular. Chapter 8 of John’s Gospel is very dramatic in many ways. It starts with the controversy of trying to stone the woman caught in adultery, and ends with the Jews trying to stone Jesus to death. Social profiling on the basis of colour, caste, creed, economic and social status is one of the worst form of mistreatment of the basic human dignity. That was what the Jews were trying to do to Jesus. The challenge is to treat everyone with equal respect and dignity. How do we identify with the different characters mentioned in the chapter: the woman caught in adultery, the religious leaders determined to arrest or murder Jesus? What kinds of attitudes stand in the way of our personal discipleship of Jesus? How do we respond to similar situation in our present social, national and religious environments? “In the light of the Gospel, the Brothers always keep in mind the promotion of justice and the direct or indirect service of the poor – the economically poor, the victims of social justice, delinquents and those excluded from society- which is the preferred option of their ministry of education.” (THE RULE Art.29).

MARCH THURSDAY 5th Week of Lent

VIOLET

LIMA C

Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, ‘He is our God,’ ...(please see appendix Page 465)

JO H

First Reading: Genesis 17:3-9 ...(please see appendix Page 464)

ABBOT

(c.579 - 649)

St. John Climacus also known as St. John of the Ladder was a monk born in the year 579 in Syria. He was Christian monk at the monastery on Mount Sinai. He was scriptural scholar who authored ‘The Ladder of Perfection’ to provide a comprehensive treatise on the ideal of Christian perfection of the monastic life.

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13

...(please see appendix Page 465) Psalm 18: 2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7

MARCH

R. In my anguish I called to the Lord and he heard me.

FRIDAY

Your words, Lord, are spirit and life, you have the words of eternal life.

5th Week of Lent

VIOLET

DAN I

NO RA

OF MU EL

HERMIT

(d. 1411)

St. Daniel is a 15th century Camaldolese monk from Germany. He was known for giving away everything he had for the poor. So much so it’s believed that he would even shed his clothes during severe winter nights if he saw a poor without adequate protection against cold. He led a life of continuous prayer day in and day out. He is believed to have been murdered by robbers on 31st March 1411.

Verse before the Gospel:

Gospel: John 10:31-42

The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If those to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, ...(please see appendix Page 465)

In their continuous efforts to brand Jesus as a religious imposter, the Jewish leaders ask Jesus to establish His identity. Jesus on His part tries to convince them that He and the Father are One as they in each other. If not for His words, the Jews ought to believe at least in what he did among the people: being compassionate, outreaching to the needy, and proclaiming the love and mercy of God the Father to all the people. But instead they try to stone Him, for the blasphemy of claiming Himself equal to God (V 33). Jesus tried in vain to quote and interpret the words of the Psalmist (Psalm 82:6), but the Jews were not impressed, but were bent on punishing Jesus. The union of Jesus with the Father is very important in understanding the nature of Jesus’ as human, and divine, living among us. By His words and actions, He revealed the extraordinary love of the Father for the mankind. Love, compassion, mercy and forgiveness have been the highlights of Jesus message to the world. Finally the Son expiated for the sins of the mankind by His death on the cross. Thus He fulfilled the plan of God for eternity. Over the centuries in spite of numerous hardships and persecutions, the Church has faithfully tried to spread the same message of Jesus to all people. Today we are invited to review the level of our own union with the Father through Jesus our Brother. If we are united with Jesus, we too can perform as well as Jesus. In fact Jesus stated that his disciples if united with Him would do greater things than Himself. “By faith, the Brother recognises that his life is a dialogue with God, which enables him to grow continuously in fidelity .He discovers in this way the daily presence of the living God in his mission, his consecration, and his community.” (THE RULE Art. 80).

First Reading: Ezekiel 37:21-28

Then say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from every quarter, and bring them to their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all. ...(please see appendix Page 465) Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12ab, 13

R. The Lord will keep us ,as a shepherd keeps his flock. Verse before the Gospel:

Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, says the Lord, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Gospel: John 11:45-57

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.”He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to put him to death. Jesus therefore no longer walked about openly among the Jews, but went from there to a town called Ephraim in the region near the wilderness; and he remained there with the disciples. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and were asking one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?”

Why are we so afraid? What are we so afraid of? The saving power of God throughout history has been an attempt to help us let go of the fear that enslaves us. Fear often is the thing that keeps us from being free to do what we know is right or even from what we truly want to do with our lives. We worry about what others think. We worry about what might happen. We worry about the new worries that might confront us tomorrow. Fear, not hate, is the opposite of love. The plot to kill Jesus begins out of fear. When we act out of a place of fear, we cut ourselves off from love. When in your life do you act from a place of fear, rather than love? How can you let go of that fear and unite yourself with Christ’s love?

1 APRIL SATURDAY 5th Week of Lent

VIOLET H UG H

OP OF GRENOBLE BISH (1053 - 1132)

St. Hugh was a Benedictine bishop of Grenoble, France, patron of St. Bruno. He was a canon of the cathedral in Valence. In 1080, while attending a synod in Avignon, Hugh was named bishop of Grenoble. He attempted a massive reform of the diocese but discouraged, retired to Chaise Dieu Abbey and became a Benedictine. Pope St. Gregoiy VII ordered him back to Grenoble. Hugh gave St. Bruno the land on which the Grande Chartreuse was founded, thus starting the Carthusians.

2 APRIL

Palm Sunday of The Lord’s Passion Red

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens-wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backwards. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; Psalm 21:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

R. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? All who see me deride me. They curl their lips, they toss their heads. “He trusted in the Lord, let him save him; let him release him if this is his friend.” R Many dogs have surrounded me, a band of the wicked beset me. They tear holes in my hands and my feet. I can count every on of my bones. R They divide my clothing among them. They cast lots for my robe. O Lord, do not leave me alone. My strength, make haste to help me! R I will tell of your name to my brethren and praise you where they are assembled. “You who fear the Lord give him praise; all sons of Jacob, give him glory. Revere him, Israel`s sons.” R Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Palm Sunday Verse before the Gospel:

Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross, Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27: 66

(Please see the Bible for the Passion Reading)

Palm Sunday is such a beautiful celebration in our church calendar, but I want to draw our attention to the letter to the Philipians. It is interesting that this epistle about humility accompanies the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. How are we to make sense of this? Well, I find that in my life, it is exactly at these moments of great accomplishment and accolades that I am most vulnerable to being humbled. When I have planned a perfect lesson for my class is exactly when students are able to point me toward my greatest faults. So perhaps Jesus in his infinite wisdom has a more integrated sense of self and calls us to greater integration.

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7

3 APRIL MONDAY Monday of Holy Week

VIOLET

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, ...(please see appendix Page 465)

F CHIC STER HE

RICH AR

Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14

R. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Verse before the Gospel:

Hail to you, our King; you alone are compassionate with our faults. Gospel: John 12:1-11

OP OF CHICHESTER BISH C. 1197 – 1253

St Richard was a Bishop of Chichester. His father died when he was young. He was educated at Oxford, England, in Paris, France, and in Bologna, Italy. He was the chancellor of Oxford University, legal advisor to St Edmund Rich and St Boniface or Savoy, the Archbishops of Canterbury., Became a priest, later Bishop of Chichester. Miracles and cures occurred at his shrine in Chichester.

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denari and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

Today, the prophet Isaiah and the Psalmist remind us that we have nothing to fear when we trust in God. Then John really makes it real by telling us about how Jesus interacts with what I would consider two of the greatest sources of fear-- death and money! Jesus shows us his power over death with Lazarus, but the grave is clearly not the only thing holding us back. In this story, we see the disciples not only witness a healing but then spending an evening with a miraculous resurrection. What is truly remarkable to me is that this is not the scandalous part of the story! It is the expensive oil. How might our concern for financial and physical security prevent us from experiencing the liberating power that Jesus has for us.

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6

Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17

R. My mouth will tell of your Salvation, Lord. Verse before the Gospel:

Hail to you, our King, obedient to the Father; you were led to your crucifixion like a gentle lamb to the slaughter. Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38

TUESDAY Tuesday of Holy Week

VIOLET EMORATI MM ON O C OF S RE

I often reflect on the role of Judas in salvation history. At the Easter Vigil we will refer to the sin of Adam as a happy or necessary fall and bless it because it leads to Jesus. So, what are we to make of those people in Salvation History that pave the way for the fall or who make the Sacrifice of Jesus possible? Judas gives in to money, but Peter is worried about physical safety and what others will think. Is the betrayal of Judas worse than Peter’s?

APRIL

IL EV

After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterward.”Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.

ISIDO

Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified. ...(please see appendix Page 466)

OP & DOCTOR BISH (C.560 - 636)

St. Isidore lived at a time of conflict and growth for the Church in Spain. He practically eradicated the heresy of Arianism and completely stifled the new heresy of Acephali at its very outset. Archbishop Isidore also used resources of education to counteract increasingly influential Gothic barbarism throughout his episcopal jurisdiction. He required seminaries to be built in every diocese, wrote a Rule for religious orders, and founded schools that taught every branch of learning.

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a

5 APRIL WEDNESDAY Wednesday of Holy Week

VIOLET N

EMORAT IO MM O C NT FER CE

R RE

VIN

The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up. ...(please see appendix Page 446) Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34

R. In your great mercy , answer me, O Lord, for a time of your favour.

Verse before the Gospel: PRIEST

(1350 - 1419)

St. Vincent Ferrer was a Dominican friar who was very vocal to work against the Western Schism prevalent during his time. He is said to have been responsible for the conversion of many Jews to Catholicism. He spent the last 20 years of his life preaching the Good News in Spain, France, and Switzerland stressing the need of repentance and the fear of coming judgment. He became known as the “Angel of the Judgment.”

Hail to you, our King; you alone are compassionate with our faults. Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25

Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’ ” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”

We see from Isaiah and the Psalmist that the price of being close to God is often contempt and ridicule. We need to be honest about this. The Truth my set you free but it will often hurt first. Sometimes I think that more than Judas’s actions of betrayal, his great sin is dishonesty. He reminds us of many Old Testament figures whose great fall comes from being dishonest with God and self. When we hide our thoughts and feelings from God, we end up hurting ourselves.

First Reading: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. ...(please see appendix Page 466)

6 APRIL

Psalm 116:12-13, 15 and 16bc, 17-18

THURSDAY

R. The cup of blessing is a participation the blood of Christ.

Holy Thursday

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

...(please see appendix Page 466)

WHITE

Verse before the Gospel:

The Last Supper was a Passover Seder! I think it is so important to remember that the celebration of freedom from literal slavery in Egypt is the inspiration and design for the source and summit of our faith. Yet, the readings for today do not talk about the meal. Instead, we see Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. It is all about living in a more horizontal world: free from hierarchy, power struggles, and domination. Jesus wants for us a more mutual world---a fraternal and covenantal world. How do you greet the eucharist an act of freedom and liberation?

T LY

HURS

Y DA

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

CHAL TRIDUUM DA PAS Y HE 1

Gospel: John 13:1-15

A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another even as I have loved you.

Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion. At the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we recall the Christ: “instituted the Eucharist” and Commanded his apostles t celebrate it until his return. - “Constituted them priests of the New Testament” and - “commanded them to love on another” as he has loved them. Today there is no dismissal form Mass, creating a connection to the rest of the Paschal Triduum.

First Reading: Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12

...(please see appendix Page 466) Psalm 31:2 and 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17 and 25

APRIL

R. Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame. In you justice, set me free; Into your hands I commend my spirit. You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God. R

FRIDAY Good Friday

RED SA L

LI A N S A I

TIST DE AP

ST. JOH N

SALLE LA FOUNDER

(1651 - 1719)

Saint John Baptist De La Salle, the patron saint of teachers, founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers), a unique group of lay religious men dedicated exclusively to education. Founded in 17th century France, De La Salle’s mission lives on in 80 countries, with 4,000 Brothers and 90,000 Partners serving one million young people in 1,000 ministries.

Because of all my foes I have become a reproach, An object of scorn to my neighbours And of fear to my friends. Those who see me in the street flee from me. I am forgotten, like someone dead, And have become like a broken vessel. R But as for me, I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “you are my God. My lot is in your hands, deliver me From the hands of my enemies And those who pursue me. R Let your face shine on your servant. Save me in your merciful love. Be strong, let your heart take courage. All who hope in the Lord. R Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

...(please see appendix Page 467) Verse before the Gospel:

Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. Gospel: John 18:1-19: 42

(Please see the Bible for the Passion Narrative)

How blessed we are to have such a Sympathetic High priest in Jesus the incarnate Word. God loves us so much that He come to earth to show us how to be human, how to live together in love and justice. John Baptist de La Salle took that example seriously when he allowed himself to be moved by the distress he saw. He was moved emotionally and it physically moved him to action-- to be with the people. Jesus shows us the Way. When we let go of comfort and power for the sake of a deep and radical love, we can expect to be hurt, but we can also expect to find a better way.

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-2: 2 or 1:1, 26-31a

Second Reading: Genesis 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Third Reading: Exodus 14:15-15: 1

APRIL

Forth Reading: Isaiah 54:5-14

Sixth Reading: Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4 Seventh Reading: Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 Psalm 104:1-2a, 5-6, 10 and 12, 13-14 and 35c

R. Lord, send forth your spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Epistle: Romans 6:3-11

Holy Saturday

WHITE

S LY

ATUR D

SCHAL TRIDUUM DA E PA Y TH

SATURDAY

Fifth Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11

Gospel: Mark 16:1-7

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou. And that is the trouble with the wisdom that Baruch describes here, we have been given so many opportunities to know better. We get the law and the prophets, but we don’t listen. So, Jesus rolls up his sleeves and shows us how to be good to each other, and we still don’t get it. So, Jesus gives his life for us in the same selfemptying love that the Trinity has been pouring out to us since the beginning of time…and we still don’t get it. As we celebrate the Resurrection, we unite ourselves with the vulnerability of God who shows us the power to be found in meekness and humility. And so, we keep doing the best we can knowing that we can do better. Knowing we have to learn and see and reflect and notice and engage in order to know better…so that we can do better…so that we can be better is our own small way of participating in the resurrection.

Holy Saturday is sacred as the day of the Lord’s rest; it has been called the “Second Sabbath” after creation. The day is and should be the most calm and quiet day of the entire Church year, a day broken by no liturgical function. Christ lies in the grave, the Church sits near and mourns, meditating his suffering and death.

9 APRIL

The Resurrection of Our Lord White

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Then Peter began to speak to them: That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Psalm 118:1-2, 16ab-17, 22-23

R. This is the day the Lord had made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. Give praise to the Lord, for he is good; His mercy endures forever Let the house of Israel say, “his mercy endures forever.” R “The Lord’s hand is exalted. The Lord’s right hand has done mighty deeds,” I shall not die, I shall live And recount the deeds of the Lord. R The stone that the builders rejected Has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done, A marvel in our eyes. R Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 (Or 1 Corinthians 5: 6-8)

Alleluia, Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us, therefore, celebrate the festival. Gospel: John 20:1-9

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to

Easter Sunday Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

He is Risen! So, let us not forget what this means. The Paschal Mystery is not a magic trick to ensure our faith or even a tax paid for our sins. Jesus’s self-emptying gift is what happens when we take the Covenant seriously. What God wants for us is simple- to be in loving relationship with God, ourselves, and others, but this is the work of a lifetime. Our God gives us the grace we need each day to do our best and the experiences to learn and know better, and we respond in love by striving to listen and be better to ourselves, our neighbors, and our God. And when we truly trust in God, we will be radically available to give of ourselves (our lives) for others without losing ourselves.

10 APRIL MONDAY Octave of Easter

WHITE LBE FU RT

BISHOP

(c. 960 - 1029)

St. Fulbert was the Bishop of Chartres from 1006 to 1028. He was responsible for the advancement of the Nativity of the Virgin’s feast day on September 8. He played an important role in the development and spread of the ideas that led to the Gregorian church reforms of the eleventh century. These reforms concerned the division between the powers of church and state, especially in the appointment of new abbots and bishops.

First Reading: Acts 2: 14, 22-33

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. “You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him, “I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; .you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ “Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, ...(please see appendix Page 467) Psalm 16;1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R. Preserve me, O God , for in you I take refuge. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad. Gospel: Matthew 28:8-15

So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You must say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day.

We see today that the Holy Spirit brings the gift of language at Pentecost. I find it interesting that we talk about Jesus as “the Word” and then the disciples speak in tongues. There is something mystical about communication and being understood. In a way the communication ability taken from humanity at Babel is being returned. Perhaps we have finally earned it back? Or maybe the human family now has something worth proclaiming. Today the women are instructed to share, communicate, and proclaim that we are all to leave the tomb and journey out to encounter the risen Jesus!

First Reading: Acts 2:36-41

Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22

APRIL TUESDAY Octave of Easter

WHITE EMORATI MM ON O C S L I N AU TA

R. His merciful love fills the earth.

Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad. Gospel: John 20:11-18

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Today we are called in no uncertain terms to “not cling to Jesus.” When Jesus says this to Mary, what are we to make of it for ourselves? Obviously, we are not meant to leave Him behind or forget him, but perhaps there is a clinging that keeps us bound or tied to the past. Peter helps us in the reading from Acts when he urges people to leave behind the culture or society that does not match Jesus’s vision of how the world could be-the Kingdom of God. Today we are reminded of our call to be in the world but not of the world.

OP & MARTYR BISH (1030 - 1079)

St. Stanislaus of Szczepanów also known as St. Stanislaus aimed his attacks at the evils of the peasantry and the king, especially the unjust wars and immoral acts of King Boleslaus II. His eloquence and example brought about real conversion in many of his penitents, both clergy and laity. He continued his open opposition in spite of charges of treason and threats of death, finally excommunicating the king. Enraged, the king killed Stanislaus with his own hands.

12 APRIL WEDNESDAY Octave of Easter

MA GALG I AN

GE M

WHITE

VIRGIN

(1878 - 1903)

St. Gemma Galgani, was an Italian mystic often referred to as the “Daughter of Passion”. She is especially venerated by the Passionists. At the age of twenty one, she began to display signs of the stigmata. At the end of her ecstasies, she returned to normal and carried on quietly and serenely. She was canonized on May 2, 1940, by Pope Pius XII. She is the patron saint against temptations, tuberculosis, and of pharmacists.

First Reading: Acts 3:1-10 ...(please see appendix Page 467) Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

R. Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad. Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them....(please see appendix Page 468)

I love the Emmaus story. It is all so human. This story reminds me of the importance of relationship and dialogue and journeying together. It is rich with so many images and metaphors for the Christian life. However, I want to focus on the food. They (like us) know Him in the breaking of the bread. This is certainly Eucharistic, but also bigger than that. We come to know Jesus in all meals. It is an act of shared humanity and shared vulnerability to eat together. This is who Jesus calls us to be--a people on the road together sharing in the daily struggles of our humanity.

First Reading: Acts 3:11-26

While he clung to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s Portico, utterly astonished. When Peter saw it, he addressed the people, “You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous. One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. ...(please see appendix Page 468)

APRIL THURSDAY Octave of Easter

WHITE

the earth!

L MEMO RIA IONA PT RTI MA N I

R. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name through all

Psalm 8:2ab and 5,6-7, 8-9

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad. Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

Why does the risen Jesus eat fish in front of the disciples? It important that they knew and we know that this was not a ghost-- not the idea or memory of Jesus. This was a flesh and blood person with human needs that came to show us a better way of being human. He came back to show us that not even death can stop the dream that God has for us. Jesus takes our fears one by one and show us that we have nothing to be afraid of. This is the liberating power of the Gospel. We no longer need to be slaves to all of the things that society tells us to be afraid of.

M POPE & ARTYR (d. 655)

Pope Martin I was the bishop of Rome from 21 July 649 to his death. He held a council at the Lateran in which the imperial documents were censured, and in which the patriarch of Constantinople and two of his predecessors were condemned. For his resolute opposition to Monothelitism, Pope Martin I was arrested by Emperor Constans II and ultimately banished to Cherson. He is the last of the early popes to be venerated as a martyr.

14 APRIL FRIDAY Octave of Easter

WHITE

First Reading: Acts 4:1-12

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead.So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; ...(please see appendix Page 468) Psalm 118:1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27a

R. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad.

LIDW I

AM IED

OF SCH

& MYSTIC VIRGIN

After suffering from multiple sclerosis, St.Lydwina fasted contiuously and acquired fame as a healer and holy woman. She developed a devotion to the Eucharist. She had ecstatic visions in which she was shown heaven and purgatory, participated in Christ’s Passion, and was visited by saints. She had the gift of inedia, and that her only food for her last 19 years was the Eucharist. She is known as the patron saint of ice skaters.

Gospel: John 21:1-14

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “we will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, and hundred and fifty-three of them; and there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

A few days after the resurrection and Peter goes back to business as usual. The fisherman goes fishing…what else would he do? Don’t we all do this after a great spiritual experience, religious holiday, retreat, etc.? We go back to our lives rested and renewed but perhaps not really changed. So, Jesus comes and prods Peter into looking at the world with the eyes of faith. Even his old habits are made new. He can’t go back to the way things were before.

First Reading: Acts 4:13-21

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another. They said, “What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it. But to keep it from spreading further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened.

15 APRIL SATURDAY Octave of Easter

WHITE TERNUS PA

Psalm 118:1and 14-15ab, 15c-18, 19-21

R. I will thank you, Lord, for you have answered me. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad. Gospel: Mark 16:9-15

[Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.

Go out into the world and share the good news! We are reminded at the end of every mass, but do we treat the Gospel as good news? For ourselves? For others? What is so good about this news is that we don’t have to go back to the old ways that bind us. In fact, this good news should compel us forward. It frees us to let go of anything that is not in service of God’s love and justice in the world. Jesus calls us to heal the world!

BISHOP

482-565

St. Paternus followed his father’s path by becoming a hermit in Wales. He founded the monastery at the great church of Paternus and became a bishop of that region. He was known for his preaching, charity and mortifications.

2nd Sunday of Easter

APRIL

White

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. A we came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Psalm 117:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

R. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end. Let the sons of Israel say: “His love has no end.” Let the sons of Aaron say: “His Love has no end.” Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love has no end.” R I was thrust, thrust down and falling but the Lord was my helper The Lord is my strength and my song;

he was my saviour. There are shouts of joy and victory in the tents of the just. R The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes. This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad. R

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Gospel Acclamation: Thomas, you have believed, says the Lord, because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. Gospel: John 20:19-31

Divine Mercy Sunday side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe. A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

I am struck in each of these readings with the pure exuberant joy that naturally follows faith in Jesus. Peter reminds us that faith will not be easy and will in fact come with much hardship, but that we still trust with laughter and singing. Similarly, the early disciples in Acts of the Apostles share everything. They share material goods yes, but also, they share burdens, meals, and joy. They are one family in Christ. This is the peace of the resurrection. We have no cause to worry or fear. Jesus makes all things whole. So, why would we not share with all people as if they are our brothers and sisters?

17 APRIL MONDAY 2nd Week of Easter

WHITE ICETUS AN

First Reading: Acts 4:23-31

After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant: “Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.’ For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, ...(please see appendix Page 469) Psalm 2:1-3 4-6, 7b-9

R. Blessed are all who trust in you, O Lord. Gospel Acclamation: POPE

(d. 166)

Pope Anicetus was the bishop of Rome from c. 157 to his death in April 168. He actively opposed Gnosticism and Marcionism. He welcomed Polycarp of Smyrna to Rome, to discuss the controversy over the date for the celebration of Easter. Polycarp and his Church of Smyrna celebrated the crucifixion on the fourteenth day of Nisan, which coincides with Passover, while the Roman Church celebrated the Passover on Sunday the weekday of Jesus’s resurrection.

Alleluia, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Gospel: John 3:1-8

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

What does it mean to be born in the spirit or born from above? Being reborn in Christ or “born-again” carries some sectarian baggage in certain places, but we do need to wrestle with what Jesus is talking about today. We are called to be new people in some way. When we take Jesus seriously, we cannot allow ourselves to simply settle back into our old way of thinking and being. If we do not allow our belief to really change or convert us, we are simply using our religion to give a surface level soothing to our own wounds. We need to really be healed and go forth to heal others.

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5 Gospel Acclamation:

APRIL TUESDAY 2nd Week of Easter

WHITE DELLA NO

LA SA

R. The Lord is King, with majesty enrobed.

GAL DI

First Reading: Acts 4:32-37

Alleluia, The Son of Man must be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. Gospel: John 3:7b-15

Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

We see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God today in the reading form Acts of the Apostles. Everyone was united in one heart and the rejected the idea of individual ownership. Now, I don’t think that this means they all agreed on everything and never had struggles, but what I see in this story is a a people with their priorities in order. They share material possessions because they know it is not important, and even more importantly, they share themselves--their ideas, hopes, dreams, desires, and vulnerabilities. To me it is this sharing and letting go that is essential to Jesus’s dream for humanity.

P OF MILAN BISHO (1096 - 1176)

St.Galdinus was a staunch supporter both of Pope Alexander III, and of Milan and its neighbours in Lombardy, in their joint struggles against the Antipope Victor IV, supported by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. He was a strong supporter of the Roman papacy in the schism that erupted in 1159 after the death of Pope Adrian IV. He is remembered for his charity in Milan to the poor and to those imprisoned for debt.

19 APRIL WEDNESDAY 2nd Week of Easter

WHITE LEO IX

First Reading: Acts 5:17-26

Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.” When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching. When the high priest and those with him arrived, they called together the council and the whole body of the elders of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the temple police went there, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported, “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed about them, wondering what might be going on. ...(please see appendix Page 469) Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. The lowly one called, and the Lord heard him. POPE

(1002 - 1054)

Bruno of EgisheimDagsburg also known as St. Leo IX was the bishop of Rome from 12 February 1049 to his death in 1054. He is widely considered the most historically significant German pope of the Middle Ages; he was instrumental in the precipitation of the Great Schism of 1054, considered the turning point in which the Catholic and Orthodox Churches formally separated. He favored traditional morality in his reformation of the Catholic Church.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord, I know them and they follow me. Gospel: John 3:16-21

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

Out of love, God became a human to show us how to be human. It is important to note that Jesus did not come in order to bring about the Kingdom of God for us, only to show us how. After centuries of telling us how to love, God teaches by example. He shows us how to reject the structures and patterns that don’t serve love. Sadly, even after that we see a world so addicted to illusion, denial, and fear that we build up structures and excuses to hide from the light of Christ. We seem sometimes to revel in how we can support each other in staying in the darkness. How can we work to build a more just and loving world one relationship or interaction at a time?

First Reading: Acts 5:27-33

When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.

20 APRIL THURSDAY 2nd Week of Easter

WHITE

Psalm 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20

Alleluia, Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me? says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Gospel: John 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.

Today’s collection of readings pushes me to remember the importance of living in the truth. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. All three of these must work together in harmony. We are called to journey together and be fully alive, but to do this we must have our eyes open to reality. Truth is seeing the pain of the world, seeing the lies of our culture, rejecting the notions that keep us from doing justice and being in right relationship. Jesus is the Word, logos, Truth incarnate. The Good News is that we don’t have to live in the shadow of lies; Jesus shows us how to live in truth, if we trust in God.

ONTE P

O CIAN UL

Gospel Acclamation:

AGNE SO

R. The lowly one called, and the Lord heard him.

VIRGIN

(1268 - 1317)

St. Agnes, a Dominican prioress, was noted for her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and deep life of prayer, and was elected as the abbess of the monastery in Montepulciano. There she gained a reputation for performing miracles. She also had a vision of St. Dominic Guzman, under the inspiration of which she led the nuns of her monastery to embrace the Rule of St. Augustine as members of the Dominican Order.

First Reading: Acts 5:34-42

A Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time.Then he said to them, “Fellow Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. ...(please see appendix Page 469)

APRIL FRIDAY

Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

2nd Week of Easter

R. There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation:

L MEMO RIA IONA PT SEL AN M

WHITE

P & DOCTOR BISHO (1033 - 1109)

St. Anselm of Canter bury was an Benedictine monk, philosopher and theologian of the Catholic Church. As archbishop, he defended the church’s interests in England amid the Investiture Controversy. For his resistance to the English kings William II and Henry I, he was exiled twice where he helped guide the Greek bishops of southern Italy to adopt Romanrites at the Council of Bari. He is renowned for his writings in mystical theology.

Alleluia, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Gospel: John 6:1-15

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

In God there is always enough. When we stick with God and trust in God together as a community there will always be enough of what we need. The challenge often is knowing and recognizing the difference between needs and wants and the difference between our daily bread and our weekly bread. I am sure that some of the people gathered did not appreciate the loaves and fishes that were on the menu, but God provides nonetheless. One of our great challenges in this regard is to see these gifts with the eyes of faith. When we interpret the gratuity of God’s love poured out for us in the world, we receive it very differently.

First Reading: Acts 6:1-7

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

22 APRIL SATURDAY 2nd Week of Easter

WHITE SOTER

Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19

R. May your merciful love be upon us, as we hope in you, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Christ is risen, who made all things; he has shown mercy on all people. Gospel: John 6:16-21

When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

There is an interesting juxtaposition in today’s readings. The Gospel shows Jesus pointing out that some followed him because he fed them rather than because they saw God in his actions. In Acts we see that the feeding ministry is growing so large that it is taking away from preaching. This is a constant struggle in the history of the church between faith and works. Each of us must consistently reflect on this balance and keep them in tension. We can’t have one without the other, and we cannot set boundaries between them. We must foster a dynamic interplay of action and contemplation.

M POPE & ARTYR (d. 175)

Pope Soter was the bishop of Rome from c. 167 to his death in c. 174. He is known for declaring that marriage was valid only as a sacrament blessed by a priest and also for formally inaugurating Easter as an annual festival in Rome. He was known for his out standing charity towards needy exiled Christians who came to him and towards those who had been condemned to the mines.

3rd Sunday of Easter

APRIL

White

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. “You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ “Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, ‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.’ This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. Psalms 15:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-11 (11a)

R. Preserve me, Lord, I take refuge in you. Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you I say to the Lord; “You are my God. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; it is you yourself who are my prize.” R

And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; even my body shall rest in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay. R

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, who even at night directs my heart. since he is at my right hand, I shall stand him

You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence. at your right hand happiness for ever. R

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-21

If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Lord Jesus, open to us the scriptures. Make our hearts burn within us while you talk to us. Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Lord hears the cries of the poor, but unfortunately to cry out to God we must have something to cry about. There is a redemptive power to suffering. Jesus shows us this in the Paschal mystery. He had to endure pain and cry out to God. There is no shame in honest lament. We often maintain pride and avoid humility by gritting our teeth and enduring. Our readings today remind us that there is no heroism in pretending to be alright. We are called to live in the Truth. This means opening up. I believe that being closed off to emotion and vulnerability is why Cleopas was unable to recognize Jesus on the road to Emmaus. So, how do we close ourselves off when we could be open and honest and seek the consolation the God offers us?

First Reading: Acts 6:8-15

24 APRIL MONDAY 3rd Week of Easter

L MEMO RIA IONA PT SIGMA OF

GEN RIN

FIDEL IS

WHITE

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us. ...(please see appendix Page 469) Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30

R. Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

MARTYR

(1576 - 1622)

St. Fidelis was a Capuchin friar who led a life of penance, vigils and prayer. As a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi, Fidelis continued his devotion to the weak and needy. He had a reputation as an indefatigable preacher and he was ordered by the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith to preach in the canton in Switzerland. There he was pursued by the heretics and suffered martyrdom

Alleluia, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Gospel: John 6:22-29

The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

Today Jesus challenges us to not waste our time on what does not nourish us. Yet, how much time, money, and energy to we spend on emotional, physical, and spiritual “junk food”? In Acts of the Apostles Stephen knows what lasts and what will nourish him and the world. I think this is why people got together to create a slander campaign against him. Stephen’s faithful zeal for the Gospel was dangerous and threatening to those who sell “junk food” and to those who are addicted to “junk food.” How am I promoting healthy, wholesome, and nourishing action for myself and those around me?

First Reading:1 Peter 5:5b-14

And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

25 APRIL TUESDAY 3rd Week of Easter

RED FEA ST

M A RK

Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17

R. I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the bread of life, says the Lord; whoever comes to me shall not hunger. Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

Peter reminds us here in no uncertain terms to put away pride, but why is this reading paired with the commissioning to go forth and preach the Gospel? At least for me, I sense in this a call to be a “fool for Christ.” It can be easy to take an unearned pride in ministry and in doing God’s work. Sometimes, I can take myself too seriously--forgetting who and what is really important. It is not about me or even my ministry--it is about making God’s love real in our world. When I insult someone for a lack of doctrinal knowledge or harshly correct a theological misunderstanding or step over someone in need at the service of my position, am I really continuing the mission that Jesus began?

GELIST & MARTYR EVAN (1st Century)

Usually identified with the Mark of Acts 12:12, he accompanied St. Paul on his first missionary journey and later followed him to Rome. Mark’s Gospel was probably written for gentile converts in Rome— after the death of Peter and Paul between A.D. 60 and 70. He was a disciple of St. Peter and reproduced his teaching in his Gospel. He is said to have founded the Church of Alexandria. St. Mark is the patron saint of Venice

26 APRIL WEDNESDAY 3rd Week of Easter

CLETU NA

WHITE

First Reading: Acts 8:1b-8

That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. So there was great joy in that city. Psalm 66:1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a

R. Cry out with joy to God, all the earth. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Everyone who believes in the Son shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day, says the Lord. M POPE & ARTYR (d. c. 88)

Pope Anacletus was the third Bishop of Rome, following Peter and Linus. Anacletus served as pope between c. 79 and his death, c. 92. During his tenure, he is known to have ordained a number of priests and is traditionally credited with setting up about twentyfive parishes in Rome. He also required that all ordinations be accomplished in public. He reserved burial sites for future martyrs in the Christian cemeteries, because multitudes were being condemned under Domitian.

Gospel: John 6:35-40

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

What is the bread of life? Well, bread represents a fundamental and basic unit of nourishment. It is essential, but isn’t all bread, then, the bread of life? And how can Jesus BE bread? We have heard this so much; I am afraid we lose how alarming and radical this simple phrase is. We take Jesus into our bodies to become a part of us and to give us energy for the journey-- to go forth! I am struck that this is paired today with Acts reminding us of the first martyr and Saul persecuting the disciples. These things too propelled the believers out to be missionaries, perhaps this is why Jesus chose to be a portable food, a food that can be wrapped-up, broken, and shared along the Way.

First Reading: Acts 8:26-40

Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else? ” Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ...(please see appendix Page 469) Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20

R. Cry out with joy to God, all the earth Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live for ever. Gospel: John 6:44-51

No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Much more than manna, Jesus is not simply nourishment delivered by God. So how are we to make sense of the invitation to eat the incarnate Word, God made flesh? I often reflect on the importance of food or on the process of digestion to consider this point, but even this is simply pointing toward the richness of the metaphor. We will never exhaust the beauty and complexity to be found in the pure self-giving love in Christ’s invitation to us in this Gospel reading today.

27 APRIL THURSDAY 3rd Week of Easter

WHITE ZITA

VIRGIN

(1218 - 1278)

St. Zita was a pious girl who considered her work part of her prayer life. She attended daily Mass, recited morning and evening prayers, and slept on the bare floor for penance. Zita’s reputation for charity soon spread throughout Lucca. At first, her employers were upset by her generous gifts of food to the poor, but in time, they were completely won over by her patience and goodness. She is the patroness of domestic workers.

First Reading: Acts 9:1-20

28 APRIL FRIDAY 3rd Week of Easter

L MEMO RIA IONA PT Y DE M AR RT TFO ON

LOUIS M

WHITE

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. ...(please see appendix Page 469) Psalm 117:1bc, 2

R. Go into all the world and preach the Good News. ST & FOUNDER PRIE (1673 – 1716)

St. Louis was known in his time as a preacher and was made a missionary apostolic by Pope Clement XI. He is known for his particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the practice of praying the Rosary. He founded the Missionaries of the Company of Mary, for priests and brothers, and the Daughters of Wisdom, who cared especially for the sick. He was canonised on 20th July 1947 by Pope Pius XII.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him, says the Lord. Gospel: John 6:52-59

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

When Saul becomes Paul, one of the greatest early oppressors of the young Christian movement becomes its greatest advocate. Certainly, we should see the power of God in this, a God in whom all things are possible, a God who writes straight with crooked lines. More than that, we should also see how Paul’s conversion is calling to mind the entire movement of Salvation History. God transforms hate, anger, and fear into faith, hope, and love. The challenge is that we have to let it happen; so we must dispose ourselves to such a conversion. More challenging still, when we are struck down and fall as Saul did, we need to see it as an opportunity for conversion.

First Reading: Acts 9:31-42

APRIL SATURDAY 3rd Week of Easter

WHITE O M E M RI A L CAT H

Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

INE OF ER

NA SIE

Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Now as Peter went here and there among all the believers, he came down also to the saints living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed!” And immediately he got up. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.”...(please see appendix Page 470)

R. How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life. Gospel: John 6:60-69

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

No one said it would be easy to follow Jesus, and in today’s Gospel, Jesus himself makes it very clear that it will not be. The good news is that no one can do it on their own nor they are expected to; it is all grace--all spirit. The Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way to help guide us and give us the graces that we need. This should be comforting but for some (if we are honest) it is disappointing. I may want to earn it or feel like I did something right or well. We really don’t get it until we are more able to let go of those feelings and give in to what the spirit has in store for me.

N & DOCTOR VIRGI (1347 - 1380)

St. Catherine, a Dominican nun, was on fire with love of God and her neighbour. She strenuously fought for the rights and liberty of the papacy, and did much for the renewal of religious life. The Great Schism of the West led her to go to Rome where she sent numerous letters to princes and cardinals to promote obedience to Pope Urban VI. She is the joint patron saint of Italy along with Saint Francis of Assisi.

4th Sunday of Easter

APRIL

White

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. Psalms 22:1-6

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit. R

You are there with your crook and your staff with these you give me comfort. You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. R

He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever. R

Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:20b-25

If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the good shepherd, says the Lord, I know my own and my own know me.

Good Shepherd sunday Gospel: John 10:1-10

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

A good shepherd smells like his sheep. This is not some academic management theory. You can’t smell like sheep by reading about them, talking about them or writing about them. You can’t smell like sheep by visiting them every once in a while, with the purpose of trying to smell like them. To smell like sheep, you need to be with them. It is the time spent that leads to the caring, the concern, the good leadership--not the other way around. You can’t fake it. Jesus came to earth to be with His sheep for 33 long, difficult, and smelly years. He led by example with vulnerability and compassion. I am reluctant to even call it leadership. Perhaps it is just the compelling nature of a deep and abiding love. This is the kind of love that Jesus calls us tonknow and be known

First Reading: Acts 11:1-18

1 MAY MONDAY 4th Week of Easter

L MEMO RIA IONA PT THE W H,

KER OR

JOS EP

WHITE

Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I replied, “By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ ...(please see appendix Page 470) Psalm 42:2-3; 3, 4

R. My soul is thirsting for you, the living God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own and my own know me. Gospel: John 10:1-10

Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955 as a model and example of Christian workmanship. Pope assured the audience by saying, “You have at your side a shepherd, a defender and a father”. St. Joseph is an example for all those who live a life of faithful performance of every day duties and gain bread by the toil of their hands.

The image of the shepherd is well known in the middle eastern community and is observed around us. Jesus used this image to teach us to be good shepherds. Our mission is gathering people around us and give them confidence to trust us. Being a good shepherd means you have a heartful mission to do which God has entrusted you with. A mission that you will be accountable for in front of God. Being a good shepherd means to imitate Jesus and do as He did. He put himself on the cross to reconcile us with his Father. Many countries around the world celebrates Saint Joseph the worker for the faithful man he was. We are all invited to take this man as a model for us, this man who raised Jesus, worked in silence and was trustful and honest.

First Reading: Acts 11:19-26

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. ...(please see appendix Page 470) Psalm 87:1-3, 4-5, 6-7

2 MAY TUESDAY 4th Week of Easter

WHITE O M E M RI A L

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord, and I know them, and they follow me.

S OF AL IU

RIA AND EX

Gospel Acclamation:

ATHAN AS

R. O praise the Lord, all you nations.

Gospel: John 10:22-30

At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

During his earthly life, Jesus was one of the people who celebrated the feast of the Dedication by going to the Temple where they should adore the Lord. The People gathered around him; they wanted a clear answer from Jesus that he was the Messiah. Jesus has given the people around him numerous examples of his identity (verse 25). He has performed miracles and has become the Word made flesh. He has had others question his identity repeatedly. This was normal at the time. Folks who taught or prophesied were often asked to give proof of their deeds and the power behind their gift. But the questions in this passage go beyond that. They are questioning not only his identity but if his power is verifiably from God (verse 25). And as I hear that doubt creep into their questions, I am reminded that doubt is a constant companion to faith. Now, do I believe that Jesus is my Lord? What shall I do so that I be a part of those who hear the voice of the Lord? Simply, follow Jesus, walk in his steps: BELIEVE and Jesus will continue his work in your person.

OP & DOCTOR BISH (C. 295 - 373)

Born at Alexandria, St. Athanasius fought ceaselessly against the Arian heresy and as a result he had to endure much tribulation and he was several times sent into exile. He is the first person to identify the same 27 books of the New Testament that are in use today. His book Life of St. Anthony achieved astonishing popularity and contributed greatly to the establishment of monastic life throughout the Western Christian world.

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

3 MAY WEDNESDAY 4th Week of Easter

RED P & JAM ILI

FEA ST

Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R. Their span extends through all the earth. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. APOSTLES

(d. c.62) & (d. c.62)

Philip was one of the first of the Apostles and was instrumental in the call of Nathaniel. He probably suffered martyrdom by crucifixion at Hierapolis. St. James, the son of Alphaeus ruled the Church at Jerusalem, wrote an epistle, and led a life of penance. He converted many of the Jews to the true faith. He was martyred by being cast down from the parapet of the temple and killed with a fuller’s club.

Gospel: John 14:6-14

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

Jesus explained to his disciples why He was the only way to God; because He was and is the perfect representation of God. To know Jesus is to know God. Also, Jesus reassured Philip that “I am the way the truth and the life” emphasizing the importance of trusting in him. Trusting Jesus in the first step in believing that Jesus in the son of God. This gift of trust enables me and empowers me to open my mind and my heart and to have more strength and hope. Trusting Jesus is dwelling in this presence guides and supports us through our lives. can I open my heart and allow God’s love to take hold of me? I ask for an awareness of these grace-filled moments where I am fully present to the present moment. Perhaps moments when someone needs a listening ear or a helping hand.

First Reading: Acts 13:13-25

Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27

R. I will sing forever of your mercies, O Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead; you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your blood. Gospel: John 13:16-20

Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfill the scripture, ‘The one who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am he. Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.”

We are all equal, no one is better than another, we all have the same dignity because we are created in the image of our Lord. We are all connected to each other, all have their own roles in life. God loves us but loves everyone else as well as his only son. God’s presence in me should flow through the humanity of Jesus and moving me to spread God’s light into the world. Today, Jesus invites me to come and adore God and to reflect on how I am living today. I have to put away all blocks which prevent me from living like Jesus? Remembering that he has chosen me and I am entrusted to spread the love of God, I ask for a generous and open heart to spread his light.

4 MAY THURSDAY 4th Week of Easter

FLO R

WHITE OF IAN LO

H RC

Then Paul and his companions set sail from Paphosand came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem; but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it.” So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: “You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, ...(please see appendix Page 470)

MARTYR

(d. 304)

Florian was a military administrator who is said to have stopped a town from burning by praying and throwing a single bucket of water on the blaze. When ordered to execute a group of Christians during the persecutions of Diocletian, he refused, and professed his own faith. He was executed by drowning him in the Enns River with a millstone tied around his neck. He is the patron saint of chimney sweeps and firefighters.

5 MAY FRIDAY 4th Week of Easter

WHITE E ANG LO

First Reading: Acts 13:26-33

Paul said, “My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead; and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.’ Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11a

R. You are my Son. It is I who have begotten you this day. Gospel Acclamation: MARTYR

(d. 1220)

Angelo was one of the early members of the Carmelite Order. He had been a hermit on Mount Carmel for five years. During his journey from the East as well as after his arrival in Sicily, he converted many sinners by his teaching. As he was preaching to a crowd, a band of ruffians headed by Berengarius broke through and stabbed him. Mortally wounded, Angelo fell and prayed for the people especially for his murderer.

JUDITH OF PRUSSIA

Alleluia, I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me. Gospel: John 14:1-6

The words of Jesus are really profoundly comforting in the face of the death of lovely people around us. His words give us hope and invites us to look on our daily life. Do I deserve his dwelling? Am I going to be invited to dwell in these places? Listing to Jesus telling us “I am the way and the truth and the life”, In what ways do I know that Jesus ‘is the way’? What helps me to know or find that way in my life? Jesus promises that he has gone before us to prepare a place for us. Can I believe that? Can I trust him enough to believe that? The ultimate message of Jesus is to present us his Father? We are all called to know his Father by knowing him as our only redeemer, and the only savior.

First Reading: Acts 13:44-52

MAY SATURDAY 4th Week of Easter

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Psalms 97:1-3, 3-4

The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, ...(please see appendix Page 471)

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord. Gospel: John 14:7-14

If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works that these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

What is our reaction when we hear the question of Jesus “Have I been with you for so long time and you still do not know me? It is a difficult question to answer. I think the disciples felt so impressed by this question, they might feel kind of frustration. To “believe” without proof is difficult for most human beings. We have the old saying: “the proof is in the pudding.” I assume that most of us like to see and taste our “pudding.” Then we will believe! However, Jesus desires that we believe and trust without “seeing” Him. Putting all our trust in Jesus in very difficult in our days, we need a proof, a tangible sense. However, trust is our faith that Jesus in the way, and we have to follow him to reach the safe shore.

STUDENT

(1842 - 1857)

Dominic was a student of St. John Bosco. He died at the age of 14, possibly from pleurisy. He was noted for his piety and devotion to the Catholic faith. He founded and directed the Immaculate Conception Sodality, a group of boys who by prayer, word and example carried on an apostolate among their classmates. Savio was canonised a saint on 12th June 1954, by Pope Pius XII.

7 MAY

5th Sunday of Easter White

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Acts 6:1-7

R. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you. Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just; for praise is fitting for loyal hearts. Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs R For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted.

The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love R The Lord looks on those who revere him on those who hope in his love, to rescue their soul from death, to keep them alive in famine. R

Second Reading: 1 Peter2: 4-9

Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: “See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner,” and “A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.”

Gospel: John 14:1-12

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you. The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works that these, because I am going to the Father.”

In this chapter, Jesus invites his disciples to have faith in him. They all have faith in God. They learned their faith from their parents. And now Jesus is asking them to have faith in Him. He says if they know Him, then they know the Father. The Father is in Him, and He is in the Father. Jesus desire to assure his disciple that He wants them to be with Him all the time, he told them my teaching will guide you, don’t be afraid of the future: your future is in a good hands if you follow my teaching. Do we know the teaching of Jesus, his commands in the gospel? Do we often read the Gospel? Are we familiar with it? This is what we should do, to take the Gospel and read it, we have to imagine that Jesus is talking now to us; shall we do the work that Jesus has done?

First Reading: Acts 14:5-18

8 MAY MONDAY 5th Week of Easter

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And when an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, the apostles learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country; and there they continued proclaiming the good news. In Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet and had never walked, for he had been crippled from birth. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. And Paul, looking at him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And the man sprang up and began to walk. When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates; he and the crowds wanted to offer sacrifice. When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, “Friends, why are you doing this? We are mortals just like you, ...(please see appendix Page 471) Psalms 115:1-4, 15-16

VIRGIN

(1774 - 1835)

As a cloistered Carmelite, St. Magdalene realized her desire was to serve the needy without restriction. For years she worked among the poor and sick in hospitals and also among delinquent and abandoned girls. She founded the Congregation of the Canossian Daughters of Charity to promote the needs of the poor and setting a new method of religious life for both men and women. Pope John Paul II canonised her on 2nd October 1988.

R. Not to us, Lord, but to your name give the glory. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Gospel: John 14:21-26

They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.

In these verses, Jesus repeatedly emphasizes on the importance of putting his words, and commandments into practice. He wants his disciple to be honest, to practice what they believe and to harmonize words with acts. Loving Jesus means to represent Him in your daily life by performing his acts, and repeating his love to all. We have to pray for the Holy Spirit who will guide us and will shape our lives, the Holy spirit is the gift of our Lord, who will defend us, will console us, will teach us the ways of love. Come Holy Spirit, enlighten the fire in my heart.

First Reading: Acts 14:19-28

Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21

R. Your friend make known, O Lord, the glory of your reign. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and enter into his glory. Gospel: John 14:27-31a

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded.

The peace of our lord is with us. Alleluia, we have to rejoice in this good news. I the Peace of the Lord is with us, why we shall be afraid? We feel the deep desire of Jesus to give us his peace as He is going to face death. Jesus approaches the great moment of His life “the crucifixion”, in this time, He wants to encourage his disciples to be strong, with any fear, with assurance that Jesus is with us through his Peace. In our days, we need his Peace, everywhere in the world, we see destruction, in families we see the lack of peace. Let us pray for peace. Everyone needs the inner peace which will enlighten our thoughts and our acts, this peace will give us the power to reflect the peace of our Lord to those who are near us, those who work with us.

9 MAY TUESDAY 5th Week of Easter

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But Jews came there from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the city. The next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, then on to Iconium and Antioch. There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.” And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe. Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had completed. When they arrived, they called the church together and related all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. And they stayed there with the disciples for some time.

CONFESSOR

(c. 1182 - 1256)

Born to the French nobility, St. Peter gave away his possessions and moved to Barcelona to avoid the Albigensianheretics. He took part in the Crusades against the Albigensians in southern France. He used his large inheritance to ransom Christians held prisoners by the Moors. He founded the Order of Our Lady of Mercy (Mercedarians) devoted to ransoming Christians. He twice served as a captive in Africa, winning the release of over 400 captives

10 MAY WEDNESDAY 5th Week of Easter

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First Reading: Acts 15:1-6

Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. So they were sent on their way by the church, and as they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the believers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.” The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

PRIEST

(1840 - 1889)

St. Damien, belonging to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, was recognized for his ministry, which he led from 1873 until his death in 1889, in Hawai’i for people with leprosy in Moloka’i. He taught the Catholic faith and established leadership within the community to build houses, schools, hospitals, and churches. He died of leprosy on 15 April 1889. He was canonised on 11 October 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI.

Alleluia, Abide in me, and I in you, says the Lord; whoever abides in me bears much fruit. Gospel: John 15:1-8

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

We often talk about “faith-life” as an attachment to our Lord Jesus. To be attached to Jesus in not enough, the Lord wants more. He promised us much more, He wants us to live in Him, and so He will dwell in our hearts. Our living faith is the experience of “in Christ”, the expression that the apostles constantly repeat in their messages. The word “remain in me” is very popular in John, he uses this word many times, more than 112 times in his writings. Our great invitation is to “remain in Jesus”. What do we do to remain in Jesus? He says to us, remain in me and you will be answered for whatever you are asking. This is the love of Jesus to us, that we shall bear a lot of fruits. The fruits we shall bear is: love, patience, tolerance, peace, and fraternity, ……

First Reading: Acts 15:7-21

Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10

R. Tell among all the people the wonders of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them and they follow me. Gospel: John 15:9-11

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

Jesus came to join our Land in order to give us joy. He gives us commandments not to control or dominate our life but to offer the path to true happiness. True happiness is to live and to be attached to Jesus. The first mark of a true Christian is joy. In our life, we the Christians have to manifest this joy in many ways: life without any stress, life without any frustration, life without any worries, all of that because we are attached to Jesus, He is the source of happiness. If we are attached to him, nothing will stop us from being joyful. To love is the way to live in joyful life, just we have to abide in Jesus’s love to learn who we are to love others.

11 MAY THURSDAY 5th Week of Easter

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After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the Gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us; and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us. Now therefore why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” The whole assembly kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first looked favorably on the Gentiles, to take from among them a people for his name. This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written, “After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; from its ruins I will rebuild it, and I will set it up, so that all other peoples may seek the Lord—even all the Gentiles over whom my name has been called. Thus says the Lord, who has been making these things known from long ago.’ Therefore, I have reached the decision that we should not troublethose Gentiles who are turning to God, ...(please see appendix Page 471)

MONK

(1701 - 1781)

Ignatius belonged to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. His conquering a serious illness prompted him to consecrate his life to God. He was known for his self-denial and charity in Cagliari. While on his rounds, Ignatius would instruct the children, visit the sick, and urge sinners to repent. He was canonized in 21st October 1951 by Pope Pius XII. He is the patron saint for beggars and students.

First Reading: Acts 15:22-31

12 MAY FRIDAY 5th Week of Easter

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Then the apostles and the elders, with the consent of the whole church, decided to choose men from among their members and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers, with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the believers of Gentile origin in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that certain persons who have gone out from us, though with no instructions from us, have said things to disturb you and have unsettled your minds, we have decided unanimously to choose representatives and send them to you, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” ...(please see appendix Page 471) Psalm 57:8-9, 10-12

MARTYRS

R. I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples.

(1st century)

Gospel Acclamation:

St.Nereus and Achilleus were Roman soldiers who were converted to the true faith and refused to serve any longer. They were ordered by Emperor Domitian to slay his niece Flavia on account of her allegiance to the Christian faith. Refusing to carry out the order, they were banished to Ponza. They were eventually beheaded under the reign of Emperor Trajan. St Pancras, a noble Phrygian youth, came to Rome at the age of fourteen, and was martyred in 275 because he refused to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods.

Alleluia, I have called you friends, says the Lord, for all that I have heard from my Father I have make known to you. Gospel: John 15:12-17

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Jesus has chosen us. Alleluia. He called us since that we were in the womb of our mothers. His call is like an invitation to follow him and the result of this fellowship is to bear fruit that will remain. Nothing in life lasts except love. Love is the only thing that stays forever, why? Because God is love. Jesus invites us to love as He loves us. This has to be our purpose in life to love everyone, to treat everyone as we love to be treated. Our lives must be manifest love in: caring for others, in justice, in compassion, an in building up the world of peace. Let’s rejoice in the Lord, let’s be happy in our lives, let’s us be without fear, we can do that because the Lord in with us. His presence makes the differences, He changes the darkness into lightness. We only need to put our trust in Him.

13 MAY SATURDAY 5th Week of Easter

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Paul went on also to Derbe and to Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him; and he took him and had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went from town to town, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily. They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.

OUR L

First Reading: Acts 16:1-10

Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5

R. Cry out with joy to the Lord all the earth. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Gospel: John 15:18-21

“If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.

Jesus is giving a comparison between what is expected from the ones who follow him and the ones who follow the world. The values that Jesus wants his followers to acquire are different from the values of the world. The world wants success by all means, the world wants richness with no matter what we do. Jesus values are different: love, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, reconciliation, fraternity, peace… these things are no more valuable in the world. This is the reason why the world will hate us because we challenge those who live without these values, we challenge those who create grudges and malice among people, we challenge those who create war. The followers of Jesus are expected to live a life with values that don’t go away.

On 13th May 1917, during the First World War, in the little Portuguese town of Fatima, the Mother of God herself deigned to appear in the first of six apparitions to three children, Sr. Lucia of Fatima and Sts. Francisca and Jacinta Marto, to make through them one final appeal to the materialistic, war-torn world. Our Lady asked them to pray the Rosary and to make sacrifices, offering them for the conversion of sinners.

6th Sunday of Easter

MAY

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SUNDAY First Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. So there was great joy in that city. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Psalms 65:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16-20

R. Cry out with joy to God, all the earth. Cry out with joy to God, all the earth, O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous your deeds !” R

He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the river dry-shod. Let our joy then be in him; he rules for ever by his might. R

“Before you all the earth shall bow; shall sing to you, sing to your name!” Come and see the works of God, tremendous his deeds among men. R

Come and hear, all who fear God, I will tell what he did for my soul. Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer nor withhold his love from me. R

Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18

But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you and accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. Alleluia. Gospel: John 14:15-21

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he

abides with you, and he will be in you. “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

Jesus is preparing his going back to the Father, but He doesn’t want his followers feeling left behind, He wanted to reassure them by promising them the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Father, to those who believe in Him. The Holy Spirit is our advocate, our counsellor. We need to put all our trust in him, by doing what is expected from us as Christians in the world. In this text, love appears four times, it is the key world of this text. The Holy Spirit pushes us to love more, and more. In our changing and increasingly secularized society, we need the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us, and not to feel a sense of loss or abandonment, we need the inspiration the of Holy Spirit to follow the life of Jesus.

15 MAY MONDAY 6th Week of Easter

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First Reading: Acts 16:11-15

We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us. Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

R. The Lord takes delight in his people. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The Spirit of truth will bear witness about me, says the Lord; you also will bear witness. MADRID

(c. 1070 - 1130)

Isidore the Farmer was a Spanish farm worker known for his piety toward the poor and animals. He rose early in the morning to go to church and spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. He was known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore’s supplying them miraculously with food.

Gospel: John 15:26-16:4a

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.

Today the Lasallian world has the feast of their founder St. John Baptiste de La Salle. During his life he has experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit. When he stated establishing the Institute, he gave away all his belongings just to depend totally of the Holy Spirit. He started his work form nothing except relaying on the Holy Spirit, now this Institute is in more than 80 countries. Depending on the Holy Spirit means that we have to give away our will and to follow the will of God in our regard. Everyone has a mission to do in his life, God created us and He has given each one of us a mission that we have to accomplish in order to live joyfully. In this passage, Jesus wants to prepare us after his departure from this world by sending the Holy Spirit. Do we know the Holy Spirit? How we pray to the Holy Spirit? Do we listen to his inspiration? May we always feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and may we always feel the solidarity of those who like us share their faith.

16 MAY TUESDAY 6th Week of Easter

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The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, ...(please see appendix Page 471)

First Reading: Acts 16:22-34

Psalm 138:1-2a, 2bcd-3, 7c-8

R. With you right hand you save me, O Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I will send the Helper of truth to you, says the Lord; he will guide you into all the truth. Gospel: John 16:5-11

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

In the passages of the Gospel that we read in these days; we notice how often Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit. This is the time after Easter and before the Pentecost, so Jesus wants us to be prepared to receive the Holy Spirit. The coming of the Holy Spirit of Truth to us is clearly of great importance to Jesus. Is the Holy Spirit important to me? Do I remember the moment of my confirmation, do I recognize the reality of the Holy Spirit in my life? In many of his homilies, Pope Francis says always that we are a holy people because of the anointing of the Spirit. We are lucky because God has chosen us to be his part. Do we rely on the Holy Spirit when proclaiming the God News? May the Holy Spirit give us the courage and power to always say the truth.

CONFESSOR

(c. 1165 - 1265)

St. Simon was an early Prior of the Carmelites. The surname “Stock” is related to a story that he lived for a time in a hollow tree before the arrival of the Carmelites in England. The Blessed Virgin Mary is traditionally said to have appeared to him and given him the Carmelite habit, the Brown Scapular. He founded many Carmelite Communities, helped to change the Carmelites from a hermit Order to one of mendicant friars.

17 MAY WEDNESDAY 6th Week of Easter

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(1540 - 1592)

Paschal belonging to the Order of Friars Minor was best known for his strong and deep devotion to the Eucharist. He became noted for his strict austerities, as well as his love for and compassion towards the sick. He was sent to counter the arguments of the Calvinists in France but was chased out and nearly killed by a mob. He lived his life in contemplation and silent meditation and had frequent ecstatic visions.

First Reading: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1

Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and after receiving instructions to have Silas and Timothy join him as soon as possible, they left him. Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, “To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For “In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “For we too are his offspring.’ Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance,now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, ...(please see appendix Page 471) Psalm 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14

R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you for ever. Gospel: John 16:12-15

Jesus said, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason, I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

In this passage we see Jesus as a great Pedagogue to us. He didn’t give us everything because He knew that we couldn’t understand everything easily. We cannot bear his teaching immediately. We need time to assimilate everything he is saying to us. To understand fully his teaching, He promised us the Holy Spirit, when he comes, he will guide us in the truth. It is not a matter of knowledge but it is a matter of our heart and our feeling. How we could understand love, suffering, the presence of God, the future, death, and eternal life without the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Without the Holy Spirit we are nothing.

First Reading: Acts 18:1-8

18 MAY THURSDAY 6th Week of Easter

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After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them, and they worked together—by trade they were tentmakers. Every sabbath he would argue in the synagogue and would try to convince Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with proclaiming the word, testifying to the Jews that the Messiah was Jesus. When they opposed and reviled him, in protest he shook the dust from his clothes and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Then he left the synagogue and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God; his house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the official of the synagogue, became a believer in the Lord, together with all his household; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul became believers and were baptized. Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. The Lord has shown his deliverance to the nations. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I will not leave you as orphans, says the Lord; I will come to you, and your hearts will rejoice. Gospel: John 16:16-20

“A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.” Then some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying to us, ‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They said, “What does he mean by this ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing among yourselves what I meant when I said, ‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’? Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.

Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. We recall his last speech before he was taken to heaven to his Father. He gave us a command “Go and teach all nation”. This is a terrifying message. Am I worthy to do that? When Jesus gave this command, He gave it to eleven people, who were powerless, without money, without influence and without education. Jesus depended only on eleven people. Now the Christian is the largest group of believers on the planet. That was possible because the eleven people believed Jesus. It is not a matter of numbers; it is matter of love and faith. Do we have faith to continue the mission of Jesus, giving hope to everyone around us, giving hope that tomorrow will be better than today because God loves us so much that He send his only son to redeem us?

M POPE & ARTYR (d. 526)

Pope John I was the bishop of Rome from 523 to his death. He was sent on a diplomatic mission to Constantinople by the Ostrogoth King Theoderic to negotiate better treatment for Arians. On his way home, John was imprisoned at Ravenna because the emperor had begun to suspect that John’s friendship with his eastern rival might lead to a conspiracy against his throne. Shortly after his imprisonment, John died from the treatment in prison.

First Reading: Acts 18:9-18

19 MAY FRIDAY 6th Week of Easter

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One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people.” He stayed there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal. They said, “This man is persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to the law.” Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of crime or serious villainy, I would be justified in accepting the complaint of you Jews; but since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I do not wish to be a judge of these matters.” And he dismissed them from the tribunal. Then all of them seized Sosthenes, the official of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of these things. After staying there for a considerable time, Paul said farewell to the believers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had his hair cut, for he was under a vow. Psalms 46:2-7

ALLE BROTHER LA S (1856 - 1919)

Br. Raphaël Louis Rafiringa was born in Tananarive (Madagascar) on May 1, 1856. His indefatigable missionary effort suffered as a result of two wars, one in 1883 and the other in 1895. All the missionaries having been chased from the island, Brother Raphaël confronted this difficult situation with a superhuman courage that was crowned with success. As a sign of their recognition of this, the French authorities decorated him with the Madagascan gold medal of merit. As a result of his remarkable literary effort, he was named a member of the Madagascan Academy. He died at Fianarantsoa on May 19, 1919. On October 18, 1979, the Brothers of this great island requested of Pope John Paul II the introduction of the Cause of the Servant of God.

R. God is king of all the earth. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and enter into his glory. Gospel: John 16:20-23

Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.

Jesus wants to tell us that if your life is full of pain and suffering, if your life is full of sorrow and grief, all of that is nothing because we will have joy which will be eternal joy. No one can take this joy. Jesus gives us the image of the woman that she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child is born. This is a could image for us that we will not remember our pain because the joy will cover everything. This joy will empower us, will heal our heart. This passage is like an invitation to us to let Jesus into our life. When there is pain, He will help us to remember these consoling words. Jesus, I believe in you, increase my faith in you.

First Reading: Acts 18:23-28

SATURDAY 6th Week of Easter

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Psalm 47:2-3, 8-9, 10

After spending some time there he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. And when he wished to cross over to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father. Gospel: John 16:23b-28

Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be completed. “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.”

I recall when I was a child, I used to ask my parents for the thing I wanted. I was very sure that my parents would give me what I want not because they could do it, but rather to give me joy, to give me happiness I needed it in my life as a child. In the other hand, I used to ask only my parents, because I knew that they love me, they will give me it because they love me. In the same way, God gives us anything we ask in the name of Jesus because He loves us, and He wants us to feel satisfied from His presence. Do we realize how much God loves us? Are you aware of this love? We have to remember love and faith are always closely linked, the two sides of our relationship with God. My faith and my love are not perfect, but I do try to do my best, and for the merciful Father that is enough. On the other hand, his love for me is without limits. I stay with this great mystery of the love the Father has for me, and I ask for more love and faith

PRIEST

(1380 - 1444)

Bernardine belonging to the Friars Minor went throughout Italy preaching, with great spiritual success. Especially known for his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, Bernardine devised a symbol IHS, the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek in Gothic letters on a blazing sun. He strongly emphasized scholarship and further study of theology and canon law. His preaching was frequently directed against sorcery, gambling, infanticide, witchcraft, sodomy and usury.

Ascension of The Lord

MAY

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SUNDAY First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in while robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Psalm 46:2-3, 6-9

R. God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast. All peoples, clap your hands, cry to God with shouts of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, we must fear, great king over all the earth. R God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.

Sing praise for God, sing praise, sing praise to our King, sing praise. R God is king of all the earth, Sing praise with all your skill. God is king over the nations; God reigns on his holy throne. R

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church. Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Ascension sunday Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Go, make disciples of all the nations; I am with you always; to the close of the age. Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus is on the way to finish His mission on the earth. He is about to accomplish the message that God has send him to our world. Jesus is going to be glorified by his Father. Death and resurrection are the ultimate moment of the glory of Jesus. On the cross Jesus reveals his love to us, his infinite and continuous love to the people of his own. The matter of death and resurrection is not a matter of head knowledge, it is a matter of faith. Do we believe on the resurrection of Jesus? Believing in the resurrection means intimacy with God, to be enveloped by this intimacy is to experience something of what eternal life will be like.

22 MAY MONDAY 7th Week of Easter

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First Reading: Acts 19:1-8

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied—altogether there were about twelve of them. He entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out boldly, and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. Psalm 68:2-3, 4-5ac, 6-7ab

R. You Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God. Gospel Acclamation:

WIDOW

(1381 - 1457)

After her husband died, St. Rita joined an Augustinian community of religious sisters, where she was known both for practicing mortification of the flesh and for the efficacy of her prayers. She is often portrayed with a bleeding wound on her forehead, which is understood to indicate a partial stigmata. At her canonisation ceremony she was bestowed the title of Patroness of Impossible Causes. She is the patroness of abused wives and heartbroken women.

Alleluia, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Gospel: John 16:29-33

The disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”

Jesus gave his disciples everything, He revealed to them his message clearly. They have no more question about Jesus and his mission. Did his disciples realize that they knew everything? In spite of his teaching, the disciples didn’t have the courage to cope with the challenges they would soon be facing, they would be scattered in all directions. In the time of fear and frustration, God would strengthen them and encourages them to be at peace. This is the ultimate message of Jesus, have faith in God and you will be in peace all the time. Today, we pray that we don’t be discouraged by any kind of failures, and we pray that we can overcome obstacles and challenges in our life. God, we want to feel your presence in our life. Amen.

First Reading: Acts 20:17-27

From Miletus he Paul sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. When they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the entire time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears, enduring the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, as I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus. And now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and ...(please see appendix Page 471)

23 MAY TUESDAY 7th Week of Easter

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R. You Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God. Alleluia, I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you for ever.

TIST DE AP SSI RO

Gospel Acclamation:

JOHN B

Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21

Gospel: John 17:1-11a

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.

In this text, we see the deep relation between Jesus and his Father. Jesus speaks form the depth of his heart about his Father’s love. This love accompanies Jesus form the beginning of his mission until the crucifixion, death and resurrection. Because of this love, Jesus prayed his Father that we might be one, as Jesus and His Father are one. Jesus prays for Unity. As his chosen people, we have to seek God by all means, and we have to build the unity among us. The unity starts by respecting each and every one of us.

CONFESSOR

(1698 - 1762)

St. John Baptist De Rossi served as the canon of Santa Maria in Cosmedin after his priest cousin died, and he was a popular confessor despite his initial fears that his epileptic seizures could manifest in the Confessional. He opened a hospice for homeless women not long after his ordination, and he became known for his work with prisoners and ill people, to whom he dedicated his entire ecclesial mission.

24 MAY WEDNESDAY 7th Week of Easter

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First Reading: Acts 20:28-38

Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing. You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions. In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, ...(please see appendix Page 472) Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35b-36c

R. You Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth. Gospel: John 17:11b-19

John Chrysostom was the first person to use this title in year 345 as a devotion to the Virgin Mary. The Church has traditionally focused on two aspects of Our Lady’s help on this feast day. Firstly, the Church focuses on the role of Our Lady’s intercession in the fight against sin in the life of a believer. Secondly, it focuses on Our Lady as one who assists Christians as a community, in fighting against antiChristian forces.

Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

In this short text, we find 10 times the word “the world”. Jesus wants to warn us form this world that is different from his own. He has given us the word of his Father that why the world we living in hates us. That means the values of this world are so different from the values that God wants us to acquire. Even, Jesus’ prayer to the Father is not to withdraw us from our world, and not to create for us a safe place to be protected, but his intention is to protect us form the evil that dominate the world. The evil is spreading his bad actions by the people who don’t follow Jesus and his teaching. In these days, we have to rely on Jesus’ prayer, we have to trust him and to follow his to build our own world. How do I trust Jesus? What kind of prayer that I address God?

First Reading: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, May they all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, so that the world may believe that you have sent me, says the Lord. Gospel: John 17:20-26

“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. “Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Jesus makes God, his Father, known by the perfect love he shows for his disciples. The disciples, as well as all Christians, are to be recognized as sent by Jesus by the love they have for one another, and even to any stranger. There are over 300 references to love in the New Testament. Love is God’s greatest and the most important gift to us. By mutual love, we reveal God’s love to the world. In the letter to Diognet: an important pagan person in the Early church, it was known that “Christians love one another, this is how to know Christians by their love”. How do we love each other? Is our love similar to God’s love to his people?

THURSDAY 7th Week of Easter

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R. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

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Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

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Since he wanted to find out what Paul was being accused of by the Jews, the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and the entire council to meet. He brought Paul down and had him stand before them. When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) Then a great clamor arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” ...(please see appendix Page 472)

ESSOR, DOCTOR CONF (673 - 735)

Bede was an English Benedictine monk. He was well known as an author, teacher, and scholar, and his most famous work, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, gained him the title “The Father of English History”. He also helped establish the practice of dating forward from the birth of Christ (Anno Domini – in the year of our Lord). He especially upheld the tradition of the Fathers and explained the Scriptures.

26 MAY FRIDAY 7th Week of Easter

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First Reading: Acts 25:13b-21

After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus. Since they were staying there several days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man here who was left in prison by Felix. When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me about him and asked for a sentence against him. I told them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone before the accused had met the accusers face to face and had been given an opportunity to make a defense against the charge. So when they met here, I lost no time, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. When the accusers stood up, they did not charge him with any of the crimes that I was expecting. Instead they had certain points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died,...(please see appendix Page 472) Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab

R. The Lord has fixed his throne in heaven. Gospel Acclamation: SSOR & FOUNDER CONFE (c. 1515 - 1595)

Born in Florence, St. Philip began to devote himself to work among the young men, while at the same time he led a Christian life and formed a brotherhood to look after the sick poor. He formed the Congregation of the Oratory in which he held services consisting of spiritual readings and hymns, as well as performing charitable works. He was out standing for love of his neighbour, an evangelical simplicity and joyfulness in the service of God

Alleluia, The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Gospel: John 21:15-19

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

After Jesus question Peter, three times “Do you love me?”. After Jesus heard Peter, He said to him: “Follow me”. Is there a relation between loving Jesus and following him? Yes, there is a strong relation between loving Jesus and following Jesus. When we know Jesus, loving him becomes easy. When we love him, we have to follow him. Because his love attaches us, and keeps us in his intimacy. Sometimes I feel hearing Jesus calling me, or asking me the same question, I hear myself answering “yes” but with some hesitation and weakness. Yes, Lord, I love you, but I ask you to increase my love to you every day so that I could feel comfortable with myself. Amen

First Reading: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

SATURDAY 7th Week of Easter

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R. The upright shall behold your face, O Lord.

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Psalm 11:4, 5 and 7

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When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. Three days later he called together the local leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, yet I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. When they had examined me, the Romans wanted to release me, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to the emperor—even though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I will send the Spirit of truth to you, says the Lord; he will guide you into all the truth Gospel: John 21:20-25

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” So the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

With all what Jesus taught Peter during his time with the disciples. Peter is concerned with what will happen with the other disciple, Peter seems to be human and spontaneous. He wants to know what is going to happen with his closest companion. The answer of Jesus was so simple “You follow me”. Jesus seems telling Peter “you follow me despite everything around you”. Many things in life will happen, they will distract us from being faithful to Jesus, we have to be firm in what to do. Following Jesus means asking all the time the gift of freedom from whatever distracts me from being a faithful follower of Jesus. Let’s pray that God increase our faith in Him. AMEN

BISHOP

(d. 605)

Augustine was a Benedictine monk who became the first Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 597. He was sent by St. Gregory the Great to preach the gospel in England. He converted many to the faith and set up some dioceses especially in the kingdom of Kent. His example also influenced the great missionary efforts of the Anglo Saxon Church. He is considered the “Apostle to the English” and a founder of the English Church.

Pentecost Sunday

MAY

Red

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SUNDAY First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” Psalm 104:1 ab and 24ac, 29b-30, 31 and 34

R. Lord, send forth your spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, how great you die, How many are your works, O Lord! The earth is full of your creatures. R You take away their breath, they die, Returning to the dust from which they came. You send forth your spirit, and they are created, And you renew the face of the earth. R May the glory of the Lord last forever! May the Lord rejoice in his works! May my thoughts be pleasing to him. I will rejoice in the Lord. R Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 (or Romans 8: 8-17)

No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Pentecost sunday Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, alleluia! Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia! Gospel: John 20:19-23

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

The disciples were gathered in a house, they had fear because of the Jews. Let’s imagine their feeling: they felt abandoned, alone and without any force. The one who was giving them life is no longer with them. They had fear. At that moment, Jesus came to them. He came to give them peace. He came to them in order to strengthen them, to give them power over their fear. Then, out of his unconditional love to them, Jesus “breathed” the Holy Spirit into them. Do they merit this gift? Do we merit this gift when we take the sacrament of confirmation? The way is long, we have to grow in our faith with the help of the Holy Spirit. Everyone is called to grow in faith by changing our heart of stone into heart of flash.

First Reading: Sirach 17:24-29

29 MAY MONDAY 8th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE R OF TH HE HURCH EC

MARY M OT

O M E M RI A L

Pope Francis declared that a new obligatory memorial is to be celebrated in honor of our Blessed Mother under the title: Mary, Mother of the Church (Mater Ecclesiae), which will take place on the Monday following Pentecost Sunday. This announcement was made in a decree released by the Vatican on Saturday, March 3 2018. Honoring Mary as mother of the church on the day after Pentecost also highlights for Catholics that Mary was present with the disciples on Pentecost, praying with them as the Holy Spirit descended. Mary “from the awaiting of the Spirit at Pentecost, has never ceased to take motherly care of the pilgrim church on earth.” Maximin of trier

Yet to those who repent he grants a return, and he encourages those who are losing hope. Turn back to the Lord and forsake your sins; pray in his presence and lessen your offense. Return to the Most High and turn away from iniquity, and hate intensely what he abhors. Who will sing praises to the Most High in Hades in place of the living who give thanks? From the dead, as from one who does not exist, thanksgiving has ceased; those who are alive and well sing the Lord’s praises. How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness for those who return to him! Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7

R. Rejoice in the Lord; exult, you just! Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia,Though Jesus Christ was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. Gospel: Mark 10:17-27

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”

We are very familiar with this text and it seems to us that we know this young man who is polite, refined in his dealings with Jesus Christ. We know that this young man had a dream of following Jesus, so he asked him what to do. But at the end of the dialogue between him and Jesus, Jesus asked him to give up everything, to sell everything and follow him. But when the young man heard that, he felt sad and depressed because he could not give up what belonged to him, wanted to enjoy it, wanted to live in luxury, because he knew that whoever follows Jesus must live a life of poverty, and a life of obedience to the Holy Spirit. This young man is similar as many of us who can’t let go of what belongs to us. Sometimes we are too much attached to terrestrial things. Let us pray that the Lord Jesus will give us wisdom in our choices and strength to follow him.

First Reading: Sirach 35:1-12

The one who keeps the law makes many offerings; one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being. The one who returns a kindness offers choice flour, and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering. To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord, and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement. Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the commandment. The offering of the righteous enriches the altar, and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High. The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable, and it will never be forgotten. Be generous when you worship the Lord, and do not stint the first fruits of your hands. With every gift show a cheerful face, and dedicate your tithe with gladness. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, and as generously as you can afford.

30 MAY TUESDAY 8th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN N OF AR OA

R. To one whose way is blameless, I will show the salvation of

Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23 God.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom. Gospel: Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

What did Peter expect from Jesus when he said that we left everything and followed you. Was Peter worried about his future? Jesus’ answer to him opened up new horizons in thinking and in ways of living. Those who leave everything for Jesus will find hundreds of times more than he left, In this life and in eternal life. Jesus ends his speeches by saying “many that are first will be last, and last will be first”. Its means that one’s position in this life does not give a person an advantage in gaining eternal life or salvation. Eternal life is for those who believe in Him, in his message and putting in practice his teaching.

VIRGIN MARTYR (1412 - 1431)

St. Joan of Arc claimed to have received visions of the archangel Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine of Alexandria instructing her to support Charles VII and recover France from English domination. During the Hundred Years War, Joan led French troops against the English and recaptured the cities of Orléans and Troyes. Burned at the stake as a heretic after a politically motivated trial, Joan was canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.

31 MAY

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! ...(please see appendix Page 472) Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

WEDNESDAY 8th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE FEA ST SS BLE ED

GIN MARY VIR

VISITATION O F

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18

This feast commemorates the visit of the Virgin Mary, pregnant with the child Jesus, to her cousin Elizabeth, pregnant with John the Baptist, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke (1:39–56). Elizabeth boldly declared Mary the most “blessed” among women, the Mother of God. Mary later sings the Magnificat as a thanks giving for the mighty richness of God’s unfailing love and mercy. Its observance was extended to the whole church in 1389 by Pope Urban VI.

R. Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.. Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Visitation, the visit of the Virgin Mary to the village of Elizabeth. The visit has many meanings. When Mary heard that the Elizabeth was pregnant while she was aging. She decided to go to her to help her and serve her and stand up to her needs. The surprise was there. The baby moved in the womb of Elizabeth when he felt the presence of Jesus near him in Mary’s womb. What a surprise! Do we live on Mary’s example in service? Do we carry the meaning of the visit, and does our presence bring joy to others? We are the children of joy. Joy is the characteristic of Christians. We have to breathe joy everywhere we are. Here is Mary, singing the hymn of joy and thanking the Lord for choosing her to be a mother to his son. How beautiful a feeling of gratitude and appreciation? Before the creation of the world, the Lord chose us, let us be like Mary, prostrate to the Lord and seeking him.

First Reading: Sirach 42:15-25

I will now call to mind the works of the Lord, and will declare what I have seen. By the word of the Lord his works are made; and all his creatures do his will. The sun looks down on everything with its light, and the work of the Lord is full of his glory. The Lord has not empowered even his holy ones to recount all his marvelous works, which the Lord the Almighty has established so that the universe may stand firm in his glory. ..(please see appendix Page 472) Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Today the Church remembers Saint Justin, a philosopher who died a martyr in Rome around 165. Three aspects of his life edify us. The first aspect: he was a great apologist. This term designates the writers who defended nascent Christianity against various accusations, including that of anthropophagy... The most important thing for us today, however, is no longer about defending Christianity but safeguarding the creation that embraces the environment and our very humanity. The second aspect: his art of exposing the contents of his faith in a language understandable to his contemporaries. He was dedicated to the urgency of the mission of transmitting the faith. If the safeguarding of our humanity requires the safeguarding of the sense of God, what does it mean to say and how can we speak of God in our time? Third characteristic: the thirst for truth and the divine inhabited him in a time similar to ours, marked by moral relativism and debates on values. However, he himself relates advice that an old man gave him: “Above all, pray that the doors of light may be opened to you, because no one can see and understand if God and his Christ do not grant him understanding.”

1 JUNE THURSDAY 8th Week in Ordinary Time

RED O M E M RI A L JUSTIN

MARTYR

(c. 100 - 166)

Justin, an early Christian apologist, is regarded as the foremost exponent of the Divine Word, the Logos, in the second century. The first Apology, his most well-known text, passionately defends the morality of the Christian life, and provides various ethical and philosophical arguments to convince the Roman emperor, Antoninus, to abandon the persecution of the Church. For his staunch adherence to the Christian religion, Justin was beheaded in Rome in 165.

First Reading: Sirach 44:1, 9-13

...(please see appendix Page 472) Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

JUNE

R. The Lord takes delight in his people. Gospel Acclamation:

FRIDAY 8th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT N US & LLI TER PE

MAR CE

GREEN

MARTYRS

(d. 304)

Damasus says that he heard the story of these two martyrs from their executioner who became a Christian after their deaths. According to a legendary account of their martyrdom, the two Romans saw their imprisonment as just one more opportunity to evangelize and managed to convert their jailer and his family. The legend also says that they were beheaded in the forest so that other Christians wouldn’t have a chance to bury and venerate their bodies.

Alleluia, I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord. Gospel: Mark 11:11-25

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. ...(please see appendix Page 473)

On this day, the Church remembers the holy martyrs Marcellin and Peter. The word “martyr” means “witness of God”, a person executed for refusing to renounce his faith. The text of Sirach 44:1, 9-13 also speaks of exemplary witnesses whose lives deserve esteem and memory. The gospel of Mark 11:11-26 speaks of another type of martyrdom, that is to say, of witness... A martyr, in the broadest sense, is anyone who gives himself to God in the service of his neighbor and gladly endures the sufferings these entail in daily life. He then produces fruits of eternity, signs of fruitfulness. These fruits, an expression of his generosity, also bear witness to the goodness of God. Let us be careful not to fall into a stingy and therefore sterile life. The stingy life cultivates superficiality and ease... When stinginess triumphs, as an obstacle to self-giving, the heart, my inner temple, becomes a place of calculation and bargaining. Generosity, which overcomes the fear present in avarice, brings victory over death. God makes generous the one who surrenders to his action. How do I respond to the difficulties I encounter in my work, in my relationships? Do I respond in prayer and with faith?

First Reading: Sirach 51:12cd-20

For this reason I thank you and praise you, and I bless the name of the Lord. While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her until the end. From the first blossom to the ripening grape my heart delighted in her; my foot walked on the straight path; from my youth I followed her steps. I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found for myself much instruction. I made progress in her; to him who gives wisdom I will give glory. For I resolved to live according to wisdom, and I was zealous for the good, and I shall never be disappointed. ...(please see appendix Page 473) Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. The precepts of the Lord are right; they gladden the heart.

3 JUNE SATURDAY 8th Week in Ordinary Time

RED O M E M RI A L

LWANG ES

Alleluia, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

CHAR L

Gospel Acclamation:

Gospel: Mark 11:27-33

Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.” They argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

This Saturday, we remember Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions, martyrs of Uganda. On June 3, 1886, Charles Lwanga and 21 young Christians were burned alive. As a sign of the fruitfulness of their martyrdom, one year later the number of baptized Christians and catechumens more than tripled. They bear witness to the power of the divine in human beings. Invited to deny their faith, they refused. One of them said: “You can burn our bodies. You will not burn our soul...”. Jesus Christ came to reveal and save the divine in every human being. The divine, the power of love, is revealed in relationship with the other. Its manifestation is not possible until we renounce our own efforts to “divinize ourselves”. It endows each person with an inalienable freedom. It makes us respectful and capable of caring for all that is vulnerable. To awaken this power of love in ourselves, we must direct it, not towards ourselves, but towards the other. God’s love is received by giving oneself. “It is in the very life of the human person that God expects him to awaken in himself the power of salvation that He has placed there.”

MARTYRS

(d. c.1886 - 1887)

During the years 1885 to 1887, many Christians were killed in Uganda by the King Mwanga in hatred of religion. Among these were Charles Lwanga and twenty-one of his companions who would not acquiesce in the impure desires of the king. Some of them were killed by the sword and burned to death. Charles Lwanga is the patron of youth and Catholic action in most of tropical Africa. They were canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964.

4 JUNE

The Most Holy Trinity White

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9

So Moses cut two tablets of stone like the former ones; and he rose early in the morning and went up on Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him; and took in his hand the two tablets of stone. The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name, “The Lord.” The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. He said, “If now I have found favor in your sigh, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.” Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 (52b)

R. You are to be praised and highly exalted for ever. You are blest, Lord God or our fathers. To you glory and praise for evermore. Blest your glorious name. To you glory and praise for evermore. R You are blest in the temple of your glory. To you glory and praise for evermore. R You are blest on the throne of your kingdom. To you glory and praise for evermore. R You are blest who gaze into the depths. To you glory and praise for evermore. You are blest in the firmament of heave. To you glory and praise for evermore. R Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, the God who is, and who was, and who is to come.

Gospel: John 3:16-18

Today the Church celebrates the Holy Trinity. This solemnity reveals the nature of God, “Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. Moses, on Sinai, discovers God, as mercy and tenderness, and then asks Him to walk in and among his people. This prayer of Moses is fully accomplished in Jesus Christ . In Jesus, God manifests an overflowing love making each one his beloved. Jesus, becoming one of us and dying on the cross, associates us definitively with his own divine life. In short, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life”. Eternal life, in everyone, leads us to live in joy, peace and the perfection of love . The sign of the cross says it all. It is an act of faith in the Trinity and the salvation brought by Christ. It symbolizes a journey from the mind to the heart, recalling the incarnation of Christ. Its horizontal beam symbolizes the passage from death to life. We become children of the Father, in Christ, taught by his Spirit, given on the Cross.

5 JUNE MONDAY th

9 Week in Ordinary Time

RED O M E M RI A L

NIFACE BO

OP & MARTYR BISH (c. 673 - 755)

Boniface, known as the Apostle to the Germans, was an English Benedictine monk who gave up being elected abbot to devote his life to the conversion of the Germanic tribes. Two characteristics stand out: his Christian orthodoxy and his fidelity to the pope of Rome. During the evangelization of Friesland he was killed by the pagans. Through his efforts to reorganize and regulate the church of the Franks, he helped shape the Latin Church in Europe.

First Reading: Tobit 1:3; 2: 1a-8

I, Tobit, walked in the ways of truth and righteousness all the days of my life. ...(please see appendix Page 473) Psalm 112:1b-2. 3b-4. 5-6

R. Happy the man who fears the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead; you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your blood. Gospel: Mark 12:1-12

Then he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watchtower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’?” When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So they left him and went away.

Archbishop Boniface, who died a martyr, speaks both through his life and his name. His name designates the one who has “good face” or “good destiny”. The winegrowers in the gospel, guilty of homicide, refuse their destiny and determine their fate: death. By sending his son, the father, despite their repeated homicidal behavior, gives a mark of trust. Instead of associating their destiny with this son, they see in him an obstacle to be removed... Wearing the mask of hypocrisy, they oppose him with a closed face and heart. Tobias, living his life as a destiny, keeps his face open to the encounter with others. Salvation depends on the nature of the face that we present to the other. It is realized according to the nature of the gaze we have towards the other. Is it that of a mask or a naked face? A naked face symbolizes the refusal to oppose the other with the mask of a judge’s severity or the cunning of a hypocrite. Symbol of a received nature, it differs from the face of a character. It represents a proposal to enter into a relationship of trust placed above one’s own security.

First Reading: Tobit 2:9-14

That same night I washed myself and went into my courtyard and slept by the wall of the courtyard; and my face was uncovered because of the heat. I did not know that there were sparrows on the wall; their fresh droppings fell into my eyes and produced white films. I went to physicians to be healed, but the more they treated me with ointments the more my vision was obscured by the white films, until I became completely blind. For four years I remained unable to see. All my kindred were sorry for me, and Ahikar took care of me for two years before he went to Elymais. ...(please see appendix Page 473)

JUNE TUESDAY 9th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 112:1b-2, 7-8, 9

Alleluia, May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us.

L MEMO RIA IONA PT RBERT NO

Gospel Acclamation:

R. With a firm heart, the just man trusts in the Lord.

Gospel: Mark 12:13-17

Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.

How can we evangelize our world? John Baptist de La Salle proposes a model celebrated today, Saint Norbert . Evangelizing through education requires a transformation of oneself into an object of study for one’s students so that they may discover the spirit and virtues to be imitated. Our world, without hope, suffers from an urgent need to transmit the faith. Tobit, victim of repeated misfortunes, discovers that his good works are poorly rewarded. His example illustrates the autonomy of temporal realities affirmed by Jesus . How can we repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God? We must become mystics, entering into an active surrender to the Holy Spirit. God purifies us through our ministry. He converts us from the cult of efficiency to a sense of fruitfulness, the fruit of his action. “You must necessarily give back to Caesar the coin in which his image is engraved; but give your whole being to God with pleasure, because it is his image that is engraved in us...” Lasallian educator, this is our goal: to live according to the Gospel, according to a spirituality of windsurfing!

OP CONFESSOR BISH (c. 1060 - 1134)

St. Norbert, a canon of the cathedral of Xanten, went through France and Germany and other places preaching the Word of God, and with the help of companions who had joined him, founded the Premonstratensian Order dedicated to preaching, pastoral work, and education and set up a number of monasteries. As a Bishop, he carried out reforms in the religious life of the people and spread the faith among the pagans living nearby.

First Reading: Tobit 3:1-11a, 16-17a

7 JUNE WEDNESDAY 9th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Then with much grief and anguish of heart I wept, and with groaning began to pray: “You are righteous, O Lord, and all your deeds are just; all your ways are mercy and truth; you judge the world. And now, O Lord, remember me and look favorably upon me. Do not punish me for my sins and for my unwitting offenses and those that my ancestors committed before you. ...(please see appendix Page 474) Psalm 25:2-3, 4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9

R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. Gospel Acclamation:

N E WM TER INS

ROBE RT

Alleluia, . I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.

CONFESSOR

(1100 - 1159)

Robert joined the founders of the Cistercian monastery and headed the first Cistercian colony sent from Fountains in 1138. He established many abbeys in New minster. He is reputed to have had supernatural gifts, received visions, and suffered encounters with demons. He was a devout, prayerful, and gentle man. He is known for being merciful in his judgment of others and a warm and considerate companion. He was zealous regarding his own vows of poverty.

Gospel: Mark 12:18-27

Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first married and, when he died, left no children; and the second married the widow and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; none of the seven left children. Last of all the woman herself died. In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had married her.” Jesus said to them, “Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is God not of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong.”

The sufferings of Tobit, those of the barren woman , as well as those of the seven dead husbands’ woman in the Gospel , illustrate the precariousness of our existence. We manage to procreate but not to create life. If a new birth occurs, it happens thanks to the relationship with the other and with God. Humiliated by our repeated failures and sins, afflicted by the death of a loved one, we experience our need for the other. We discover that we are beings made for prayer. Why do we need to pray? As a species, to overcome death, we need to procreate. But alone, we cannot. We perpetuate ourselves through a prayer of gratitude and attention addressed to the other. We owe our humanity to the singular role of prayer, a necessary passage for love. As a unique intimacy with God, prayer also reveals the love that we attach to beings in their singularity. Jesus announces a new creation where all love will reach its perfection. In Him, we become new creatures. In Him, nothing, not even death, will separate us from the love of His Father, God of the living . In Him, we are alive forever.

First Reading: Tobit 6:10-11; 7:1bcde, 9-17; 8:4-9a

When he entered Media and already was approaching Ecbatana, Raphael said to the young man, “Brother Tobias.” “Here I am,” he answered. Then Raphael said to him, “We must stay this night in the home of Raguel. He is your relative, and he has a daughter named Sarah. Tobias said to him, “Brother Azariah, take me straight to our brother Raguel.” So he took him to Raguel’s house, where they found him sitting beside the courtyard door. They greeted him first, and he replied, “Joyous greetings, brothers; welcome and good health! ...(please see appendix Page 474) Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

8 JUNE THURSDAY 9th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

R. Blessed are who fear the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbour as oneself,’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.

Jesus gives his body to eat and his blood to drink under the species of consecrated bread and wine. In this way, he manifests the radical goodness and generosity of his Father who enriches us with his poverty. Jesus lives from the Father and for the Father. We, in receiving him, live through him and for him . According to Saint Leo the Great, “Our participation in the body and blood of Christ tends to make us become what we eat.” . Through the Eucharist, Jesus embraces each of our human experiences. That way, each one becomes for him “an additional humanity” . Offering our humanity to Christ, we participate then in his holiness... God, knowing the weaknesses of our memory, culture of links with others and with Him, has left us a memorial. This memorial is the renewed experience in each person of the mystery of salvation in Jesus Christ. This experience transforms us into bearers of God, of his joy, of his peace... It frees our heart to be a living memory of charity.

Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

AM THR RI

IA ES

Alleluia, Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

FOUNDRESS

(1876 - 1926)

Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan was an Indian Syro Malabar Catholic nun and the founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family. She became known for receiving frequent visions and ecstasies as well as even receiving the stigmata which she kept wellguarded. She had been involved in apostolic work, her entire life and pushed for strict adherence to the rule of her order amongst her fellow religious. She was canonised on 13 October 2019 by Pope Francis.

First Reading: Tobit 11:5-17

9 JUNE FRIDAY 9th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT M OF S RE

IA YR

EPH

GREEN

Meanwhile Anna sat looking intently down the road by which her son would come. When she caught sight of him coming, she said to his father, “Look, your son is coming, and the man who went with him!” Raphael said to Tobias, before he had approached his father, “I know that his eyes will be opened. Smear the gall of the fish on his eyes; the medicine will make the white films shrink and peel off from his eyes, and your father will regain his sight and see the light. ” Then Anna ran up to her son and threw her arms around him, saying, “Now that I have seen you, my child, I am ready to die.” And she wept. Then Tobit got up and came stumbling out through the courtyard door. Tobias went up to him, with the gall of the fish in his hand, and holding him firmly, he blew into his eyes, saying, “Take courage, father.” With this he applied the medicine on his eyes, and it made them smart. Next, with both his hands he peeled off the white films from the corners of his eyes. Then Tobit saw his son and threw his arms around him, and he wept and said to him, “I see you, my son, the light of my eyes!” ...(please see appendix Page 475) Psalm 146:1b-2, 6c-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10

R. My soul, give praise to the Lord! ON & DOCTOR DEAC (c. 306 - 373)

Poet, teacher, orator, and defender of the faith, Ephrem took upon himself the special task of opposing the many false doctrines rampant at his time, always remaining a true and forceful defender of the Catholic Church. Ephrem is especially beloved in the Syriac Orthodox Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churchas a Venerable Father. He was known as the “Harp of the Holy Spirit,” for the hymns and writings that sang the praises of God.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. Gospel: Mark 12:35-37

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.

Ephrem the Syrian, saint of the day, was a deacon and theologian. A great Christian thinker of the 4th century, he is nicknamed the “Harp of the Holy Spirit”. His writings remain a source of inspiration. He recommends: “Practice against the persecutors you cannot see, so that you may be able to resist those you can see. If the persecutors within you have the upper hand, how do you expect to defeat those outside?” That makes it important to frequent the Word in order to live by the truth. “The Lord has colored his word with many beauties, so that each one of those who look at it may contemplate what he loves. And he has hidden in his word all the treasures, so that each one of us may find richness in what we meditate.” But our thirst for the Word is incomparable to the immeasurable one God’s has for our humanity. Let us implore Him: “In your holy mysteries, every day, we embrace you and receive you into our bodies; grant us to experience in ourselves the resurrection we hope for.”

First Reading: Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20

When the wedding celebration was ended, Tobit called his son Tobias and said to him, “My child, see to paying the wages of the man who went with you, and give him a bonus as well.”So Tobias called him and said, “Take for your wages half of all that you brought back, and farewell.” Then Raphael called the two of them privately and said to them, “Bless God and acknowledge him in the presence of all the living for the good things he has done for you. Bless and sing praise to his name. With fitting honour declare to all people the deeds of God. Do not be slow to acknowledge him. ...(please see appendix Page 475) Tobit 13:1b and 2, 3-4a, 6efgh, 6ij, 8

10 JUNE SATURDAY 9th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

R. Blessed is God who lives for ever.

Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

The readings of the day speak of the truth with oneself. The gospel illustrates the penetrating gaze of Jesus. Jesus sees the inner dispositions of those he meets. His teachings, different from the evil leaven of the scribes, do not lead to boast oneself. Jesus teaches humility to his disciples by giving them the example of a poor widow. Poverty does not frighten this widow, does not make her feel embarrassed in front of anyone. She is not ashamed that people see who she really is. She shows the way to truth with oneself. Yes, everyone has his or her poverty, but we find it hard to recognize it, to present it to God. We prefer to hide our true personality and create a flattering image of ourselves. Jesus admires, in this widow, an example of truth with oneself. Truth with oneself is what I have the courage to tell myself about the reality of my personal life. Do I have the courage to sit down with Jesus to take an honest look at my life, to ask him for his light and his help to remain in the truth? Being true to oneself disposes one to show comprehensiveness and fraternity with others.

CO M P IONS AN

Alleluia, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

GETU LIU

Gospel Acclamation:

MARTYRS

(d. c.120)

Getulius was an officer in the Roman army under Trajan and Hadrian. Upon his conversion to the Christian faith, he lived in seclusion with his companions. He is known to have converted Cerealis, the imperial vicar who was sent to arrest him. Because of this reason, the Consul Licinius ordered them to renounce their faith. Rejecting to do so, St. Getulius and his companions were beheaded at the stake on the Via Salaria.

Body and Blood of Christ

JUNE

White

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16

Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commandments. He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you with manna, with which neither you nor your ancestors were acquainted, in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrible wilderness and arid waste land with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He made water flow for you from flint rock, and fed you in the wilderness with manna that your ancestors did not know, to humble you and to test you, and in the end to do you good. Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R. O Praise the Lord, Jerusalem! O praise the Lord, Jerusalem ! Zion. praise your God ! He has strengthened the bars of your gates, he has blessed the children within you. R He established peace on your borders, he feeds you with finest wheat. R He sends out his word [o the earth , and swiftly runs his command. R He makes his word known to Jacob, to Israel his laws and decrees. He has not dealt thus with other nations he has not taught them his decrees. Alleluia ! R Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia! I am the living bread which came down from heaven, says the Lord; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever. Gospel: John 6:51-58

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The Jews then

Corpus Christi disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”

What knowledge do we have of God? Do we see him as an implacable Judge, guarantor of the morality of our societies or as a merciful Father? The prophet Hosea reproaches the people for not knowing God. He suggests that this knowledge depends on human efforts. Paradoxically, the knowledge of God is both a grace and a personal learning. Sent by his Father, Jesus says “I want mercy, not sacrifice. Indeed, I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Saint Paul makes it clear that only the sharing of Abraham’s faith justifies us. Abraham believed in God’s promise to make him the father of a multitude! Saint Paul invites us to put our hope in God who is able to give descendants to the barren bodies of Sarah and Abraham. God gives life to our mortal bodies through faith in the risen Jesus. Jesus saves us by the life of his Holy Spirit. We grow from a love that we welcomed as sons, to a love that we offered in order to reach the stature of the Son. Love, the power freeing us from sin, justifies us.

12 JUNE MONDAY 10th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation,who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. ...(please see appendix Page 476) Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

OF SAHA

N GU

JOH

Gospel Acclamation:

PRIEST

1419 – 1479

St John of Sahagun, O.E.S.A. was a Spanish Augustinian friar and priest. He is noted for his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. During Mass, he often saw the Host surrounded by light, sometimes had visions of the bodily form of Christ at the moment of consecration. He could read hearts in confession and became a sought-after spiritual director. He was a great preacher whose sermons helped to change social conditions in Salamanca.

Alleluia, Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The beatitudes, said Pope Francis, are paths of holiness. Gilbert Cesbron sees in them eight words for eternity , acceptable to every human being. Each one describes the opposite of what happiness would be. They do not describe a state of immobile happiness but a thirst, a ongoing confrontation against a world of violence. They arrive and leave by way of the “traffic circle” of love. A marriage of joy and pain, they are animated by the virtue of hope as underlined in the letter to the Corinthians . It seems that “true life begins beyond despair” . Each beatitude marks the boundary between what depends on us and what depends on God. Crushed, imagining his impending death, Paul finds in his trials a reason to give thanks . God uses the painful circumstances of his life to glorify himself and make him a channel of blessings for others. Paul accepts suffering because God encourages him and enables him to encourage those who suffer . He shows what the communion of saints means. The benefits of our sufferings, our renunciations, our struggles and even our death are returned by God for the benefit of others, known or unknown.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Psalm 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135

R. Let your face shine forth on your servant. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled unden foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Anthony of Padua is a saint often invoked to find lost objects. Because of this, Pope Leo XIII sees him as “the saint of all people”. His life, marked by so many wonders, earned him the name of “miracle worker”. Less than a year after his death, his holiness was so striking, the miracles at his tomb so numerous, that he was canonized. What we should ask him for, however, is not an object but recovering the loss of the very meaning of our existence. We often ignore that our existence is called to be the first of the miracles. Respect and attention to this first form of miracle points to poetry, ethics and mystical life. The access to a usually self-sufficient life makes one lose the sense of the miracle of existence. Welcoming oneself in the form of divine grace prepares one to go beyond oneself towards the other. Faith gives us the courage to rely on God in the other. The life of fraternity, made up of going beyond oneself towards the other, is a reciprocal training: giving grace to each other while giving thanks, so as to find joy in the existence and service of the other.

JUNE TUESDAY 10th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

Y OF P UA AD

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

ANT H

As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been “Yes and No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not “Yes and No”; but in him it is always “Yes.” For in him every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” For this reason it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God. But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first instalment.

T & DOCTOR PRIES (1195 - 1231)

The gospel call to leave everything and follow Christ was the rule of Saint Anthony of Padua’s life. He was noted by his contemporaries for his powerful preaching, expert knowledge of scripture, and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick. He used to convert and reassure those who had been misled by their denial of Christ’s divinity and of the sacraments. He is the patron saint of lost things.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 3: 4-11

14 JUNE WEDNESDAY 10th Week in Ordinary Time

HODIUS ET I

GREEN

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry of death, chiselled in letters on stone tablets, came in glory so that the people of Israel could not gaze at Moses’ face because of the glory of his face, a glory now set aside, how much more will the ministry of the Spirit come in glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, much more does the ministry of justification abound in glory! Indeed, what once had glory has lost its glory because of the greater glory; for if what was set aside came through glory, much more has the permanent come in glory! Psalm 99:5, 6, 7, 8, 9

R. You are holy, O Lord our God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Teach me your paths, O Lord. Guide me in your truth. ARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE PATRI

(d. 847 A.D.)

Methodius I was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from March 4, 843 to June 14, 847. During the second iconoclastic persecution, he boldly stood his ground in favour of the veneration of the sacred images. As the patriarch of Constantinople, he convened a council and promoted orthodoxy and the veneration of icons after the long years of iconoclas ticism. He was indeed well educated; engaged in both copying and writing of manuscripts.

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Imitating St. Paul, the educator writes not his name on the hearts of his students but that of Jesus. To write well, he must be firm and tender, for the hearts on which he writes are made of flesh, not of stone. He must pray because his ink and his pen belong to the Holy Spirit. And where the Holy Spirit acts, there is freedom. The teacher, servant of grace and not of the law, is not a minister of slavery. Jesus, teaching him the undeserved love of the Father, communicates to him his Spirit. He frees hearts from the enslaving observance of the law by revealing divine mercy. He does not, however, invite us to live only on good feelings while forgetting the law. He has not done away with the law, but rather calls for it to be lived from the heart, with genuine personal fidelity rather than impersonal formalism. This requires a true experience of the Father from whom the law comes. The experience of the Father’s mercy delineates the difference between the prodigal son and the elder son. The experience of God makes one live the law with humility, zeal and joy.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:15-4: 1, 3-6

Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. ...(please see appendix Page 476) Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14,

R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land. Gospel Acclamation:

15 JUNE THURSDAY 10th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Alleluia, A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.

Those who are found to be righteous will enter the Kingdom. In the Gospel, Jesus contrasts the justice of the Kingdom with that of the scribes and Pharisees . The latter think they can get out of all duty vis-à-vis God and others. They have a minimalist conception of justice. One of the defects of modern society, denounced by Simone Weil, is to radically separate justice from charity. But charity, attentive to the situations of the disinherited and the excluded, always keeps the question of justice open. It develops a love for justice that goes beyond legalistic and rigorist conceptions. It introduces into established justice the demand for a search for greater equity. According to the justice of the Kingdom, love is a debt that no one has ever fully paid. Forgiveness becomes necessary because we never love enough. Without mercy, forgiveness given and received, we are condemned. The Kingdom, the reign of a love that frees us from all obstacles to a dignified and happy life, is the continuous action of the Father. With Jesus, the Kingdom is a present reality which, at the same time, is being built and prepared.

INE CO MA

IN US

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

GER

Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

VIRGIN

(c.1579 - 1601)

Germaine was born with a deformed hand and the disease of scrofula, and, while yet an infant, lost her mother. Her father soon married again, but his second wife treated Germaine with much cruelty. She used to practise many austerities as reparation for the sacrileges perpetrated by heretics. She had deep love for the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist. She used to assemble the village children and teach them to love Jesus and Mary.

16 JUNE FRIDAY 10th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE E M NI T Y

R HEA T O

S ESU FJ

SACR ED

S OL

The Feast of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in on of the most widely practiced and well-known devotions in the Roma Catholic Church. It takes the physical heart of Jesus as representation of His Divine love for humanity. The Feast of the Sacred Heart has been in the Roman Catholic Liturgical calendar since 1856, and is always celebrated 19 days after Pentecost Sunday. The feast of the Sacred Heart always falls on a Friday. The devotion especially emphasizes the unmitigated love, compassion, and long suffering of the heart of Christ towards humanity. The origin of the devotion to the Most Sacred Heart in the modern from, derived for a French Roman Catholic Saint, St. Marguerite Marie Alacoque, Who learned the devotion from Jesus during a mystical experience.

First Reading: Deuteronomy 7:6-11

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured possession. ...(please see appendix Page 476) PSALM 102:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-10

R. The love of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-16

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: ...(please see appendix Page 476) Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia! You shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life. Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The Sacred Heart of Jesus reveals a love of which the burning bush was already an image. The excerpt from Deuteronomy reminds the people of the exploits performed in their favor by this faithful and compassionate love, which solicits their faithfulness . In the Heart of Jesus, the love of God reveals its perfection . The celebration of the Sacred Heart invites us to enter into the mystery of an infinite love. Jesus is the Heart of flesh through which God the Father makes an offer of tenderness to humanity. God acts in the world if man adheres to this offer of love. Jesus asks to be honored through the image of his Sacred Heart and promises to spread his graces everywhere that is done. His Heart is intimacy with the Father. In this relationship, hidden from the wise and learned, Jesus promises rest to the weary, especially the little ones and the poor, crushed under the burden of a rigorous religious law . The recognition in him of our identity as sons and daughters relieves us of the duty to prove the value of our existence. Humble before God, Jesus associates his disciples with the glory he receives from him. His Passion, his heart pierced with thorns, are consequences of a love, of radical poverty.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 (Isaiah 61:9-11)

For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore, all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. ...(please see appendix Page 476)

JUNE SATURDAY

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

10th Week in Ordinary Time

R. My heart exults in the Lord, my saviour. Gospel Acclamation:

WHITE

Alleluia, Bend my heart, O God, to your decrees grant me mercy by your law.

IMMACULATE HE

“The dwelling place of the Son of God is not primarily Mary’s body, but her heart.” This heart, totally given to God, allows the Word to take root, to grow and to bear fruit . Saint John Eudes propagated the devotion to the Heart of Mary united to that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our Lady declared to the visionaries of Fatima that God wanted to establish devotion to her Immaculate Heart for the salvation of the world. She recommended the practice of Act of Reparation and the recitation of the Rosary accompanied by meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary on the first Saturday of the month. In an age troubled by many heresies regarding love, let us ask for the grace of a pure heart. If a pure heart is a grace, it also depends on our efforts of discernment and asceticism. It gathers the necessary dispositions for the service of the poor. To see God in the poor and the little ones, to serve Him in the people we meet, a pure heart is necessary. “That is why we need poverty to free us, to make our hearts pure...” In a pure heart, the love of God manifests all its power.

L MEMO RIA IONA PT T OF TH AR ED MARY LESS EB

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

Gospel: Luke 2:41-51

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is devotional name used to refer to the interior life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her joys and sorrows, her virtues and hidden perfections and above all, her virginal love for God the Father, her maternal love for her son Jesus, and her compassionate love for all people.

EMILY DE VIALAR

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

JUNE

Green

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Exodus 19:2-6

They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.” Psalm 100:1,2, 3, 5 (3c)

R. We are his people, the sheep of his f lock.. Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing for joy. R Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us; we belong to him. We are his people, the sheep of his flock. R Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. He is faithful from age to age. R Second Reading: Romans 5:6-11

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia,The kingdom of God is at hand ; repent; and believe in the Gospel. Gospel: Matthew 9:36 – 10:8

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names

of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

God is part of the journey we undertake to seek salvation. Exodus recalls his compassion for his people, later extended to all humanity. After all that God does for them, God expects his people to remain attentive to Him and keep his covenant. He promises to make them his own, a holy nation, a kingdom of priests. The people promise obedience but are unable to keep their commitment . To make known the graciousness of his love, God delivers his beloved Son into the hands of sinners. In this Son, he becomes the brother of each and every one. He offers himself as the first victim of this brotherhood. Through the sacrifice of the Son, humanity comes to know in themselves a heart that yearns for the perfection of God’s love. Seized by divine love, each one finds his way, his cross and his joy in Jesus. Faced by those in distress, Jesus asks us to pray for workers to be sent out into the harvest. Our zeal is nourished by sharing his compassion. We become signs of the Father’s action. As partners in the Son’s work, we must selflessly preach and witness to his compassion . We share his mission to heal wounded humanity, to guide it in its search.

19 JUNE MONDAY 11th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN MUALD RO

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

As we work together with Him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything. Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. The Lord has made known his salvation. T CONFESSOR ABBO (952 - 1027)

Born in Ravenna, he embraced the life of a hermit. For many years, he went from place to place seeking true solitude, and built a number of monasteries. He fought against the depraved morals of many of the monks at the time and by the exercise of virtue advanced along the path of perfection. He founded the Order of the Camaldolese Benedictines, uniting the monastic and eremitical lives. JULIANA FALCONIERI

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light for my path. Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

The life of Saint Romuald, a Benedictine monk and hermit, corresponds to the texts of the day. He testifies to the spirit of freedom that is the fruit of an attachment to Christ. Of great kindness to the poor and to animals, he heals the wounds of his fellows as well as those of the animals welcomed in his cell. He is invoked to heal psychological disorders. Let us ask for the grace of discernment of the spirit that our life obeys. Our spirit, even in full light, must grope around its way. The more he adores himself, blindly trusting his own lights, the less he waits to receive the truth from another, takes time for encounter and listening. All human life is based on an intuitive knowledge of the divine life. Seeking to know God, we become aware of our consciousness and discover the spirit that animates us. Ordinarily, we do not really live in ourselves; rather, God lives in us. We are strangers to our own intimacy. God invites us to join Him in ourselves in order to learn to love in His way. In joining the divine life, we join our vocation to the deepest freedom.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints—and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking among you. Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you —so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. ...(please see appendix Page 477) Psalm 146:1b-2, 5-6ab, 6c-7, 8-9a

R. My soul, give praise to the Lord.

20 JUNE TUESDAY 11th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN VERIUS SIL

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

The apostle Paul praises the generosity of the Macedonian churches. He then refers to the origin of all charity . Jesus Christ, renouncing any claim to be God’s equal, became poor and lived poor from the cradle to the cross. By his poverty, he enriched us with all kinds of goods in heaven and on earth. If this poverty enriches us, it also calls for the sincerity of our charity. We must become poor for his sake in order to enrich others at the temporal and spiritual level. With the authority of the Father’s love, Jesus says : “You have heard that it was said...”, “I tell you...” He speaks, not to transmit knowledge, but from his lived experience. He is the creative Word of the Father from whom each of his creatures comes. There is no judgment, but a renewed gift of Life. Each one can live the experience of being reached by the Word that frees him from his confinement. Jesus turns us towards the Father and invites us to imitate the perfection of his love contemplated in him. Sent by the Father, he is the grace offered to all. He teaches us to pray for our enemies and for the conversion of our torturers.

M POPE & ARTYR (d. 538)

Pope Silverius ruled the Holy See from 8 June 536 to his deposition in 537. His rapid rise to prominence from a deacon to the papacy coincided the efforts of Ostrogothic king Theodahad, who intended to install a pro-Gothic candidate just before the Gothic War. Later deposed by Byzantine general Belisarius, he was tried and sent to exile on the desolated island of Palmarola, where he starved to death in 537.

21 JUNE WEDNESDAY 11th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE S GON SIU

GA ZA

ALO Y

O M E M RI A L

CONFESSOR

(1568 - 1591)

Aloysius was a member of the Society of Jesus. Despite the objections from his superiors, he volunteered to work bringing victims of a plague to a Jesuit hospital, despite his personal revulsion at the patients’ crumbling physical conditions. His reputation for purity, prayerfulness, and suffering led many to consider him a saint soon after his death. While working in the hospital, Aloysius contracted the plague from a patient he personally cared for, and died on June 21, 1591.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ...(please see appendix Page 477) Psalm 112:1b-2, 3-4, 9

R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Saint Louis Gonzaga died of the plague at the age of twentythree while devoting himself to the sick. Patron saint of Catholic youth and patron saint of AIDS patients, he embodies an exemplary generosity echoed in the texts of the day, combining almsgiving, fasting and prayer. Generosity, the gift of material things, also consists in giving time to God in prayer and of one’s person in fasting. Giving, in the end, is not a sacrifice but a seed. Being generous allows one to sow in secret. This generosity produces unpredictable fruits such as joy, conversion, freedom, praise, prayers... It depends on the spirit, the heart, with which we give. The most important person is not me or others, but God. My deepest identity is not the one made by me, but rather the one given by God. True generosity is not a search for the applause of others. Without prayer, no one knows how to grow in generosity because prayer opens to the love of God and of others. Learning to give of oneself, out of love for others and for God, makes one grow in the joy of giving.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11

I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by its cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another ...(please see appendix Page 477)

JUNE THURSDAY 11th Week in Ordinary Time

Psalm 111:1b-2, 3-4, 7-8

R. Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.

GREEN

Gospel Acclamation:

The saints Paulinus of Nola, John Fisher and Thomas More seem so human and so divine! Paulinus of Nola’s detachment from material things shocked his contemporaries. This detachment differs from contempt and obeys his contemplation of the beauty of the incarnate, crucified and risen God. John Fischer and Thomas More choose to listen to their conscience and courageously walk towards martyrdom. The Anglican Church is born from the refusal of Pope Paul III to grant a dispensation authorizing divorce to King Henry VIII. John Fisher, the only bishop to oppose the king’s desire to proclaim himself head of the Church of England in order to arrange his remarriage and succession as he pleased, was imprisoned and then beheaded. Before his execution, he came across this passage: “Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” Thomas More, a loving father, a pioneering educator, a statesman and a man of prayer, refuses to endorse the king’s divorce and the schism with Rome. He was beheaded as a traitor. Patron saint of rulers and politicians, he is also the patron saint of adopted children, lawyers, civil servants and difficult marriages. His work, Utopia, advocates tolerance and discipline in the service of freedom.

Jesus said to his disciples ,“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

L MEMO RIA IONA PT AS MO OM

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

Alleluia, You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

MARTYR

(1477 - 1535)

Thomas More was an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, and noted Renaissance humanist. He opposed the Protestant Reformation, directing polemics against the theology of Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli, John Calvin and William Tyndale. He refused to acknowledge King Henry as Supreme Head of the Church of England and the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. After refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy, he was convicted of treason and beheaded.

PAULINUS OF NOLA

23 JUNE FRIDAY 11th Week in Ordinary Time

H CAFA EP

O SS

JOS

GREEN

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30

Since many boast according to human standards, I will also boast. To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labours, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death. Five times I have received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own people, ...(please see appendix Page 477) Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R. The Lord rescues them in all their distress. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. CONFESSOR

(1811 - 1860)

Joseph Cafasso was known as the “Priest of the Gallows” due to his extensive work with those prisoners who were condemned to death. He worked against the spirit of Jansenism with its strong focus with sin and damnation which he had found to be influential amongst the students. He used the teachings of Alphonsus Liguori and Francis de Sales to moderate the rigorism of the education. Pope Pius XII canonized him on 22 June 1947.

Gospel: Matthew 6:19-23

Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“ The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Paul speaks of our natural vocation to glory . Let us avoid hypocrisy and seek to know the nature of the glory we desire. The search for glory expected from society or from God, corresponds to our desire to distinguish ourselves. Abandoning all consideration of earthly glory, the apostle glorifies himself in his infirmities. He leaves the fate of his actions in God’s hands. God glorifies himself in those who place themselves at his disposal. His glory, without jealousy, unlike human glories, is shared. It is the radiance of the Spirit of Jesus through the ages and the diversity of cultures. It is in the multitude of his disciples, of his brothers and sisters living in community despite their differences. Glory is that hoped for life that comes only from the Father. The gospel indicates that the treasure of the heart is love. But what glory does our heart love? When we die, earthly glories will disappear and only the love with which we have loved God and others during our life will count. If the eye is the lamp of the body, with what eye do we look at the world? The eye of graciousness or the eye of convenience for our personal glory?

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6

Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.” ...(please see appendix Page 477)

JUNE

Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 15

R. I thank you who wonderfully made me. Second Reading: Acts 13: 22-26

When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, ...(please see appendix Page 477) Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Though Jesus Christ was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

SATURDAY 11th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE S OL

We learn from Isaiah’s calling that God has a loving plan for everyone. From the moment we are conceived, before we are able to listen, He calls us! When Isaiah is discouraged by his preaching without success, the Lord comforts and consoles him. He maintains his love for him, makes him his spokesman to the people and the light of the nations that we are! The effectiveness of the mission is not measured by immediate success. God acts in the unseen interiority of lives and helps each one to overcome his trials. John announces this God acting in secret . He, the Precursor, says he is nothing! This unhoped-for son marks a break in a world that wants to “domesticate” him. Zechariah gives an unexpected name: John, “God gives grace”. The Precursor questions our conversion to God. He leads us to the desert, to the limits of the human person. He becomes a pure expectation of “the One who is coming”. He, the greatest man, exhorts us to glory in the Lord . His wish is that the Lord may grow, that he may diminish. As successors of the Precursor, let us learn from him to step aside.

OHN TH FJ APTIST EB

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.

NATIVITY O

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80

E M NI T Y

MARTYR

John the Baptist through his birth, preaching and baptizing, bore witness to the coming, birth, preaching and baptism of Christ. Born of Zechariah and Elizabeth, he spent his time as an ascetic, announcing the coming of the Kingdom, and to call everyone to a fundamental reformation of life. His purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. His attitude toward Jesus was: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30).

IMMACULATE HEART OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

JUNE

Green

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13

For I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. “Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.” But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. Psalm 68:8-10, 14-17, 33-35

R. In your great love, answer me, O God. It is for you that I suffer taunts, that shame covers my face, that I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother’s sons. I burn with zeal for your house and taunts against you fall on me. R This is my prayer to you, my prayer for your favour. In your great love, answer me, O God,

with your help that never fails. Lord, answer, for your love is kind; in your compassion, turn towards me. R The poor when they see it will be glad and God-seeking hearts will revive; for the Lord listens to the needy and does not spurn his servants in their chains. Let the heavens and the earth give him praise, the sea and all its living creatures. R

Second Reading: Romans 5:12-15

Alleluia, The spirit of truth will bear witness about me ,says the Lord; you also will bear witness. Gospel: Matthew 10:26-33

“So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.

Jeremiah suffers from the message he carries, hence his complaints called “jeremiads”. He experiences anger and discouragement in his vocation to denounce the idolatries of the world . Tempted to cry out for vengeance upon the world, Jeremiah nevertheless reveals the gentleness of the face of God, who is pained by the suffering of the victims and the hardening of the hearts of the executioners. God intervenes with a love aimed at the hearts of men called to humanize their world. The Law does not improve human nature. It denounces sins and demonstrates human guilt. Salvation is found in faith placed in Christ. In Christ, man receives the assurance that neither sin nor death can separate him from God. We cannot keep this news secret. Even under threat of death, we must proclaim the Gospel as the secret of our lives . We are called to become a church of witnesses. To have the necessary enthusiasm and to make our words credible, we need to internalize the freeing message of the Gospel. Our witness may be met with hostility or indifference, but we will witness without fear. Our faith is worthy of being shared, for God is on our side and we are precious to Him.

26 JUNE MONDAY 12th Week in Ordinary Time

RIA ES IVA CR

JOS E

GREEN

PRIEST

(1902 - 1975)

Josemaría Escrivá was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest who founded Opus Dei, an organization of lay people and priests dedicated to the teaching that everyone is called to holiness by God and that ordinary life can result in sanctity. As Opus Dei grew, he continued his studies and his priestly work among the poor and sick. He was canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II.

First Reading: Genesis 12:1-9

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventyfive years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb. Psalm 33:12-13, 18-19, 20 and 22

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The word of God is living and active discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Gospel: Matthew 7:1-5

“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.

The divine call to Abraham means literally “go towards yourself”. The way towards God passes through Abraham himself. His journey has an inner pilgrimage aspect. He must leave his idols. He enters the solitude of a personal search for truth. Going towards oneself means going to meet the other. One often prefers to judge him and to set oneself up as having arrived at perfection . Jesus invites us not to judge others more harshly than ourselves. To go towards the other gives a chance to discover the divine within oneself. The eyes of faith see in the person the potentiality of a truth having a transformative power. They open the heart to divine mercy and allow us to look at ourselves with humility.

First Reading: Genesis 13:2, 5-18

27 JUNE TUESDAY 12th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT ALEXA OF

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Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, so that the land could not support both of them living together; for their possessions were so great that they could not live together, and there was strife between the herders of Abram’s livestock and the herders of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land. Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herders and my herders; for we are kindred. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” Lot looked about him, and saw that the plain of the Jordan was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar; this was before the Lord had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. So Lot chose for himself all the plain of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward; thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the Plain and moved his tent as far as Sodom. ...(please see appendix Page 478) Psalm 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5

R. Lord, who may abide in you tent? Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the light of the world, says the Lord; Whoever follows me will have the light of life. Gospel: Matthew 7:6, 12-14

Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.” In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Abraham and Lot embody two life choices indicated in the Gospel. Abraham, according to Lot the privilege of first choice, seeks a peaceful separation. He applies the counsel of the Gospel. Lot makes the choice that benefits him. He finally settles in Sodom, a city of perversion where sin wins his heart. He entertains a mistaken idea of success which distances him from Abraham. Our heart is God’s treasure, in which he desires to be in the center . The greatness of his love should be honored there. Those who ignore the price of this love behave like “dogs” and “swine”. Jesus associates the respect due to God and the love due our brothers. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” The passage to eternal life passes through the narrow gate of forgetting oneself in favor of the other. On this path of our humanization, let us know how to remain united to the only Son.

OP & DOCTOR BISH (370 - 444)

St. Cyril of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He wrote extensively and was a leading protagonist in the Christological controversies of the late 4th and 5th centuries. He suppressed the Novatians. He became noted in Church history because of his spirited fight for the title “Theotokos” during the First Council of Ephesus He fought against Nestorius who taught the heresy that there were two persons in Christ.

28 JUNE WEDNESDAY 12th Week in Ordinary Time

RED O M E M RI A L

IRE

NAEUS

OP & MARTYR BISH (c.130 - c.200)

Irenaeus was a Greek bishop noted for his role in guiding and expanding Christian communities for the development of Christian theology by combating heresy and defining orthodoxy. To counter the doctrines of the gnostic sects claiming secret wisdom, he offered three pillars of orthodoxy: the scriptures, the tradition handed down from the apostles, and the teaching of the apostles’ successors. He emphasized the unity of Christ’s simultaneous human and divine nature.

First Reading: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be. And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. ...(please see appendix Page 478) Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

R. The Lord remembers his covenant forever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Abide in me, and I in you, says the Lord; he who abides in me bears much fruit. Gospel: Matthew 7:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.

St. Irenaeus , author of the phrase “the glory of God is the living man”, emphasizes that life is, above all, a good thing. Glory is essential to Christianity, an unjustly criticized religion of humility. Jesus reveals that he came that we might have life and have it abundantly . He asks that his Father glorify him so that he may glorify Him in his disciples . The inner light of divine knowledge matters more than the light of popularity. The awareness that glory comes from God teaches humility. Glorification is about the salvation of the whole man and of every man. The disciples glorify Jesus by their unity, a testimony of the Spirit’s action. The Christian, by vocation, testifies to the beauty and truth of the divine life.

About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. ...(please see appendix Page 478) Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. Form all my terrors he set me free. Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. ...(please see appendix Page 478) Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

We celebrate, with the catholicity of the Church, Peter and Paul, two great apostles of Jesus Christ. Catholicity characterizes a community that lives Pentecost by uniting peoples into a family of God where all languages are spoken. Peter and Paul give the example of a culture of encounter, which is more necessary than ever in the age of globalization and the diversity and complexity of social relationships. The culture of encounter connects Paul’s missionary dynamic with Peter’s sense of unity. It transforms tensions into opportunities for exchange and acceptance of the diversity of our humanity. It safeguards the possibility of affirming our differences so that each one can manifest his or her part in the mystery of the human genius. The missionary dynamic seeks to integrate peoples and cultures into a single believing unity but also works to transfigure each human reality from within. Catholicity keeps the doors open to welcome those who hear the call to a fullness of life. Paul’s words, “Christ is my life,” combine the vertical and horizontal dimensions of catholicity. It calls for the capacity of both individuals and peoples to transcend themselves in Jesus Christ, in whom all are one.

JUNE THURSDAY 12th Week in Ordinary Time

RED S OL

E M NI T Y

R & PA TE

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

First Reading: Acts 12:1-11

STLES & MARTYRS APO (d. c. 67)

The Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul is a liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome. Peter was an apostle and the first to recognize that Jesus was “the Messiah, the Son of the living God”. St. Peter was martyred by being crucified upside down in the year 64. St. Paul known as the apostle of the Gentiles was imprisoned and taken to Rome, where he was beheaded in the year 67.

First Reading: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22

30 JUNE FRIDAY 12th Week in Ordinary Time

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FIRST MARTYRS

GREEN

(64 - 314)

Also known as Protomartyrs of Rome, the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome were Christians who were blamed by the Roman Emperor Nero with setting fire to Rome, Italy, and were sentenced to death as punishment. Some martyrs were burned as living torches at evening banquets, some crucified, others were fed to wild animals. These martyrs died before Sts. Peter and Paul, and are called “disciples of the Apostles.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her. ”Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live in your sight!” God said, “No, but your wife Sarah shall bear you a son, and you shall name him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. ...(please see appendix Page 479) Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

R. Indeed, thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Christ took our illnesses and bore our diseases Gospel: Matthew 8:1-4

When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

After the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, founders of the Church of Rome, the first martyrs of Rome are celebrated. The emperor Nero had them put to death, unjustly accusing them of the burning of Rome. Pope Francis , evoking their example, speaks about a hidden daily martyrdom, made of selfabnegation and self-sacrifice. He denounces the martyrdom suffered by Christians who are marginalized, slandered, discriminated against, and subjected to deadly violence with the complicit silence of political powers. Christian martyrdom is defined, beyond the death and the atrocity of the sufferings, by the meaning the martyr gives to them . Different forms of leprosy of the social body explain many martyrdoms. The person is abusively recast as an unapproachable leper. It is rather the hearts that need to be purified. Leprosy is hatred, contempt, jealousy; in short, the sins of our heart. Let us ask the Lord to cleanse our hearts of these leprosies, which are the cause of the martyrdom of others.

First Reading: Genesis 18:1-15...(please see appendix Page 479)

Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50 and 53, 54-55

R. The Lord has remembered his mercy.

JULY

Gospel Acclamation: Gospel: Matthew 8:5-17

Lasallian Blessed: The Blessed Martyrs of Valencia This story is powerful simply because of the deep, almost visceral trust that the centurion had in the word of Jesus. As part of a world of orders and commands, obedience for him was a natural as breathing; regular, thorough, life-giving, and automatic. It demonstrated a kind of faith that was rooted internally and exercised daily. Because of this, all sorts of other things were able to happen, and happen well. No wonder Jesus exclaimed that he had never seen such faith in all of Israel, which is saying something! Our Founder in his meditation on this story highlights it as a prime example of the virtue of obedience. “As soon as [the centurion] believed that Jesus could heal his servant with a single word, his servant was in fact cured. This grace was granted, thanks to the excellence and vigor of his faith. In the same way, it takes only a word from a superior to a religious truly obedient and filled with lively faith to accomplish in that person great miracles and to bring about the most surprising effects of grace.” (Med. 9.3) The gospel story reminds us that if we truly believe that God works with, in, and through us, then all that we are asked to do – whether agreeable to us or not – bear a depth and providence that we cannot fully comprehend or appreciate … except in the doing of them.

12th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN RO SE IPE

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When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.” And he said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, “Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.” And the servant was healed in that hour. When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and cured all who were sick. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

SATURDAY

JUN

Alleluia, Christ took our illnesses and bore our diseases.

TLE OF CALIFORNIA APOS (1713 - 1784)

Juníper also known as Apostle of California was a friar of the Franciscan Order who founded a mission in Baja California and the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in California from San Diego to San Francisco. He baptized over 6,000 people and confirmed 5,000. He brought the Native Americans not only the gift of faith but also a decent standard of living. Pope Francis canonised him on September 23, 2015

2 JULY

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16

One day Elisha was passing through Shu’nem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal. She said to her husband, “Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God. Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” One day when he came there, he went up to the chamber and lay down there. He said, “What then may be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.” He said, “Call her.” When he had called her, she stood at the door. He said, “At this season, in due time you shall embrace a son.” She replied, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not deceive your servant.” Psalm 88:2-3, 16-17, 18-19

R. I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord. I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord ;through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established as the heavens. R Happy the people who acclaim such a king, Who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,

who find their joy every day in your name,who make your justice the source of their bliss. R For it is you, O Lord, who are the glory of their strength; It is by your favour that our might is exalted: for our ruler is in the keeping of the Lord; our king in the keeping of the Holy one of Israel. R

Second Reading: Romans 6:3-4, 8-11

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Open our heart, O Lord, to accept the words of your Son. Gospel: Matthew 10:37-42

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the

cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

The first part of this reading provides a number of rather difficult challenges for those who want to be disciples of Jesus. How is it possible to love another person more than one’s mother or father, assuming that they have been brought up by loving parents. It is from parents that the nature of love is first transmitted, and a sacrificial love at that. It isn’t until much later in life that most people appreciate how generous their parents had been and how little they had expressed their thanks in return. How could they? The first is by nature greater than the second. But perhaps this is point. Parents love their children much beyond any desire or need for full reciprocity. Their “gift” to their children is “life” and all that that entails. When it comes to God, the “gift” and the “life” of that Presence reach way beyond even the experience of having been raised by loving parents. Therefore, if you want to be serious about knowing God, it will require a kind of love and detachment that reach beyond anything that you might have experienced in other life contexts. Quite the adventure, actually.

3 JULY MONDAY 13th Week in Ordinary Time

RED FEA ST

OM TH AS

STLE & MARTYR APO (1st Century)

Thomas was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Commonly known as “Doubting Thomas” because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection when first told of it; later, he confessed his faith, “My Lord and my God,” on seeing Jesus’ crucifixion wounds. Thomas is believed to have travelled outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, travelling as far as the Malabar Coast. According to Syrian Christian tradition, he was allegedly martyred at St. Thomas Mount in Chennai.

First Reading: Acts 10:24-35

Peter and brothers from Joppa entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him. ...(please see appendix Page 479) Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3, 4

R. My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life. Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, ...(please see appendix Page 480) Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Alleluia. Gospel: John 20:24-29

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

The experience of the “doubting” Thomas is one that most of us can readily understand. How many times have we said to someone: “I don’t believe you” or “I don’t believe that.” Our assumption is that if something looks suspicious or doesn’t quite measure up to what we would normally experience, then there is probably good reason to doubt it. And if this doubt happens on a regular basis with the normal routines of our life, then it shouldn’t surprise us at all if it happens when something fantastic or completely out of the ordinary happens, such as the resurrection. Thomas was not being a fool when he expressed his doubt. Rather, he was expressing a deep integrity of heart. He would not rely simply on “the words of men.” For something this important, he would need more than simply their testimony. He needed the experience. For us also, it cannot be words or the testimony of others that lead us to Christ, to bring us into a knowledge of God and God’s Presence in our midst. Each of us can only come to truly know something by an “indwelling” process. As a fine theologian once wrote: “As we enter into a mystery, we increase our capacity for understanding it.” Thomas would be a good example of that reality.

First Reading: Genesis 19:15-29

When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Get up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or else you will be consumed in the punishment of the city.” But he lingered; so the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and left him outside the city. When they had brought them outside, they said, “Flee for your life; do not look back or stop anywhere in the Plain; flee to the hills, or else you will be consumed.” And Lot said to them, “Oh, no, my lords; your servant has found favor with you, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life; but I cannot flee to the hills, for fear the disaster will overtake me and I die. Look, that city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. ...(please see appendix Page 480)

Alleluia,I long for the Lord, in his word I hope.

L MEMO RIA IONA PT OF PO TH

ELIZA BE

Gospel Acclamation:

GREEN

L UGA RT

R. Your love, O Lord, is before my eyes.

TUESDAY 13th Week in Ordinary Time

Psalm 26:2-3, 9-10, 11-12

JULY

Gospel: Matthew 8:23-27

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?”

A storm on the water can be a very scary thing because you’re surrounded by things that you cannot control – wind, waves, watery depths, and marginal control of a very fragile vessel. In this story, the apostles are very aware of the danger to their lives. After all, they were fishermen, able to read the elements and know the danger signs. Although they could probably swim a little, if the boat capsized, they certainly would never make it to shore. On top of it all, Jesus was calmly sleeping through it all! How could he? It was only when things became desperate that they woke him up, hoping to be saved. Their fear was matched with their amazement when Jesus rebuked both them and the wind, probably putting his head down and going right back to sleep. No wonder they said, “What the …?” How, then, might this be applied to our lives today? Well, many people today think that God is superfluous, remote, and certainly asleep. Despite life’s challenges, God remains aloof and well hidden; or so it seems. What if actually God were in the midst of those life challenges, drawing you in, rattling your soul, shaking you by the shoulders as if to say “Wake me up? YOU need to wake up!” The author C.S. Lewis said it well: “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

N OF PORTUGAL QUEE (1271 - 1336)

Born of the royal family of Aragon, St. Elizabeth overcame many trials and difficulties by prayer and works of charity. When her husband died she gave her worldly goods to the poor and took the habit of the Third Order of St. Francis. While effecting a reconciliation between her son and son-in-law, she died in the year 1336. She is usually depicted in royal garb with a dove or an olive branch.

First Reading: Genesis 21:5, 8-20a

5 JULY WEDNESDAY 13th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT ARY Z YM

Psalm 34:7-8,10-11, 12-13

R. The lowly one called, and the Lord heard him. Gospel Acclamation:

GREEN

IA CAR AC

ANTH ON

Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. The child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, playing with her son Isaac. So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son; ...(please see appendix Page 480)

CONFESSOR

(1502 - 1539)

St. Anthony Zaccaria was an early leader of the Counter Reformation. He established the congregations, the Society of Clerics of Saint Paul (the Barnabites) for men and the Angelics of Saint Paul for uncloisterednuns. He helped introduce the Forty Hours’ Devotion. These groups helped reform the morals of the faithful, encouraged laymen to work together with the apostolate, and frequent reception of Communion. He is a patron saint of physicians.

Alleluia,Today, harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord. Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34

When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go!” So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighbourhood.

A theology professor that I had in college used to say that for many people, Jesus was the “pig murderer of Gadarene.” His point was that our concept of Jesus often remains unduly limited. Like trying to keep wearing a toddler’s sock into adulthood, our “faith” is stretched beyond its purpose, neither effective nor proportional. When we do meet someone with genuine faith – the quietly wise sales clerk or the ever-patient parishioner – we recognize the simple impact they have on us and on others. These would read today’s gospel within a much larger context, that of the entire Gospel, of an entire life. They might note that those with difficult maladies often bear a clarity of observation that is sometimes scary, and those with genuinely evil intentions seek only chaos and its greater spread. The specifics of the story are one thing, and the way that you think them through in reference to your own life is another thing. It is the very interesting parts of the New Testament, such as today’s reading, that have the potential of helping us dive a little more deeply into our own deeper convictions and perceptions. In the end, we may discover what Jesus is really about and find the whole thing just a little too much to take on, and we ask him to leave us alone. Truly, then it is we who are jumping over the cliff.

First Reading: Genesis 22:1b-19

And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, ...(please see appendix Page 481)

JULY

Psalm 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

THURSDAY

Gospel Acclamation:

13th Week in Ordinary Time

Alleluia, In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

GREEN

St. John Baptist de La Salle has a fine reflection about the story of the healing of the paralytic. He makes an analogy to our own spiritual lives, how it is nurtured and grows. “When we are in the presence of Jesus, that is, when some passing inspiration enlightens us, whether it comes on our part or from those who guide us, let us wait until Jesus speaks to us and restores our health and movement, as he did for the paralytic. Let us rely on the firmness of our faith, even though we have no feeling of God and are without any movement toward God.” (Med. 71.2) Here he describes something that he must have experienced himself, and something that all those on a spiritual journey experience know. It is the nature of a life of faith to experience times without faith. The theologian Paul Tillich wrote: “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is one element of faith.” In our relationships, genuine and deep trust grows over time, because of and despite challenges. “Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove.” (Sonnet 116, Shakespeare) Similarly with God, whose nature is hugely intimate and also so much “other” than what we regularly experience, faith requires decisions and actions. “Thus, when your movement toward God is, as it were, suspended, be prompt and responsive to his voice. Rise up at once when he calls you, and walk, that is, resume the practice of virtue that you might find difficult, mortify your passions, and strive to overcome them.” (Med. 71.3)

L MEMO RIA IONA PT GO RIA RE

I TT

And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.

Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8

N & MARTYR VIRGI (1890 - 1902)

Born at Ancona, Maria spent her childhood in poverty and helping her mother in the domestic chores. She was a religious girl and much given to prayer. In 1902, while defending her chastity against a man attempting to violate her, she preferred to die rather than give way, and was repeatedly stabbed with a knife. She is the patron saint of chastity, rape victims and forgiveness. Pope Pius XII canonised her on June 24, 1950.

First Reading: Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67

7 JULY FRIDAY 13th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Sarah lived one hundred twenty-seven years; this was the length of Sarah’s life. And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan; and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. Abraham rose up from beside his dead, and said to the Hittites, “I am a stranger and an alien residing among you; give me property among you for a burying place, so that I may bury my dead out of my sight. After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his house, who had charge of all that he had, ...(please see appendix Page 481)

TAENU AN

Psalm 106:1b-2, 3-4ab, 4c-5

R. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13 PHILOSOPHER (d. 216)

Pantaenus was a Greek theologian and a significant figure in the Catechetical School of Alexandria from around AD 180. This school was the earliest catechetical school, and became influential in the development of Christian theology. Eusebius of Caesarea reports that Pantaenus was for a time a missionary, traveling as far as India where he found Christian communities using the Gospel of Matthew written in “Hebrew letters”, supposedly left them by the Apostle Bartholomew.

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

Matthew the tax collector was probably one of the more surprising apostle choices that Jesus made. Not only did he represent an unwelcome occupying force, but he was also at “the pointy end” of the stick. He was the one who had to demand money from a population that could not afford to pay such taxes. No matter how many times he said: “I don’t make the laws; I’m only doing my job,” he was the natural and most accessible recipient of quiet abuse, alienation, and anger. (Can you think of someone or some group in your context who might fit this picture?) When he and some of his fellow tax collectors joined Jesus for a meal, with a few “sinners” thrown into the mix, it’s not surprising that the Pharisees were righteously righteous in challenging the reported holiness of Jesus. The response he gave went right to the core of the issue, the core of his mission. He quoted a passage from scripture that the Pharisees were certainly familiar with: “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) Jesus instructed them to go and learn the meaning of those words. It was good advice. We might well do the same today.

First Reading: Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29

When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called his elder son Esau and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.” He said, “See, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and hunt game for me. Then prepare for me savory food, such as I like, and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die.” Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau. So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game and bring it. Then Rebekah took the best garments of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, ...(please see appendix Page 482 )

8 JULY SATURDAY 13th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 135:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. Praise the Lord for the Lord is good.

RIUS & PE

E ZO

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me.

HES

Gospel Acclamation:

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17

Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”And Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

Most of us have never seen a wineskin, let alone repaired one. But those in the New Testament would have been very familiar with it and would know exactly what Jesus meant when he spoke about putting new wine into old wineskins. Putting an unshrunken patch onto an old garment was similarly evocative, at least to those who did the sewing. But the fact that the disciples did not fast is not as simple to fully understand. Fasting was a common devotional practice, and it’s still practiced today as an external discipline that supports internal desires and movements. The analogy that Jesus makes is a strong one, because weddings were probably one of the major celebrations in the life of society at the time. And yes, of course you didn’t fast at a wedding feast. The whole point was to celebrate a new relationship, a new union of families. After all that is over and done with, when life returns to normal, fasting also returns to its proper context. It’s a matter of correlative integration,, one thing properly wedded to another. Relationships change over time, and activities associated with social interactions grow deeper or weaker as time passes. Jesus and the disciples were only partway on that journey, and the time for fasting would come only later.

MARTYRS

(d. 135)

Hesperius and his wife Zoe were slaves of a rich Roman named Catulus in Asia Minor. Put to shame for their religious indifference by the example of their children, they refused to accept food offered to the gods. There upon they were arrested and, when put to trial, made a bold confession of their faith and refused to venerate the Master’s gods. Infuriated, Catulus had them roasted to death in a furnace.

RAYMOND OF TOULOUSE

9 JULY

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-10

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, you king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. Psalm 144:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14

R. I will bless your name for ever, O God my king. I will give you glory, O God my king, I will bless your name for ever, I will bless you day after day and praise your name for ever. R The Lord is kind and full of compassion, Slow to anger, abounding in love. How good is the Lord to all, Compassionate to all his creatures. R All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord, and your friends shall repeat their blessing. They shall speak of the glory of your reign and declare your might, O God. R The Lord is faithful in all his words and loving in all his deeds. The Lord supports all who fall and raises all who are bowed down. R Second Reading: Romans 8:9, 11-13

But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed these things to children.

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

One of the wonderful attributes of young children is not so much their innocence – a word that refers to the lack of something that most people wish to recapture later – as their sheer exuberance and simplicity of life. They say what they see and explore whatever is nearby. Their statements are sometimes lasers of blinding truth. And indeed, the things of which Jesus knows and speaks are hidden from the wise and revealed to those who somehow manage to recapture mature versions of the deep simplicities that were there in childhood. The wonderful revelation is that the Father has shared his life and wisdom with his Son, who in turn shared both with everyone he encountered, and which was then transformed through the Paschal Mystery and brought forward as a vibrant and living reality today in the dynamic life of the Holy Spirit. One piece of that life and wisdom is at the end of today’s reading, where Jesus invites us to take up his yoke, to be meek and humble of heart, because rest is to be found not in the carrying of our burdens, but in carrying them in and with Christ. It’s radically simple, and also quite difficult, as De La Salle illustrates: “Oh, what a great advantage it is to learn well and to practice well this lesson given us by our Lord: Learn of me, for I am kind and humble of heart! … Never speak to anyone except with kindness, and if you fear to speak otherwise, keep silent.” (Med. 65.2)

10 JULY MONDAY 14th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: Genesis 28:10-22a

Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. ...(please see appendix Page 482) Psalm 91:1-2, 3-4ab, 14-15ab

R. O my God, I trust in you. Gospel Acclamation:

LY BRO HO

ERS TH

SEVE N

Alleluia, Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

MARTYRS

(d. c.165)

Felicity is said to have been a rich and pious Christian widow who had seven sons. She devoted herself to charitable work and converted many to the Christian faith by her example. This aroused the wrath of pagan priests and demanded sacrifice from Felicitas and her children. With joy, she accompanied her sons and witnessed the death of all seven. She refused to act against her conscience and so she too suffered martyrdom.

Gospel: Matthew 9:18-26

While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district.

The New Testament is very good in telling us all sorts of details about the interactions that Jesus had with others, especially when it comes to the miracles. It’s the details that give character and depth to the stories, and today’s gospel even includes another miracle that happened on the way to doing another one. Notice one detail about both individuals involved: each one had a very strong faith that Jesus could and would help them. It was a faith that had sprung from hope, but it also was a faith that led to action, to the doing of something. The official “came forward and knelt before him,” and the woman “touched his cloak.” It was the demonstration of their faith which made the difference. When Jesus said “your faith has saved you,” this included the fact that faith was brought to action. Even in our daily experience, it’s one thing to have faith in something or someone and another thing to express that faith. Things only happen if faith in yourself, in another, and in Jesus, leads to action, to the doing of things. Salvation is not something that you merely think yourself into; you actually have to do things. Otherwise, faith never comes to life, and God never has a chance to truly interact with you.

First Reading: Genesis 32:23-33

Jacob took his two wives, two female servants, and his eleven children and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” ...(please see appendix Page 482) Psalm 17:1, 2-3, 6-7, 8 and 15

11 JULY TUESDAY 14th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

R. In justice I shall behold your face. Gospel Acclamation:

After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.” Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.”

During the years of his public ministry, Jesus certainly made an impression. Today’s gospel says that people were amazed at what they heard and saw. It was unprecedented in their experience. And what did he do? He “went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness.” He walked, talked, and healed people, moved with pity by those who were troubled and abandoned like sheep without a shepherd. Plus, he tells his disciples that others are needed to do the same thing, using that wonderful phrase, “the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few.” When he tells his disciples to “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest,” who do you think he has in mind? The disciples, or course! Jesus both lives out his own ministry and draws others into following him in that same ministry. Each of us is challenged to be moved with pity, to walk, talk, and heal others. In the Lasallian context, De La Salle tells us “you are devoted to work in the harvest of souls” (Med 67.3). Our ministry is to bring the gospel to the educational world.

BEN E

Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38

CT OF N DI

SIA UR

Alleluia, I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own and my own know me.

T & FOUNDER ABBO (c. 480 - c. 547)

Born at Nursia, he led a life of solitude and gathered disciples around him, and then went to Monte Cassino. He founded a well known monastery and wrote his Rule, as a result of which he has been called the Father of Monasticism in the West. He formulated the golden rule Oraet Labora - pray and work, the most common and influential Rule used by monasteries and monks. He is a patron saint of Europe.

12 JULY WEDNESDAY 14th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a

When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do.” And since the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. Moreover, all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine became severe throughout the world. Thus the sons of Israel were among the other people who came to buy grain, for the famine had reached the land of Canaan. ...(please see appendix Page 483) Psalm 33:2-3, 10-11, 18-19

G U ALB T ER

JO H

R. May your merciful love be upon us, as we hope in you, O Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. Gospel: Matthew 10:1-7

ABBOT

(985 - 1073)

John Gualberto is the founder of the Vallumbrosan Order. He became a member of the Order of Saint Benedict though he left in order to found his own congregation. He condemned nepotism and all simoniacal actions and was known for the pureness and meekness of his faith. He became a noted figure for his compassion to the poor and the ill. He is the patron saint for foresters, park rangers and parks.

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.

Three things stand out in today’s reading. First, when the apostles are sent, they are named. These were real people with personalities, histories, foibles, traits, and habits that made each of them unique … and not perfect. Yet they were to proclaim the gospel and to be the gospel. Second, they were not sent to preach to everyone but to the lost in the house of Israel. Before you can go and save the world, you first have to save those within your own sphere of influence, those in your own family or community. Recall the Snoopy cartoon where Lucy says: “I love humanity. It’s people I can’t stand.” If you want to find out who you’re meant to be the gospel for, pay attention to the people you run into today. Third, the condensed substance of the gospel message is “The kingdom of God is at hand.” The life and presence of God, the full indwelling of God’s living reality, is nearby, very close, almost touchable. We can’t know or see or engage God without learning about, looking for, and acting towards that reality. It requires a change of heart and a change of life. “To come to be what you are not, you must go by a way in which you are not.” (St. John of the Cross)

First Reading: Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45: 1-5

Then Judah stepped up to him and said, “O my lord, let your servant please speak a word in my lord’s ears, and do not be angry with your servant; for you are like Pharaoh himself. My lord asked his servants, saying, “Have you a father or a brother?’ And we said to my lord, “We have a father, an old man, and a young brother, the child of his old age. His brother is dead; he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’ Then you said to your servants, “Bring him down to me, so that I may set my eyes on him.’ ...(please see appendix Page 483)

JULY THURSDAY 14th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21

R. Remember the wonders the Lord has done. L MEMO RIA IONA PT RY HEN II

Alleluia, The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.

Gospel Acclamation:

Gospel: Matthew 10:7-15

Jesus said to his apostles, as you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

Jesus was very specific and direct when he sent his followers to go out and preach the good news of God’s reign among us. These were their marching orders. First among them is the fact that “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Such radical charity is a living principle of the gospel. Saints throughout history are noted for their unreasonable, impractical, irritatingly stubborn generosity of spirit. Their idea of “success” had almost nothing in common with its popular meaning. Their concern for themselves – personal health, selfimage, self-actualization, etc. – dwelled in a different universe, one that was entirely focused on others and God. It is as if they came to experience and to understand that God’s grace in their lives was such a tremendously great gift that the only thing you could do is express and share it with others. Everything else was garbage. Such radical charity is never easy, but they seemed to have rejoiced in it. The details that Jesus provided about entering and leaving towns gives us an idea of how the apostles lives were lived. What we are left with is the invitation to draw out how ours might be lived with similar radical commitment and charity today.

ROMAN EMPEROR HOLY (973 - 1024)

Born in Bavaria, Henry succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria and later was elected Holy Roman Emperor. As king, Henry encouraged the German bishops to reform the practices of the Church in accordance with canon law. He was outstanding for his reforms in the Church and for his encouragement of missionary activity. He was declared the patron saint of the Benedictine Oblates by Pope St. Pius X.

First Reading: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30

When Israel set out on his journey with all that he had and came to Beer-sheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. God spoke to Israel in visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” ...(please see appendix Page 483)

JULY

Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40

FRIDAY 14th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT US DE L LL

LIS EL

CAM I

GREEN

CONFESSOR

(1550 - 1614)

Born in Abruzzi, St. Camillus was at first a soldier and then, after his conversion to a more religious life, he dedicated himself to the care of the sick. He founded the Order of Clerks Regular, Ministers of the Infirm (Camillians). He was practical as well as mystical. He wanted the best, physically, spiritually, and morally, for all those he cared for. He is the patron saint of the sick, hospitals, nurses and physicians.

R. From the Lord comes the salvation of the just. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23

Jesus said to his disciples, “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

We are advised by Scripture scholars, and rightly so, that there are passages in the New Testament that tell us more about the experiences of the early church than about the actual words of Jesus. At the same time, it must be said that those same words are an expression of the life of the gospel in the world, and as such they bear the Holy Spirit within the church’s living history. In today’s reading, the difficulties and challenges of preaching the gospel are clearly not very enjoyable, and that was indeed the experience of the first Christians for centuries. What also comes through, however, is the assurance that Jesus gives: “Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” This alone makes it all a bit more bearable. But I wonder how many of us take this advice to heart. When you are asked about your faith, do you give an answer? If we believe what Jesus says, then whatever answer we give – perhaps struggling for words, stammering unconvincingly (to us), etc. – will be sufficient (and needed) for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of others. Our words may be the only gospel that they will ever read.

First Reading: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a

Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7

R. You who are poor, seek God and your hearts will revive. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Gospel: Matthew 10:24-33

The reading for today reminds me of a coach encouraging the team before a big game, using various approaches to convince them from various angles to do their best and not to get too worried along the way, but also letting them know that they shouldn’t screw up. The analogies that Jesus uses are both clear and clever. Everyone knows how inexpensive sparrows are, yet people don’t know how very valuable these are to God. So just think of how valuable you are to God, compared to a sparrow. God knows everything about you, even the number of hairs on your head! That last bit about hairs on your head is a great image to use, because it is one of the most immediate and personal things that people notice, and it is an obvious example of something that we can see but not know in detail. A person’s hair is seen, but no one could know how many hairs – or hair follicles for bald people – there are. Similarly, God knows way more than you might realize or even imagine, and this especially applies to God’s love and care for you. The last line of the reading is a little wake-up call: If you deny me, I will also deny you. So, you’d better keep that in mind in the big game of life.

JULY SATURDAY 14th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

VENTU RE

Jesus said to his disciples, “A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! “So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.

Then Jacob charged them, saying to them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my ancestors—in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave in the field at Machpelah, near Mamre, in the land of Canaan, in the field that Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. ...(please see appendix Page 484)

OP & DOCTOR BISH (c.1218 - 1274)

Born in Tuscany, Bonaventure studied philosophy and theology and then taught the students of the order. He became Minister General of the Franciscan Order and steered them on a moderate and intellectual course that made them the most prominent order in the Catholic Church. His theology was marked completely to integrate faith and reason. As a mystical writer, he managed to unite the pastoral, practical aspects of life with the doctrines of the Church.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

JULY

Green

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11

R. “Some seed fell into good soil and yielded fruit.” You care for the earth, give it water, You fill it with riches. Your river in heaven brims over To provide its grain. R

You crown the year with your goodness. Abundance flows in your steps, in the pastures of the wilderness it flows. R

And thus you provide for the earth; you drench its furrows, you level it, soften it with showers, You bless its growth. R

The hills are girded with joy, the meadows covered with flocks, the valleys are decked with wheat. They shout for joy, yes, they sing. R

Second Reading: Romans 8:18-23

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The seed is the word of God , and Christ is the sower . All who come to him will have life for ever. Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!” Then the disciples came and asked him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He answered, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of

heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand. With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: ‘You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. “Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart, this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing, but as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Parables are such wonderful teaching tools. They help people “understand with the heart,” as Isaiah writes. This is the way of all good stories. They bring together images and ideas that could only be connected via the imagination. They bring a new perspective and focus on things previously thought unimportant or transitory. Stories touch and connect parts of the soul that have lain dormant or unattended, happy to light up and illuminate new avenues of thinking and feeling. Stories were the first “virtual reality.” The current popularity of podcasts and audiobooks bears witness to their appeal. We want to think with others, hear about others, and imagine options for others. These things help us live and learn in relatively safe ways. Jesus engages this aspect of human interest to quickly and quietly connect with the deeper reaches of the human heart. His parables get past our normal defenses and plant seeds of hope, of concern, or of reflection. The parable of the sower and the seeds does all three brilliantly. Even without the explanation he gives to his disciples, his listeners knew that here were truths worth thinking about. They would remember the story much longer than they might remember the explanation. But that was enough, because the story would eventually burrow into the nooks and crannies of their lives. And that indeed would make a difference.

17 JULY MONDAY th

15 Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN XI ALE US

CONFESSOR

(5th Century)

From the charitable example of his parents, Alexius developed a compassionate attitude at an early age. Fearing that earthly honours might draw his heart from noble objects, he decided to renounce the advantages of his birth and retire from the world. He worked in his father’s house as a servant for seventeen years bearing the ill treatment of other servants in patience and silence. He is the Titular Patron of the Alexian Brothers.

First Reading: Exodus 1:8-14, 22

Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. ...(please see appendix Page 484) Psalm 124:1-3, 4-6, 7-8

R. Our help is in the name of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Gospel: Matthew 10:34—11:1

Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her motherin-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.

For anyone who has ever thought that following Jesus was a harmless venture, requiring little commitment with marginal personal cost, today’s reading might have them think differently. While it may be true that being a Christian could in many contexts be adopted as a cultural sort of sensibility, in other societies or countries today, as in the early church, living publicly as a Christian would be like walking a tightrope across the Grand Canyon. For those who take their faith life seriously, the way ahead is likely to be unpredictable, challenging, and hard. It’s a life and commitment that is more like rugby than golf, although analogies could be made with either sport. Like any relationship, a faith relationship requires regular attention, a never-ending learning curve, occasional celebratory events, and a long-haul kind of approach. For those willing to dive into it most deeply, the life of faith can be a really amazing personal adventure, losing the lives they had imagined for themselves and discovering the lives that God had imagined for them. It’s the kind of life of faith where you can look back with wonder at how much truer such a life was compared to the one that you had earlier imagined. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

First Reading: Exodus 2:1-15a

Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,” she said. ...(please see appendix Page 484)

18 JULY TUESDAY 15th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34

Alleluia, Today, harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord.

CK OF UT RI

CHT RE

Gospel Acclamation:

FRED E

R. You who are poor, seek God and your heart will revive.

Gospel: Matthew 11:20-24

Then Jesus began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.”

Even Jesus can get frustrated, as he does here with those places that failed to heed his words and deeds. Sometimes, no matter how much effort you put into something or someone, the change you desire does not happen. There’s not even a little nudge in the right direction. The tricky thing with free will is that its choices cannot be predicted or reliably changed. (This is why advertising careers will never go out of fashion.) On a larger scale, we know that social media, political movements, and your circle of friends may draw a person’s views or assumptions in a particular direction, like the ocean’s invisible tides. This is why it’s important to have a way to keep a clear view of things, perhaps triggered by someone saying the equivalent of “Woe to you!” Or perhaps it’s like the monk who lost his begging bowl in a murky creek as he was crossing it. Knowing he wouldn’t find it feeling around the creek blindly, he sat on the bank and meditated for an hour. The murky particles and distractions in the creek gradually settled down. Now crystal clear, the bowl’s location was obvious. Having similar personal ways of checking our “free will” choices helps keep our priorities in line with what we truly desire.

OP & MARTYR BISH (d. 838)

Known for his learning and personal piety, St. Frederick worked to reform the clergy, regularize Church practice in his diocese, and opposed incestuous marriages, especially among the nobility. He dispatched a group of missionaries to evangelize the pagans to the north of Utrecht, and worked with them around Walcheren. Legend tells that he was stabbed by two men after the offering of the Mass on 18 July 838. He is the patron saint of the deaf.

19 JULY WEDNESDAY 15th Week in Ordinary Time

& RUF TA

A IN

JU S

GREEN

First Reading: Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12

Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. ...(please see appendix Page 485) Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7

R. The Lord is compassionate and gracious. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom. MARTYRS

(d. 287)

Justa and Rufina were sisters and natives of Seville who made fine earthen ware pottery for a living. Refusing to sell their wares for use in the pagan celebrations, the city’s prefect, Diogenianus, ordered them to be imprisoned. Failing to convince them to renounce their faith, he had them tortured on the rack and with iron hooks. Justa died due to starvation whereas St. Rufina was strangled or beheaded and her body burned.

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27

How is the substance of faith transmitted? Jesus declares that it is the childlike and not the learned or wise who are most disposed to receive God’s revelations. It is the dispositions of childhood that provide the capacity for faith. An old adage says that “Faith is caught; not taught.” There is some truth in that because faith – “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1) – cannot be nailed down. You can’t purchase it on Amazon or download it on Spotify. Based on the evidence of personal and of world history, faith is something that grows within a family or community. Being part of a family of faith doesn’t ensure that one’s own faith will grow; recall the parable of the sower and the seeds. But it is unlikely, if not impossible, to develop and grow a life of faith without being part of some specific, flesh-and-blood, often imperfect but always nearby group of people among whom you are counted as a member. At the end of today’s reading, Jesus makes this point most strongly in describing the dynamic essence of the Trinity, God’s presence to us as Father, Son, and Spirit. The continuity of that vital reality is life-giving, lifeaffirming, and life-long, both for God and for us.

First Reading: Exodus 3:13-20

20 JULY THURSDAY 15th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN & FLAV AS

ELI

IAN

But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, “What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “I am has sent me to you.’“God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’: This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations. Go and assemble the elders of Israel, and say to them, “The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying: I have given heed to you and to what has been done to you in Egypt. I declare that I will bring you up out of the misery of Egypt, to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ They will listen to your voice; and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the ...(please see appendix Page 485) Psalm 105:1 and 5, 8-9, 24-25, 26-27

R. The Lord remembers his covenant forever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The best reflection that I’ve read about this gospel passage is from St. John Baptist de La Salle. He is both practical, insightful, and direct: “We are not exempt from suffering from others, because it is not possible for two people to live together without causing suffering to each other in some way. Because we make others suffer, it is only right that we suffer from them in our turn. This burden that God has imposed on all people helps them to be saved. In this way the yoke of Jesus Christ is light, because he helps us bear easily the burdens and troubles of this life rather than have them feel like something oppressive. Do not, then, be so foolish, so unreasonable, and so unchristian as to expect to have nothing to suffer from your Brothers, for this would be to ask for a most extraordinary and unheard-of miracle. Do not expect it, then, to happen anytime during your life.” (Med. 73.2) It is by looking at the example of Jesus, and by entering into his dispositions, that we not only bear with one another but that we also discover ways in which our life of faith might expand by widening our hearts to include those we can’t stand.

RCHS OF JERUSALEM & ANTIOC H PATRIA

(d. 518)

Flavian, Patriarch of Antioch, and Saint Elias, Patriarch of Jerusalem, were exiled by the Emperor Anastasius (A.D. 491 to A.D. 518) for strenuously upholding the Decrees of the Council of Chalcedon, affirming the existence of the Two Natures in Jesus Christ, that is, the Nature of God and the Nature of Man. St. Flavian died at Petra in Arabia, and Elias at Aila on the shores of the Red Sea.

APOLLINARIUS

First Reading: Exodus 11:10–12:14

21 JULY FRIDAY 15th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. ...(please see appendix Page 463) Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18

R. The cup of salvation I will raise; I will call on the name

DISI RIN

LAW RE

of the Lord.

L MEMO RIA IONA PT E OF B NC

ESSOR & DOCTOR CONF (1559 - 1619)

Lawrence belonged to the Capuchin Order and taught theology to the students and engaged in many of the works of the Order. As a renowned preacher he travelled throughout Europe and wrote many works to explain the Catholic faith. He carried out important and successful diplomatic peace missions to Munich and Madrid. In 1599, he established Capuchin monasteries in Germany and Austria, furthering the Counter Reformation and bringing many Protestants back to the Catholic faith.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8

At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

There are many experiences related in the New Testament that seem foreign to us. Eating grain while walking through a wheatfield is likely to be one of them. The part that we could relate to is being challenged by those in charge about doing something that is held to be illegal or simply wrong. In this case, it’s the Sabbath and its laws that were being broken. The disciples, in effect, were “working” by rubbing grains together and eating the kernels. Jesus, who knew his scriptures better than anyone else, answers them in their own mode of conversation, citing cases from scripture when such “work” was allowed. But he also added a kicker or two. Not only did he direct them back to the essentials – “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” – but he also declared himself as Lord of the Sabbath and therefore above the law. One can see him saying this in a quiet voice, almost in passing, so that the hearers were astounded and speechless. This is yet another example of how Jesus used daily experience, ordinary happenings, and immediate situations to teach and gradually reveal his mission and identity. It’s much more effective than writing a book.

First Reading: Song of Solomon 3:1-4ab

...(please see appendix Page 485) Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

JULY

R. For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord, my God. Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

...(please see appendix Page 486) Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Tell us Mary, what did you see on the way? I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb.

SATURDAY 15th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18

There are many stories and testimonials surrounding the resurrection. They are varied and inconsistent, but they are all strongly held. They also attest to the truth of the central fact of Christ’s resurrection. Different accounts of an unprecedented event show how truly dramatic it was. (In the Kennedy assassination, we have the video and still we can’t correlate all the facts and witness testimonials.) The fact that so few, if any, of the apostles anticipated the resurrection further supports its reality. Mary Magdalene was as surprised as anyone else, thinking that his body had been moved somewhere. It was only when she heard her name and looked at him with real attention, not “just the gardener,” that she recognized Jesus. It’s an experience we may have had also, recognizing someone only when we truly paid attention to them. In Mary Magdalene’s case, all she could say was the title with which she had called him before. And despite trying to do so, she couldn’t hold on to him. Isn’t that a good way to think about Jesus ourselves? We may come to recognize him in those we don’t pay much attention to, and we should know that wherever we do find Jesus, we should treasure the moment because we do not control him. Quite the reverse.

MA R

FEA ST

AGDA

NE LE

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” ...(please see appendix Page 486)

IPLE OF THE LORD DISC

(d. c. 84)

All four gospels identify her, either alone or as a member of a larger group of women which includes Jesus’s mother, as the first to witness the empty tomb, and the first to witness Jesus’s resurrection. The Gospel of Luke (8:2–3) lists Mary Magdalene as one of the women who travelled with Jesus and helped, supported his ministry. The same passage also states that seven demons had been driven out of her.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

JULY

Green

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

For neither is there any god besides you, whose care is for all people, to whom you should prove that you have not judged unjustly; For your strength is the source of righteousness, and your sovereignty over all causes you to spare all. For you show your strength when people doubt the completeness of your power, and you rebuke any insolence among those who know it. Although you are sovereign in strength, you judge with mildness, and with great forbearance you govern us; for you have power to act whenever you choose. Through such works you have taught your people that the righteous must be kind, and you have filled your children with good hope, because you give repentance for sins. Psalm 85:5-6, 9-10, 15-16

R. O Lord, you are good and forgiving. O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of love to all who call. Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my voice. R All the nations shall come to adore you and glorify your name, O Lord:

for you are great and do marvelous deeds, you who alone are God. R But you, God of mercy and compassion, slow to anger, O Lord, abounding in love and truth turn and take pity on me. R

Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are you , Father ,Lord of heaven and earth ,that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom. Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the house holder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in

his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.” Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

This parable of the weeds growing up among the wheat is another one that Jesus needed to explain to his apostles, although to us this may not seem to be necessary. We get what he means. But if you do read his explanation, you may be surprised to find further rich insights, ones than you might not have concluded on your own. This is the sign of a good teacher … and a good student. At one level, a parable can stand on its own, conveying its meaning with little interpretation. But at a deeper level lie further important insights that need to be pursued, as the disciples realized from experience. For today’s context, the parable could be applied to the vast divides between groups of people who live radically different lives, whether socially, religiously, or culturally. Whatever may be good and evil, or whoever may be good or evil, is not something that is ours to determine. We “grow” along with others, and it is solely God who will be able to distinguish between the weeds from the wheat. Therefore, it’s best not to try to do so ourselves lest we find out that by doing so, we’ve drifted toward that which we had been trying to avoid.

24 JULY MONDAY 16th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: Exodus 14:5-18

When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the minds of Pharaoh and his officials were changed toward the people, and they said, “What have we done, letting Israel leave our service?” So he had his chariot made ready, and took his army with him; he took six hundred picked chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt and he pursued the Israelites, who were going out boldly. The Egyptians pursued them, all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, ...(please see appendix Page 486) Exodus 15:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously. Gospel Acclamation:

CHR I

RE TY

INA OF ST

N & MARTYR VIRGI

St Christina of Tyre, also known as Christina of Bolsena, or in the Eastern Orthodox Church as Christina the Great Martyr, is venerated as a Christian martyr of the 3rd century. Archaeological excavations of an underground cemetery constructed at her tomb have shown that she was venerated at Bolsena by the fourth century.

Alleluia, Today, harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord. Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth. The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here!

The story of Jonah is a profound and complicated one. Some think that it’s about a guy who gets swallowed by a big fish that regurgitates him on a beach to make him do what God wanted him to do. These are indeed some of the essentials. But the essence of the story lies in the personality of Jonah and how he grew in understanding God’s presence in his life. He was the reluctant prophet, a “Leave me alone!” kind of guy. Yet through persistence, circumstances, events, and appeals, the direction of his life was changed, and he became God’s messenger. Sound familiar? One reason that Jesus used the story in today’s reading is probably because his hearers were very, very familiar with it. This was one of the greatest hits stories in scripture. Whether the passage was written after the resurrection with the resurrection in mind is not as important as the fact that Jesus declared that he was greater than Jonah, greater than Solomon, and that this would be proven after his death. There have been many people whose true impact was only realized after their deaths; not everybody, but still quite a few. When Jesus speaks like this, he dramatically highlights the importance of his preaching and teaching, setting the stage for what will come later.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; ...(please see appendix Page 486) PSALM 125:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap. Gospel Acclamation

25 JULY TUESDAY 16th Week in Ordinary Time

Alleluia! I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord.

RED

Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28

FEA ST

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom of many.”

All of us may be able to think of a time when we did something that later on, we thought was rather stupid. This may have been the case with the mother of James and John in today’s gospel. Like any proud mother, she wanted the best for her sons. But Jesus took her question seriously, telling them that they didn’t know what they were asking, and inquiring whether they could drink the cup that he must drink. When they affirmed that they could, he took them at their word and then gave them a wise answer about where there would sit in the Kingdom. When the scene shifts to the other ten apostles who berated James and John for asking the question in the first place, Jesus berates them all for their rivalry. All questions about rank and honor are misguided. It’s not about that. They should instead go in the other direction. “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.” You can imagine the consternation this statement would have caused. It must have been like the unintended compliment a high school religion teacher overheard as his students were leaving his classroom: “Damn. He made me think again.”

JAMES

TLE & MARTYR APOS (d. c.63)

St. James is described as one of the first disciples to join Jesus. Son of Zebedee and Salome, he left everything when Christ called him to be a fisher of men. He was present during most of the recorded miracles of Christ. After Pentecost, he stayed in Jerusalem to preach about Jesus even though it was dangerous to be known as a Christian. He was soon arrested and put to death around 44 AD.

26 JULY WEDNESDAY 16th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

JOAC

M HI

AN N

O M E M RI A L

TS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PAREN

Joachim and Anne were the parents of Jesus’ mother, Mary. Tradition tells that they were respected members of the Jewish community and that they wanted to become parents so much that Joachim went into the desert to fast and pray that God would hear their prayer. It is said that an angel told them that they would soon have a daughter who would become famous throughout the world. They serve as role models for parents and grandparents.

First Reading: Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15

The whole congregation of the Israelites set out from Elim; and Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread;...(please see appendix Page 486) Psalm 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28

R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live forever. Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9

This parable could also be called the parable of the careless sower, because any farmer worth his salt would do everything possible to avoid wasting precious seeds and throw them on a path, or rocky ground, or among thorns. Of course, the parable wouldn’t work unless it was a careless sower. Still, it’s like one of those public puppet shows where the gathered kids can see what’s going to happen and scream at the puppets to look behind them or to not be deceived. Sometimes we can guess what’s going to happen and do our best to avoid possible bad consequences by doing what we can. It’s pretty obvious in this parable that the seeds that don’t fall on the fertile soil will not survive. What can we take away from that? Take the parable to a deeper level. In your life, what prevents the gospel to take root in you? It could be stubborn bad habits or addictions (birds on the path), or a negative environment (rocky soil), or wrong friends and acquaintances (the thorns), or simple apathy (shallow soil), or a host of other things that tacitly prevent, or allows you to avoid, opening the door to God’s grace in your life. It’s worth thinking about, because fertile soil is usually just around the corner … and you have to walk to get there.

First Reading: Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b

On the third new moon after the Israelites had gone out of the land of Egypt, ...(please see appendix Page 487) Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

27 JULY

R. To you glory and praise for evermore. Alleluia, Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom. Gospel: Matthew 13:10-17

The last part of today’s gospel reading brings to mind a notion that you may have had as well: What would it have been like to actually be with Jesus as he went about preaching, teaching, and healing? If you could be transported back to that time and place, would you really want to do it? Would your image of Jesus and his disciples be confirmed or challenged? Would the fact that Jesus was a swarthy, dark-complexioned, long-haired, bearded, and relatively older (for the time) Jewish teacher be jarring or inviting? Would the sound of his Aramaic daily speech be strange? (Listen to the Our Father in Aramaic on YouTube for a sample.) Certainly, the general culture and some of its assumed practices and priorities would be disconcerting. Nevertheless, most of us would likely find ourselves as captivated by the presence, actions, and teachings of Jesus as those in his time. There would have been a universal depth of personal connection communicated – similarly seen in the video series, The Chosen – and the hidden nuclear core of divine origin and purpose would slowly, almost prosaically, become known to us. The words that Jesus speaks in today’s reading bear witness to his care for all people throughout history, past and future, and should inspire us to pursue an evergreater appreciation of the gospel and the Christ who through the Holy Spirit remains close and accessible to us today.

16th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN OCENT NN

Then the disciples came and asked him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He answered, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that ‘seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.’ With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: ‘You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn—and I would heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.

THURSDAY

Gospel Acclamation:

POPE

I (d. 417)

Pope Innocent I was the bishop of Rome from 401 to 417. As a pope, he was seen as the general arbitrator of ecclesiastical disputes in both the East and the West. He confirmed the prerogatives of the Archbishop of Thessalonica, and issued a decretal on disciplinary matters. He defended the exiled John Chrysostom and consulted with the bishops of Africa concerning the Pelagian controversy, confirming the decisions of the African synods.

First Reading: Exodus 20:1-17

28 JULY FRIDAY 16th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN / WHITE

)

ORIAL (INDI EM A M O N H P SA AL

VIRGIN

(1910 - 1946)

Alphonsa’s life was filled with suffering. In order to avoid her foster mother’s attempt to arrange a marriage for her, she fell into a pit of burning chaff which left her partially disabled for the rest of her life. She joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation and was gifted with the fore knowledge. In 1939, she was struck by pneumonia as well as loss of memory. She was canonised on 12 October 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI.

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, ...(please see appendix Page 487) Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. Lord, you have the words of eternal life. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.. Gospel: Matthew 13:18-23

“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus explains to his disciples what the parable of the sower means, or rather what he wanted to teach through the parable. Like all stories, parables are subject to a variety of interpretations because of their rich, imaginative construction. In this case, Jesus provides an extra layer of teaching, using the parable as the jumping-off point. As you read through the various points, notice how well he describes the different ways that people respond to “hearing the word.” By itself, the gospel is communicated in words. What happens next is up to the one who hears them, and it looks as if there are more chances for the word to be lost than for it to bear fruit at all, let alone a hundredfold. Reading those conditions, we might realize that some of them have happened to us at different times in our lives, and perhaps some still persist. The hope and the promise is that that “seed” is sown each time we read the scriptures, each time we hear it proclaimed at Mass, each time we listen to certain podcasts or talks. The word continues to be sown, and eventually it will fall on a piece of fertile soil in our soul. With minimal watering, it will grow and establish deep roots. That’s when the life really begins.

First Reading: Exodus 24:3-8

Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, “All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do.” And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. He rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and set up twelve pillars, corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel. ...(please see appendix Page 488) Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15

R. Give your praise as a sacrifice to God.

29 JULY SATURDAY 16th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

Gospel Acclamation:

And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me; even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

It is clear from the gospel that Martha was well known Jesus. She and her sister Mary, along with her brother Lazarus, were friends that he would visit regularly. And based on what we know, Martha was the worker in the family, the practical one, always busy about many things. You probably know people like this yourself, or perhaps you are one yourself. Such individuals are very much appreciated by those who benefit from their labors, and they are also readily taken for granted. People expect them to be efficient and practical and consistent. While this may be fine in most circumstances, it makes little room for a relaxed conversation, some reflective reading, quietly staring out of a window at the backyard, praying and reading scripture, and the like. One Catholic school principal kept his office door ajar but would quickly pick up a pen and scribble something on a pad if he heard someone coming down the hallway while he was sitting there doing nothing, perusing the day and thinking about what needed to be done. The gospel reading today not only honors Martha for her faith and good works but also shows that the “better part” of our lives is worthy of due attention. This is the part that is the deepest, lasts the longest, and is less efficient.

ARY & US ZAR LA

John 11:19-27

O M E M RI A L

MART HA

Alleluia, I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

VIRGIN

(d. c. 84)

DISCIPLE OF THE LORD Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus. She received the Lord into her house and provided for his needs with great care. At her request the Lord raised her brother from the dead. At the time of raising of Lazarus, she declares “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God”. She is the patron of house wives, servants, waiters and cooks.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

JULY

Green

Year A

SUNDAY First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. Psalm 118:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130

R. Lord, how I love your law ! My part, I have resolved, O Lord, is to obey your word. The law from your mouth means more to me than silver and gold. R

That is why I love your commands more than finest gold. That is why I rule my life by your precepts: I hate false ways. R

Let your love be ready to console me by your promise to your servant. Let your love come to me and I shall live for your law is my delight. R

Your will is wonderful indeed: Therefore I obey it. The unfolding of your word gives light and teaches the simple. R

Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia,Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom. Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore,

sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. “Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Good teachers know that one of the best ways to help others understand a difficult point or concept is to use an analogy, what it is “like.” Such analogies may not be completely accurate, but a set of them will cover enough of the point to make it understandable. Today’s gospel reading shows Jesus doing the same thing, providing analogies for his hearers that reference things that they know and deal with every day: farmers working in fields, merchants dealing with pearls, and fishermen catching fish. In each case, the point is slightly different. The farmer knows there’s a treasure in a field and does all he can to buy the field so that he can own the treasure. The merchant finding a wonderful pearl sells all he has in order to obtain it. And the fisherman catches the riches of the sea but throws away whatever is bad. Here is one version of these for today: The alcoholic knows the treasure of AA and does all he can to attend the meetings so that he can “own” what is found there. The young Catholic student discovers the “pearl” of the campus ministry center and stops many other activities in order to be part of the campus ministry team. And the online surfer of social media and websites fishes for all sorts of things but finally clicks away from whatever is obviously bad. How would you interpret Jesus’ parables for your life today?

31 JULY MONDAY 17th Week in Ordinary Time

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First Reading: Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34

Then Moses turned and went down from the mountain, carrying the two tablets of the covenant in his hands, tablets that were written on both sides, written on the front and on the back. The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved upon the tablets. When Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, “There is a noise of war in the camp.” But he said, “It is not the sound made by victors, or the sound made by losers; it is the sound of revellers that I hear.” ...(please see appendix Page 488) Psalm 106:19-20, 21-22, 23

R. O give thanks to the Lord for he is good. OF IUS LO

LA YO

IGN AT

O M E M RI A L

PRIEST

(1491 - 1556)

Ignatius’ early life was led at court and in the army, and later he was converted to a life of holiness. His meditations, prayers, visions and insights led to forming the Society of Jesus. He collected his insights, prayers, and suggestions in his book The Spiritual Exercises. The book De Vita Christi inspired him to devote himself to God. He is the patron saint of all spiritual retreats as well as of soldiers.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Gospel: Matthew 13:31-35

Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet:“I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.”

Two things that the listeners of Jesus would know about are seeds and yeast. These were everyday items that could be readily understood. This is also the reason why he used them for his parables. You can’t explain things to people in terms that they do not understand or for which they have no reference point. Speak to their experience and they will listen. In this case, his parables are about the mustard seed and about yeast. Something very small can have a tremendously disproportionate influence in things outside of itself. Look up the size of a mustard see on Wikipedia. It’s bursting with vitamins and minerals. And it’s very tiny. But if it’s planted – in fertile soil– in three months it becomes a bush 20 feet wide. Yeast cells are about 7/1000th of a meter, yet they are hugely influential in the production of bread, alcohol, probiotics, and various biological processes. For Jesus, the “kingdom of heaven” is like the mustard seed or the yeast. God’s life and presence, when brought into awareness and into one’s life, quickly spreads out in all sorts of unexpected ways, growing and healing and bringing life to parts of your soul that were previously unexplored or unknown. The real adventure is the adventure of the life of faith. Once started, your universe expands and the world is transformed each and every day.

First Reading: Exodus 33:7-11; 34: 5b-9, 28

R. The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

AUGUST TUESDAY 17th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

US DE L NS

URI IGO

Psalm 103:6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13

ALPH O

Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp; he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise and stand, each of them, at the entrance of their tents and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise and bow down, all of them, at the entrance of their tent. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then he would return to the camp; but his young assistant, Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the tent. ...(please see appendix Page 488)

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live forever. Gospel: Matthew 13:36-43

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

The core message of today’s gospel sounds wonderful as it encourages readers to choose godly paths in life. Jesus’ explanation of the parable clarifies the disciple’s ignorance, which benefits all of us. The adage “you reap what you sow” serves as a timely reminder that every manifestation of our inner attitude must reveal our innermost “Call” of life. The metaphorical precondition of Saint De La Salle, who viewed the classroom as a holy place, the table as a holy altar, the students as offerings, and the teacher as the offeror, also aligns with the core of the parable of the Gospel and encourages every Brother to be conscious of the holiness of their Call that keeps the children close to the salvation. The kernel of today’s scripture also promises and maintains that every good deed done for humanity will always receive its just and reward from above.

OP & DOCTOR BISH (1696 - 1787)

Born at Naples, he studied law and took his doctor’s degree in both civil and canon law, became a priest and founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). In order to promote among the faithful a truly Christian life he spent his time in preaching and in writing, especially about moral theology of which discipline he is looked upon as the master. He is the patron saint of confessors and moral theologians.

First Reading: Exodus 34:29-35

2 AUGUST WEDNESDAY 17th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT LIAN EY JU RD MA

PETE R

GREEN

Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him. Psalm 99:5, 6, 7, 9

R. You are holy, O Lord our God. Gospel Acclamation: ST & FOUNDER PRIE (1811 - 1868)

Peter Julian Eymard also known as “Apostle of the Eucharist”, his faith journey drew him from being a priest in the Diocese of Grenoble, to joining the Marists, to founding the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament for men and the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament for women. As a Marist, he deepened the devotion of Eucharistic, especially through his preaching of Forty Hours. He was canonized by Pope John XXIII on 9 December 1962.

EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI

Alleluia, I have called you friends, says the Lord; for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46

Jesus said to the crowds, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Our lives are dominated by important and urgent agendas and activities. We are tempted to think about and invest our entire lives on acquiring things like money, possessions, and a comfortable lifestyle, yet we frequently shrug off the greatest asset in our lives. The glorious treasure that everyone should long for is to be with the Lord Jesus Christ. Owning the magnificent treasure in our life would require total surrender to Him with one heart, mind, and soul. The widow woman in scripture who gave all she had and captured Christ’s attention is evoked in today’s core of the Gospel reminder. Saint De Lasalle also emphasized in his letters to his Brothers the significance of constantly reminding them of Christ’s presence and the fact that God is with them, as these reminders will inspire and lift them to touch the hearts of all children and transform their lives, which is the greatest miracle that every Brother is expected to perform in his life as a Brother.

First Reading: Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38 Moses did everything just as the Lord had commanded him. In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was set up. Moses set up the tabernacle; he laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars; and he spread the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent over it; as the Lord had commanded Moses. He took the covenant and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark, and set the mercy seat above the ark; and he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the curtain for screening, and screened the ark of the covenant; as the Lord had commanded Moses. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. ...(please see appendix Page 488)

3 AUGUST THURSDAY 17th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6a, and 8a, 11

R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts. Gospel Acclamation:

ALTHEOF

Alleluia, Open our hearts, O Lord, that we may pay attention to the words of your Son. Gospel: Matthew 13:47-53

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. “Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place.

Today, Jesus compares “The Kingdom of heaven” to a different situation. He tells his disciples that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that is thrown into the sea. Naturally the net collects a variety of species of fish. When the net is full, they haul it ashore. Jesus’ analogy shows us that even though God is exceedingly forgiving, He will still judge people when their lives are over. This story illustrates to us, through fish, what God requires of those who want to join the kingdom of heaven. The “good fish” stand for the ideal soul that God desires to have in heaven. Here, St. De La Salle declaration exhorts “Do your part to help build up the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students” (Med 67.1). Every Lasallian is encouraged to think of our spirituality as a fishing net, with the children in our care acting as the fish. We are expected to identify the children and assist them in becoming “good fish” who can be welcomed in the kingdom of heaven, which involves transforming the lives of children, rather than just separating good children from bad Children.

CONFESSOR

(d. 1160)

Waltheof was born of English nobility. As a child, he felt drawn to churches and the religious life. Following his longheld inclination to contemplation and desiring to dedicate himself entirely to God, he left Scotland and travelled to Yorkshire to join the Augustinian Canons at the monastery at Nostell. He was soon chosen as prior, and led the monks in a more austere rule. He was noted for his endless kindness to the poor.

LYDIA

First Reading: Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37

4 AUGUST FRIDAY 17th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

RY VIA EY NN

JOH N

O M E M RI A L

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: These are the appointed festivals of the Lord, the holy convocations, which you shall celebrate at the time appointed for them In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, there shall be a Passover offering to the Lord, and on the fifteenth day of the same month is the festival of unleavened bread to the Lord; seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not work at your occupations. For seven days you shall present the Lord’s offerings by fire; on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation: you shall not work at your occupations. The Lord spoke to Moses: Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: ...(please see appendix Page 489) Psalm 81:3-4, 5-ab, 10-11ab

R. Sing joyfully to God our strength. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The word of the Lord remains for ever; and this word is the good news that was preached to you. PARISH PRIESTS (1786 - 1859)

St. John Vianney also known as Curé Ars was given charge of the parish of Ars, and by his forthright preaching, personal mortification, prayer and charity renewed it and increased it in a wonderful way. He allowed himself to be consumed by the love of God and used to spent 16 to 18 hours a day in the confessional. He is the patron saint of parish priests. He was canonised on May 31, 1925 by Pope Pius XI.

Gospel: Matthew 13:54-58

Jesus came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.

In his Meditation 78.2, De La Salle affirms to his brothers, “You are called like the apostles to make God known to others,” reminding us of the cardinal message of today’s Gospel that each of us is being called to be a harvester and we can all access a portion of the harvest field that is inaccessible to others. According to this gospel account, Jesus was listening intently to the cries of the afflicted world. The message of love and compassion is sorely needed in the lives of so many people today. De La Salle’s statement in Meditation 146:2, “God has chosen you to make him known to others,” also inspires us to accept the responsibility of helping to promote the Kingdom of Mercy, which brought hope and love. De La Salle also continues to insists us that teaching is one of the most vital part of the Church because it allows the children’s life to be a conduit for the work of the Kingdom of God. Let’s not forget that Christ also has called and summoned each one of us today to carry out His mission through the De La Salle charism, which is to show loving compassion to all the children who come to us.

First Reading: Leviticus 25:1, 8-17

The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying: You shall count off seven weeks of years, seven times seven years, so that the period of seven weeks of years gives forty-nine years. ...(please see appendix Page 489)

AUGUST

Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8

SATURDAY

R. Let the people praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise

17th Week in Ordinary Time

you!

Gospel Acclamation:

GREEN

Alleluia, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

ATIO DEDIC N OF TH E

ILI BAS CA O

There are times in life when things don’t go as planned. On sometimes, evil individuals prosper while good people endure suffering. The lesson of John’s detention and execution in today’s gospel invites each of us to uphold justice and speak the truth like the man of God who longed to have his soul saved. We religious people appear to favour the gospel just in the sermons and lessons we share on social media and in our publications, but we actually practice wickedness that hurts. We are willing to renege on the truth in favour of the unjust in order to ensure our own survival and ease. John the Baptist and John Baptist de La Salle have the same zeal for standing up for justice and speaking the truth to power, and it has been manifested in their life and mission to the people. In his Meditation 197.3 to his Brothers, De La Salle challenges us, saying, “Young people need the light of watchful guides to lead them on the path of salvation.” Is this something we intend to do for our children in order to help them emulate John the Baptist, the unflinching defender of justice and truth? Alternatively, was it Herod who, in the name of his own self-interest, compromised the truth and the justice?

L MEMO RIA IONA PT RY MAJOR T. MA FS

At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.

Gospel: Matthew 14:1-12

Erected by Pope Sixtus III, St. Mary Major is the largest church in the world honoring God through Mary. According to a legend, a wealthy Roman couple pledged their fortune to the Mother of God. In affirmation, she produced a miraculous summer snowfall and told them to build a church on the site. To commemorate this event, a shower of white rose petals is dropped from the dome of the Chapel of Our Lady.

6 AUGUST

SUNDAY

Transfiguration of The Lord 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time White

Year A

First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed. Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9

R. The Lord is king, most high above all the earth. The Lord is king let earth rejoice, let all the coastlands be glad. Cloud and darkness are his raiment; his throne, justice and right. R The mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth.

The skies proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory. R For you indeed are the Lord most high above all the earth exalted far above all spirits. R

Second Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-19

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here: If you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved: with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered then, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

The incredible story of Christ being transfigured on the mountain is a very rich and enlightening vision for both Christ and His Disciples, reminding us of His death and resurrection and confirming that Jesus is the Son of God who will return in the glory of his Father. The term “transfigured experience” in this context refers to a transformation that not just an improvement in one’s appearance externally, but also internally. That was the transformation St. De La Salle also wanted his brothers to go through and help the children in their care go through in their own lives. The statement “Remembering that God is with you will help and inspire you in all that you do” from De La Salle’s Letter to a brother from May 15, 1701, reminds us that transformation can only take place when we are linked with our Father, just as Jesus was always with his Father.

First Reading: Numbers 11:4b-15

The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” ...(please see appendix Page 489)

AUGUST MONDAY 18th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT TUS II SIX

R. Sing joyfully to God our strength. Gospel Acclamation:

GREEN

M POPE & ARTYR (d. c. 258)

Sixtus was bishop of Rome from 257 A.D. While celebrating Mass in the cemetery of St. Callistus, he was seized by the soldiers under the orders of the Emperor Valerian. He had restored the relations with the African and Eastern churches which had been broken off by his predecessor on the question of hereticalbaptism raised by the heresy Novatianism. Together with four deacons, he was beheaded on 6 August 258 A.D.

CAJETAN

Psalm 81:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

Alleluia, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth God. Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21

Now when Jesus heard about John the Baptist’s death, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Jesus’ heart of compassion for the crowd triumphed over his need for alone time. He was extraordinarily perceptive to his followers’ bodily and spiritual needs as well as their mental and physical tiredness. Jesus performed a magnificent miracle here, proving that He was more than just a preacher or teacher. This demonstrates how His compassion for His people enabled Him to forego His time alone from others and work a great miracle. The crux of the Gospel narrative today echoes De La Salle’s statement in his meditation 134.2, “The more loving you are to the young, the greater will be the effects of God’s Grace.” It also challenges every brother to decide if he wants to stray from their comfort zones and established systems or devote themselves fully to being available to their children who are confided to their care. De La Salle also continues to make it crystal plain in his meditation 101.3, “Do you build on the affection that the young people have for you to lead them to God? “ Our love for our children should bring them to God, not for any of our own motives, but rather in the manner in which Christ led His followers to their Father.

First Reading: Numbers 12:1-13...(please see appendix Page 490)

Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 6cd-7, 12-13 Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus challenges us today by asking, “Why do you defy the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” Jesus was displeased with His disciples because they didn’t comprehend Him, and same feeling still holds true today. Christ is more concerned with how the heart performs than the body. People of His day, who were supposedly of high moral character, were more concerned with keeping the rules of tradition than with the wellbeing of God’s people. Jesus always seems to delve deeper than other people do; he probes the soul. He assesses whether we nurture the seeds that His Father plants in us. In his letter to Brother Robert from 1709, De La Salle also echoes the teachings of Christ, writing, “It is impossible to please God if you do not live on friendly terms with others.” De La Salle was renowned for being honest and uncompromising in keeping the accepted standard, but he also goes above and above to prioritize the expression of heart over following the law, as he correctly stated in his mediation 114.2 “To deal with young people very harshly is to forego all hope of bringing about any good.” The central message of his 105th letter, “Put up with the faults of others and be generous towards them,” challenges us to give greater weight to the fruits that can come from the heart rather than to hold on to structures, tradition, assets, money, and positions, which detracts from what Christ wants from us.

TUESDAY 18th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

CG INI UZ

N MA

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” ...(please see appendix Page 490)

AUGUST

DO M

R. Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned.

ESSOR & FOUNDER CONF (c.1170 - 1221)

Born in Calaruega, St. Dominic studied theology and became a canon of the Cathedral of Osma. He preached against the Albigensian heresy and because of the example of his own life this bore great fruit. In order to carry on and increase this work he formed the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). The spread of the Rosary is attributed to the preaching of St. Dominic. He is the patron saint of astronomers.

First Reading: Numbers 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35

9 AUGUST WEDNESDAY 18th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

The Lord said to Moses,“Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites; from each of their ancestral tribes you shall send a man, everyone a leader among them.” At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land. And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the Israelites in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us; it flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Yet the people who live in the land are strong, and the towns are fortified and very large; and besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. ...(please see appendix Page 490)

ICTA OF ED E CROSS TH

TERESA B EN

Psalm 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-22, 23

MARTYR

(1891 - 1942)

Teresa Benedicta of the Cross also known as St. Edith Stein was a German Jewish philosopher who converted to Catholicism and became a Discalced Carmelite nun. During the invasion by the Nazis in 1940, she was arrested and sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp, where she was alleged to have died in the gas chamber. Pope John Paul II canonized her on 11 October 1998. She is one of six copatron saints of Europe.

R. O Lord, remember us with the favour you show to your people.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, A great prophet has arisen among us and God has visited his people! Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

The encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman serves today as a warning to all who believe they are the best born and that everyone else is inferior. Even among religious people, who are meant to embrace renunciation in everything, this foul mentality is pervasive. The Canaanite woman’s identification of Jesus as the “Son of David” is noteworthy because even the disciples took some time to do so. This allowed her to get more than a crumb but also a seat at the table. De La Salle’s meditation for the Time of Retreat 4.1, “Bring to Jesus in prayer the needs of your disciples,” inspires us to be like a faith-filled Canaanite mother and bring our children to Jesus in our prayers. In addition, he keeps urging us in his works to “Have great regard for each person you are with” (Part 1, Chapter 2, The Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility), which emphasises the lesson of Christ found in the passage of scripture we are reading today.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

10 AUGUST THURSDAY 18th Week in Ordinary Time

RED

Psalm 112:1b-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9

FEA ST

Alleluia, I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

RENC

Gospel Acclamation:

R. I t goes all well for the man who deals generously and lends.

Gospel: John 12:24-26

Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.

The parable of the wheat grain in today’s gospel can be interpreted as a metaphor for Jesus’ own death and burial in the tomb as well as his resurrection. For the first time, Jesus compared Himself to a fertile grain of wheat to illustrate the fruits that would follow from His suffering in line with His Father’s plan, which would cause many to be brought to glory. “Are you willing to sacrifice your entire life for the young people who have been given to your care?” from De La Salle’s Meditation for the Time of Retreat, section 6.2, questions the significance of our Consecration. It also challenges us to make our lives with children more meaningful, not just to please society with our outward religious appearance, but rather to bring about a profound transformation in our own lives and the lives of the children who are entrusted to our care and love. This is the “fruit” that De La Salle wants us to bear through our consecration to the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

ON & MARTYR DEAC (d. 258)

Lawrence was a deacon in Rome who was sentenced to death by Emperor Valerian because he brought forward the poor as the treasures of the Church and to whom he had distributed the treasure as alms. He was martyred by placing him on a gridiron prepared with hot coals beneath it. During his martyrdom, he cheerfully declared: “I’m well done on this side. Turn me over! He is the patron saint of cooks, chefs, and comedians.

11 AUGUST FRIDAY 18th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE OF AS RE

I SIS

CL A

O M E M RI A L

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-40

For ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: has anything so great as this ever happened or has its like ever been heard of? Has any people ever heard the voice of a god speaking out of a fire, as you have heard, and lived? Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by terrifying displays of power, as the Lord ...(please see appendix Page 491) Psalm 77:12-13, 14-15, 16 and 21

R. I remember the deeds of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28

VIRGIN

(1193 - 1253)

Born at Assisi, St. Clare followed St. Francis of Assisi in his life of poverty and was the founder of the Order of Nuns (Poor Clares). She wrote their Rule of Life, the first set of monastic guidelines known to have been written by a woman. She is noted for her indomitable resolve to lead the simple, literal gospel life; a passion for poverty and humility; an ardent life of prayer; and a generous concern for her sisters.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Discipleship, which is seen as the proper path to salvation, is something we have the chance to practice today. The shaping of the soul occurs through discipleship for the Lord. Nothing is more significant than our soul. Keeping watch over our souls for the Lord Jesus determines and ensures our everlasting destination. The central message of today’s Gospel also says that we may create room for Jesus to rule in us by emptying ourselves. As a result, we could be strengthened to endure whatever challenges necessary to imitate Him. In his Meditation 2.1, Saint De La Salle often urges the Brothers to “Prepare a path for God so that He can enter your heart”. He goes on to describe also the results of having Christ in our hearts in his reflection on Palm Sunday: “Throw yourself into God’s arms, He will carry you when the road is rough.” Even though the road to becoming a disciple may seem simple, it might be difficult to fully understand what it means to be with Him. Because it is difficult to keep ourselves conscious of being disciples given that we are surrounded by digital devices and internet based social applications. But let’s keep working hard to meet this goal every day in order to make our lives more beautiful and meaningful.

First Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-13

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, ...(please see appendix Page 491) Psalm 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 47 and 51 ab

R. I love you, Lord, my strength.

12 AUGUST SATURDAY 18th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Gospel Acclamation:

When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Do I frustrate Lord Jesus? Everyone’s thoughts are being troubled by this query from the gospel of today. I will respond with “YES”. The limited faith of the apostles in the face of adversity is a reflection of our own capacity for faith. The section from today’s scripture also helps us ponder a variety of additional topics, such as the Lord’s annoyance, the apostles’ meager faith, his unending kindness, and his inspirational statement on moving mountains even with faith the size of a mustard seed. De La Salle also taught us the need of having a faith-based perspective, acting with God in mind, and attributing everything to Him. In his letter, he keeps reassuring his Brothers that they need not become discouraged when they find it difficult to deal with the children and other challenges they face while on mission. In two of his meditations, De La Salle offers two further resolutions: (1) Meditation 99.2: “Preach by example, and practice before the eyes of the young what you wish them to accept,” and (2) Meditation 196.1. “When you encounter some difficulty in the guidance of your disciples, turn to God with confidence.”The resolves of De La Salle assist us in responding to the various issues pondered above and in growing more deeply in our trust in the Lord Jesus.

ES DE

L ANTA CH

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20

JANE F RA

Alleluia, Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

IN & FOUNDRESS VIRG (1572 - 1641)

Deeply hurt by the death of her husband and children, she took refuge in St. Francis de Sales, her spiritual director. Together, they founded the Congregation of the Visitation for those women who were rejected by other orders because of poor health or age. She encouraged the local authorities to make great efforts for the victims of the plague, and she put all her convent’s resources at the disposal of the sick.

13 AUGUST

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13

At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Psalm 84:9-10, 11-12, 13-14

R. Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help. I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace. His help is near for those who fear him and his glory will dwell in our land. R Mercy and faithfulness have met: Justice and peace have embraced.

Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice look down from heaven. R The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him and peace shall follow his steps. R

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5

I am speaking the truth in Christ I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I long for you , O Lord, my soul longs for his word. Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

S A L LI

A N S AI

E R OM ILD

CON AN

ST. B EN

ALLE BROTHER LA S (1805-1862)

St. Benilde Romançon was declared a saint in 1967. Born in southern France in 1805, he was a quiet student. By the time he was 14, the De La Salle Brothers engaged him as a substitute teacher for their grade school classes. At first, He was rejected as Brother because of his short stature. He was allowed to join the Brothers in 1820. He was agood grade school teacher and later a high school teacher for teens who had never been to school. He was a strict disciplinarian and had a strong religious spirit. Many men joined the Brothers because of his influence. He died in 1862.

Today’s Gospel illustrates how God guards and provides for us in challenging circumstances and Peter’s limited faith matches our level of faith in the Lord Jesus throughout times of adversity and difficulty. Jesus’s walking on the water serves as a visual representation of His divine nature while Peter’s lack of faith highlights the evil of human nature and the harsh sea and wind are symbolic of life’s challenges. The quintessence of this verse also affirms the certainty of God’s intervention and providence for his people. The fact that we are only more open to receiving Christ during times of difficulty and struggle is shocking, yet Christ assures us of his unfailing love throughout all of time. In his letter to a Brother, De La Salle also echoes the core of today’s text, saying that “Remembering that God is with you will help and encourage you in all that you do.” Furthermore, he asks us once more in his meditation 85.1, “How long has Jesus been knocking at the entrance of your heart, longing to enter?” to which we ought to respond by reflecting on our inner selves.

14 AUGUST MONDAY 19th Week in Ordinary Time

RED

So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord your God and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your own wellbeing. Although heaven and the heaven of heavens belong to the Lord your God, the earth with all that is in it, ...(please see appendix Page 491) Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R. O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord!

O M E M RI A L OLBE YK

N MAR LIA

MAXI MI

First Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-22

MARTYR

(1894 - 1941)

Maximilian also known as martyr of charity was a Franciscan friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German death camp during World War II. He had been active in promoting the veneration of the Immaculate Virgin Mary and founding or running several other organizations and publications. He was canonised on 10 October 1982 by Pope John Paul II. He is the patron saint of prisoners and of the pro-life movement.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, God has called us through the gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.”

St Maximillian Kolbe put into practice the two challenges from our readings today. In 1941, he was arrested by the Germans and sent to Auschwitz, where in terrible circumstances he continued to work as a priest and offer solace to fellow inmates. When the Nazi guards selected 10 people to be starved to death in punishment, he volunteered to die in place of a stranger. He took the heart the words of Jesus, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). No doubt he would have reflected regularly of the words of the Shema Yisrael, the Jewish prayer that serves as a centre piece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but that you fear the Lord your God, and walk in his ways, and love him, and serve the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all thy soul.”In a sense this is what we do as teachers, we give our lives for our students and do our best to serve them with all our hearts. The story of the transfiguration recounted in today’s Gospel is a call to time each day in prayer. As our Founder reminds us, “Devote yourself very thoroughly to prayer in order to succeed in your ministry.”

First Reading: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab

...(please see appendix Page 491) Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16

The daughters of kings are those whom you favour. On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir. R. Listen, O daughter; pay heed and give ear: Forget your own people and your father’s house. R. So will the king desire your beauty. He is your lord, pay homage to him. R. They are escorted amid gladness and joy; They pass within the palace of the king. R.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Mary has been taken up into heaven; all the choirs of angels are rejoicing.

TUESDAY 19th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE S OL

E M NI T Y

E BLESS TH

IN MARY VIRG ED

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-27

...(please see appendix Page 492)

AUGUST

ASUMPTION OF

R. On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

In those days, Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. ...(please see appendix Page 492)

Mother Mary is a role model for us all. Having just received the news that she was to be the Mother of God, she forgot about herself and set out in haste to meet the needs of her cousin Elizabeth who also had learned that she was to have a child, the New Testament prophet John. We are called to listen to the needs of those around us and like Mary do all we can to respond to these needs. Luke’s Gospel has been called the Gospel of Prayer. We hear those familiar words of the Hail Mary, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” We also hear the words of the Magnificat, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my saviour. The Mighty One has done great things for me.” Let us take time today to thank God for the gift of his Mother, Mary, and give thanks for all the good things that God has done for us.

On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII in his Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus invoked papal infallibility and defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith: “We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.”

INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDIA

First Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12

16 AUGUST WEDNESDAY 19th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT EPHEN ST

GREEN

Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the Lord showed him the whole land: Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the Negeb, and the Plain—that is, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees—as far as Zoar. The Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.” Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. ...(please see appendix Page 492) Psalm 66:1-3a, 5 and 8, 16-17

R. Blest be God, who gave life to my soul. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. OF HUNGARY KING (969 - 1038)

Born in Hungary, Stephen was the first King of Hungary from 1000 until his death. He was a just, peaceful and religious king, keeping strictly to the laws of the Church and always seeking the good of his subjects. He suppressed a series of revolts by pagan nobles and established a system of tithes to support churches and pastors and to relieve the poor.

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Each time we pray the Lord’s prayer we pray, “forgive us our trespass as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The call to reconciliation is an ever present one in our lives. From experience, we know that relationships for many reasons can break down from time to time. We tend to forget the promises we hear from Jesus like the one in today’s Gospel, “for where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” We are called to community and it is in community we resolve differences. This requires us to be truly willing to understand the other person. It requires a willingness to listen. Our Founder reminds us, “Be warm-hearted to everyone, speaking to others in a gentle and respectful way.” This day is also the feast of St Stephen of Hungry who established a system of payments to support churches and pastors and to relieve the poor.

First Reading: Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17

...(please see appendix Page 492) Psalm 114:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. Alleluia! Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Let you face shine forth on your servant, and teach me your decrees. Gospel: Matthew 18:21–19:1

Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denari; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. ...(please see appendix Page 493)

Lord, let your face shine upon your servant and teach me your statutes. We can hear an echo of these words from Psalms 119 in the words of the Founder, “learn from Jesus from frequently being in his company.” It is not easy to forgive, especially when the same person keeps coming back to us asking for forgiveness once more for the thing they have done time and times again. Yet that is the challenge that Jesus put before us. We are called to be people of forgiveness and be patient with others allow them time to grow and change in their own time, in God’s time. It is helpful at times to use the Our Father as a source of mediation and pause especially on these words, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Let us be people of compassion just as our good God is compassionate towards us. Let us make the Founder’s prayer our own “God of love, set me aflame with love for you and for my neighbour.”

17 AUGUST THURSDAY 19th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN ACINTH HY

CONFESSOR

(1185 - 1257)

Hyacinth also known as Apostle of the North was a Dominican priest and missionary that worked to reform women’s monasteries in his native Poland. Because of his spirit of prayer and his zeal for the salvation of souls, he was sent to preach and establish the Dominican Order in his native land, Poland. As a result, multitudes were converted, and churches were built. He is the patron saint of those in danger of drowning.

18 AUGUST FRIDAY 19th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: Joshua 24:1-13

Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors—Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor— lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods. ...(please see appendix Page 493) Psalm 136:1-3, 16-18, 21-22 and 24

R. For his mercy endures forever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Accept the word of God, not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God

HELENA

EMPRESS

(c. 250 - c. 330)

Helena, was an Empress of the Roman Empire, and mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. During her tour of Palestine and Jerusalem, an ancient tradition claims that she discovered the True Cross of Christ under a temple of Venus that had been demolished at the site. She caused churches to be built on the reputed sites of Christ’s Nativity (in Bethlehem) and Ascension (near Jerusalem).

Gospel: Matthew 19:3-12

Some Pharisees came to him, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” They said to him, “Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?” He said to them, “It was because you were so hard-hearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery.”His disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”

God’s mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136). Pope Francis says mercy is God’s name. Likewise, Pope Benedict XVI also spoke of this in his teachings: “Mercy is in reality the core of the Gospel message; it is the name of God himself, the face with which he revealed himself fully in Jesus Christ.” In the opening words of the Rule of the Brothers we read these words, “deeply moved by the human and spiritual distress of the children of artisans and of the poor, John Baptist de La Salle and his first Brothers made a lifelong commitment to God to provide these children with a human and Christian education.” As educators we are called to reflect daily on the activities of our teaching ministry. “What deeply moved me today and how did I respond?” are two helpful questions to ask ourselves at the end of each day.

First Reading: Joshua 24:14-29

R. It is you, O Lord, who are my portion. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries. Gospel: Matthew 19:13-15

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

In today’s Gospel we hear these words, “Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Young people are the focus of our ministry as educators. We have been given a special responsibility. John Baptist de La Salle reminds us that God as entrusted to us the care of the young. Our ministry of teaching is one of the most important in the Church. Let us pray for the gifts we need in our teaching ministry and for those young people who have been entrusted to our care. Let us keep in mind our Founder’s words, “Your students are living images of Jesus” and let us pray that we will have eyes to see in those we encounter our ministry.

AUGUST SATURDAY 19th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT N EUDE OH J

GREEN

Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11

“Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.” But Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm, and consume you, after having done you good.” And the people said to Joshua, “No, we will serve the Lord!” ...(please see appendix Page 493)

FESSOR & DOCTOR CON (1601 - 1680)

Born in Seez, John spent many years preaching as a missionary. He founded the Order of Our Lady of Charity and Congregation of Jesus and Mary also known as The Eudists with the object of educating priests in seminaries and of recuing women who were in moral danger. He is probably best known for the central theme of his writings: Jesus as the source of holiness; Mary as the model of the Christian life.

20 AUGUST

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath, and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Psalm 66:2-3, 5, 6, 8

R. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us, so will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your saving help. R Let the nations be glad and exult for you rule the world with justice. with fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations on earth. R Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. May God still give us his blessing till the ends of the earth revere him. R Second Reading: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

Now I am speaking to you Gentiles, Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry in order to make my own people jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead! For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Jesus was proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of

David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Today’s Gospel relates the interesting encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman. It contains some important challenges for Lasallians. The encounter took place outside the boundary of Israel. ln some way this Gospel story parallels our Founder’s life, who left the boundaries of his privileged life and entered and embraced the world of the poor. Just as Jesus was challenged by the woman, De La Salle was challenged by the early brothers and the poor students he encountered. The Gospel story is a reminder of the power of persistent prayer. Prayer is a constant theme in the writings of De La Salle. “The more you devote yourself in prayer the more you will do well in your work.” (Med 91.5). The Gospel passage ends with a wonderful affirmation of the women by Jesus. “O woman, great is your faith!” It is a reminder that God accepts all. Our Lasallian communities are places where diversity is respected, where no one is left out, and where everyone finds a home.

21 AUGUST MONDAY 20th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

PIUS X

First Reading: Judges 2:11-19

Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and worshiped the Baals; and they abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; they followed other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were all around them, and bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. They abandoned the Lord, and worshiped Baal and the Astartes. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers who plundered them, and he sold them into the power of their enemies all around, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies. Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them to bring misfortune, ...(please see appendix Page 494) Psalm 106:34-35, 36-37, 39-40, 43ab and 44

R. O Lord, remember us with the favour you show to your people.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. POPE

(1835 - 1914)

Pius X was elected as pope from August 1903 to his death in 1914. He is known for vigorously oppo singmodernist interpretations of Catholic doctrine, promoting liturgical reforms and orthodox theology. He renewed the true Christian life among the faithful and he fought strenuously against the errors of the Church. He promoted Thomism as the principal philosophical method to be taught in Catholic institutions. He was canonised on 29 May 1954 by Pius XII.

Gospel: Matthew 19:16-22

Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honour your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Jesus reminds us in John 10:10, that he has come so that we may have life in all its fullness. The rich young man in today’s Gospel story is seeking this fullness of life and asks Jesus what he has to do to attain it. Jesus response is simple and to the point, “If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” In the time of Jesus observant Jews followed 613 commandments. The young man was diligent in keeping these. However, Jesus wanted to stretch the commitment of the young man and challenged him to give up all his possessions if he wanted to be truly perfect. At this point in time the young man was unable to do this. Is there anything our own lives that holds us back from fully committing the ministry teaching that has been entrusted to us? Thankful today we do not have the weight of the 613 commandments to carry. Jesus summarised the 613 commandments into one, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, as his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior.” Gideon answered him, “But sir, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our ancestors recounted to us, saying, ...(please see appendix Page 494) Psalm 85:9, 11-12, 13-14

R. The Lord speaks of peace for his people. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Though Jesus Christ was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

In the Gospel of Luke, Mary responds positively to the angel’s request with words, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word. ” (Luke 1:38). Mary models how to respond faithfully to the call of God. To be ready and alert to respond to the calls of God in our lives, we need to develop a heightened sense of the presence of God. The call of God comes in many unexpected ways. In the Rule of the Brothers we read, “By faith, the Brothers learn to discern in every event, and in every person, especially in the poor, a sign and a call of the Spirit.” Our God is a God of surprises. Let us pray for an alertness and sensitivity to the surprises of God that come to us each day. Our faith requires constant renewal. De La Salle wrote in a letter to Br Gabriel Drolin who spent years in Rome on his own carrying out the Lasallian mission, “Remember Brother, each day renew your offering to God.” The Feast of the Queenship of Mary affirms that Mary is queen over the earth because of her role in the story of divine redemption, serving as mother to the Jesus.

AUGUST TUESDAY 20th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

BLESS IN MARY VIRG ED

Gospel: Matthew 19:23-30

S QUEEN HIP OF T

First Reading: Judges 6:11-24a

The papal encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam by Pope Pius XII in 1954 states that Mary is called Queen of Heaven because her son, Jesus Christ, is the king of Israel and heavenly king of the universe; indeed, the Davidic tradition of Israel recognized the mother of the king as the Queen Mother of Israel. The four Marian antiphons i.e. Salve Regina, Ave Regina caelorum, Alma Redemptoris Mater, and Regina Caeliexpress the queenship of Mary.

First Reading: Judges 9:6-15 ...(please see appendix Page 494)

Psalm 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R. In your strength, O Lord, the king rejoices.

AUGUST

Gospel Acclamation:

WEDNESDAY 20th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT E OF LIM OS

GREEN

VIRGIN

(1586 - 1617)

Rose of Lima was a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic in Lima who became known for both her life of severe asceticism and her care of the needy of the city through her own private efforts. She only allowed herself to sleep two hours a night at most, so that she had more hours to devote to prayer. She wore a heavy crown made of silver, with small spikes on the inside.

Alleluia, The word of God is living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus told this parable, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Sometimes in life we can feel hard done by. We show up on time to our classes, correct our students’ work faithfully, we actively engage in staff meetings and we volunteer for extra curricula activities. We look around us and see that others do not appear to have our same level of commitment. Today’s parable of the workers in the vineyard challenges our attitude in this regard and gives us an insight into the attitude of God. The landowner, whose decision to pay all the workers the same was an act of mercy—not injustice—represents God, whose grace and mercy are shed abundantly upon those of His choosing. It is clear in the many letters that he wrote that De La Salle was a man of compassion and encouragement. This is just one example, “Do not be disheartened by the difficulties you experience.” And yet another reminder, “God’s compassion for you is greater than the troubles you have.” (Med 38.1). Let us pray for the grace to trust in the mercy of God.

First Reading: Revelation 21:9b-14

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites; on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

24 AUGUST THURSDAY 20th Week in Ordinary Time

RED FEA ST

Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 17-18

Alleluia, Rabbi, you are the son of God! You are the king of Israel! Alleluia!

HOLOM RT

Gospel Acclamation:

R. Your saints, O Lord, make known the glory of your reign.

Gospel: John 1:45-51

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

In John’s Gospel today, we read about the encounter between Jesus and Nathanael (also called Bartholomew). Often, we are introduced to a new idea or person through the enthusiasm of a friend. In today’s story Nathanael’s friend is Phillip. At first Nathanael is not convinced about what Philip has to say about Jesus. Philip simply offers an invitation, “Come and see.” In a way, as teachers we are asking our students to come and see and experience the wonders and benefits of learning. We also learn another skill we can develop from this reading. That skill is the ability to look at our students and see the potential in them and name this potential for them, just as Jesus looked into the heart of Nathanael. Take time to reflect on these words of the Founder. “Look upon those whom God has entrusted to you as his own children.” (Med 133.2—on St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland). Let us ask God, who is so good, to make his spirit come alive in us so that we can touch the hearts of the young people entrusted to our care.

TLE & MARTY R APOS (1st Century)

Bartholomew was one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus. He is mentioned as the sixth apostle in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14), and as one of the witnesses of the Ascension (Acts 1:4, 12, 13). He is traditionally believed to have preached in India and Armenia where he was skinned alive and beheaded by King Astyages. He is the patron saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

First Reading: Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22

25 AUGUST FRIDAY 20th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT IS LOU IX

GREEN

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had considered his people and given them food. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. So she said, “See, your sisterin-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. ...(please see appendix Page 495) Psalm 146:5-6ab, 6c-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10

R. My soul, give praise to the Lord! KING

(1214 - 1270)

Louis IX is the only King of France to be canonized in the Catholic Church. He was outstanding in penance and prayer and in his love for the poor. In ruling his kingdom he was concerned not only with peace and the temporal good of his subjects but also with their spiritual good. He undertook Crusades to the Holy Land. Inspired by Christian zeal and Catholic devotion, he severely punished blasphemy, gambling, and prostitution.

JOSEPH CALASANZ

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia,Teach me your paths, O Lord. Guide me in your truth.. Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40

When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Our Founder is a true model of someone who is faithful. His life was a mixture successes, failures, joys and sufferings. Yet through it all he maintained his trust in the providence of God. The first four words of the Mediations for the Time of Retreat are, “God is so good.” De La Salle believed in a God who is faithful, loyal, constant, dependable and steadfast. His response to the faithfulness of God was unswerving devotion and allegiance. We see an example of this faithfulness in the woman Ruth in the Old Testament. It is a beautiful story of loving faithfulness illustrated in the following words of Ruth to her mother-in-law when she tells her she will leave her own land and return to Israel. “Wherever you go I will go, wherever you live I will live. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there be buried. (Ruth 1:15-17).” It is good to examine from time to times how faithful we are to our teaching duties and the young people who have been entrusted to us.

First Reading: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17

Now Naomi had a kinsman on her husband’s side, a prominent rich man, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain, behind someone in whose sight I may find favour. ” She said to her, “Go, my daughter.” So she went. She came and gleaned in the field behind the reapers. As it happened, she came to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. ...(please see appendix Page 495)

26 AUGUST SATURDAY 20th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4, 5

Alleluia, You have one Father, who is in heaven; and you have one instructor, the Christ. Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

Our Founder reminds us, “Example makes a much greater impression than words.” (MTR 10.3). It is a theme that the Founder keeps coming back to in his writings and his letters. Jesus accused the leaders of his time of not setting a good example. “For you preach but they do not practice and you lay heavy burdens on people that are hard to carry.” (Matthew 23: 3-4). Again, our Founder speaks to this. “Preach by example, and practice before the eyes of the young what you wish them to accept.” (Med 99.2—on the life of St. John Chrysostom). It is important to put before our students clear guidelines of expected behaviour and give a coherent argument that the students understand and accept. At the same time, it is good to review these guidelines to ensure that they have not become unduly burdensome for our students and for ourselves to enforce.

U JES S C

ED CIFI RU

Gospel Acclamation:

MARY OF

R. Indeed, thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord.

& MYSTIC VIRGIN (1846 - 1878)

Mariam Baouardy or St. Mary of Jesus Crucified was a Discalced Carmelite nun of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Born to Greek Catholic parents, she was known for her service to the poor. She fought off a demonic possession for 40 days, received the stigmata, was seen to levitate, had the gift of prophecy and knowledge of consciences. She helped found the missionary Carmel of Mangalore. She was canonized on 17 May 2015 by Pope Francis.

27 AUGUST

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23

I will thrust you from your office, and you will be pulled down from your post. On that day I will call my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah, and will clothe him with your robe and bind your sash on him. I will commit your authority to his hand, and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and no one shall shut; he shall shut, and no one shall open. I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honour to his ancestral house. Psalm 137:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

R. Your love, O Lord, is eternal Discard not the work of your hands. I thank you, Lord, with all my heart, you have heard the words of my mouth. Before the angels I will bless you. I will adore before your holy temple. R I thank you for your faithfulness and love Which excel all we ever knew of you. On the day I called, you answered; you increased the strength of my soul. R The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly and the haughty he knows from afar. Your love, O Lord, is eternal, discard not the work of your hands. R Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36

O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”“Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, You are peter and on this rock I will build my church , and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh

and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

As teachers, the more time we spend with our students the more we come to know them individually. We are then are able to respond to them in a personal way. In today’s Gospel Jesus asks the apostles, “But who do you say that I am?” After all the time they had spent in Jesus’ company and observing Jesus’ actions, Peter had come to know truly who Jesus was could say in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15-16). At times we can adopt a “one size fits all approach” in dealing with our students. In doing this we can fail to acknowledge the uniqueness of each student sitting in our class. St De La Salle encourages us to “Inspire and lead others by encouraging them.” (MTR 1:2) Let us pray that God will enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we can see our students as God sees them and let us remember to pray regularly for the students in our care.

28 AUGUST MONDAY 21st Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, ...(please see appendix Page 495) Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a, and 9b

R. The Lord takes delight in his people. INE OF ST

PPO HI

AUG U

O M E M RI A L

OP & DOCTOR BISH (354 - 430)

Son of Monica, St. Augustine lived an immoral life before his conversion to Christianity, through the fervent prayers of his mother and the help of Saint Ambrose of Milan. As the Bishop of Hippo, he fought against Manichaeism, Donatism, Pelagianism and other heresies. His writings influenced the development of Western philosophy, and indirectly all of Western Christianity. He is the patron saint of theologians. His famous works are The City of God and Confessions.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Gospel: Matthew 23:13-22 Jesus said, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cross sea and land to make a single convert, and you make the new convert twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the sanctuary is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by the oath.’ You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that has made the gold sacred? And you say, ‘Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gift that is on the altar is bound by the oath.’ How blind you are! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it; and whoever swears by the sanctuary, swears by it and by the one who dwells in it; and whoever swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by the one who is seated upon it.

The Gospel of Luke gives us a portrait of Jesus as a man of prayer, someone that we can identify with, but also someone that can inspire us in our own prayer lives. No wonder the disciples turned to Jesus and asked: “Teach us to pray.” Jesus was someone who knew what it meant to live and breathe prayer, in every place, in every circumstance. St Paul is a similar role model for us. Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession can be found throughout his writings. “We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly. (1 Thessalonians 1:2) The Founder was a man of prayer, a prayerful man. Let us pray today using the words of our Founder, “God of love, set me aflame with love for you and for my neighbour.” Today is also the memorial of St Augustine, a Bishop in the 4th Century. Augustine held that man and woman are the highest part of creation, created in God’s image and thus sharing to some degree the divine nature.

...(please see appendix Page 495)

Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17

R. My mouth will tell of your salvation, Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The psalms are a source of rich reflection for us that can help us to pray especially when we can’t find our own words to pray. The theme is today’s Psalm 71 is: “God is our refuge.” Because of the fast pace of our lives it is important to stop, pause and reflect. Psalm 46 encourages us to “be still.” St De La Salle valued times of silence and solitude. In our age of constant communication, we need to be creative in the way we can experience solitude and silence. The truth of the matter is, that it is in the stillness and quiet we can come to see more clearly the various situations in which we are engaged. Often solutions will surface during these times of quiet. Our Founder reminds us to pray before starting whatever we need to do and he suggests, “When you encounter some difficulty in the guidance of your disciples, turn to God with confidence.” (MTR 4.1).

AUGUST TUESDAY 21st Week in Ordinary Time

RED O M E M RI A L

OF JOHN TIS E BAP T TH

Gospel: Mark 6:17-29 For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

MARTYRDO M

First Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19 In those days: The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.

This feast commemorates the martyrdom by beheading of Saint John the Baptist on the orders of Herod Antipas through the vengeful request of his step daughter Salome and her mother Herodias. His lifestyle was of complete detachment from earthly possessions. His heart was centered on God and the call from the Spirit of God speaking to his heart. Confident of God’s grace, he had the courage to speak words of condemnation, repentance, and salvation.

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

30 AUGUST WEDNESDAY 21st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 139:7-8, 9-10, 11-12ab

R. O Lord, you search me and you know me.

)

ORIAL (INDI EM A M E J U N G AN

You remember our labour and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was toward you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Whoever keeps Christ’s word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. Gospel: Matthew 23:27-32

GIOUS & FOUNDRESS RELI

(1792 - 1879)

St Jeanne Jugan also known as Sister Mary of the Cross, L.S.P., was a French woman who became known for the dedication of her life to the neediest of the elderly poor. Her service resulted in the establishment of the Little Sisters of the Poor, who care for the elderly who have no other resources throughout the world.

Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Thus you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your ancestors.

The most frequent prayers of St Paul in his letters are prayers of thanksgiving. Reflect on these beautiful words, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy. (Philippians 1:3).”The German mystic Meister Eckhart wrote these words: “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” When we take the time to stop, pause and reflect we begin to become aware of the many blessings we receive from God on a daily basis. It is often the simple things in life we forget to thank God for, like a cup of warm tea. St De La Salle in a letter to a Brother reminded him to “not forget to thank God for his many blessings.” It is helpful at the end of each day to sit quietly and ask yourself the question: What am I thankful for this day? Hopefully you will go to sleep smiling. And when you wake the following morning begin to anticipate what you will be grateful for during the day.

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13

For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

31 AUGUST THURSDAY 21st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 90:3-4, 12-13, 14 and 17

Alleluia, Stay awake, be ready; the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect

D N ON

TUS NA

Gospel Acclamation:

RAY M

R. Fill us with your merciful love, O Lord, and we shall exult.

Gospel: Matthew 24:42-51

Jesus said to his disciples, “Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. “Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that wicked slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

St De La Salle was convinced that God loved him. A frequent prayer of his was “God of love, set me aflame with love for you and for my neighbour.” In his meditation for the Feast of St Barnabas he wrote, “Show much kindness and love for the young people you teach. By the care you take of your students show that you have a real love for them.” (Med 80.3). St Teresa of Kolkata wrote that “The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. The only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love.”The young people entrusted to care need our love. As our Founder wrote “By the care you take of your students show that you have a real love for them.” (Med 80.3). Let us pray to God that we will increase and abound in love for one another and for all those we encounter.

PRIEST

(1204 - 1240)

Born in Catalonia, St. Raymond was the Mastergeneral of Mercedarian Order. He spent his entire estate ransoming Christians from Muslim captors. To keep him from preaching the faith, his captors bored a hole through his lips with a hot iron, and attached padlock. Raymund was eventually ransomed and died while en route to Rome to answer a papal summons. He is the patron saint of midwives, pregnant women, and priests defending the confidentiality of confession.

1 SEPTEMBER FRIDAY

21st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN GILES

ABBOT

(7th century)

Giles also known as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, was a hermit saint from Athens. To avoid followers and adulation, he left his house and lived as a hermit. Because of his love for the poor, hospitals and safe houses for the poor, crippled, and leprous were constructed in England and Scotland, so that the crippled could reach them easily. He is the patron of the poor and the disabled.

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

...(please see appendix Page 495) Psalm 97:1 and 2b, 5-6, 10, 11-12

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to stand before the Son of Man.” Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus told this parable to his disciples, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; ...(please see appendix Page 495)

Today’s Gospel reading reminds me of the modern-day metaphor for a special love relationship. To “carry a torch” for a friend means that we have a warm spot in our heart for him or her, and we won’t let it dim. It’s like the Olympic torch that’s carried by runners around the world until it lights up the opening ceremonies of the games; we’ll run anywhere and for as long as necessary for the one we love. Do you have this kind of love for Jesus? If you do, then what’s the fuel that lights your torch? And what keeps your torch from running out of this fuel? Perhaps your torch is lit by your prayer life and you keep it lit by taking time every day to quietly connect with God. Or maybe it’s the suffering you’ve endured for the sake of unconditionally loving someone who doesn’t love you back equally, and you’ve offered your heart-breaks to Jesus as a sacrifice that unites you to his cross. Or it’s the joy of using your gifts and talents in the Church. Or it’s all of the above and more. We’re like the foolish bridesmaids if we do little more than pick up our torch and run without taking into consideration that a seemingly short sprint might become a long marathon. We need to stock up. What fuels your love for Jesus when you get tired? Or when you get discouraged and feel hurt and disappointed? Or when your patience burns out? We can’t make it through one single day without losing at least some of our holiness and spiritual strength! What makes us think that we don’t need to start each day in prayer asking for supernatural help? Or that we don’t need to take time to seek hope and guidance from scripture? Or that we don’t need to put effort into studying the teachings of the Church to receive more wisdom from the Holy Spirit?

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11

...(please see appendix Page 496) Psalm 98:1, 7-8, 9 Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another: just as I have loved you. Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

S A LL

IA N B L E S S E

F THE SO

ORT CHEF RO

BL. MART YR

ALLE BROTHERS LA S 1794

Brothers Roger, Leon and Uldaric lived in France in the 1790s, the years of revolution in that country. All religious leaders were required to sign an oath of allegiance to the government which would be more binding on a person than his or her allegiance to the Catholic Church. Many priests, brothers, and religious sisters refused to sign such an oath. Some fled the country, others were arrested, put in prison, and tortured; among them were Brothers Roger, Leon and Uldaric. In 1794, 827 of these prisoners endured months of captivity on two boats --no more than large pontoons. Brothers Roger, Leon and Uldaric were three of the 542 who died on these boats. They were in a group 64 martyrs beatified in 1995. They all died as victims of suffering for the faith during the French Revolution.

What’s the easiest way to progress in the spiritual life? By witnessing miracles, because they enliven our faith. Where’s the most miraculous place on earth? The Mass! The Liturgy of the Eucharist. Unusual things kept happening that prevented me from making much progress. I finally figured out that demons were interfering. I ran to Mass for respite. Mass is still what empowers me better than anything else. Mass is the highest part of the day. It’s a mountaintop experience. It raises us up out of the valley and floods of daily problems -- every time. Very often, it’s a leap to the mountaintop. The transubstantiation of bread and wine into the real body and blood of Christ is only one of many supernatural events that God provides during Mass. The liturgy gives us protection from evil in part because it begins with the Penitential Rite, which miraculously heals our spiritual wounds and strengthens our connection to the Holy Spirit.

SATURDAY

21st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN LA

S ALL

IA N S A

ON LE C OM

INT

CQ LER

Jesus told this parable to his disciples, “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ ...(please see appendix Page 496)

SEPTEMBER

ST. S OL

R. The Lord comes to judge the peoples with fairness.

LLE BROTHER LASA (1745-1792) Blessed Brother Solomon Leclerq was beatified on October 17, 1926. Born in 1745, he lived in an exciting time in France, a time of revolution. The common people rose up against the kings of France, and established a moredemocratic form of government. As a part of this revolution, the new leaders made times difficult for the official religion, Christianity. All Christian organizations became illegal. The De La Salle Brothers and their work were almost totally dismantled. Bro. Solomon was among these Brothers. He joined the Brothers in 1767, was a devoted teacher and skilled financial manager. These Brothers refused to swear loyalty to this new government. They had to live in secrecy. In 1792, he was arrested by the government, imprisoned with several other church leaders, and, in 1727, executed. He, and his prison companions were martyred about a month later.

3 SEPTEMBER

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9

O Lord, you have enticed me, and I was enticed; you have overpowered me, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me. For whenever I speak, I must cry out, I must shout, “Violence and destruction!” For the word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long. If I say, ‘I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. Psalm 62:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R. For you my soul is thirsting. O Lord my God. O God, you are my God, for you I long; For you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you Like a dry, weary land without water. R So I gaze on you in the sanctuary To see your strength and your glory. For your love is better than life, My lips will speak your praise. R So I will bless you all my life, in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, my mouth shall praise you with joy. R For you have been my help; in the shadow of your wings I rejoice. My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast. R Second Reading: Romans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us.

Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter. “Get behind me, Satan! You are stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘if any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done.

Today Sunday’s first reading is one of my personal favorites. I have often felt the way Jeremiah does here. I have yelled at God, “You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped!” And I allow it again and again. “You knew this would happen, Lord! Why did you lead me into this trial?” Have you ever felt that way? Walking with God and serving his kingdom is an adventure. We can expect the unexpected, and unfortunately in this world that includes suffering -- denying ourselves the opportunity to pursue self-centered agendas, taking up crosses, and following Jesus all the way to Calvary (but then of course, all the way to resurrection, too, as explained in the Gospel reading). Because we love God, we are willing to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, like the second reading asks us to do. This is the highest form of worship; it’s a spiritual communion that we experience outside of the Eucharistic liturgy of Mass. In union with Jesus, we are the Eucharist. As Jeremiah’s complaint shows us, we can safely complain to God. We can tell him, without getting punished, that we do not like working for him. Complaining to others, however, is a sin because it causes gossip and prejudices and makes God look bad. Asking for prayer support during our trials is important, and we must keep doing this, but complaining to others shows how little we trust God. Eventually, we will see the good that comes from our sacrifices, and this is what we should communicate to others.

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

...(please see appendix Page 496) Psalm 96:1 and 3, 4-5, 11-12, 13

SEPTEMBER MONDAY

22nd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

NIFACE BO

POPE

(370 - 422)

Pope Boniface I was the bishop of Rome from 418 to his death on 422. He was active in maintaining church discipline and he restored certain privileges to the metro political sees of Narbonne and Vienne, exempting them from any subjection to the primacy of Arles. He was repeatedly opposed by the patriarch of Constantinople who sought to increase his sphere of influence. As a staunch opponent of Pelagianism, he defended the rights of the Holy See

ROSE OF VITERBO

R. The Lord comes to judge the earth. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. Gospel: Luke 4:16-30 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’” And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Jesus declared that His mission was to proclaim the Good News of freedom to the poor. He said He was carrying out this mission at that very moment Then He told the people He was not going to heal them but heal other people instead. What kind of Good News is that? The people obviously saw no Good News in Jesus’ prophetic words; so they tried to throw Him over a cliff. What Jesus means by Good News may often sound like bad news to us. His thoughts and ways are as different from ours as the heavens are high above the earth (Is 55:8-9). Our reaction to Jesus’ Good News may be to attempt murder, even the murder of God. But to those who accept Jesus’ Good News, despite its seeming absurdity (see 1 Cor 1:18), the Gospel is “the power of God leading everyone who believes in it to salvation” (Rm 1:16). Have the faith and the courage to ask Jesus to speak the Good News to you — by His standards.

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

5 SEPTEMBER TUESDAY

22nd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN / WHITE

Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 living.

TA KA

R. I believe I shall see the Lord`s goodness in the land of the

TER E

)

ORIAL (INDI EM A M F K O OL SA

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, A great prophet has arisen among us, and God has visited his people. Gospel: Luke 4:31-37

He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, “What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!” And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.

Building one another up can be inconvenient, disruptive, and noisy. For example, Jesus built up the body of Christ in Capernaum by driving out a demon during a service in the synagogue. The disruption in that service would dwarf the cacophony of the hammering during today’s service. The inconvenience and disruption must be overridden by love, for above all it is love that upbuilds. Build up the body of Christ through acts of love and charity. We are God’s building (1 Cor 3:9), so be a body builder and “build one another up”

IN & FOUNDRESS VIRG (1910 - 1997)

Born in Albania, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu or St. Teresa of Kolkata joined the Loreto convent. Feeling ‘a call within the call’, she left the convent and founded the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity to care for the hungry, the naked, the aged, the crippled, and the people who are dying of HIV/ AIDS and leprosy. Her motto was to give “wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.” She was canonised by Pope Francis on 4 September 2016.

First Reading: Colossians 1:1-8

6 SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

T HE EU RIU S

GREEN

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit. Psalm 52:10, 11

R. I trust in the mercy of God, forever and ever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives. ABBOT

(6th century)

Eleutherius was noted for his wonderful simplicity and spirit of compunction. He was chosen abbot of St. Mark’s near Spoleto, and favored by God with the gift of miracles. He also demonstrated the gift of exorcism, and raised a dead man to life. He died in Rome in 585 A.D.

Gospel: Luke 4:38-44

Jesus leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.” So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.

“Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He Who in His great mercy gave us new birth; a birth unto hope which draws its life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” How does a Christian keep keeping on in the midst of trials and persecutions? Hope. How can we have the courage to face death for the sake of the gospel? Hope. How can we rejoice even in adversity and consider it a privilege to suffer for Jesus’ sake? Hope. “In hope we were saved” (Rm 8:24). Contrary to the common saying, hope does not spring eternal in the human breast. The suicides, addictions, and bondages of our society testify that often despair, not hope, springs in the human breast. Lasting hope is not humanly possible. It must be given by God.

First Reading: Colossians 1:9-14

For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. ...(please see appendix Page 496) Psalm 98:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6

R. The Lord has made known his salvation. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Follow me, says the Lord; and I will make you fishers of men. Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Today’s Gospel invites us to realize that Spiritual fruitfulness is based on obeying Jesus, especially when He commands us to do something beyond our human understanding. When we obey the Lord for no reason other than that He said so, we will see the glory of God (see Lk 5:5).When we are spiritually fruitful, a war explodes. The Lord is calling us to overcome fear, repent of sin, and do greater things than we, or even Jesus, have done before (Jn 14:12). In contrast, the evil one, because we have become a threat to him, rages at us (see Rv 12:12). In this war, if we die to ourselves (Jn 12:24) and live in Jesus (Jn 15:5), we bear abundant and even greater fruit. This dynamic continues so that we become more and more fruitful and holy as we resist the temptations of the evil one. This is the pattern we see in the early Church as described in the Acts of the Apostles.

7 SEPTEMBER THURSDAY

22nd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN REGINA

N & MARTYR VIRGI

St Regina was a virgin martyr. Her mother died at her birth and her pagan father repudiated her. She then went to live with a Christian nurse who baptized her. Regina helped her by tending the sheep. She communed with God in prayer and meditated on the lives of the saints. She was betrothed to the proconsul Olybrius but refused to renounce her faith to marry him, for which she was tortured and was beheaded at Alesia in the diocese of Autun, called AliseSainte Reine after her.

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a or Romans 8:28-30

...(please see appendix Page 497) Psalm 13:6, 7a

SEPTEMBER FRIDAY

22nd Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

LESSE MA IRGIN RY DV

NATIVITY OF TH

FEA ST

Although the scriptures does not record Mary’s birth, the earliest known account of Mary’s birth is found in the Protoevangelium of James (5:2). According to this account, Anna and Joachim are infertile but pray for a child. They receive the promise of a child who will advance God’s plan of salvation for the world. Saint Augustine remarked; “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley”

R. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for the sun of justice, Christ our God, was born of you. Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: ...(please see appendix Page 497)

Perhaps you are insignificant in the eyes of the world. Nonetheless, you are on God’s map. The “little town” of Bethlehem was too small to be on the map of the tribe of Judah, even though it lay within Judah’s borders. God, however, has a different map, and Bethlehem was big in His plans, for it would be the birthplace of the Ruler of Israel and Savior of the world. Mary was a humble teenage girl from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. Nazareth was not well regarded and neither was the region of Galilee. Nazareth and Galilee were not on the spiritual map of the Jews, nor was a teenage virgin girl from that town. Yet that which is last in the eyes of the world would become first in the eyes of God (see Mt 20:16). Mary said “Yes” to the Lord and became the mother of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. So the young girl in the small town that was not even on the map bore a Son Whose greatness reached beyond all four corners of the map (see Mi 5:3). You are precious in His sight and your name is carved upon His hands (Is 49:16). He will do great things through your obedient, faithful service to Him (see Jn 14:12). Therefore, “go out now and take your place” on God’s map (see Acts 5:20).

First Reading: Colossians 1:21-23

And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him—provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel. I have God for my help. I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed these things to children. Psalm 54:3-4, 6 and 8

9 SEPTEMBER SATURDAY

22nd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

R. See, I have God for my help.

Gospel: Luke 6:1-5

One Sabbath, while Jesus was going through the grain fields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus answered, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

The Gospel is very clear and straight to the point that without Jesus, we would die doomed to alienation from God, other people, the world, and ourselves (Col 1:21). Without Jesus, we would nourish hostility in our hearts (Col 1:21). “We went our way in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another” (Ti 3:3). We were dead because of our sins (Eph 2:1). We “gave allegiance to the present age and to the prince of the air, that spirit who is even now at work among the rebellious. All of us were once of their company; we lived at the level of the flesh, following every whim and fancy, and so by nature deserved God’s wrath like the rest. But God is rich in mercy; because of His great love for us He brought us to life with Christ” (Eph 2:2-5). “There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rm 8:1).

R CLAV TE

Alleluia, I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

Gospel Acclamation:

STLE OF BLACKS APO (1581 - 1654)

Peter Claver was a Jesuit missionary who, due to his life and work, became the patron saint of slaves, the Republic of Colombia, and ministry to Afro Americans. During the 40 years of his ministry in the New Kingdom of Granada, he personally baptized around 300,000 and heard the confessions of over 5,000 slaves per year. He is considered an example of the Christian praxis of love and of the exercise of human rights.

10 SEPTEMBER

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9

So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, “O wicked ones, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, and they do not turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but you will have saved your life. Psalm 94:1-2, 6-7, 7-9

R. O that today you would listen to his voice ! Harden not your hearts. Come, ring out your joy to the Lord; hail the rock who saves us. Let us come before him, giving thanks, with songs let us hail the Lord. R Come in; let us bow and bend low; let us kneel before the God who made us for he is our God and we the people who belong to his pasture, the flock that is led by his hand. R O that today you would listen to his voice ! “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as on that day at Massah in the desert when your fathers put me to the test; when they tried me, though they saw my work.” R Second Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder’; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia,In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Alleluia.

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Today Millions of parents are killing their newly-conceived children several methods. If we don’t speak out to dissuade these people from sinning and killing, we will be partially responsible for their deaths, meaning their deaths due to sin, which is ultimately damnation (see Ez 33:8). Each of us probably know people who are racially prejudiced, taking advantage of others in their business, committing sexual sins, being unforgiving to their enemies, or committing other sins. If we do not warn these people and call them to repent, we are partially responsible for their deaths and damnation.

First Reading: Colossians 1:24–2:3

11 SEPTEMBER MONDAY

23rd Week in Ordinary Time

IUS THE UT

EAT GR

PAPH N

GREEN

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me. For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me face to face. ...(please see appendix Page 497) Psalm 62:6-7, 9

R. In God is my salvation and glory. Gospel Acclamation:

BISHOP

(d. c. 350)

Paphnutius was the Spiritual student of Saint Anthony the Abbot. During the persecutions of emperor Galerius, he had his right eye torn out, his left knee crippled, and was sent to work in the mines, all as punishment for his faith. After being rescued, he resumed his worked against Arianismheresy and to spread the Nicene Creed. He observed the strictest continence and is said to have distinguished himself by his opposition to clerical celibacy

JOHN CABRIEL PERBOYRE

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Gospel: Luke 6:6-11

On another Sabbath, Jesus entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the Sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?” After looking around at all of them, he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Today’s first reading reveals the fullness Jesus wants us to have: Full sufferings. We “fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ” in our own flesh (Col 1:24) for the good of others, the fullness of God’s Word (Col 1:25), full glory — beyond price (Col 1:27), full revelation (Col 1:26) of what was once a mystery but is now revealed to the holy ones, the “full measure of wisdom,” with the grace for all of us to become complete in Christ (Col 1:28), the full energy of Christ, “which is so powerful a force within” us (Col 1:29), and “full assurance” through our “knowledge of the mystery of God — namely Christ — in Whom every treasure of wisdom and knowledge is hidden” (Col 2:2-3). “It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in” Jesus (Col 1:19), and it pleases Jesus to fill you with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:4).

First Reading: Colossians 2:6-15

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness in him, ...(please see appendix Page 497) Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11

R. How good is the Lord to all.

12 SEPTEMBER TUESDAY

23rd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Gospel Acclamation:

Now during those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.

Jesus chose twelve apostles, in whom He invested the last three years of His life. We, as followers of Jesus, are also called to invest our lives in not just a nuclear family or a circle of friends, but in a small Christian community. By virtue of our Baptisms, we are called toA live as brothers and sisters in Christ. We should be brothers and sisters not only in name but in practice. We are called to devote ourselves “to the apostles’ instruction and the communal life, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). “The community of believers were of one heart and one mind” (Acts 4:32), and we are called to be the same. “Behold, how good it is, and how pleasant, where brethren dwell at one!” (Ps 133:1) We are not only called to go to church together, work together, and pray together. Our unity is not to be superficial. We are called to Trinitarian unity — to be one as Jesus and the Father are one (Jn 17:21). The Holy Spirit makes us one (Eph 4:3). Repent! Stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit (2 Tm 1:6-7). In obedience to the Lord, accept twelve disciples with whom the Lord is calling you to share your life. Be one. Be holy. Be Christian.

ME OF NA

RY MA

Gospel: Luke 6:12-19

HOL Y

Alleluia, I chose you from the world that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord.

This feast was first observed at Cuenca, Spain in 1513, then extended to the universal Church and assigned to its present place and rank by PopeInnocent XI in 1683 in thanksgiving to God and the Blessed Virgin for the liberation of Vienne, France and the victory over the Turks on 12 September 1683. It is the titular feast of the Society of Mary (Marianists) and of the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

13 SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE Y CHR SO

OM ST

JOH N

O M E M RI A L

First Reading: Colossians 3:1-11

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life. But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all! Psalm 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab

R. How good is the Lord to all. OP & DOCTOR BISH (349 - 407)

Born in Antioch, John Chrysostom (Goldenmouthed) was perhaps the greatest preacher in the history of the Church. He criticized the rich for not sharing their wealth, fought to reform the clergy, prevented the sale of ecclesiastical offices, called for fidelity in marriage, encouraged practices of justice and charity. He was known for his sermons and writings to explain the faith and to encourage the practise of the Christian life.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, “Blessed are you who are poor, woe to you who are rich.” Gospel: Luke 6:20-26

Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.“Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

First reading remind us to put aside our old self with its past deeds and put on a new man, one who grows in knowledge as he is formed anew in the image of his Creator.”—Colossians 3:8, 9-10. The old self is our life without Jesus, ruled by the world, the flesh, and the devil (see 1 Jn 2:16). This old self lives a lifestyle characterized by anger, malice, insults, lying, evil desires, lust, the desires for pleasure and the things of this world. The new self is shaped entirely by allowing Jesus to form our actions, thoughts, words, and lifestyle. When we live in the new self, we are set free from sin and set free for service, worship, and evangelization.

First Reading: Numbers 21:4b-9

But the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; ...(please see appendix Page 497) Psalm 78:1-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38

14 SEPTEMBER THURSDAY

23rd Week in Ordinary Time

RED

R. Never forget the deeds of the Lord! Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you; because by your cross you have redeemed the world. Gospel: John 3:13-17

Jesus said to Nicodemus, “No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

“When I behold the wondrous cross on which the King of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.” These words from a traditional hymn are my prayer for you today. May you see in a new way the cross and the One Who hung and died on it for love of you. May the cross be a prophecy which penetrates, divides, and judges the thoughts and reflections of your heart (Heb 4:12). Through the cross, may you be crucified to the world and the world to yo. May this celebration of the Exaltation of the Cross be the occasion for breakthroughs in the hearts of millions throughout the world and breakdowns of the strongholds of the evil one. Today, may Jesus, Who has been lifted up on the cross, draw all people to Himself (Jn 12:32)

EXALTATI ON

FEA ST

OF THE H OSS Y CR OL

Who, though Christ Jesus was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrates two historical events: the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena in 320 and the dedication in 335 of the basilica and shrine built on Calvary by Constantine, which mark the site of the Crucifixion. It is a celebration and commemoration of God’s greatest work: his salvific death on the Cross and His Resurrection, through which death was defeated and the doors to Heaven opened.

15 SEPTEMBER FRIDAY

23rd Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

First Reading: 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11

R. It is you, O Lord, who are my portion. OF SO DY

OWS RR

OUR LA

O M E M RI A L

The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows commemorates the seven great sorrows which Mary lived in relation to Her Son, as they are recorded in the Gospels or through Tradition. They are (a) Prophecy of Simeon, (b) Flight into Egypt, (c) Loss of the Child Jesus in the temple, (d) Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross, (e) The Crucifixion, (f) Jesus being taken from the Cross and (g) The burial of Jesus.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth. Gospel: John 19:25-27 (or Luke 2: 33-35)

And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple. “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

A few moments before Jesus died, He commanded His mother Mary to adopt all His disciples for all time, who were represented at the cross by a nameless, beloved disciple (Jn 19:26). In effect, Jesus told Mary to adopt those who were accomplices in His brutal death through their sins. Would you have the love, mercy, and forgiveness to adopt someone who helped torture and murder your son? Moreover, Jesus told Mary to adopt us at the very time when the results of our sins were literally killing Him. Would you adopt your son’s murderers at the very hour they were murdering him? Our Lady of Sorrows is the Mother of Sorrows. The Mother of Sorrows is the mother of those who caused her sorrows. She chose to be the Mother of her Son’s murderers, of us who helped kill Him through our sins (Catechism, 598). The Mother of Sorrows and the Mother of her Son’s murderers adopted us when we were least adoptable because she is the Mother of Forgiveness.

First Reading: 1 Timothy 1:15-17

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen. Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5a and 6-7

R. May the name of the Lord be blest for evermore.

16 SEPTEMBER SATURDAY

23rd Week in Ordinary Time

RED

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him

O M E M RI A L

Our lives are like houses which are about to face the tremendous force of floods. Only the houses with solid foundations will stand. We are well founded if we hear and do God’s Word. We must lay no “foundation other than the one that has been laid, namely Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 3:11). We must also be founded on the Body of Christ, the Church, which is founded on the apostles and the prophets (Eph 2:20; Rv 21:14). We build the solid foundation for our lives by giving our lives to Jesus and living our Baptisms fully. We must also be like Jesus and love the Church so much that we give up our lives for her (Eph 5:25). To have a solid foundation, we must know what the bishops, the successors of the apostles, have taught throughout the world over the centuries. Then we are able to be in submission to their authority. We must listen especially to the Pope (see Mt 16:18), who has a prophetic ministry and who, with the bishops, discerns the authenticity of prophecies.

S & CY LIU

IAN PR

Jesus said to his disciples, “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.”

COR NE

Gospel: Luke 6:43-49

MARTYR

(d. 253)

Pope Cornelius was the bishop of Rome from 251 to his martyrdom 253. He laboured to combat the Novatian schism and with the help of St. Cyprian he was able to enforce his authority. He welcomed back those who had apostatized during the persecutions of Decius; the documents that settled this matter prove the final authority of the Pope. In 253 Cornelius was exiled by the emperor Gallus and died of the hardships he endured in exile.

17 SEPTEMBER

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Sirach 27:30—28, 7

Anger and wrath, these also are abominations, yet a sinner holds on to them. The vengeful will face the Lord’s vengeance, for he keeps a strict account of their sins. Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray. Does anyone harbor anger against another, and expect healing from the Lord? If one has no mercy toward another like himself, can he then seek pardon for his own sins? If a mere mortal harbors wrath, who will make an atoning sacrifice for his sins? Remember the end of your life, and set enmity aside; remember corruption and death, and be true to the commandments. Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbor; remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook faults. Psalm 102:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

R. The Lord is compassion and love, Slow to anger and rich in mercy. My soul, give thanks to the Lord, all my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings. R

His wrath will come to an end; he will not be angry for ever. He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults. R

It is he who forgives all your guilt, Who heals every one of your ills, Who redeems your life from the grave, Who crowns you with love and compassion. R

For as the heavens are high above the earth so strong is his love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west so far does he remove our sins. R

Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9

We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another; just as I have loved you. Alleluia. Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.

“My heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” — Matthew 18:35. Many Christians don’t forgive others because they have been deceived into thinking they have already forgiven. This deception about forgiveness results in our being handed over to the torturers (Mt 18:34) and not being forgiven ourselves (Mt 6:12). Therefore, we are doomed if we are deceived about having forgiven. One of the best indicators of false forgiveness is anger. Before and after the writer of Sirach commands us to forgive (Sir 28:2), he teaches us that “wrath and anger are hateful things” (Sir 27:30) and that anger prevents us from being healed (Sir 28:3, 5). We may not even feel angry with the persons who have hurt us, yet anger in any area may be an indication of unforgiveness toward someone.

18 SEPTEMBER MONDAY

24th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ...(please see appendix Page 498) Psalm 28:2, 7, 8-9

R. Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard the sound of my appeal. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

F CUP E INO RT

JOSE P

Gospel: Luke 7:1-10

MYSTIC

(1603 - 1663)

Joseph of Cupertino was a Franciscan friar who is honoured as a Christian mystic and saint. His tendency to levitate during prayer led him to be humble, patient, and obedient, even though at times he was greatly tempted and felt forsaken by God. He was brought before the Inquisition, and sent from one Capuchin or Franciscan house to another. He is the patron saint of Air Travelers, Astronauts and Pilots.

After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

When we pray, do we give the Lord orders, or we sit at His feet, listening to His words. “I too am a man who knows the meaning of an order.” — Luke 7:8. Jesus is Lord! A lord gives orders. The way to please a lord is to ask for an order. For example, the centurion sent the message to Lord Jesus: “Just give the order and my servant will be cured”. This man understood what it meant to be a lord and have authority over others. He understood Jesus. We also should seek orders from Jesus, our Lord, the Lord of lords. We should read the Bible looking for an order to obey immediately. When we pray, we must not give the Lord orders but sit at His feet, listening to His words. We should constantly say: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening”. Also, the Lord wants us even to delight in obeying our parents, husbands, pastors, employers, and leaders. In this way, we show our delight in His lordship. We love Jesus’ orders even more than His promises. We delight in the law of the Lord (Ps 1:2). Jesus’ lordship is not merely a title but our way of life. It is our joy to submit to and serve the Lord. Alleluia! Jesus is Lord!

First Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way— for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, ...(please see appendix Page 498)

L MEMO RIA IONA PT UARIU AN J

GREEN

R. I will walk with blameless heart.

TUESDAY

24th Week in Ordinary Time

Psalm 101:1b-2ab, 2cd-3ab, 5, 6

SEPTEMBER

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, A great prophet has arisen among us, and God has visited his people Gospel: Luke 7:11-17

Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

The first characteristic listed as a requirement for deacons is “seriousness.” This characteristic is also the first requirement listed for their wives (1 Tm 3:11). This same trait is expected of bishops, that is, overseers of communities. The word is here translated “dignity” and applied to the overseers’ parenting (1 Tm 3:4. Seriousness or dignity is expected of the older men in the Christian community (Ti 2:2). It is also a characteristic of good teaching (Ti 2:7-8). In the King James translation, the word for “seriousness” and “dignity” is translated “gravity.” This could indicate that, just as gravity is an unstoppable force, seriousness in living the Christian life produces solid, lasting fruit which cannot be overcome. In summary, seriousness is necessary for deacons, their wives, leaders of Christian community, elderly Christian men, and good teaching. Therefore, seriousness is obviously very important in the Christian life, for all Christians as well.

M BISHOP ARTYR (d. c. 305)

St. Januarius was the bishop of Benevento. During the Emperor D i o c l e t i a n ’ s persecution, he was arrested while visiting imprisoneddeacons. He and his companions were thrown to the bears in the amphitheatre of Pozzuoli, but the animals failed to attack them. They were then beheaded. He is the patron saint of Naples, where the faithful gather three times a year to witness the liquefaction of his blood kept in a sealed glass ampoule.

First Reading: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

20 SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY 24th Week in Ordinary Time

RED

Psalm 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. Great are the works of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

O M E M RI A L

W KIM, RE

Alleluia, Your word, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life.. Gospel: Luke 7: 31-35

& CO

AND

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

AN MARTYRS KORE (1839 - 1867)

Andrew Kim and Paul Chong were the first Korean martyrs. St. Andrew was assigned to arrange for more missionaries to enter by a water route that would elude the border patrol. He was arrested, tortured, and finally beheaded at Seoul. Among the other martyrs were lay people, men and women, married and unmarried, children, young people, and the elderly who suffered greatly for the Faith and consecrated the rich beginnings of the Church of Korea.

“To what then will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

The first reading is an admonition from St. Timothy “I am writing you about these matters so that if I should be delayed you will know what kind of conduct befits a member of God’s household, the Church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of truth.” —1 Timothy 3:14-15. Human beings cannot help but be under authority. If we are not under the authority of God, we may be under the authority of Satan — even if we think we are “doing our own thing” (as if we had an “own thing”). If we are not under the authority of God’s Church, “the pillar and bulwark of truth”, we are under some other authority. This alternate authority might consist of certain powerful multimillionaires, celebrities, politicians, or social scientists — proponents of «freedoms» thinly disguised as totalitarian dictatorships — who are like children manipulating, controlling, and oppressing their playmates. There can be no such thing as freedom from authority. There is freedom only under the authority of Christ and His Church. Any other so-called freedom is merely a thinly disguised totalitarian dictatorship.

First Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

21 SEPTEMBER THURSDAY

24th Week in Ordinary Time

RED FEA ST

TTHEW MA

R. Their sound goes forth through all the earth. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, We praise you, O God, we acknowledge you to be the Lord. The glorious company of the apostles praise you, O Lord. Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

The communion of Matthew with the Lord becomes the source, center, and goal of our lives. When Jesus returns at the end of the world, He will have supper with those in communion with Him (see Lk 12:37) and take them to His everlasting wedding banquet in heaven. “Happy are they who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Rv 19:9).

LE & EVANGELIST APOST (1st century)

Born at Capernaum, St. Matthew was a tax collector when called by Jesus. He wrote his Gospel for Jewish people who had become followers of Christ. He wanted his audience to know that Jesus was the Messiah that God had promised to send to save all people.It is believed that he established Christian communities in Ethiopia and other sections of Africa. St. Matthew is the patron saint for accountants, bankers, and tax collectors.

22 SEPTEMBER FRIDAY

24th Week in Ordinary Time

F VILL

OVA AN

THOM A

GREEN

First Reading: 1 Timothy 6:2c-12

Teach and urge these duties. Whoever teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness, is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words. From these come envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions, and wrangling among those who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. ...(please see appendix Page 498) Psalm 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of IGIOUS & BISHOP REL (1486 - 1555)

Thomas of Villanova was a friar of the Order of Saint Augustine who was a noted preacher, ascetic and religious writer. He worked to improve the spiritual lives and living conditions of the faithful. He gave special attention to the needs of the poor, feeding and sheltering them in his own residence. During the same period he worked to promote education, restore religious orthodoxy, and reform the lifestyles of clergy and laypersons.

heaven.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom. Gospel: Luke 8:1-3

Soon afterwards Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.

When we were baptized, we became disciples of Jesus. Disciples accompany Jesus. They help preach and proclaim “the good news of the kingdom of God” (Lk 8:1). Because Jesus’ disciples have “been cured of evil spirits and maladies” (Lk 8:2), they are eager to use their authority and power from Jesus to heal and free others (see Mt 10:1). Disciples also assist the leaders of the Church out of their means (Lk 8:3). They do not love money; rather, they express their love for God by giving Him their money and themselves. Jesus’ disciples flee from the ways of the world (1 Tm 6:11). They “seek after integrity, piety, faith, love, steadfastness, and a gentle spirit” (1 Tm 6:11). They “fight the good fight of faith” and “take firm hold on the everlasting life to which” they “were called”. To live as disciples of Jesus, we must deny our very selves, take up our cross each day, and follow in His steps.

First Reading: 1 Timothy 6:13-16

In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at ...(please see appendix Page 498) Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 4, 5

R. Come before the Lord, singing for joy. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Gospel: Luke 8:4-15

When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to Jesus, he said in a parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.” As he said this, he called out, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that ‘looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.’ “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.

The best soil for a good harvest is newly tilled soil. What does that soil look like to a gardener? The soil is completely turned upside-down. It is broken-up into clods. It is not at all smooth. Yet such soil is optimal for making seeds sprout and grow. Have you ever had a broken heart and felt like your life was turned upside-down, inside-out, and worked over? Even now, are you in constant pain, with your life as one big upheaval? Then to Jesus, the Gardener (see Jn 20:15), you are a beautiful sight to behold. You are just like the good soil that has been tilled and worked over, ready for planting. Right now, decide to offer your upside-down heart and your life full of upheavals to Jesus. You might feel that you are so wounded as to be useless, that your life is too big of a mess to ever be set right.

23 SEPTEMBER SATURDAY

24th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

DRE PIO PA

T & STIGMATIST PRIES (1887 - 1968)

Padre Pio, also known as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina was an Italian friar, stigmatist and mystic. He was known for exhibiting stigmata for most of his life. Noted for patient suffering, fervent prayer, and compassionate spiritual guidance, he also lent his efforts to the establishment of a major hospital, the “Home to Relieve Suffering.” He was reportedly able to bilocate, levitate, and heal by touch. He was canonized on 16 June 2002 by Pope John Paul II.

24 SEPTEMBER

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9

Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Psalm 144:2-3, 8-9, 17-18

R. The Lord is close to all who call him. I will bless you day after day and praise your name for ever. The Lord is great, highly to be praised, his greatness cannot be measured. R The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love.

How good is the Lord to all. compassionate to all his creatures. R The Lord is just in all his ways and loving in all his deeds. He is close to all who call him, who call on him from their hearts. R

Second Reading: Philippians 1:20-24, 27

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two; my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Open our heart, O Lord, that we may listen to the words of your Son. Alleluia. Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early, in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the unusual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market place; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner

of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne he burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.” — Isaiah 55:8. So often people think or say: “The Lord’s way is not fair!” (Ez 18:25) The laborers in the vineyard who worked all day were saying, in essence, the same thing. Seemingly, God treats the weak, sinful, marginalized, forgotten ones better than He treats the ones who faithfully serve Him. While the Lord lovingly pursues the lost, late ones, He goes so far as to leave the faithful ones seemingly alone “in the wasteland” (Lk 15:4). As today’s first reading reveals, God’s ways are not our ways. All praise and glory be to God that His ways are not human ways! Praise the Lord that “His ways are not fair” in the sight of humanity. Human history is littered with the refuse of sin, greed, injustice, and misery, which are the wages of human ways. The Lord’s ways, on the contrary, are not limited to being “fair.” His way is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, of great kindness.

25 SEPTEMBER MONDAY

25th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN OLFRID CE

First Reading: Ezra 1:1-6

In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom, and also in a written edict declared: “Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of those among you who are of his people—may their God be with them!—are now permitted to go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem; and let all survivors, in whatever place they reside, be assisted by the people of their place with silver and gold, with goods and with animals, besides freewill offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.” The heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—got ready to go up and rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. All their neighbours aided them with silver vessels, with gold, with goods, with animals, and with valuable gifts, besides all that was freely offered. Psalm 126:1-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

ABBOT

(642 - 716)

Ceolfrid was an Anglo Saxon Christianabbot who is best known as the warden of Bede from the age of seven until his death in 716. He was the Abbot of Monkwearmouth Jarrow Abbey, and a major contributor to the project to produce the Codex Amiatinus Bible. On account of his outstanding sanctity and humility, he was sent to assist St. Benedict who was then founding the new abbey of Wearmouth.

BI. HERMAN OF REICHENAU

R. What great deeds the Lord worked for us! Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Gospel: Luke 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowds, “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lamp stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.”

“He puts it on a lampstand so that whoever comes in can see it.” — Luke 8:16. Jesus said there were four groups of people in this world. He compared these groups to a footpath, rocky ground, ground that produces briers, and good ground. Only one of the four groups receives God’s Word so as to bear fruit. This means that we who share God’s Word can expect a lot of failure. This makes us feel like keeping God’s Word to ourselves. Nevertheless, the Lord commands us to put the light of God’s Word on the lampstand of our lives so as to give light to all. The Lord also warns us that if we don’t share His Word, we will lose it. If we hear and act on His Word by sharing it, Jesus promises He will consider us to be His mother, brothers, and sisters (Lk 8:21; Mk 3:35). The Lord gives us encouragement to share His Word despite the failure of many to accept it.

First Reading: Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20

R. I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house.” Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it. Gospel: Luke 8:19-21

Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

How many of us are crowded? Our lives, minds, and schedules are crowded. We have so many demands pressing in on us. We can hardly breathe. We feel crowded out from Jesus. We can’t seem to reach Him. We feel on the outside looking in (Lk 8:20). What can we do before we’re crushed by the crowd? We can obey Jesus, hear God’s Word, act upon it, and give our lives, minds, and schedules to the Lord. Jesus never gives us more than we have time for. He never overextends us, although sometimes we know this only by faith and not by sight. “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens” (Eccl 3:1). Jesus gives us sufficient strength (Phil 4:13) for what He has called us to do.

SEPTEMBER TUESDAY

25th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT S & DA MA COS

GREEN

Psalm 122:1-2. 3-4ab. 4cd-5

AN MI

Let the work on this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God: the cost is to be paid to these people, in full and without delay, from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River. I, Darius, make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.” So the elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of the prophet Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished their building by command of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus, Darius, and King Artaxerxes of Persia; and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. The people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. Then they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their courses for the service of God at Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. On the fourteenth day of the first month the returned exiles kept the passover. For both the priests and the Levites had purified themselves; all of them were clean. So they killed the passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves.

MARTYRS

(d. 303)

Sts. Cosmas and Damian were two Arab physicians who practised their profession in the seaport of Aegeae. During the persecution under Diocletian, Cosmas and Damian were arrested by order of the Prefect Lysias, who ordered them under torture to recant. However, according to legend they stayed true to their faith, enduring being hung on a cross, stoned and shot by arrows and finally suffered execution by beheading. They are the patrons of physicians and surgeons.

First Reading: Ezra 9:5-9

27 SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY 25th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE ION RO BIL

Tobit 13:1b-2, 3-4a, 6efgh, 6ij, 8

SEAU US

BL. SC U

L IA N B L E S S S AL E

At the evening sacrifice I got up from my fasting, with my garments and my mantle torn, and fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the Lord my God, and said, “O my God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors to this day we have been deep in guilt, and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been handed over to the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as is now the case. ...(please see appendix Page 498)

ALLE BROTHER LA S (1797-1867)

Blessed Brother Scubilion Rosseau was born in 1797 and beatified in 1989. The young Jean Bernard Rousseau volunteered to teach religion classes when he was a teen and then joined the Brothers in Paris in 1822. He left France to do missionary work when he was 36 years old. For the next 34 years he worked among the enslaved natives of the island of Reunion off the coast of India. He was dearly loved by the people of this island nation for his kindness and devotion to his students. He was primarily a catechist, a teacher of religion. In his later years, he visited the sick, won sinners over to Christianity, and was highly respected everywhere on the island as a living saint among the people. He died in 1867.

R. Blessed is God who lives for ever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel. Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

When Jesus sent out His twelve apostles, He “gave them power and authority to overcome all demons and to cure diseases” (Lk 9:1). Moreover, He did not allow them to take walking staff, traveling bag, bread, money, and extra clothes (Lk 9:3). Jesus made it clear that power and simplicity were essential to His mission. Worldly power is often complex. For example, armies, weapons, politics, and the media all are powerful and very complicated. In contrast, power in Christ is often simple. Power in Christ is often based on having less rather than more. Accordingly, the most powerful act in the history of the human race is Jesus’ death and Resurrection. Jesus did this by emptying Himself (Phil 2:7). Jesus lived in poverty (see Lk 9:58) and died having nothing. In weakness God’s power reaches perfection (2 Cor 12:9). “Because of this, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name above every other name” (Phil 2:9). Will you let the Lord make you poor and simple enough to be powerful? Will you believe in the simplicity of His power?

First Reading: Haggai 1:1-8

28 SEPTEMBER THURSDAY

25th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN CESLA EN

In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest: Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house. Then the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your panelled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and you that earn wages earn wages to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured, says the Lord. Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

R. The Lord takes delight in his people Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord no one comes to the Father except through me. Gospel: Luke 9:7-9

Now Herod the ruler heard about all that had taken place, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. Herod said, “John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he tried to see him.

Have you worked hard but gotten little out of it except a feeling of discontent? Have you eaten, bought, or consumed a lot but “not been satisfied”? (Hg 1:6) Have you stimulated yourself through drinking, distractions, sexual sin, sports, or entertainment but “not been exhilarated”? (Hg 1:6) Do you have a sense of emptiness and loss? We can be empty for many reasons. One common reason is that we may have put our concerns before those of God and thereby have committed idolatry. “The worship of infamous idols is the reason and source and extremity of all evil” (Wis 14:27). When we go after empty idols, we become empty ourselves. If you want to become fulfilled rather than empty, deny your very self and give your life to Jesus, in Whom absolute fullness resides. Hunger and thirst for righteousness, and you will be filled. Seek first God’s kingdom, not yours, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Mt 6:33). “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5).

KING & MARTYR (907 - 935)

Born in Bohemia, St. Wenceslaus stood for Christian values in the midst of the political intrigues which characterized 10th century Bohemia. His rule was marked by efforts toward unification within Bohemia, support of the Church, and peace making negotiations with Germany, a policy which caused him trouble with the anti Christian opposition. He was betrayed by his brother Bole slaus and was murdered in the year 935. He is the patron saint of the Czech state.

LORENZO RUIZ

First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

29 SEPTEMBER FRIDAY

25th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

R. In the presence of the angels I praise you, O Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

BRIEL & GA PHAEL RA

MICHAE L,

FEA ST

ARCHANGELS

The Archangels are powerful messengers to bring promises of love and hope. St. Michael was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil. St. Gabriel announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. St. Raphael took care of Tobias on his journey.

Alleluia, The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Gospel: John 1:47-51

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Many people have a false impression of angels. They think angels are cute or sweet. This false impression contributes to a skewed view of God and of the entire plan of salvation. Many people think that life is a game and that life in Christ is nice, but not necessary. The fact is that angels are formidable and even terrifying. The name “Michael” means “Who is like God?” This is an in-your-face challenge to repent and humble yourself. The archangel Gabriel doesn’t tolerate any foolishness. When Zechariah didn’t immediately believe a message from Gabriel, the archangel said to Zechariah: “Now you will be mute — unable to speak — until the day these things take place, because you have not trusted my words” (Lk 1:20). If you don’t talk properly to an angel, you may not talk at all. Moreover, the archangel Raphael doesn’t seem to feel any “warm fuzzies” for us. He bluntly states: “As for me, when I came to you it was not out of any favour on my part, but because it was God’s will”. Angels don’t necessarily make you feel good about yourself. Rather, the true understanding of angels confronts us with reality to check us from making God in our own image and likeness, and thereby warping Christianity past recognition. Believe divine revelation about angels, tremble at God’s Word (Is 66:2), and know that “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31), for He is a consuming Fire of love.

First Reading: Zechariah 2:1-5, 10-11a

I looked up and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. Then I asked, “Where are you going?” He answered me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.” Then the angel who talked with me came forward, and another angel came forward to meet him, and said to him, “Run, say to that young man: Jerusalem shall be inhabited like villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and animals in it. For I will be a wall of fire all around it, says the Lord, and I will be the glory within it.” Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and shall be my people; Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12ab, 13

R. The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

30 SEPTEMBER SATURDAY

25th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L OM JER E

Gospel: Luke 9:43b-45

While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

The prophecy of Zechariah in the first reading is very striking. In a vision, the prophet Zechariah raised his eyes and saw a man measuring Jerusalem in preparation for her restoration (Zec 2:6; see also Ez 40:3). St. John, the apostle and evangelist, was also given a measuring rod to “take the measurements of God’s temple and altar, and count those who worship there” (Rv 11:1). God’s people were measured to be protected from destruction. The Lord is still measuring people. On the Church’s first day, the Lord measured the size of His Church, and she numbered three-thousand believers (Acts 2:41). The Lord measures not only the Church’s number but also her holiness. Eventually and finally, the Church will measure up to His standards: “a glorious Church, holy and immaculate, without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort” (Eph 5:27). The Lord also measures out time, talents, treasures, and so much more. If He gives us five talents, He expects us to return to Him five more. The Lord is measuring each of us right now. He is giving us the grace to measure up before the final measuring on Judgment Day. Are you measuring up or “measuring down”?

IT & DOCTOR HERM (c. 341 - 420)

Born at Strido, Jerome is well known for his translation of most of the Bible into Vulgate (the Latin translation of the Bible), and his commentaries on the Gospels. He lived for a time as a hermit, became a priest, served as secretary to Pope Damasus I, and established a monastery at Bethlehem. He was known for his teachings on Christian moral life, especially to those living in cosmopolitan centers such as Rome.

1 OCTOBER

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28

Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is unfair.” Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? When the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it, for the iniquity that they have committed they shall die. Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die. Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. Remember your mercy, Lord. Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me; for you are God my savior R Remember your mercy, Lord, and the love you have shown from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth. R in your love remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord. R The Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, He guides the humble in the right path; He teaches his way to the poor. R Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-11

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

St Teresa of Lisieux is well known for what she called the “little way.” She was declared a Saint only 28 years after her death and is the Patroness of the Missions. She explains her little way: “When I read certain treatises where many obstacles to perfection are shown, my poor mind grows tired very quickly. I close the learned book that wearies my head and dries up my heart, and I take instead the Holy Scripture. Then everything appears to me in a clear light. A single word opens out infinite horizons to my soul. Perfection seems easy to reach. I realize that it is sufficient to recognize one’s nothingness and to abandon oneself as a child in the arms of God.” In her autobiography “Story of a Soul” she left us with her recollections of childhood and adolescence, and also a portrait of her soul – the description of her most intimate experiences. She discovered the “little way of spiritual childhood,” which consists in offering up to God in sacrifice everything one does or suffers, no matter how small or apparently insignificant; and she taught this “little way” to the novices entrusted to her care. The little way is most relevant to our Lasallian way of life. The daily classroom routine, in all its little aspects, becomes transformed into something beautiful for God.

First Reading: Zechariah 8:1-8

2 OCTOBER MONDAY 26th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE DIA AR N A

ELS NG

THE GU

O M E M RI A L

The word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath. Thus says the Lord: I will return to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts shall be called the holy mountain. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of their great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the Lord of hosts? Thus says the Lord of hosts: I will save my people from the east country and from the west country; and I will bring them to live in Jerusalem. They shall be my people and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness. Psalm 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23

R. The Lord shall build up Sion, he will appear in all his glory. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Bless the Lord, all his hosts his servants, who do his will. The feast of the Guardian Angels refers to the belief that each person has an angel who is available to shepherd their soul through life, and help bring them to God. This protection continues throughout our whole life and ceases only when our probation on earth ends, namely, at the moment of death. Our guardian angel accompanies our soul to purgatory or heaven, and becomes our coheir in the heavenly kingdom.

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.

Some of us still recall a childhood rhyme: “Angel of God my guardian dear, To whom God’s love commits me here; Ever this day/night be at my side, To light and guard, to rule and guide.” We also know that St La Salle had a special devotion to the Guardian Angels and that he wanted his teachers to act as guardian angels of their pupils. They are to be “watchful guides…to guide the children through all the dangers they meet in the world…and to shield them from serious faults.” (5th Meditation for time of Retreat). Although we do not see our angels, since they are pure spirits, we sometimes refer to human beings as angels, something St La Salle makes clear. I do not need to be convinced. I was saved from drowning when I was young. I always regarded the man who saved me as a guardian angel. We are also advised in Scripture to be hospitable to strangers because we might be entertaining angels unawares. This is a practical and a lovely thought.

First Reading: Zechariah 8:20-23

Thus says the Lord of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, the inhabitants of many cities; the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Come, let us go to entreat the favour of the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.” Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favour of the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from nations of every language shall take hold of a Jew, grasping his garment and saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Psalm 87:1-3, 4-5, 6-7

3 OCTOBER TUESDAY 26th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

R. God is with us.

Gospel: Luke 9:51-56

When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

As I write, the destruction seems mainly to be in the Ukraine as Russian forces pound it every day. Jesus’ disciples wanted to pulverize a village in Samaria which refused him hospitality. For ethnic and religious reasons, the Samaritans and the Jews were bitterly opposed to one another. But Jesus simply rebuked the disciples and went on to another village. We are not talking about sports. If you or your team is defeated in a game, it is only natural to seek to win the next time you meet. If you do win, it is sometimes referred to as ‘sweet revenge.’ We are also not talking about a criminal offence. if the offence is criminal, the law will take its course. What we are talking about are the occasions when you may feel justified in taking revenge…on a thieving classmate, on a bully, on someone who has given you the cold shoulder, on someone who has slandered you, on someone who has put you out of business. It is natural to want to get your own back. Forget it, it will pass, says Jesus. Move on. When it comes to the teacher/student relationship, St La Salle is clear: “Help your pupils to avoid rendering evil for evil, injury for injury, and taking revenge.”

RA GU

IN ER

Alleluia, The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

THE O

Gospel Acclamation:

FOUNDRESS

1798-1856

St Theodora Guerin was a French American saint. She is the foundress of the Sisters of Providence of the St Mary-ofthe-works, Indiana, a congregation of Catholic nuns. Guerin is particularly known for her advancement of education in Indiana and elsewhere, founding numerous schools including St Mary – of – the – woods College in St Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

First Reading: Nehemiah 2: 1-8

4 OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 26th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE IS OF A NC

ISI SS

FRA

O M E M RI A L

In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was served him, I carried the wine and gave it to the king. Now, I had never been sad in his presence before. So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This can only be sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my ancestors’ graves, lies waste, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors’ graves, so that I may rebuild it.” The king said to me (the queen also was sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set him a date. Psalm 137: 1-2. 3. 4-5. 6

R. O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not ! Gospel Acclamation:

ATIST & FOUNDER STIGM (c.1181 - 1226)

Born at Assisi, Francis gave up his inheritance and bound himself to God, embracing poverty and living the life of the gospels. He wore ragged old clothes, begged for food and preached peace. He is the founder of the Franciscans, Poor Clares and the Secular Franciscan Order. He was the one to receive the stigmata and arrange the first live Christmas nativity scene. He is the patron of animals, merchants, and ecology.

Alleluia, I count everything as loss, because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and be found in him. Gospel: Luke 9: 57-62

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

St Francis is one of the best-loved saints. This may at least partly be due to his appreciation of the universe, exemplified in his famous Canticle of the Sun. Here we meet Brother Sun, Sister Moon and Mother Earth. This resonates with our modern cry for the protection of our planet. In his meditation for this great saint’s feast, St La Salle concentrates on his compassion: “So great was the love of St Francis for the poor that he gladly gave them alms on every occasion and was unable to turn down anyone who asked him for anything, because he saw Jesus Christ in their persons and was convinced that whatever good he did to them, he did to Jesus Christ himself.” Francis put into practice the Beatitudes, in his faith, joy, service of others, prayer and love of all created things. He was also a strong promoter of peace and one of his prayers is the beautiful Peace Prayer. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12

...(please see appendix Page 499) Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel! Gospel: Luke 10:1-12

An important aspect of Lasallian spirituality is the love of scripture, the Word of God. John Baptist de La Salle went so far that he asked the Brothers to carry around the New Testament every day and to read and meditate on it. And so, our Rule says we are to “have a profound respect for Holy Scripture, especially the Gospel” and to “read and meditate on the Word of God every day.” In his Meditation for the feast of St. Catherine, La Salle writes: “Often meditate on the words of Holy Scripture to encourage yourself to do what is right.” St. La Salle wants us to make use of the treasure of the scriptures for our daily life. Peace, joy, praise, gratitude, sadness, desire for change; whatever is in my heart I say to the Lord in a simple and natural way. And what about our students? La Salle asks the teachers to become so familiar with the main sayings of scripture that they will be able to “inspire” their students to follow, to behave well at all times. Scripture will also inspire us to pray constantly for our students and especially for those undergoing difficulty. A nice summary of St. La Salle’s view of Scripture is taken from his Meditation for the Feast of St. Jerome. “If you wish to be filled with the mind of God and entirely fit for your work, make the sacred books of Scripture your special study, and particularly the New Testament, so that it serves as a rule of conduct both for yourselves and for those whom you instruct.” Perhaps we can make some sayings of Scripture our own?

THURSDAY 26th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN IA FAUS AR

A TIN

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, ...(please see appendix Page 499)

OCTOBER

ST. M

R. The precepts of the Lord are right; they gladden the heart.

& MYSTIC VIRGIN (1905 - 1938)

St. Maria Faustina also known as the “Apostle of Divine Mercy” had a special devotion to Mary Immaculate, to the Sacrament, and to Reconciliation, which led to a deep mystical interior life. Her apparitions of Jesus Christ inspired the devotion to the Divine Mercy and she had an image painted of his Divine Mercy, with red and white rays issuing from his heart. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II on 30 April 2000.

First Reading: Baruch 1:15-22

6 OCTOBER FRIDAY 26th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT BRUNO

GREEN

And you shall say: The Lord our God is in the right, but there is open shame on us today, on the people of Judah, on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and on our kings, our rulers, our priests, our prophets, and our ancestors, because we have sinned before the Lord. We have disobeyed him, and have not heeded the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in the statutes of the Lord that he set before us. From the time when the Lord brought our ancestors out of the land of Egypt until today, we have been disobedient to the Lord our God, and we have been negligent, in not heeding his voice. So to this day there have clung to us the calamities and the curse that the Lord declared through his servant Moses at the time when he brought our ancestors out of the land of Egypt to give to us a land flowing with milk and honey. ..(please see appendix Page 499) Psalm 79:1-2, 3-5, 8, 9

R. For the sake of the glory of your name, free us O Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Today, harden not your hearts but listen to the voice of the Lord. T & FOUNDER ABBO (c.1030 - 1101)

Born in Cologne, Bruno criticised the world liness of his fellow clergy and led a life of solitude in an hermitage. Along with St. Hugh of Grenoble he founded the Carthusian Order who supported themselves as manuscript copyists. St. Bruno became an assistant to Pope Urban II and supported the pope’s efforts at reform. He composed commentaries on the Psalms and on the Epistles of Paul the Apostle.

BL. MARIE-ROSE DUROCHER

Gospel: Luke 10:13-16

Jesus said, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. “Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”

Growing up in Ireland in the 1940s, pretty well every house contained a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in front of which was a glowing lamp, usually red in colour. Most pictures showed Jesus with his right hand raised in blessing while his left pointed to his heart, burning with love for us. Devotion to the Sacred Heart was to be especially observed on the first Friday of each month. I took the little house shrine for granted and in fact did not know what it was all about. What I did know was that it was appreciated by my parents who made a special effort to go to Mass and receive communion on those first Fridays. I learned later that Irish families had been consecrated to the Sacred Heart. The devotion was not a ticket to heaven but an encouragement to deepen our love for Jesus who is Love itself. We are to throw all our fears and anxieties into that love and rest in his heart. The heart, then, is the symbol of Christ’s love. We have the strongest reminder of this on the Friday of Holy Week. Here we see Love itself hanging from a cross and forgiving those who put him there. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.

First Reading: Baruch 4:5-12. 27-29 (Exodus 23:20-23)

...(please see appendix Page 499) Psalm 69:33-35. 36-37 Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom. Gospel: Luke 10:17-24

When I was young and before retiring to bed, there was the recitation of the Rosary. Dad led the Rosary and led the Litany of Our Lady. We all knelt on the hard floor, with our backsides to the hearth fire. It could have led us to think of the fires of hell but in my memory the fire was always a benign presence, giving light and warmth. With Dad leading, the recitation of the Rosary was a serious business. Now and then, the cat playing with one of our rosaries or the dog chasing its tail gave us the giggles, but Dad’s voice quickly restored order. St La Salle had a deep reverence for Our Lady and in his last will and testament he recommended the Brothers to have a special devotion to her. Indeed, after the first General Assembly and Retreat in 1686, La Salle took the Brothers on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Liesse, Our Lady of Joy. There he celebrated Mass and gave out Communion and entrusted the future of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools to Mary. Our Lady became the Patroness of the Institute. One way that the Brothers devised to express this devotion to Our Lady was by adding a sixth decade to the Rosary. This sixth decade is to honour the Immaculate Conception, to pray for the Church, for the Pope, for good vocations and for Brothers living or dead. The Rosary is a garland of roses for Our Lady.

SATURDAY 26th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE O M E M RI A L

F THE SARY RO

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

OCTOBER

OUR L AD

R. The Lord listens to the needy.

This feast was instituted by Pope St. Pius V in thanksgiving for the great naval victory over the Turks at the battle of Lepanto in the year 1570, a favor due to the recitation of the Rosary. This victory saved Europe from being overrun by the forces of Islam. The origin of the Rosary itself dates to a revelation in a vision by Our Lady herself to St. Dominic Guzman.

8 OCTOBER

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7

Let me sing for my beloved my love-song concerning his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; he expected it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more was there to do for my vineyard that I have not done in it? When I expected it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and it shall be overgrown with briers and thorns; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pleasant planting; he expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard a cry! Psalm 79:9, 12-16, 19-20

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel. You brought a vine out of Egypt; to plant it you drove out the nations. It stretched out its branches to the sea, to the Great River it stretched out. its shoots. R

God of hosts, turn again, we implore Look down from heaven and see. Visit this vine and protect it, The vine your right hand has planted. R

Then why have you broken down its walls ?It is plucked by all who pass by. It is ravaged by the boar of the forest, devoured by the beasts of the field. R

And we shall never forsake you again: give us life that we may call upon your name. God of hosts, bring us back; Let your face shine on us and we shall be saved. R

Second Reading: Philippians 4:6-9

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43

“Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard; put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, “They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.’ So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.

It would be very hard to improve on Paul in the reading for today’s Mass. “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Here is the magic, here is the key, and how we wish we could access it. Here is the key to the good life, to the life of the spirit, to freedom of the spirit, to the way of peace. St La Salle issues a warning: “There are many persons who seem to be spiritual and to possess interior peace, but who really lack it. Just say a sharp word to them or do something to irritate them and immediately they are quite upset.” Instead, talk to God, he says and be thankful.

First Reading :Jonah 1:1-17; 2:1, 10 ...(please see appendix Page 500)

Jonah 2:2, 3, 4, 7

MONDAY 27th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

RIO

ST. J

IAN SA INT SALL LA EH AIM ILA

St. Jamie Hilario was declared a saint in 1999. Born Manuel Barbal Cosan 101 years earlier, he grew up in northern Spain. He joined the Brothers when he was 19 and then taught for 16 years. Bro. Jaime had hearing difficulties, so he left the classroom to work as a gardener at the young Brothers’; training center, known as “A House of Formation”. A civil war broke out inSpain in the 1930s. The communist party that took control of the state blamed the Catholic Church for many of Spain’s troubles. They arrested and killed church leaders. Bro. Jamie was among those to suffer this fate in 1937. He refused to deny his religion, saying to the soldiers ordered to shoot him, “To die for Christ, my young friends, is to live.” When two volleys failed to meet their mark, the soldiers dropped their rifles and fled in panic. The frustrated commander then fired five shots at close range and killed Bro. Jaime.

Alleluia, A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

At that time: A lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. ...(please see appendix Page 500)

S LA

A L L IA N S A I N T

RTYRS MA

TURON OF

ALLE BROTHER LA S (1898-1937)

Gospel Acclamation:

8 SAINT LY

OCTOBER

R. You brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.

ALLE BROTHERS LA S 1934

The Saintly Martyrs of Turon were canonized in 1999. The Spanish Civil War of the 1930s was both political and religious. Many in political power blamed the troubles of the country becoming more modern on the persuasion of religion. They also feared the influence religious leaders had on young people. Therefore, those with military might used it against priests, nuns, and brothers. It was an October day in 1934. In Turón, in northwest Spain, the Brothers defied the ban on teaching religion. They openly escorted their students to Sunday Mass. In an attempt to eliminate the religious zeal of the Brothers, the army arrested them and their priest chaplain, and then shot them all. Brother Cirilo, the Director, was 46 years old and Brother Marciano, the cook, was 39. Brother Julián was 32. The other five brothers Victorianopio, BenjaminJulian, Augusto, Andres, Benito de Jesus, Ancieto Adolfo were in their twenties. Aniceto Adolfa, the youngest Brother, was just 22.

Six months after being arrested, Brother Jaime was sentenced to death and reacted with the same words the Founder used in difficult circumstances: “God be blessed!” To his family he wrote: “I have just been judged and condemned to death. I accept the sentence joyfully. They could not accuse me of anything. I was condemned simply because I am a religious. I will be waiting for you in Paradise.” As he was being taken to his execution, he said to those around him: “What more could I ask for than to die, when my only crime is that I am a religious, and that I have worked for the Christian education of youth?” Brother Jaime was placed before a firing squad, and the order was given to open fire. The shots rang out, but he was unharmed.Again, the commander gave the order to fire, and Brother Jaime received a slight wound in his arm. Some of the soldiers dropped their guns and ran away. The commander approached and fired five shots at close range. Brother Jamie died at the age of 39, on 18th January 1937. From where do the martyrs get their courage if not from the depths of their being, their towering faith, hope and love? They are the most credible witnesses of God’s love.

10 OCTOBER TUESDAY 27th Week in Ordinary Time

FR A

GREEN IS B NC OR

GIA

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. ...(please see appendix Page 501) Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 7bc-8

R. If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it. Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Two brothers. Neighbours. John spent all his time busy around the house and barns. Martin went to the fields and always had time for a chat. We felt Martin had chosen the better part. Two students, Jason and Paul. Jason was inclined to bully, to bad-mouth. Paul either said nothing or tried to defuse the situation. Paul had chosen the better part. In the Gospel reading setting, Jesus makes it clear that listening to his word is the better part. James goes a step further and says we must listen and then put the word into practice. The better part might not be too difficult in ordinary, everyday situations, but come times of trouble and distress it is a different story. Take the story of St Maximilian Kolbe. Obviously, he took the better part, but oh so difficult. And so, there will be times when we need to be strong to choose the better part. There will be temptations to choose the evil way. We sure need to believe that we will not be tempted beyond our strength.

CONFESSOR

(1510 - 1572)

Born in Gandia, St. Francis was elected as the 4th Duke in 1543. After the death of his wife, he entered the Society of Jesus with the holy resolve of leading a hidden life and of closing the door forever to all earthly honors. As the Superior General, he founded the Collegium Romanum (Gregorian University), advised kings and popes, and closely supervised all the affairs of the rapidly expanding order.

11 OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 27th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

HN XXII JO

First Reading: Jonah 4:1-11 But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” And the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would become of the city. The Lord God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. ..(please see appendix Page 501) Psalm 86:3-4, 5-6, 9-10

R. You are slow to anger, O Lord, and abundant in mercy. POPE

(1881 - 1963)

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli also known as Pope John XXIII was Pope from 1958 to his death in 1963. He established the Commission for the Revision of the Code of Canon Law and summoned the Second Vatican Council. He was noted for his humble simplicity, profound goodness, and deep life of prayer. His Encyclicals Pacem in terris and Mater et Magistra are well noted for social justice. He was canonized by Pope Francis on April 27, 2014.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia,You have received the spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”. Gospel: Luke 11:1-4

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.”

Pope John Paul XXIII was a roly-poly Pontiff who became a kind of father figure for the world. He was often referred to as the “Good Pope John.” He became well known for his love of the simple life, for helping Jews to escape the Nazis during World War 2 and for calling the Second Vatican Council. Let’s concentrate on his love of poverty. He was born in poverty - and proud of it. Even after he became Pope in 1958 at the age of seventy-six, he kept away from the trappings of his position, and refused to take advantage of it either for himself or his family. “I thank God for this grace of poverty to which I vowed fidelity in my youth... which has strengthened me in my resolve never to ask for anything - positions, money or favours - never either for myself or for my relations and friends.” In his last will and testament, Pope John XXIII wrote: “Born poor, but of humble and respected folk, I am particularly happy to die poor. I have come across one of his quotes which could well become a life motto: “See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little.”

First Reading: Malachi 3:13-4:2a

“Your words have been hard against me, says the LORD. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.”’ Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, ...(please see appendix Page 501) Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

R. Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

12 OCTOBER THURSDAY 27th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Open our hearts, O Lord, that we may pay attention to the words of yours Son.. Gospel: Luke 11:5-13

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

The knock on the door. A friend or neighbour calling for a chat. A policeman with bad news of a tragic accident. A military officer calling to haul out a “dissident.” But the door in our Mass reading today is the door to Christ’s heart and he tells us to keep on knocking and that we will find what we are seeking. One of my relatives suffers from Down Syndrome. It does not prevent him from emailing. In fact, he has been emailing me almost non-stop for many a year. It does not matter that his content is always more or less the same. He simply wants replies. He is knocking at the door. You will all have stories of persistent people in your lives. The moral in our Mass reading is more about persistence in prayer. Many Saints have talked and written about this. St La Salle was one of them. “If you love God, prayer will be the food of your soul. When you pray, let it be with such deep humility that God will not be able to refuse you. Knock, and the door will be opened.

FR WIL ID

BISHOP

(c. 634 - 709)

Born a Northumbrian noble, Wilfred was instrumental in bringing Roman liturgical practice and rules to the region, working influentially at the Synod of Whitby in 664. During his tenure he worked to enforce Roman ritual, founded Benedictine monasteries, and rebuilt the minster of York, all while living a simply and holy life himself. He was a great builder, a lover of learning, and a musician. He is the patron saint of Ripon, England

13 OCTOBER FRIDAY 27th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN WARD ED

MATYR

(1004 - 1066)

Born in Wessex, Edward was among the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England. His reign was a peaceful one characterized by his good rule and remission of odious taxes, but also by the struggle, partly caused by his natural inclination to favour the Normans, between Godwin and his Saxon supporters and the Norman barons. In his later days, he became more interested in religious affairs and built St. Peter’s Abbey at Westminster.

First Reading: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 ...(please see appendix Page 501) Psalm 92:2-3, 6 and 16, 8-9 11-12

R. The Lord will judge the world with justice. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Now will the ruler of this world be cast out, says the Lord; and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. Gospel: Luke 11:15-26

But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first.”

My eldest sister lived in rural Ireland. Two well-dressed young men approached her door and knocked. My sister, being of a hospitable nature, invited them in. Once settled, they launched into well-prepared speeches. Then one of them suddenly asked her, “Who is your greatest enemy?” My sister was stumped. She had no enemies that she could think of. While she was desperately looking for a response, one of the visitors gave her the model answer. “Your greatest enemy” he said, “is the devil.” He then proceeded to give her a lecture on the devil. My sister was taken aback. She had been thinking about her neighbours, none of whom were enemies, and the devil was the last person on her mind. Do you sometimes think that, if the devil resides anywhere, it is in the mind? He is the one responsible for our temptations, for our evil thoughts and evil thoughts can lead to evil deeds, so the devil has a hand in them all. When Jesus met demon-possessed persons he just wanted to make them whole again, to free them from the darkness of sin to emerge into the glorious light of the children of God. During the pandemic plaguing the world as I write, we have been generally advised to adhere to social distancing. The practice of social distancing certainly makes sense when it comes to supping with the devil.

First Reading: Joel 4:12-21

OCTOBER SATURDAY 27th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT LISTUS AL C

GREEN

Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12

Let the nations rouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the neighbouring nations. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the wine press is full. The vats overflow, for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth shake. But the Lord is a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. So you shall know that I, the Lord your God, dwell in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it. In that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, the hills shall flow with milk, ...(please see appendix Page 501)

R. Rejoice in Lord, you just. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it. Gospel: Luke 11:27-28

While Jesus was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”

St James the apostle would heartily agree. What’s the use of hearing the word he says if you do not put into practice? In correspondence with his brother-in-law, Bonhoeffer claims that the Bible alone is the answer to our questions, and we need to ask “persistently and humbly” in order to receive that answer. We have to be persistent in our prayer because God answers us only when we ask, and we must be humble because God requires submission to his Word. This means that we are to read the Bible not as a human document but indeed receive it as God’s Word to us. It also means that we let God determine the place where He is to be found. That place is not at all pleasing to the natural man – for it is the place of the cross of Christ. It tells us that we are sinners who can be saved only because of Christ’s sacrifice. It also tells us that those who want to find God must themselves take up the cross, as the Sermon on the Mount demands. This message, in short, is “strange” and contrary to our natural desires; yet it is the only answer to our questions. St La Salle loved the Word of God. He told his followers: “If you wish to be filled with the mind of God, make the sacred books of Scriptures your special study. How powerful is the word of God to touch hearts.” “Oh the word of my Lord’ Deep within my being; Oh the word of my Lord, You have filled my mind.”

M POPE & ARTYR (d. 222)

Pope Callistus I, was the bishop of Rome from c. 218 to c. 222. As a pope he regulated the discipline of the sacrament of penance, ruling that penitent sinners were welcome in church. He defended the faith against the Adoptionist and Modalist heresies. Under the reign of Alexander Severus, he was thrown into prison, and then was tortured by starvation in prison and scourged daily. He is the patron saint of Cemetery workers.

15 OCTOBER

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain. The Moabites shall be trodden down in their place as straw is trodden down in a dung-pit. Psalm 22:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6

R. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures Where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit. R He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear. R

You are there with your crook and your staff; With these you give me comfort. R You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. R Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever R

Second Reading: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us. Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14

Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those

who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants. ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Reading the life of St Teresa of Avila is a tonic. Here we find something real and honest. Here we find a “wicked” wee girl, a flirt, a rebellious teenager. It got so bad that her father packed her off to a convent. The convent did not solve all her problems. Far from it. Some thought her charming but some called her a hypocrite. She made some progress in her spiritual life and then fell back again. Nothing seemed to stick. And then she had her late conversion. God became the focus of her life but, as she was to observe, he did not make her life a bed of roses but of thorns. But Teresa persevered. This is the way St La Salle puts it. “For many years he tested her with many painful illnesses, with very violent temptations, and with dryness in prayer which was very difficult to endure. Thus, she experienced not only the tenderness but also the rigors with which God sometimes treats a soul that he loves.” Here is one of Teresa’s prayers which might speak to you. It is entitled “Let Nothing Trouble You.” Let nothing upset you, let nothing startle you. All things pass; God does not change. Patience wins all it seeks. Whoever has God lacks nothing: God alone is enough.

First Reading: Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by ...(please see appendix Page 502)

OCTOBER MONDAY 28th Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT AR TM YA

R. The Lord has made known his salvation. Gospel Acclamation:

GREEN

UE COQ LA

MARGA RE

Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

TLE OF SACRED HEART APOS

(1647 - 1690)

Born in France, she joined the Visitation Sisters where she led a life of the way of perfection and was granted mystical revelations especially concerning the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She communicated Our Lord’s wish that the faithful receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month and observe the Feast of the Sacred Heart on the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi. She was canonised on 13 May 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.

Alleluia,Today, harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord. Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

When the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus mentions the wisdom of Solomon. Down through the centuries, people have believed that wisdom resides more in the elderly than in the young. I guess this is understandable when we consider the accumulation of experience by older people. I came across an interesting example of this when I worked for a while with emotionally disturbed boys. I noticed that they tended to gravitate to the older members of staff. There was an elderly staff member in charge of one of the chalets where the boys ate and slept. The man was strict and serious, and the boys were clear about the bottom line. He demanded obedience to the rules. Yet, this was the most popular chalet in the whole complex. The boys seemed to find security in knowing their place and accepted the wisdom of age. The Book of Wisdom in the Old Testament has much to say about the excellence of this virtue. “Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong. If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains. Wisdom is more valuable than jewels.” The famous Serenity Prayer catches the pulse. God, grant me the Serenity, To accept the things I cannot change... Courage to change the things I can, And Wisdom to know the difference.

First Reading: Romans 1:16-25

OCTOBER TUESDAY 28th Week in Ordinary Time

RED O M E M RI A L

IGNA T

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

S IU

OF AN

CH TIO

For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse; for though they knew God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds ...(please see appendix Page 502)

R. The heavens declare the glory of God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, The word of God is living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Gospel: Luke 11:37-41

While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you.

Externals have their place. We admire beautiful buildings, castles and palaces, sculptures, paintings and other artwork, Disneyland and so on. We also admire beautiful people, from the ravishing lady to the dashing, handsome male. But when it comes to the spiritual life it is another story. We have seen how Pope John Paul XXIII kept away from the external trappings of office. Gandhi is another prime example of living the simple life. The Sisters founded by Mother Teresa have this signature also. They wear simple garbs and live simply. Even in a technologically advanced place like Hong Kong, they have no cell phones and no air-conditioning. Our Lord reserved some of his strongest condemnations for those who based their piety on externals, those who were seemingly holy but rotten at heart. And so, he calls them hypocrites, blind fools and guides and whitewashed tombs. He also called this way of living as lip homage to God while the heart remains far away. Instead, he wants us to be open and straightforward.

OP & MARTYR BISH (c.45 - c.107)

St. Ignatius was the successor of St. Peter as Bishop of Antioch. On his way to Rome, he wrote seven magnificent letters to various churches concerning the Person of Christ, his love for Christ, his desire for martyrdom and on the constitution of the Church and Christian life. He is the first writer to use the term Catholic Church. He was condemned to death by wild beasts during the Emperor Trajan’s persecution.

18 OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 28th Week in Ordinary Time

RED FEA ST

LUKE

EVANGELIST

(d. c.74)

Luke, the inspired author of the third Gospel and of the Acts of the Apostles, was a native of Antioch in Syria and a physician. He accompanied St. Paul on a considerable part of his missionary journey. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the fact that Christ is the salvation of all human, especially of the repentant sinner and of the lowly. Legend says that he painted the Blessed Virgin’s portrait. He is the patron saint of artists.

First Reading: 2 Timothy 4:10-17b

For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. ...(please see appendix Page 502) Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 17-18

R. Your saints, O Lord, make known the glory of your reign. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord. Gospel: Luke 10:1-9

After this the Lord appointed seventy - two others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

You may have heard of the proverb that “the pen is mightier than the sword.” The person we honour in today’s feast fits the bill. He is believed to be the author of two important books in the New Testament, one of the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. He was a convert and a doctor and accompanied Paul on two missionary journeys and stayed with him in Rome while he was in captivity. Not surprisingly, he is the patron saint of physicians and surgeons. The Gospel of Luke emphasizes the compassion of Our Lord for sinners, for those who suffer, for the poor and oppressed. Another emphasis is on Our Lady. Only in Luke do we get the stories of the Annunciation, the Visit to Elizabeth, the Magnificat, the Presentation in the Temple and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. We can take these two emphases of Luke and try to make them our own. Our compassion for the poor and needy can take many forms. Mother Teresa reminds us that some of the greatest poverty can be found in the highly developed countries of the first world. We thank St Luke when we say the prayer called the Hail Mary. “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.” Thank you, St Luke.

First Reading: Romans 3:21-30 But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, ...(please see appendix Page 502)

Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6ab

OCTOBER

R. For with the Lord there is mercy, in his plentiful redemption.

THURSDAY

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

28th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Luke 11:47-54

PAU L

L MEMO RIA IONA PT THE C OF

“Spirit” in this context is something that is more caught than taught. It incorporates the sum total of everything experienced in one’s education. •“Lasallian” refers to an attitude to children, an attitude of respect and reverence for them as valuable and important in the eyes of God. This leads to a view that the education of the individual is something supremely valuable and worthwhile for its own sake, not just for the convenience of society. •“Lasallian” refers to the view that education is a means of making available to all, especially the poor and needy, the material and spiritual freedom to live a life of dignity and service to others. •“Lasallian” refers to an understanding of the role of the teacher, the nobility of it, the value of it. The founder of the Brothers, St. La Salle, started this entire Lasallian movement by not taking teaching for granted, but rather building his schools on the trust, community spirit, enthusiasm, talents, and aspirations of those young men in 17th century France who believed that education could transform lives. Ever since, every school that claims John Baptist de La Salle as its inspiration and guide has discovered the truth and power of the key insight that good teachers bring learning to life in young people. What we really expect from our Lasallian teachers is that they can look beyond the exterior and see the potential, teachers who have high expectations for themselves and for their students. We want a school accessible to the poor and needy but also a school fit for kings.

GREEN

SS RO

Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors killed. So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your ancestors; for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore, also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ so that this generation may be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” When he went outside, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile toward him and to crossexamine him about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.

SSOR & FOUNDER CONFE (1694 - 1775)

Born in Ovada, St. Paul was known as one of the most popular preachers of his day, both for his words and for his generous acts of mercy. He founded the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (Passionists), whose members combined devotion to Christ’s passion with preaching to the poor, and rigorous penances. He often spent many hours in prayer and adoration and carried with him a large wooden crucifix in honor of our Lord’s Passion.

20 OCTOBER FRIDAY 28th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: Romans 4:1-8

What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. So also David speaks of the blessedness of those to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.”

ILLA BO RT

ARDIN SC

MARIA BE

Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11

V i r gi n (1888 - 1922)

St. Maria Bertilla Boscardin was an Italian nun and nurse who displayed a pronounced devotion to duty in working with sick children and victims of the air raids of World War I. She worked in the children‘s ward, and was noted for her simple and gentle. She cared for wounded Italian soldiers during World War I, even staying with patients while the area was being bombed. She was canonized in 1961 by Pope John XXIII.

R. You are a hiding place for me; you surround me with cries of deliverance.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, May your merciful love be upon us as we hope in you, O Lord. Gospel: Luke 12:1-7

Meanwhile, when the crowd gathered by the thousands, so that they trampled on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops. “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

I am not a man of Letters or of Science, but I humbly claim to be a man of Prayer. It is prayer that has saved my life. Without prayer I would have lost my reason a long time ago. If I did not lose my peace of soul in spite of many trials, it is because the peace came to me from prayer. One can live several days without food but not without prayer. Prayer is the key to each morning and the lock to every evening. Prayer is the sacred alliance between God and man in order to be delivered from the clutches of the Prince of Darkness. We have to choose; either to ally ourselves with the forces of evil or, on the other hand, with the forces of good. This is my sacred teaching Let everyone try this experience and he will find that daily prayer will add something new to his life, of which there is no equivalent to be found anywhere.

First Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18

For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For this reason, it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, ...(please see appendix Page 502) Psalm 105:67, 8-9, 42-43

R. The Lord remembers his covenant forever. Gospel Acclamation:

21 OCTOBER SATURDAY 28th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Alleluia, The Spirit of truth will bear witness about me, says the Lord; you also will bear witness.

October 21st is an optional feast of Our Lady. I hope she will be well pleased with what follows. One of our number, named Raphael, lived in Kowloon and, being a religious, was unmarried. He was a spiritual director of a Catholic organization called the Legion of Mary. The idea behind this organization is for members to give glory to God through honouring his mother. Each group meets every week for prayer and for reporting on work done for the poor and needy. The weekly meeting is regarded as important, and members are not expected to miss it without good cause. Raphael’s group met every Sunday. Early on Sunday morning Raphael would visit a florist’s shop and order a nice bouquet of flowers. He was a big-framed man and I guess he cut quite a figure carrying the flowers through the streets and back home. The flowers were for his Legion of Mary meeting. They would be placed in vases beside a statue of Our Lady, to honour her as the Mother of God. The florist, it seems, had been wondering for some time about this weekly Sunday ritual. How come that this man came every week, at more or less the same time, for a bunch of flowers? Finally, curiosity got the better of her and she probed: “You must have a very beautiful lady as your wife because you go to so much trouble every week to take her flowers?!” To which Raphael’s response was: “Yes. I think she is the most beautiful girl in the whole world.” Both parties were satisfied.

TH ION E G AT RE

Jesus said to his disciples, “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.”

HILA R

Gospel: Luke 12:8-12

ABBOT

(c. 291 - c.371)

Hilarion was an anchorite who spent most of his life in the desert according to the example of Anthony the Great. He is considered by some to be the founder of Palestinian monasticism. Most of his time was spent in reading and in meditating upon holy Scripture. He lived a life of hardship and simplicity in the desert. He introduced the eremitical life and founded several monasteries in Palestine.

22 OCTOBER

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him and strip kings of their robes, to open doors before him and the gates shall not be closed: For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no god. I arm you, though you do not know me, so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. Psalm 95:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10a,c

R. Give the Lord glory and power. O sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord all the earth. Tell among the nations his glory and his wonders among all the peoples. R The Lord is great and worthy of praise, to be feared above all gods, the gods of the heathens are naught. It was the Lord who made the heavens. R Give the Lord, you families of peoples, give the Lord glory and power, give the Lord the glory of his name. Bring an offering and enter his courts. R Worship the Lord in his temple. O earth, tremble before him. Proclaim to the nations, “God is king.” He will judge the peoples in fairness. R Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayer, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia,You shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.

Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s and to God the things that are God’s.

Pope John Paul XXII has a long list of firsts. As Pope, he visited 129 countries and attracted the largest crowds in human history. He was the first pope to visit the White House and Egypt, met Queen Elizabeth II, and the first who visited and prayed in an Islamic mosque. On the question of doctrine, he condemned abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment; he opposed apartheid in South Africa and Mafia violence in Southern Italy and helped to end the Communist rule in Poland and in all Europe. He improved the Catholic Church’s relations with Islam, Judaism, the Anglican Communion and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Here is a quotation from the Pope’s visit to the United States in 1987 which will strike a chord with those acquainted with his thoughts and feelings. “Every human person – no matter how vulnerable or helpless, no matter how young or how old, no matter how healthy, handicapped or sick, no matter how useful or productive for society – is a being of inestimable worth created in the image and likeness of God. This is the dignity of America, the reason she exists, the condition for her survival-yes, the ultimate test of her greatness: to respect every human person, especially the weakest and most defenceless ones, those as yet unborn.” Pope John Paul II had always been an athletic person, but in 2001, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. On April 2, 2005, he pronounced his final words “Allow me to depart to the house of the Father.”

23 OCTOBER MONDAY 29th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

BL. A

HE ÈC

LIAN BLESS SAL ED LA L D O R RN

ALLE BROTHER LA S (1838-1890) Brother Arnold Rèche was born in 1838 and beatified in 1987. He grew up in a poor family in France, working as a stableboy, coachman, and construction worker. He was drawn to the De La Salle Brothers because of his religious spirit. He joined them in 1862 when he was 34. He learned math, science, agriculture and religion while teaching at a boarding school in Rheims, the town in which the founder of the Brothers, St. John Baptist de La Salle, grew up. When France was at war in the 1870s, he cared for the wounded from both sides. The Brothers asked him to train their new members, and many held him in great esteem. He had the amazing ability to sense what others were thinking. The Brothers remembered him saying often that the Holy Spirit of God “strengthens a person’s heart.” When he died in Rheims in 1890, he had a reputation for holiness.

First Reading: Romans 4:20-25

Brethren: No unbelief made Abraham waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness”. But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believer in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75

R. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited his people. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

At that time: Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over your?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of one’s possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God.”

It is not uncommon for Christians to try and escape from God. The poet Francis Thompson wrote a famous poem about it, entitled “The Hound of Heaven.” I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years; I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways Of my own mind; and in the mist of tears I hid from Him. The little piece that follows is a far cry from Thompson’s literary skill but will hopefully get the point across in its own way. I have him all wrapped up, Neatly boxed, solved. There is no way in here. The doors locked and barred, ‘Do Not Disturb’ Prominently displayed. What’s that scratching sound? A burglar picking the lock! What a nerve! Where’s my cudgels? Call the police… Yes, that’s the address… Please come quickly. Aha! They’ve arrived, In the nick of time. I am saved.

First Reading: Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to stand before the Son of Man. Gospel: Luke 12:35-38

Jesus said to his disciples, “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.

We are advised in the Gospel reading for today to light our lamps and be ready to greet our Master. Light is a common word and theme in the scriptures, from Genesis “Let there be light” to the Gospel “You are the light of the world.” There was no electric light in our house when I was growing up. We made do with a paraffin lamp. As with many children, I was afraid of the dark. The old folk filled our childish imaginations with tales of fairies, giants and goblins. Imaginations could sometimes run riot. Coming home from town, we had to leave the main road and walk for a kilometer down a side road, called a boreen. Walking this boreen alone and in the dark was a heart-stopper. The hedges grew high on each side and the shrub branches almost closed in or overhung in parts. For the first 200 metres there was no house or sign of habitation. The light of the first house or two was a relief but not for long. There was a patch of swampy ground to negotiate, and it was there that the goblins lived. They could beat you up or spirit you away. I would start to sprint well in advance, round the turn at speed and never look back. The light of our own house would be next, and it looked like the light of life. Let us run towards the light of the world, Love itself.

TUESDAY 29th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN / WHITE L MEMO RIA IONA PT MARY NY T ARE CL

R. See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

OCTOBER

Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17

ANTH O

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore, just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, ...(please see appendix Page 502)

P CONFESSOR & FOUNDER BISHO

(1807 - 1870)

Born in Sallent, St. Anthony spent several years preaching to the people throughout Catalonia. He founded the congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians). He established the Libreria Religiosa, whose purpose was to provide medals, rosaries, and other religious items. He successfully reformed the clergy and the laity and spread devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He was canonised on May 7, 1950 by Pope Pius XII.

25 OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 29th Week in Ordinary Time

& IN

CRIS

IAN PIN

CRIS P

GREEN

MARTYRS

(d. 286)

Crispin and Crispinian were brothers who preached Christianity to the Gaul by day and made shoes by night. They earned enough by their trade to support themselves and also to aid the poor. They refused to yield to the persecutors of the Faith who wanted Crispin and Crispinian to apostatize. They were both beheaded in Rome. They are the patron saints of cobblers, curriers, tanners, and leather workers.

First Reading: Romans 6:12-18

...(please see appendix Page 503) Psalm 124:1-3, 4-6, 7-8

R. Our help is in the name of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Stay awake, and be ready; the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Gospel: Luke 12:39-48

Jesus said to his disciples, “But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect ...(please see appendix Page 503)

“Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” As a rule, I am not into celebrity spotting. But there was one occasion I wasn’t going to miss.I had heard that Mother Teresa was in town, in Hong Kong, and that she would give a talk. Her reputation had preceded her. She had become universally known and respected as a champion of the poorest of the poor and she led from the front. I went along and joined a large crowd that had gathered for the talk. Mother duly arrived and I still remember my first impressions. What was striking at first was that she looked so small, so frail. A puff of wind could blow her over. And yet, in that slender frame there beat a massively passionate heart for the poor and for the unborn. Then I saw that her face was lined and wrinkled, was almost haggard looking. But when she smiled, which was often, her face lit up like the sun rising. Strangely, what lingered longest in the memory was an item of clothing. She was wearing the simple blue and white garb of her congregation. As a protection against the cold weather, she also wore a cardigan. It was almost threadbare, a poor-looking thing, and seemed to me to be a symbol of her detachment from worldly possessions. I can still picture that cardigan. She delivered her talk, which had largely to do with promoting the culture of life, especially life in the womb. The child in the womb was obviously of far more import to her than any cardigan. Mother Teresa had been entrusted with something more and she was not going to let it go.

First Reading: Romans 6:19-23

I am speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness for sanctification. When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. So what advantage did you then get from the things of which you now are ashamed? Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

R. Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

26 OCTOBER THURSDAY 29th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Alleluia, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and be found in him.

One of the key elements in Lasallian spirituality is the beautiful and constant reminder that we are in the holy presence of God. It is like a refrain going through La Salle’s writings: Since God is present everywhere have you adored him everywhere? All you need and all God wants of you is that you remain in his presence. To ensure that remembrance of the presence of God was part and parcel of school life, La Salle introduced the custom of a regular invocation: Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.” It is the custom to say this a number of times during the day. Surely a beautiful way to focus our lives. For La Salle, all prayer begins by putting yourself in God’s presence. There are different ways of doing this. La Salle recommends these three: God is present just where you are, since He is everywhere. God is present within us, since our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. God is present in the Church, as the house of prayer and of the Blessed Sacrament. La Salle sees many advantages when we try to live in God’s presence. It will help us to: drive away all evil and even useless thoughts from our minds kindle in our hearts the fire of the love of God bring us peace of mind and heart give life and flavour to our spiritual exercises And all this can be done whether we are walking about or sitting quietly. The practice of remembering the presence of God is our greatest happiness, the way to allow God to be master of your heart. “Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.”

RISTU S

Jesus said to his disciples, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

POPE

(d. c. 107)

Pope Evaristus was the bishop of Rome from c. 99 to his death c. 107. It is said that he divided the city of Rome into 25 parishes or titles, each under its own Presbyter. He also decreed that whenever the Pope preached he was to be surrounded by seven Deacons. He regulated the formal ceremonies for the consecration of the churches, which had been handed down from the Apostles.

27 OCTOBER FRIDAY 29th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: Romans 7:18-25a

For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, ...(please see appendix Page 503) Psalm 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94

R. Teach me your statutes, O Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

MENTIU RU

Alleluia, Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom.

OP CONFESSOR BISH (c.308 - c.380)

St. Frumentius was the first bishop of Axum, and is credited with bringing Christianity to the Kingdom of Aksum. He helped in a great capacity to bring Christianity to Ethiopia. He is noted for opening up trade between Ethiopia and the West. He convinced St. Athanasius to send missionaries from Alexandria. He is believed to have made the first translation of the New Testament into Ethiopian. He is the patron of Ethiopia.

Gospel: Luke 12:54-59

Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain’; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? Thus, when you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make an effort to settle the case, or you may be dragged before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

In Catholic Church tradition, going to confession means telling your sins to a priest and receiving forgiveness and absolution. Confession is one of the 7 sacraments of the church. In more recent times it has come to be called the sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation but “going to confession” is still a commonly used expression. I was at a pilgrimage site in Ireland and decided to take the opportunity of going to confession. There was a large reconciliation centre with a number of confessional boxes and a number of priests “hearing” and I took my place. I must have been feeling good because I had decided to make what is called a “general confession,” to tell sins of one’s past life as well as those of more recent vintage. I think making a general confession is only done occasionally. I guess it’s like trying to wipe the slate clean. My turn came and after the initial rituals I began my tale. The priest said nothing until I had started talking about past misdeeds. Suddenly he said: “Forget about all those…they have all been taken care of …God already knows all about them and they are long forgiven.” Wow! I felt a tremendous lightness of spirit and got through the rest of the confession in a dream. Our Merciful Father had already taken all my past sins into his loving mercy. I was being told to start fresh!

First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22

So, then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R. Their sound goes forth through all the earth.

28 OCTOBER SATURDAY 29th Week in Ordinary Time

RED

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia,We praise you, O God, we acknowledge you to be the Lord. The glorious company of the apostles praise you, O Lord.

It must have taken some thought for St La Salle to write a meditation for the feast of Saints Simon and Jude. After all, we know almost nothing about them. Simon is called the Zealot, probably because of his zeal for the Law; while Jude was also called Thaddeus, possibly to distinguish him from Judas. Apart from that, all other stories about them are apocryphal. But St La Salle found a way, by concentrating on how they left the world in order to follow Jesus. St La Salle then goes on to warn us against adopting the spirit of the world and how we should be happy to have left its corrupting influences. We have some highprofile examples in history of persons who did this. St Augustine and Sr Francis of Assisi spring to mind. Both of them flirted with the world for years before seeing the light. How do we square this leaving of the world with the strong emphasis of people like Pope Francis that we should immerse ourselves in the world, especially at the peripheries, among the weak, the vulnerable and the afflicted? I presume it all has to do with attitude. If we have developed a mature attitude to the world of wealth, power and privilege, we will be able to face the “other world” where people cry for help. In our Lasallian world, we do not have to go far to encounter cries for help in our schools and educational centres.

N & JU DE

Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Gospel: Luke 6:12-16

FEA ST

TLE & MARTYRS APOS (1st century)

Simon was one of the apostle of Jesus who was called Zealot because of his zeal for the Jewish law. He is thought to have preached in Egypt. He was supposedly martyred by being cut in half with a saw. St. Jude, known as Thaddaeus was the one who asked Jesus at the Last Supper why He would not manifest Himself to the whole world after His resurrection. Legend claims that He was beaten to death with a club.

29 OCTOBER

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Exodus 22:21-27

Whoever sacrifices to any god, other than the Lord alone, shall be devoted to destruction. You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. You shall not abuse any widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry; my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children orphans. If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you shall not deal with them as a creditor; you shall not exact interest from them. If you take your neighbor’s cloak in pawn, you shall restore it before the sun goes down: for it may be your neighbor’s only clothing to use as cover; in what else shall that person sleep? And if your neighbor cries out to me, I will listen, for I am compassionate. Psalm 17:2-4, 47, 51

R. I love you, Lord, my strength. I love you, Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my savior. R My God is the rock where I take refuge; My shield, my mighty help, my stronghold. The Lord is worthy of all praise: when I call I am saved from my foes. R Long life to the Lord my rock ! Praised be the God who saves me. He has given great victories to his king and shown his love for his anointed. R Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia ! If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.

Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40

When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

I am one of the band, skulking along untrodden ways, hauling our rotting flesh across the unforgiving land.

And on the road, we dance and sing and cling, in a merry-go-round, mad, I’m bound.

Then we hear his voice, and spy him from afar, and descend with fearful cries, seeking deliverance.

I turn back, I alone, to thank him. He remembers our number, and reckons nine out of ten a poor enough return.

He speaks and stills our cries, and sends us on our way; and in utter consternation, we watch our rottenness slough, and we emerge fresh and clean, like new-born babes.

But he takes the positives, the gratitude of an outcast, giving glory to his Father. Amen.

30 OCTOBER MONDAY 30th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: Romans 8:12-17

So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. ...(please see appendix Page 503) Psalm 68:2 and 4, 6-7ab, 20-21

R. This God of ours is a God who saves. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth.

D MAJE AR

A LL

GER

Gospel: Luke 13:10-17

CONFESSOR

(1726 - 1755)

Gerard was a Redemptoristlay brother who became known for his extraordinary supernatural gifts of bilocation, prophecy, ecstasies, visions, and infused knowledge. He was most successful in converting sinners, and was widely known for his sanctity and charity. He was canonised on December 11, 1904 by Pope Pius X. He is the patron saint of mothers, pregnant women, unborn children, the prolife movement, and lay brothers.

SATURNINUS OF CAGLIARI

Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the Sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the Sabbath day.” But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the Sabbath day?” When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.

You may have heard this little story before. Even if you have, I hope a revisit will give you a laugh. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, was on a visit to the United States of America. As part of the programme he was scheduled to pay a visit to a school. He was told in advance that the particular class in the school he was to visit had one special feature. There was a boy there who was never known to smile or laugh. The principal, teachers and fellow classmates had all tried to make the boy laugh and had failed. Nehru thought about that boy and the more he thought the more determined he became to rise to this challenge. Whatever it took, he was going to get a smile or laugh out of the boy. Nehru took to planning strategy. Now Nehru was as bald as a coot and usually wore a hat to cover his baldness. When he arrived in the classroom, he slowly took off his hat and looked all around. He then fished in his pocket, extracted a comb and proceeded to comb his non-existent hair. It was too much for the boy. The boy who never laughed burst out laughing. Mother Teresa always wanted to make people, especially poor people, feel good. “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

First Reading: Romans 8:18-25

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

31 OCTOBER TUESDAY 30th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom.

US ROD NS

UEZ RIG

R. What great deeds the Lord worked for us!

ALPH O

Psalm 126:1-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

Gospel: Luke 13:18-21

Jesus said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

Not so long ago, a small group of people came to visit our chapel. Our chapel is on the 5th floor. Besides being the home of our loving Father, it contains some earthly gems. There are two coloured glass windows, one of the Last Supper and one of the Sermon on the Mount. There are relics of some Saints. There are old-fashioned pews and a confession box. One member of the visiting group was an eight-year-old girl. Her mother took on the task of pointing out the special features in the chapel. The relics took a bit of explaining but the girl eventually seemed to understand. She did not take long to identify the ‘money-man’ in the picture of the Last Supper. The ‘lilies of the field’ in the picture of the Sermon on the Mount did not raise undue attention. It was the confession box that triggered the next phase. When told it was used for confessing our faults and failings to God, the young girl began to work it out. “Does God have a telephone”? she asked. “No” said the mother. “Why not”? asked the girl. “Because he can hear everyone without one” answered the mother. Well, it was an answer and I think it was theologically correct, but it did not seem to impress the girl. As far as she was concerned, God should have the latest in technology. He should be wired-up. Period.

IOUS BROTHER RELIG (1532 - 1617)

St. Alphonsus Rodríguez was a Jesuitlay brother who labored as a hall porter for twenty-four years. Obedience and penance were the hallmarks of his life, as well as his devotion to the Immaculate Conception. He experienced many spiritual consolations, and he wrote religious treatises, very simple in style but sound in doctrine. His holiness and prayerfulness attracted many to him, including St. Peter Claver. He is the patron saint of Majorca.

First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

1 NOVEMBER

WEDNESDAY 30th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE E M NI T Y

AINTS D LS

S OL

I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to damage earth and sea, saying, “Do not damage the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have marked the servants of our God with a seal on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the people of Israel. ...(please see appendix Page 503) Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

R. These are the people who seek your face, O Lord. Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. The feast of All Saints’ Day commemorates all the saints of the church, both known and unknown, who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven. All Saints’ Day observances tend to focus on those saints recognized in the canon of the saints by the Catholic Church. It was formally started by Pope Boniface IV, who consecrated the Pantheon at Rome to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs on May 13 in 609 AD.

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

Today is the solemnity of All Saints. What is a saint? A saint is someone like you and me who has died and the church recognises that their soul is in heaven. We are all called to be saints. Today the church recognises the many, many different saints that do not have a particular feast day. Close your eyes and bring to mind the many saints that have walked with you. We remember all those people who have helped us in our lives. Today’s gospel reminds us about the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus reminds us about the way we should act and behave towards others. Dear God, help me practice the virtues of the beatitudes in today’s gospel.

First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9

Psalm 23:1-3, 4, 5, 6

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Second Reading: Romans 5: 5-11 or Romans 6: 3-9

NOVEMBER THURSDAY

30th Week in Ordinary Time

VIOLET OULS D LS

And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, ...(please see appendix Page 504)

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Jesus Christ, the first born of the dead, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Gospel: John 6:37-40

Jesus said, Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

In today’s gospel Jesus says, ‘“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? We are asked the same question do; we believe? Belief involves letting go. Imagine going out for a walk near the side of a cliff and suddenly the cliff gives way and you find yourself hanging on to a branch of a tree dangling over the edge a long way down. In desperation you cry to God for help. You hear a voice. ‘Have faith,’ the voice says. ‘I have’ you respond. Then let go the voice says. What would you do? Maybe you would ask ‘Is there anyone else there?’ God is beyond our comprehension. We need to accept in faith what we learn from the scriptures. Jesus gives us insight and helps us in our daily lives. Dear God, give me the gift of faith so that I may let go the things that separate me from you.

All Souls’ Day is a day for commemoration of all the faithful departed, those baptized Christians who are believed to be in purgatory because they died with the guilt of lesser sins on their souls. Roman Catholic doctrine holds that the prayers of the faithful on earth will help cleanse these souls in order to fit them for the vision of God in heaven, and the day is dedicated to prayer and remembrance.

First Reading: Romans 9:1-5

3 NOVEMBER FRIDAY

30th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

ES RR

MA R

R. O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord! L MEMO RIA IONA PT DE PO TIN

RELGIOUS

(1579 - 1639)

Martin de Porres was a lay brother of the Dominican Order who was noted for his work on behalf of the poor, establishing an orphanage and a children’s hospital. He set up a shelter for the stray cats and dogs and nursed them back to health. He spent much time in prayer and meditation with a great devotion to the Holy Eucharist. He was canonised on 6 May 1962 by Pope John XXIII.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me Gospel: Luke 14:1-6

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely. Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy. And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to cure people on the Sabbath, or not?” But they were silent. So Jesus took him and healed him, and sent him away. Then he said to them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a Sabbath day?” And they could not reply to this.

Jesus healed the man. We all need healing. We need to be healed from those things that separate us from God. We make choices every day. Close your eyes and ask God to heal you. Remember that you are in the presence of God. God calls you by name. God wants to heal you. The man in the gospel experienced healing. We too can experience healing. Imagine the different experiences of all those involved in the gospel. Some believed; others did not. Some were filled with joy and happiness. Others were filled with doubts and uncertainties. Dear God, heal me in those areas of my life where I need help. Heal those I have hurt offended.

First Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29/B

4 NOVEMBER SATURDAY

30th Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

CHA R

O M E M RI A L

S BORR LE

EO OM

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their stumbling salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their stumbling means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! So that you may not claim to be wiser than you are, brothers and sisters, I want you to understand this mystery: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved; as it is written, “Out of Zion will come the Deliverer; he will banish ungodliness from Jacob.” “And this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” As regards the gospel they are enemies of God for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved, for the sake of their ancestors; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Psalm 94:12-13a, 14-15, 17-18

R. The Lord will not abandon his people. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord; and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart. Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely. When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

When we are invited to go out for a meal, we put on our finest clothes to look our best. We are delighted to have been invited. We are filled with excitement and anticipation. It makes us feel special. It makes us feel important. But it may make us look down upon those who are not invited to the meal. These thoughts and feelings may separate us from God because we presume that we are better than others. In today’s gospel we are given an example of not thinking or feeling that just because we have been invited to a meal, we are better than others. Always remember that we are all created equally in the image and likeness of God. Dear God, I pray for the gift of humility make me aware of your presence in others.

INAL & ARCHBISHOP CARD (1538 - 1584)

Charles was a leading figure of the Counter Reformation combat against the Protestant Reformation together with St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Philip Neri. He was responsible for significant reforms in the Catholic Church, including the founding of seminaries. He became a true shepherd of his flock and frequently went around his diocese, called synods, and worked for the good of Christian morality. He is the patron saint of bishops, catechists and seminarians.

5 NOVEMBER

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10

“I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.” “And now O priests, this command is for you. If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honour to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you. You have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.” Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? Psalm 131:1, 2, 3

R. Keep my soul in peace at your side, O Lord. O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor haughty my eyes. I have not gone after things too great, nor marvels beyond me. R Truly, I have set my soul in tranquility and silence. As a weaned child on its mother, as a weaned child is my soul within me. R O Israel, wait for the Lord, both now and forever. R Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13

Brethren: We were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labour and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in your believers. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, You have one Father, who is in heaven. And you have one instructor, the Christ. Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

At that time: Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For

they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honour at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the market places and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Can you walk the talk, or do you just talk? In today’s gospel Jesus tells us how important actions are. When we do bad actions then we separate ourselves from the presence of God. We may say many prayers. We may say many good things but words without actions are only talk. So, can you walk the talk or do you just talk the talk? Walking the talk means that you are a person of action. You will physically do things to help others if you can. In today’s gospel Jesus highlights the need for action and not just talking. Dear God, help and encourage me to reach out and be active so that I can help someone today.

First Reading: Romans 11:29-36

6 NOVEMBER MONDAY

31st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Brethren: The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counsellor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever. Amen.

LIAN BL AL

SEDS ES

144 L AS

Psalm 69:30-31, 33-34, 36-37

R. In your great mercy, answer me, O Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciple, and you will know the truth, says the Lord. Gospel: Luke 14:12-14

7 Blessed Brothers of Almería 5 Blessed Brothers of Valencia

At that time: Jesus said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

44 Blessed Brothers of Barcelona 5 Blessed Brothers of Santa Cruz de Múdela 4 Blessed Brothers of Consuegra 5 Blessed Brothers of Lorca 39 Blessed Brothers of Tarragona 19 Blessed Brothers of the Madrid - Grinon 16 Blessed Brothers of the Madrid Sagrado Corazón

We all like to do favours for others and in turn we expect a favour in return. When we do a favour for someone, we might feel important and delighted with ourselves. It is good to help others. We are called to reach out to help others. God wants us to reach out and help especially the poor. The poor may be a person who is disliked. The poor may be the person who is not popular. The poor may be the person who has upset you. The poor are always near you. The poor may be a lonely person. The fact is the poor is anyone you are upset with. Today’s gospel is asking us to reach out to those who need our immediate help especially the poor. Dear God, help me to recognise your presence in the poor and move me to serve you through them.

First Reading: Romans 12:5-16a

Brethren: We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. ...(please see appendix Page 504)

7 NOVEMBER TUESDAY

31st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 131:1, 2, 3

IBR ILL OR

Gospel Acclamation:

R. Keep my soul in peace at your side, O Lord. Alleluia, Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Gospel: Luke 14:15-24

At that time: One of those who reclined at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please excuse me.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to examine them. Pleases excuse me.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and cripple and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.”

Today’s gospel invites us all to the heavenly banquet in the Kingdom of God. Put your hand up if you want to go? Put your hand up if you do not want to go? Most people want to be in the presence of God. God is continuously inviting us. But sometimes we are distracted by temptations and we can forget about God’s invitation to us. We may be distracted by the way we look? We may be distracted by longing and yearning for the latest gadget. ‘Our hearts will always be restless until they rest in God’. Dear God, help me to be aware of your invitations that you send out to me daily may I respond by being kind considerate and helpful to others.

OP CONFESSOR BISH (658 - 739)

St. Willibrord also known as the “Apostle to the Frisians” was the first Bishop of Utrecht. He founded the monastery of Echternach, Luxembourg, to serve as a center of missionary endeavors, and extended the efforts of missionaries into Denmark and Upper Friesland. After the death of Radbod, St. Willibrord along with St. Boniface, undertook the repairs and rebuilding of churches and the work of conversion in Frisia

8 NOVEMBER

WEDNESDAY 31st Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

First Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Psalm 112:1b-2, 4-5, 9

R. It goes well for the man who deals generously and lends. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

DFREY GO

BISHOP

(1050 - 1115)

Godfrey was the Abbot of Nogentsous Coucy, in the diocese of Rheims, in the province of Champagne. He rebuilt, restored, and revitalized the abbey, bringing people to the Order of St. Benedict, and order to the people. He was noted for his rigid austerity with himself, those around him, and in his approach to his mission as bishop. He was an enforcer of clerical celibacy and also a fierce lifelong opponent of drunkenness and simony.

Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.

Today’s gospel challenges us to leave everything and follow Jesus. This is a difficult thing to do. Following God is difficult and challenging because we have to agree to give up everything, even one’s life, if it is asked for. Many others have died and given their life for the faith in following God. But this is the ultimate sacrifice. If God is asking you to give up your life you can be confident that you will receive the graces and gifts that will enable you to do so. God calls us every day to do away with those things that separate us from God’s love. Dear God, give me the graces and gifts to respond to your call may I be a daily witness to your generosity.

appendix Page 504)

Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9

R. The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, the holy place, the dwelling of the Most High.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I have chosen and consecrated this house, says the Lord, that my name may be there for ever.

NOVEMBER THURSDAY

31st Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE FEA ST

HE LATE FT

N BASILICA RA

For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

DEDICATION O

First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east); ...(please see

Gospel: John 2:13-22

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

Today’s gospel tells us the story about Zacchaeus who was a tax collector. Tax collectors were despised and hated by many. This gospel offers us all hope because God is love and this love is infinite. Zacchaeus was open to change. Zacchaeus was curious about Jesus. Zacchaeus was small in size that’s why he climbed up a tree to see Jesus. Sometimes we try to hide from God. Sometimes we may be doubtful. But are we open to change like Zacchaeus? Jesus called Zacchaeus by name. Jesus knew where Zacchaeus was and reached out to him. Dear God, you call me by name. You reach out to me. May I respond generously with all that I have like Zacchaeus.

The feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome is the oldest and highest ranking of the four major basilicas in Rome. It is the cathedral of the diocese of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome. It marks the dedication of the cathedral church of Rome by Pope Sylvester I. St. John Lateran is the parish church of all Catholics, because it is the pope’s cathedral.

10 NOVEMBER FRIDAY

31st Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE E I, TH GR

T EA

LEO

O M E M RI A L

First Reading: Romans 15:14-21

I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Nevertheless, on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, ...(please see appendix Page 504) Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Whoever keeps Christ’s word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. Gospel: Luke 16:1-8

POPE & DOCTOR (d. 461)

Pope Leo I was Bishop of Rome from 440 till 461 who called the Council of Chalcedon to fight against Nestorianism, Monophysitism, Manichaeism, and Pelagianism. He built churches and wrote letters and sermons encouraging and teaching his flock. He was also gifted in bringing reconciliation between disputing groups of Christians. He is perhaps best known for having met Attila the Hun in 452 and allegedly persuaded him to turn back from his invasion of Italy.

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.’ Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He answered, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.’ Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘A hundred containers of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and make it eighty.’ And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.

Today’s gospel tells the story of the unjust steward and his attempt at covering up his dishonest dealings. When we do something wrong and we are caught then we may be embarrassed. Sometimes our face may go red. Sometimes we may cry through shame. If you feel ashamed then you can be redeemed. You can restore the brokenness in your life. You realise that you have done wrong and you want to be whole again. When we know or feel that there has been a rupture in our relationship with God then we want to repair that relationship Dear God, you move us to respond by prompting us internally may I realise you working in my life.

First Reading: Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27

11 NOVEMBER SATURDAY

31st Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

MA R

O M E M RI A L OF TIN TO

S UR

Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. I Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, ...(please see appendix Page 504) Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11

R. I will bless your name forever, my king and my God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Though Jesus Christ was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. Gospel: Luke 16:9-15

Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.” “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. So he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.

Today’s gospel tells us about being honest. Sometimes we are tempted to be dishonest. If you are honest in little things, you will be honest in big things. If you are dishonest in little things, you will be dishonest in big things. If we are aware that God is always with us, we will always be honest. When we forget that we are in the presence of God then we may be inclined to be dishonest. Dear God, we pray for your help in being honest may we always be honest so that others will be inspired by the gifts you have given us.

BISHOP

(c.316 - c.397)

Born in Pannonia, Martin gave up his career as a soldier and founded a monastery in Liguge where he lived the religious life under the guidance of St. Hilary. As bishop of Tours, he was active in the suppression of the remnants of Gallo Roman religion. He is known for using his military sword to cut his cloak in two, to give half to a beggar clad only in rags in the depth of winter.

12 NOVEMBER

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16

Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her. One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for she will be found sitting at the gate. To fix one’s thought on her is perfect understanding, and one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care, because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought. Psalm 62:2-8

R. For you my soul is thirsting, O God, my God. O God, you are my God, for you I long: for you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you like a dry, weary land without water. R So, I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory. For your love is better than life, my lips will speak your praise. R So I will bless you all my life, in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, my mouth shall praise you with joy. R On my bed I remember you. On you I muse through the night for you have been my help; in the shadow of your wings I rejoice. R Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Stay awake, and be ready; the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Today’s gospel tells us a story about always being ready. If we make arrangements to meet another person, then we agree on a time date and place. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances may stop us from meeting at the agreed time, date and place. We do not know the future. We presume a lot about the future. For example, we will be here tomorrow, maybe, maybe not. I hope and pray we are. Young people prefer to live in the future. Often, they would say: when I am older I will learn to drive and have a car. When I am older, I will be able to work, earn money and have my own house. Often young people say, ‘I can’t wait until…’They spend a lot of excited time in the future. Today’s gospel reminds us that we should be prepared and ready for God in our lives. Dear God, help me be ready to accept you into my life daily and may I respond to the promptings of your Holy Spirit.

13 NOVEMBER MONDAY

32nd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

STA NI

KA ST

AUS KO SL

First Reading: Wisdom 1:1-7

Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord in goodness and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him. For perverse thoughts separate people from God, and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish; because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, or dwell in a body enslaved to sin. For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will leave foolish thoughts behind, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness. For wisdom is a kindly spirit, but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words; because God is witness of their inmost feelings, and a true observer of their hearts, and a hearer of their tongues. Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said. Psalm 139:1-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-10

R. Lead me, Lord, in the way everlasting. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, You shine as lights in the world , holding fast to the word of life. RELIGIOUS

(1550 - 1568)

Stanisław Kostka was a Polish novice of the Society of Jesus. He had a great devotion towards St Barbara who seems to have accompanied by two angels, entered his room with the Blessed Sacrament when he was attacked by a demon. As a novice, he was known for his cheerful sanctity, angelic innocence and purity of thought and speech. He is invoked against palpitation and those dying without receiving the Viaticum.

Gospel: Luke 17:1-6

Jesus said to his disciples, “Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

Today’s gospel reminds us about being separated from God. Being separated from God is sin. Sometimes we act in a way that is contrary to God. Sometimes we may be that individual who is causing someone to break away from God’s love. We may encourage others to fight. We may call others bad names. We may use bad words. These separate us from the love and presence of God. We must often forgive others when they do us wrong or harm. This is difficult; and challenging following God is difficult and challenging. God will give you help to move on and forgive. Dear God, help me to forgive others the hurt they have caused me help me remember that you are always with me. I must forgive those because you forgive me.

First Reading: Wisdom 2:23—3:9

14 NOVEMBER TUESDAY

32nd Week in Ordinary Time

LAU R

GREEN CE O’ T EN

LE OO

For God created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it. But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them forever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect. Psalm 33:2-3, 16-17, 18-19

R. I will bless the Lord at all times. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. Gospel: Luke 17:7-10

“Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here at once and take your place at the table’? Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’ ”

Today’s gospel reminds us that we are to use our gifts and talents to help others. God has given you grace to help you in your life. Grace is supernatural help given to us by God. We receive grace when we receive the sacraments. Grace enables us to reach and help those that need it daily. Sometimes when we are tired, our tolerance level drops and we can be quick to say something before thinking, and this may cause distress to others. Dear God, help me remember that when I am in a bad mood, I may have the grace to see my error and ask for forgiveness.

BISHOP OF DUBLIN ARCH

(1125 - 1180)

St. Laurence O’Toole was Archbishop of Dublin at the time of the Norman invasion of Ireland. He played a prominent role in the Irish Church Reform Movement of the 12th century and mediated between the parties during and after the invasion. He was most widely known for his piety, charity, and prudence, and was respected as a negotiator. He reformed much of the administration and clerical life in his diocese.

First Reading: Wisdom 6:1-11

15 NOVEMBER

WEDNESDAY 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT T HE G RT

AT RE

ALB E

GREEN

Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations. For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High; he will search out your works and inquire into your plans. Because as servants of his kingdom you did not rule rightly, or keep the law, or walk according to the purpose of God, he will come upon you terribly and swiftly, because severe judgment falls on those in high places. For the lowliest may be pardoned in mercy, but the mighty will be mightily tested. For the Lord of all will not stand in awe of anyone, or show deference to greatness; because he himself made both small and great, and he takes thought for all alike. But a strict inquiry is in store for the mighty. To you then, O monarchs, my words are directed, so that you may learn wisdom and not transgress. For they will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness, and those who have been taught them will find a defence. Therefore, set your desire on my words; long for them, and you will be instructed. Psalm 82:3-4, 6-7

R. Arise, O God; judge the earth! OP & DOCTOR BISH (c.1200 - 1280)

St. Albertus Magnus also known as St. Albert the Great was a Dominican friar and bishop who was known for his intellectual abilities. He was a respected philosopher, scientist, theologian and teacher. He introduced Greek and Arabic science and philosophy to medieval Europe. During his life, Albert wrote thirty eight volumes covering topics ranging from philosophy to geography, astronomy, law, friendship and love. He is the patron saint of scientists.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Gospel: Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”

Today’s gospel reminds us about being thankful to God. When someone helps you, are you not thankful? Often, we take many things for granted and we may forget to thank God. How many times when you pray do you thank God? If you were one of the 10 people in the gospel today, would you be one of the nine or the one who went to look for Jesus and thank him? Most of us would say I would be the one. How many times have you been in a group and was involved in doing something risky? Would you be the one to say ‘Stop’ or would you be just part of the group? Peer pressure is important especially when used for good. Dear God, give me the courage to be the one who stands out from the group to do good.

First Reading: Wisdom 7:22b–8:1

16 NOVEMBER THURSDAY

32nd Week in Ordinary Time

L MEMO RIA IONA PT T OF SC RE

MARG A

GREEN

D LAN OT

For wisdom, the fashioner of all things, taught me. There is in her a spirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, clear, unpolluted, distinct, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible, beneficent, humane, steadfast, sure, free from anxiety, all-powerful, overseeing all, and penetrating through all spirits that are intelligent, pure, and altogether subtle. For wisdom is more mobile than any motion; because of her pureness she pervades and penetrates all things. For she is a breath of the power of God, and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; therefore, nothing defiled gains entrance into her. For she is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness. Although she is but one, she can do all things, and while remaining in herself, she renews all things; in every generation she passes into holy souls and makes them friends of God, and prophets; for God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom. She is more beautiful than the sun, and excels every constellation of the stars. Compared with the light she is found to be superior, for it is succeeded by the night, but against wisdom evil does not prevail. She reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and she orders all things well. Psalm 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175

R. Forever is your word, O Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the vine; you are the branches, says the Lord. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. Gospel: Luke 17:20-25

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” Then he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, ‘Look there!’ or ‘Look here!’ Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation.

The Blessed Martyrs of Almeria. In today’s gospel Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God. He tells us that the Kingdom of God is among us. What does this mean? It means that God is in each and every one? So, God is among us. It can be challenging to realise that God is in everyone especially when we have been hurt or see others being cruel. Today’s gospel tells us about the suffering of Jesus but his apostles did not fully understand. No one wants to suffer, no one wants to die. But Jesus suffered and died for us. Love always conquers fear; so do not be afraid to follow the path of Jesus. Dear God, strength us to follow the path you have chosen for us. May we always remember you great sacrifice.

QUEEN

(c.1046 - 1093)

Margaret of Scotland also known as “The Pearl of Scotland” worked tirelessly to bring justice and relief to the poor of Scotland. She dignified the court, providing an example of purity and reverence that led others to follow in her path. She also built churches and encouraged practices of religious devotion. She attended to charitable works, serving orphans and the poor every day and was-hing the feet of the poor in imitation of Christ.

GERTRUDE THE GREAT

17 NOVEMBER FRIDAY

32nd Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE H OF HU ET

ARY NG

ELIZA B

O M E M RI A L

First Reading: Wisdom 13:1-9

For all people who were ignorant of God were foolish by nature; and they were unable from the good things that are seen to know the one who exists, nor did they recognize the artisan while paying heed to his works; but they supposed that either fire or wind or swift air, or the circle of the stars, or turbulent water, or the luminaries of heaven were the gods that rule the world. If through delight in the beauty of these things people assumed them to be gods, let them know how much better than these is their Lord, for the author of beauty created them. And if people were amazed at their power and working, let them perceive from them how much more powerful is the one who formed them. For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator. Yet these people are little to be blamed, for perhaps they go astray while seeking God and desiring to find him. ...(please see appendix Page 474) Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R. The heavens declare the glory of God. Gospel Acclamation: WIDOW

(1207 - 1231)

Elizabeth of Hungary was a medieval noblewoman who responded to personal tragedy by embracing St. Francis’ ideals of poverty and service. After her husband’s death she sent her children away and regained her dowry, using the money to build a hospital where she herself served the sick. She became a symbol of Christian charity. She is the patron saint of the Third Order of St Francis, bakers, beggars, and charitable societies.

Alleluia,Straighten up and raise your heads, because redemption is drawing near. Gospel: Luke 17:26-37

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so too it will be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking, and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed all of them. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day that Lot left Sodom, it rained fire and sulphur from heaven and destroyed all of them—it will be like that on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, anyone on the housetop who has belongings in the house must not come down to take them away; and likewise anyone in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it. I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken and the other left.” Then they asked him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.”

Today’s gospel tells us two stories. The first is the story of Noah; the second is the story of Lot. In both these stories everyone was busy with their lives forgetting about God. However, within the two stories some people are saved like Noah and Lot. The gospel reminds us that however busy we are with all the cares and worries in our lives, we should remember that God is with us. Like Noah and Lot God will save and help us. Dear God, help me like you helped Noah and Lot to do your will.

First Reading: Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, God has called us through the gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

SATURDAY

32nd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN / WHITE L MEMO RIA IONA PT ASILICAS EB PETER & PAUL OF

R. Remember the wonders the Lord has done.

NOVEMBER

Psalm 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43

ATIO DEDIC N OF TH

For while gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was now half gone, your all-powerful word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne, into the midst of the land that was doomed, a stern warrior carrying the sharp sword of your authentic command, and stood and filled all things with death, and touched heaven while standing on the earth. For the whole creation in its nature was fashioned anew, complying with your commands, so that your children might be kept unharmed. The cloud was seen overshadowing the camp, and dry land emerging where water had stood before, an unhindered way out of the Red Sea, and a grassy plain out of the raging waves, where those protected by your hand passed through as one nation, after gazing on marvellous wonders. For they ranged like horses, and leaped like lambs, praising you, O Lord, who delivered them.

Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Today’s gospel tells us about the persistent widow who would not give up. She tried and tried until she got what she wanted. The judge was dishonest in the story but he gave into the widow. We can learn two things from this gospel. The first is obvious. The widow did not give up; she kept going and going until she got what she wanted. The widow wanted justice because she had been wronged. In her society at the time, it would be difficult for a woman being on her own to get justice especially by law. Even though the judge is dishonest and did not really want to help the widow, he did. The judge did not fear God or respect man. Maybe the judge did not know who God was or maybe he did not really fully understand, but he did help the widow. Dear God, increase my faith so that I may be faithful to your daily calling.

This feast celebrates the dedications of two of the four major basilicas of Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica was originally built in 323 by the emperor Constantine. The basilica was constructed over the tomb of Peter the Apostle. St. Paul’s Basilica is located outside the original walls of Rome. It was also originally built by the emperor Constantine though it was destroyed by fire in 1823. The Basilica was built over St. Paul’s grave.

19 NOVEMBER

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Green

Year A

SUNDAY

First Reading: Proverbs 31:10-13. 19-20. 30-31

A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates. Psalm 127: 1-5

R. O blessed are those who fear the Lord ! O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways ! By the labour of your hands you shall eat. You will be happy and prosper. R Your wife like a fruitful vine in the heart of your house;

you children like shoots of the olive, around your table. R Indeed thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion in a happy Jerusalem all the days of your life ! R

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Abide in me, and I in you, says the Lord; whoever abides in me bears much fruit. Alleluia. Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents;

see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trust worthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trust worthy slave; you have been trust worthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

In today’s gospel we are told the story of the talents that were given to others to look after, while their boss was going away for a time. The talents were amounts of money. Different individuals were given different amounts of money according to their ability. Now if you are not good with money pay heed to this gospel. When the boss returned from his journey, he called his employees to account. Two of the three in the gospel made good investments for their boss and they were well rewarded. The shock in today’s gospel is the treatment of the man who was given the least amount of money. He was frightened and hid the money safely for his boss’s return. He knew the boss was harsh and ruthless but he failed to invest wisely and make a profit. So, his money is taken from him and given to the one who has the most. Talents are also gifts that God freely gives us. Dear God, thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me increase my gifts so that I can help others.

20 NOVEMBER MONDAY

33rd Week in Ordinary Time

OF VAL IX

OIS

FEL

GREEN

ESSOR & CO-FOUNDER CONF

(1127 - 1212)

Born in Valois, Felix renounced his possessions and retired to a dense forest where he gave himself to prayer and contemplation. Along with St. John of Matha, he founded the Order of the Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captives (Trinitarians or Redemptionists) in order to ransom Christians held as slaves by Moors in Spain and Northern Africa. He devoted himself to the promotion of Regular Observance and for the redemption of bondsmen.

First Reading: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63

From them came forth a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus; he had been a hostage in Rome. He began to reign in the one hundred thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks. In those days, certain renegades came out from Israel and misled many, saying, “Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles around us, for since we separated from them many disasters have come upon us.” This proposal pleased them, and some of the people eagerly went to the king, who authorized them to observe the ordinances of the Gentiles. So they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, according to Gentile custom, and removed the marks of circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant. They joined with the Gentiles and sold themselves to do evil. Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, and that all should give up their particular customs. All the Gentiles accepted the command of the king. Many even from Israel gladly adopted his religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned the Sabbath. Now on the fifteenth day of Chislev, in the one hundred forty-fifth year, .they erected a desolating sacrilege on the altar of burnt offering....(please see appendix Page 505) Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158

R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will keep your commands. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. Gospel: Luke 18:35-43

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.

Today’s gospel tells us about the blind man calling out to Jesus as he was approaching Jericho. The blind had faith and called out to Jesus,’ Son of David have pity on me’. Jesus asks the blind man, ‘What can I do for you?’ Jesus is asking us the same personal question, ‘what can I do for you?’ Close your eyes and imagine Jesus asking you ‘what can I do for you? Speak to Jesus in your heart and tell him. Dear God, I cry out to you and ask for your help in my life bless all those that I love and keep them safe.

First Reading: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31

21 NOVEMBER TUESDAY

33rd Week in Ordinary Time

WHITE

THE PR ES

O M E M RI A L

TATION EN

MARY OF

Eleazar, one of the scribes in high position, a man now advanced in age and of noble presence, was being forced to open his mouth to eat swine’s flesh. But he, welcoming death with honor rather than life with pollution, went up to the rack of his own accord, spitting out the flesh, as all ought to go who have the courage to refuse things that it is not right to taste, even for the natural love of life. Those who were in charge of that unlawful sacrifice took the man aside because of their long acquaintance with him, and privately urged him to bring meat of his own providing, proper for him to use, and to pretend that he was eating the flesh of the sacrificial meal that had been commanded by the king, so that by doing this he might be saved from death, and be treated kindly on account of his old friendship with them. But making a high resolve, worthy of his years and the dignity of his old age and the grey hairs that he had reached with distinction and his excellent life even from childhood, and moreover according to the holy God-given law, he declared himself quickly, telling them to send him to Hades. ...(please see appendix Page 505) Psalm 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R. The Lord upholds me. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, God loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Gospel: Luke 19:1-10

He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

We have heard the story in the gospel many times about Zacchaeus and how Jesus seeks him out. Zacchaeus repents and becomes a new man open to the teachings of Jesus. But today I would like to talk to you about the psalm. The psalm tells us that no matter who is against us God will always keep us safe. No matter our circumstances or our despair God is with us. In situations like this it is a great act of faith to realise that God will look after us. Dear God, increase my faith.

The feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is associated with an event recounted not in the New Testament, but in the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James. According to that text, Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne, who had been childless, received a heavenly message that they would have a child. In thanksgiving for the gift of their daughter, they brought her, when still a child, to the Temple in Jerusalem to consecrate her to God.

22 NOVEMBER

WEDNESDAY rd

33 Week in Ordinary Time

RED O M E M RI A L

CECILIA

N & MARTYR VIRGI (c. 250)

Born in Rome, Cecilia presented herself as a perfect example of Christian womanhood who preserved her virginity and suffered martyrdom for the love of Christ. She converted her husband into Christianity and developed a ministry of giving proper burial to martyred Christians. She was beheaded for her actions because she refused to sacrifice to false gods. She is regarded as the patroness of musicians, because she heard heavenly music in her heart when she was married.

First Reading: 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31

...(please see appendix Page 505) Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8 and 15

R. When I awake, O Lord, I shall be filled with the vision of your presence.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord. Gospel: Luke 19:11-28

As they were listening to this, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. So he said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Do business with these until I come back.’ But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, ‘Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.’ He said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.’ Then the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your pound has made five pounds.’ He said to him, ‘And you, rule over five cities.’ Then the other came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ He said to him, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.’ He said to the bystanders, ‘Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’ (And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten pounds!’) ‘I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.’” After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem

The psalm is telling us about someone who is just. Many times, in our lives, we will call out to God for help. The psalm tells us that the good person has been tested; life has been tough and difficult. But they have remained faithful to the teachings of God. The good person in the psalm is asking for the protection of God. God will always keep us safe. Dear God, help me to realise that you are always with me and that you are always protecting me against harm.

First Reading: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29

R. To one whose way is blameless, I will show the salvation of God. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Today harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord. Gospel: Luke 19:41-44

As Jesus came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side. They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.”

Today’s gospel tells us about Jesus curing a boy. Imagine being present at this miracle. How would you make sense of it? The father of the boy was delighted that his son had been cured. When we pray to God for someone who is ill and they make a recovery, are we not grateful to God? Sadly, sometimes we pray and the person may not make a full recovery. Sometimes they may die. This is a test of faith for us. We are unable to grasp the width and depth of God’s love for us. In illness and in health God is always with us, especially in illness. Dear God when I am ill may I be aware of your presence in my life.

NOVEMBER THURSDAY

33rd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN L MEMO RIA IONA PT EMENT CL

Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15

The king’s officers who were enforcing the apostasy came to the town of Mode in to make them offer sacrifice. Many from Israel came to them; and Mattathias and his sons were assembled. Then the king’s officers spoke to Mattathias as follows: “You are a leader, honoured and great in this town, and supported by sons and brothers. Now be the first to come and do what the king commands, as all the Gentiles and the people of Judah and those that are left in Jerusalem have done. Then you and your sons will be numbered among the Friends of the king, and you and your sons will be honoured with silver and gold and many gifts.” But Mattathias answered and said in a loud voice: “Even if all the nations that live under the rule of the king obey him, and have chosen to obey his commandments, every one of them abandoning the religion of their ancestors, I and my sons and my brothers will continue to live by the covenant of our ancestors. Far be it from us to desert the law and the ordinances. We will not obey the king’s words by turning aside from our religion to the right hand or to the left.” When he had finished speaking these words, a Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice on the altar in Mode in, according to the king’s command. When Mattathias saw it, he burned with zeal and his heart was stirred. ...(please see appendix Page 506)

M POPE & ARTYR (d. c. 100)

Clement was the third Pope after St. Peter to rule the Church, at about the end of the 1st century. He wrote a renowned letter to the Corinthians with the object of preserving peace and concord among them. During the time of Emperor Trajan while leading a ministry among fellow prisoners, he was executed by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea. He is the first Apostolic Father of the Church.

COLUMBAN, BL. MIGUEL AUGUSTIN

First Reading: 1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59

24 NOVEMBER FRIDAY

33rd Week in Ordinary Time

RED DU N G - L & AC

ANDR EW

O M E M RI A L

MARTYRS

(d. 1862)

Andrew was one of 117 people who were martyred for their faith in Vietnam between 1820 and 1862. He was tireless in his preaching and often fasted and lived a simple and moral life. To avoid persecutions under emperor Minh Mang he changed his name to Lac and moved to another prefecture to continue his work. He was finally arrested and beheaded. They were all canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 19, 1988.

Then Judas and his brothers said, “See, our enemies are crushed; let us go up to cleanse the sanctuary and dedicate it.” So all the army assembled and went up to Mount Zion. Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, which is the month of Chislev, in the one hundred forty-eighth year, they rose and offered sacrifice, as the law directs, on the new altar of burnt offering that they had built. At the very season and on the very day that the Gentiles had profaned it, it was dedicated with songs and harps and lutes and cymbals. All the people fell on their faces and worshiped and blessed Heaven, who had prospered them. So they celebrated the dedication of the altar for eight days, and joyfully offered burnt offerings; they offered a sacrifice of wellbeing and a thanksgiving offering. They decorated the front of the temple with golden crowns and small shields; they restored the gates and the chambers for the priests, and fitted them with doors. There was very great joy among the people, and the disgrace brought by the Gentiles was removed. Then Judas and his brothers and all the assembly of Israel determined that every year at that season the days of dedication of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness for eight days, beginning with the twenty-fifth day of the month of Chislev. 1 Chronicles 29:10b, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd

R. We praise your glorious name, O Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Gospel: Luke 19:45-48

Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers.” Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.

Today’s gospel reminds us that we are to be witnesses for God. By our actions of love, charity and compassion others will ask us why we act in such a way. God will give us the wisdom and words to talk when we are challenged for following the ways of God. Families will be divided; brothers will betray one another. This is a reminder to us that following God is not for the fainthearted. If God calls you to follow, then you will be given gifts and talents and rewards if you persevere. Dear God help me to persevere when things are tough help me carry my daily cross.

First Reading: 1 Maccabees 6:1-13

King Antiochus was going through the upper provinces when he heard that Elymais in Persia was a city famed for its wealth in silver and gold. Its temple was very rich, containing golden shields, breastplates, and weapons left there by Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian king who first reigned over the Greeks. So he came and tried to take the city and plunder it, but he could not because his plan had become known to the citizens and they withstood him in battle. So he fled and in great disappointment left there to return to Babylon. Then someone came to him in Persia and reported that the armies that had gone into the land of Judah had been routed; ...(please see appendix Page 506)

25 NOVEMBER SATURDAY

33rd Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

Psalm 9:2-3, 4 and 6, 16 and 19

Alleluia, Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

OF ALE NE

IA NDR XA

Gospel Acclamation:

CATHE RI

R. I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord.

Gospel: Luke 20:27-40

Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked him a question, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally, the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.” Jesus said to them, “Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed, they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.” Then some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” For they no longer dared to ask him another question.

Today’s gospel gives tells us about spiritual matters and physical things. It talks about marriage this is both spiritual and physical. Marriage is a sacrament, an encounter with God. Some of the people in today’s gospel try to trick Jesus by asking a controversial question. They ask who the woman will be married to when the resurrection comes, because the woman had married seven brothers. At the resurrection Jesus tells them no-one is married because we will be like spirits. Dear God may I look after those you entrust to my care always remembering your presence in my life.

N & MARTYR VIRGI (4th century)

Born in Alexandria, Catherine was known to have converted 50 pagan philosophers who were summoned to debate with her on pro Christian arguments. Sentenced to be executed on a spiked wheel, she touched the wheel and it shattered. Unable to torture her to death, the emperor beheaded her. She was invoked as the patro-ness of students, teachers, librarians and lawyers. She is one of the 14 Holy Helpers, venerated especially in Germany and Hungary.

26 NOVEMBER SUNDAY

Jesus Christ, The King of the Universe 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time White

Year A

First Reading: Ezekiel 14:11-12, 15-17

So that the house of Israel may no longer go astray from me, nor defile themselves any more with all their transgressions. Then they shall be my people, and I will be their God, says the Lord God. The word of the Lord came to me: If I send wild animals through the land to ravage it, so that it is made desolate, and no one may pass through because of the animals; even if these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord God, they would save neither sons nor daughters; they alone would be saved, but the land would be desolate. Or if I bring a sword upon that land and say, ‘Let a sword pass through the land,’ and I cut off human beings and animals from it. Psalm 22:1-2, 2-3, 5-6

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. R

You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. R

Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit, He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. R

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever. R

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order; Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who put all thing in subjection under him, so that God may be all in all. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David! Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you

from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me noting to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison, and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Today’s gospel reminds us that we need to be always on our guard and alert. The gospel tells us that we need to recognise the presence of God in others. When asked for our help we need to give it in as far as we are able. If we really and truly believe that God is in us, then we must also accept that God is in others. Going about our daily duties we must become sensitive to the presence of God in others. Today’s gospel tells us that we are accountable for our actions towards others. If you are able to help, then do so. Dear God may I recognise you in others and may I help them when I am able to.

27 NOVEMBER MONDAY

34th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

VIRG ILI

URG ZB

OF SAL US

Bishop Confessor (c. 700 - 784)

Vergilius of Salzburg also known as the “Apostle of Carinthia” was an Irish churchman and early astronomer. As a noted intellectual, he believed that the earth was a sphere, which brought him into conflict with St. Boniface of Mainz who twice denounced him to Rome. He laboured successfully for the upbuilding of his diocese as well as for the spread of Christianity in neighbouring heathen countries, especially in Carinthia.

First Reading: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20

In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The Lord let King Jehoiakim of Judah fall into his power, as well as some of the vessels of the house of God. These he brought to the land of Shinar, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his gods. Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility, young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the royal rations of food and wine. They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king’s court. Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah. But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself. Now God allowed Daniel to receive favor and compassion from the palace master. The palace master said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king; he has appointed your food and your drink. If he should see you in poorer condition than the other young men of your own age, you would endanger my head with the king.” Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:” “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink....(please see appendix Page 506) Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56,

R. You are to be praised and highly exalted forever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Stay awake, and be ready, the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Gospel: Luke 21:1-4

Jesus looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

Today’s gospel tells us about the power of an old woman giving all she had into the collection. How many of us would do this? Give all our money away and trust that God would look after us. It is a very difficult thing to do. Normally we donate some money and keep the most for ourselves. The challenge of today’s gospel is about self-sacrifice and acts of faith. We are called to do the same as difficult as it is. Dear God, may I always remember todays gospel when I stray from your presence by temptations in the world.

First Reading: Daniel 2:31-45

NOVEMBER TUESDAY

34th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN

CAT H

Daniel 3: 57, 58, 59, 60, 61

INE LAB ER

RE OU

“You were looking, O king, and lo! there was a great statue. This statue was huge, its brilliance extraordinary; it was standing before you, and its appearance was frightening. The head of that statue was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. As you looked on, a stone was cut out, not by human hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, were all broken in pieces and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. “This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation. You, O king, the king of kings—to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the might, and the glory, into whose hand he has given human beings, ...(please see appendix Page 507)

R. Sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Be faithful unto death, says the Lord, and I will give you the crown of life. Gospel: Luke 21:5-11

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them. “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

Firstly, in today’s gospel we hear Jesus is talking about the rich adornment of the temple. We are reminded that looks can deceive us and that God may not look at things the way we do; but we are called to look at things the way God does. Secondly, in today’s gospel we learn about scary things such as: wars between nations; and kingdoms; earthquakes; famines and plagues, and the sky in turmoil. Others will come and claim they are the saviour, but we are told to be on our guard. We must accept that there are many false prophets. So, what are we to do? Dear God, sometimes I am frightened and confused help me to remember that you are always with me and guiding me.

VIRGIN

(1806 - 1867)

St. Catherine was a member of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and a Marian visionary. She is believed to have relayed the request from the Blessed Virgin Mary to create the famous Miraculous Medal of Our Lady of Graces. She spent her life in humble and obedient service as the portress, and worked with the sick in a convent outside of Paris. She was canonized on July 27, 1947 by Pope Pius XII

29 NOVEMBER

WEDNESDAY 34th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN E HUB RT

BISHOP

(c.656 - 727)

Hubert, the first Bishop of Liege in Belgium, is credited with the conversion of the last of the pagans in the Ardennes. As an eloquent preacher, he extirpated the last trace of idolatry among the people with such zeal that he came to be called as the Apostle of the Ardennes. He is the patron of hunters and healer of hydrophobia because of his apparition of a luminous crucifix in the antlers of a hunted stag.

First Reading: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28

King Belshazzar made a great festival for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand. Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar commanded that they bring in the vessels of gold and silver that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the vessels of gold and silver that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the wall of the royal palace, next to the lamp stand. The king was watching the hand as it wrote. Then the king’s face turned pale, and his thoughts terrified him. His limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king said to Daniel, “So you are Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard of you that a spirit of the gods is in you, ...(please see appendix Page 507) Daniel 3:62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67

R. Sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Be faithful unto death, says the Lord, and I will give you the crown of life. Gospel: Luke 21:12-19

Jesus said to his disciples, “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.

Today’s gospel reminds what it costs to be a follower of God. ‘You will be persecuted and put in prison. Your mum, dad and brothers will betray you. You need to be very brave knowing what is going to happen to you if you follow God. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us; he gave his life for us. Take hope because when this happens to us God will be with us all the way. Do not worry. Do not be afraid. Take heart and have faith. Today’s gospel tells us that God will use us as a witness in order to show others that God walks with us daily. Dear God increase my faith so that I may be a witness for you here and now.

First Reading: Romans 10:9-18

Because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed, they have for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”

30 NOVEMBER THURSDAY

34th Week in Ordinary Time

RED FEA ST

D RE W AN

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. Their sound goes forth through all the earth. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Follow me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men. Gospel: Matthew 4:18-22

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Firstly, today’s gospel tells us about the calling of four apostles: Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. Immediately they left what they were doing and followed Jesus. We are called by name by God. Will we too respond immediately? Secondly the gospel tells us that Simon Peter and Andrew will become fishers of men. Being a fisher of men involves answering a call. If we are answering a call, we must be listening. If we are listening, we must be expecting something. Will we answer the call of God immediately like Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John? Saint Andrew is the patron of Europe, Scotland, Ukraine Romania and Russia. Dear God, may I respond to your daily call as I encounter you in others. of saint of Scotland, he is also the patron saint of Ukraine, Romania.

APOSTLE

(d. 60)

Born at Bethsaida, Andrew was formerly a disciple of John the Baptist and then followed Christ. With Philip he introduced the Gentiles to Christ and he was the apostle who pointed out the boy with loaves and fishes. Tradition has it that after Pentecost he preached the gospel to many different places and finally suffered death to an X-shaped cross in Achaia. He is considered the founder and the first bishop of the Church of Byzantium.

1 DECEMBER FRIDAY

34th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN ELIGIUS

BISHOP

(c. 588 - 660)

Born in France, St. Eligius worked for twenty years to convert the pagan population of Flanders to Christianity. As the bishop of Noyon - Tournai, he used to obtain alms for the poor and ransom Roman, Gallic, Breton, Saxon, and Moorish captives who were arriving at Marseilles daily. He founded several monasteries to which he introduced the Irish monastic rule. He is the patron of goldsmiths, blacksmiths, veterinarians, cattle, horses and all metal workers.

EDMUND CAMPION

First Reading: Daniel 7:2-14

I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings. Then, as I watched, its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a human being; and a human mind was given to it. Another beast appeared, a second one, that looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side, had three tusks in its mouth among its teeth and was told, “Arise, devour many bodies!” After this, as I watched, another appeared, like a leopard. The beast had four wings of a bird on its back and four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the visions by night a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth and was devouring, breaking in pieces, and stamping what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that preceded it, and it had ten horns. I was considering the horns, when another horn appeared, a little one coming up among them; to make room for it, three of the earlier horns were plucked up by the roots. There were eyes like human eyes in this horn, and a mouth speaking arrogantly. As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. ...(please see appendix Page 507) Daniel 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81

R. Sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Gospel: Luke 21:29-33

Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

When does a dream become a vision? The Prophet Daniel has a dream that most would consider a nightmare (Dan. 7:28). Plagued by lawsuits and setbacks in his life, St. La Salle lived through times that could be considered “daymares.” But for both men, troublesome thoughts and events somehow contained the hand of God and shaped their journey toward hope. Dreams take on practical shape, steps along the road we walk each day. The shaping of dreams is vision. We are God’s vision walking toward a future of hope. As the Gospel says today, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Lk. 21:33). Let God’s word take shape in our day today; even if there may be a “daymare” or two.

First Reading: Daniel 7:15-27

”As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: “As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out of the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever—forever and ever.” Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped what was left with its feet; and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and concerning the other horn, which came up and to make room for which three of them fell out—the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, and that seemed greater than the others. As I looked, this horn made war with the holy ones and was prevailing over them, until the Ancient One came; then judgment was given for the holy ones of the Most High, and the time arrived when the holy ones gained possession of the kingdom. This is what he said: “As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth that shall be different from all the other kingdoms; it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces. ...(please see appendix Page 508) Daniel 3:82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87

R. Sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to stand before the Son of Man. Gospel: Luke 21:34-36

Jesus said to his disciples, “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Being vigilant is not enough.Mary was vigilant, awake and aware, of the presence of God, passed through fear, and entered into the fullness of her “yes” to God as God ignited the fullness of life within her.Aware and open to God, the “holy ones” the prophet, Daniel, says will receive the kingship and dominion and majesty of all the kingdoms under the heavens (Dan. 7:27).St. La Salle calls his Brothers to guide young people “with attention and vigilance in order to fulfill toward them the principal duty of fathers and mothers toward their children.” (MTR 193.2) Vigilant, as a step to fulfill God’s mission on earth amidst “the tribulations that are imminent” (Lk. 21.38), we are called to lean into Mary’s “yes,” pass through our fears, and join her in the fullness of life God calls us to.

2 DECEMBER SATURDAY

34th Week in Ordinary Time

GREEN BIBIANA

N & MARTYR VIRGI (d. c. 363)

Born in Rome, Bibiana spent most of her time in prayer and fasting. After the death of her parents, she was turned over to a woman named Rufina who tried to force her into prostitution. Upon her refusal to co-operate, she was ordered to be tied to a pillar and beaten with scourges, laden with lead plummets. She endured the torments with joy, and died under the blows inflicted by the hands of the executioner.

3 DECEMBER

1st Sunday of Advent Violet

Year B

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64: 2-7

For you are our father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O Lord, are our father; our Redeemer from of old is your name. Why, O Lord, do you make us stray from your ways and harden our heart, so that we do not fear you? Turn back for the sake of your servants, for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage. We have long been like those whom you do not rule, like those not called by your name. As when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil to make your name know to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down; the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Psalm 79:2, 3, 15-16, 18-19

R. God of hosts, bring us back, let your face shine on us and we shall be saved. O shepherd of Israel, hear us, shine forth from your cherubim throne. O Lord, rouse up your might, O Lord, come to our help. R God of hosts, turn again, we implore, look down from heaven and see. Visit this vine and protect it, the vine your right hand has planted. R May your hand be on the man you have chosen, the man you have given your strength. And we shall never forsake you again: give us life that we may call upon your name. R Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you

to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help. Gospel: Mark 13:33-37

Beware keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Simple attention is a watching, a waiting without anxiety. Astronauts say that, in the silence of space, they can hear their heart beating. Many find God in the moment and are not overwhelmed by the feelings of smallness in the vastness of the universe they are flying through. Their attention heightens as they set on the tasks of the day, in part because they are calmed with who they are and called by God to be.We are all called to be gatekeepers of the heart, to “Watch!” as the Gospel calls us (Mk 13:37), alert to each beat entering the calm of God already with us. St. La Salle reminds us that we are called to prepare gatekeepers of the heart when he directs, “You must prepare your own hearts and the hearts of those you are charged to instruct to receive our Lord and his holy maxims” (Med. 2.1 intro). Advent calls us to simple, watchful attention to God in our heart and in the heart of others as community finds a home in the vastness of God’s love.

First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5

4 DECEMBER MONDAY

1st Week of Advent

L MEMO RIA IONA PT DAMA OF

ENE SC

JOH N

VIOLET

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Come to save us, Lord our God, let your face shine on us, and we shall be saved. T & DOCTOR PRIES (c. 650 - c. 753)

Born in Damascus, John wrote works expounding the Christian faith, and composed hymns which are used in liturgy. As a priest, he counselled various bishops in matters of faith and doctrine. He is known for his writings against the iconoclasts, who opposed the veneration of images. He wrote The Fountain of Wisdom, the first real compendium of Christiantheology, along with other works defending the orthodox faith, commentaries on Saint Paul the Apostle, poetry, and hymns.

Gospel: Matthew 8:5-11

The word, salvation, comes from the Latin, “health” and an ancient Roman word meaning “wholeness.” The centurion of today’s Gospel (Mt. 8:5-11) sees Jesus as the doctor who works through faith, “say the word and my servant shall be healed.” Though not of the same faith tradition, he and Jesus understand and hear the word of a deeper faith, a faith rooted in salvation. Salvation can be the common ground as we hear the call to nurture the growth of health and wholeness in our lives and the lives of others, especially those entrusted to our care. Doctors of the faith, we are all called into the act of salvation today and each day ahead.

Psalm 71:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

R. In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants. Gospel: Luke 10:21-24

At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.

What do you see in your students? Creativity, empathy, hard work ethic, academic potential, generosity—the list varies depending on your eyesight into the hearts of those entrusted to your care. The same applies to those with whom you live. Can you take them where they are, seeing the good that they bring to others, and draw that good out to the benefit of all? “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” (Lk. 10:23-24) Open the eyes and hears of your heart today, sensitive to the gifts of God in others.

5 DECEMBER TUESDAY 1st Week of Advent

SABB AS

VIOLET THE SAN IFIED CT

First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

ABBOT

(439 - 532)

St. Sabbas was a Cappadocian-Syrian monk, who lived mainly in Prima. He was the founder of several convents, most notably the one known as Mar Saba. He led a peaceful uprising of 10,000 monks who demanded the end of the persecutions of Palestinian bishops of Anastatius I. He also travelled to Constantinople where he successfully pled for clemency for Samarians who were in revolt. He is considered as one of the founders of Eastern monasticism.

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a

6 DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 1st Week of Advent

L MEMO RIA IONA PT HOLAS NIC

VIOLET

R. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for length of days unending.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him. Gospel: Matthew 15:29-37 BISHOP

(d. 350)

Nicholas was an early Christianbishop from the maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor. His legendary habit of secret giftgiving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus. He is said to have rescued three girls from being forced into prostitution by dropping a sack of gold coins through the window of their house. He is known to have saved three innocent soldiers from wrongful execution.

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?” Jesus asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.

Kodak camera and film company advertised their products as “The gift that keeps on giving.” Saint Nicholas is associated with giving, a giving to those most in need. To teach the young, especially lessons of charity, is to give a gift of God’s love that roots in their hearts and becomes a motivation in them to give further to others. When those in need give further to those in need, it’s like the miracle of the loaves and fishes in the Gospel of Matthew 15:32-37, from what seems like nothing, an abundance flows. Limited expectations are shattered by a generous spirit that fills the needs at hand. What gift of love today can you give that can keep on giving through those whose heart you touched?

First Reading: Isaiah 26:1-6

On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up victory like walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, so that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. For he has brought low the inhabitants of the height; the lofty city he lays low. He lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust. The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy. Psalm 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a

7 DECEMBER THURSDAY 1st Week of Advent

WHITE

R. Blest is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.

O M E M RI A L

BROSE

Gospel: Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Jesus said to his disciples, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!”

The Gospel today (Mt. 7:24-27) sets up a dichotomy— the wise listen to Jesus (and are rewarded) and foolish don’t (and pay the price). Most of us are neither always one nor the otherbut find ourselves somewhere on the line between “wise” and “foolish.” Hopefully, as we grow in life, gaining wisdom and stature, we have learned how to build a sturdy house of good decisions that is founded on a firm understanding of God’s movement in our lives. Saint Ambrose was known for preaching in a way that his words were like honey, spoken in a way that people found receptive and could apply them to their lives. St. La Salle suggests that we act like Good Shepherds, who “speak to them [our students] of everything that can lead to piety. This is how your disciples ought to hear the voice of their teacher.” (Med. 33.3) Only one who continues to build a life on a solid faith can speak to the lives of others. Along the journey of life, maybe the line between “wise” and “foolish” is really two sides of the road we walk, and we are called to walk most often on the proper side, the side of wisdom, and to nudge others in that direction.

OP & DOCTOR BISH (c.339 - 397)

Born in Gaul, St. Ambrose was a noted preacher, teacher, and writer of liturgical hymns. He stood firm against paganism and Arians. His preaching helped convert Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom Ambrose baptized and brought into the Church. He called and chaired several theological councils during his time as bishop, many devoted to fighting heresy. The title Honey Tongued Doctor was initially bestowed on Ambrose because of his speaking and preaching ability.

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20

...(please see appendix Page 508) Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

DECEMBER FRIDAY

1st Week of Advent

WHITE E M NI T Y

N OF THE B TIO

IRGIN MARY SED V LES

ULAT IMMAC E CONCE P

S OL

The feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a dogma promulgated by Pope Pius IX in Ineffabilis Deus which states that the Virgin Mary was free of original sin from the moment of her conception. Her soul was created in a state of original sanctity, innocence, and justice. This feast marks the dawn of the New Covenant, celebrating the gracious preparation by God to receive the Saviour and Lord.

R. O Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders. Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, ...(please see appendix Page 508) Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women. Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Maybe the two declarations to Mary in Luke’s Gospel (1:28,35) are two parts of the same reality, “Mary, the Lord is with you; therefore, you are the vessel for the Lord’s coming into the world.” Once she understood all is possible with God, she answers with the “Yes” free of hesitation. Nothing in her hesitates because she did not have the hesitation of sin holding her back. St. La Salle reflects on Mary’s state in receiving the Son the God, “It is impossible for us to believe how great was the cooperation of the Most Blessed Virgin with all the graces she received from God at the moment of her birth. By a special privilege, she already enjoyed the use of reason and made use of it to adore God and to thank him for all his goodness. From that time on, she consecrated herself entirely to God to live and to act only for him during the rest of her life.” (Med. 163.3) With Mary as an example, a guide, a source of intercession we, too, may consecrate ourselves often to the act of God in the world.

First Reading: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26

Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”He will give rain for the seed with which you sow the ground, and grain, the produce of the ground, which will be rich and plenteous. On that day your cattle will graze in broad pastures;...(please see appendix Page 508)

9 DECEMBER SATURDAY 1st Week of Advent

VIOLET

Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. Blessed are all those who wait for the Lord.

R FOURI TE

Alleluia, The Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.

Gospel Acclamation:

Gospel: Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. ”Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

Anyone moved by compassion to serve the needs of others, to respond to the distress of another person is responding from a sense of vocation. When experiencing this vocation, this “call of God,” Jesus responds in the Matthew’s Gospel, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so, ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (9:37-38) As a new convert to Christianity, Saint Juan Diego heard the call of God in an apparition of the Virgin Marywho had dark skin like him. A common, poor man, he was at first not believed by the local Bishop. Ultimately, he believed as did millions of people who would seek God’s call in their lives. Never underestimate the call of God through the voice of the simplest of people and circumstance, or as St. La Salle would say, “Recognize Jesus beneath the poor rags of the children whom you have to instruct; adore him in them.” (Med. 96.3)

ESSOR & FOUNDER CONF (1565 - 1640)

St. Peter Fourier was a French canon regular who he served for many years as an exemplary pastor in the village of Mattain court. He was a strong proponent of free education and also helped Congregation of Notre Dame of Canonesses Regular of St. Augustine dedicated to the care of poor children. He was sent to Salm to preach missions and work against Calvinism; within six months all the fallen away Catholics had returned to the Church.

10 DECEMBER

2nd Sunday of Advent Violet

Year B

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Psalm 84:9-10, 11-12, 13-14

R. Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help. I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace, peace for his people. His help is near for those who fear him and his glory will dwell in our land. R Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced.

Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-14

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. All flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

Just because there may be something better around the next turn in the road doesn’t mean that the step you take now is worth nothing. John the Baptist lived fully each day his purpose in life, that of a messenger of the Word of God, the one who prepares others for the reality of Jesus’ coming into their lives. St. La Salle says of the lesson in John’s journey, “The infallible way to preach penance successfully is to practice it”(Med. 138.2). Essentially, he tells the Brothers to “walk the talk” and be persons of penance, humble before God by being humble before others. Penance and humility are walking companions because if we “prepare the way of the Lord” and “make straight his paths” (Mk. 1:3) we are placing God first, not ourselves. “God is first, others are second, and I am third” provides a mantra of humility and penance which opens the road ahead.

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; ...(please see appendix Page 509) Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14

DECEMBER

R. Our God will come and save us!

MONDAY

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Behold, the king will come, the Lord of earth: and he will take away the yoke of our captivity.

2 Week of Advent

Gospel: Luke 5:17-26

L MEMO RIA IONA PT MASUS DA

VIOLET

POPE

(c.304 - 384)

Pope Damasus I was the bishop of Rome from October 366 to his death. He presided over the Council of Rome that determined the canon or official list of sacred scripture. He spoke out against major her esies including Apollinarianism and Macedonianism and encouraged production of the Vulgate Bible with his support for Jerome. He helped reconcile the relations between the Church of Rome and the Church of Antioch, and encouraged the veneration of martyrs.

One day, while Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the one who was paralyzed—“I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.” Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”

Acts of faith and sinful acts are two sides of the same coin called, “the love of God.” Acting toward others from the face of God becomes the act of faith, walking away from the back of God leads to acts of sin. The men in Luke’s Gospel who lower their friend from the ceiling of a room to the feet of Jesus turn their gaze toward a loving God. And Jesus, “When he saw their faith, he said, ‘As for you, your sins are forgiven’” (Lk. 5:20) Their faith in their friend, their faith in each other, their faith in the saving power of Jesus is a community effort and a cause for salvation. On the other hand, the group of Pharisee’s lean away from the act of salvation toward the sin they were thinking in their hearts. They are the dust and dirt of the room. St. La Salle reminds us that “Union in a community is a precious gem, which is why our Lord so often recommended it to his Apostles before he died. If we lose this, we lose everything. Preserve it with care, therefore, if you want your community to survive.” (91.2) In validating the act of faith of the men in the Gospel reading today, Jesus not only shows all the gem, but polishes it, removing the dirt and dust around it.

First Reading: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11

shall be saved.

TUESDAY

2nd Week of Advent

VIOLET / WHITE L MEMO RIA IONA PT OF GUA DY

OUR L A

R. God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we

DECEMBER

LUPE DA

Psalm 79:2, 3, 15-16, 18-19

Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and who came forth from the loins of Judah; who swear by the name of the Lord, and invoke the God of Israel, but not in truth or right. For they call themselves after the holy city, and lean on the God of Israel; the Lord of hosts is his name. The former things I declared long ago, they went out from my mouth and I made them know; then suddenly I did them and they came to pass. Because I know that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead brass. For my name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, so that I may not cut you off. See, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of adversity. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for why should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia! The day of the Lord is near; behold, he comes to save us. Gospel: Matthew 17:9, 10-13

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He replied, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

The image of our Lady of Guadalupe is depicted with a cloth belt around her waist, the sign, in the culture of the people of that place and time, of a woman bearing a child. Pregnant women often draw the look and smile of others. We are drawn to the joy of an expectant mother. For Elizabeth and Mary in today’s Gospel, joy begets joy as she declares “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Lk 1:42) and Mary responds “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Lk 1:47) New life needs to be noted, especially when it will be the Son of God. Witnessing the joy in another is an act of grace and grace builds upon grace when we respond in kind. Bear witness to the joy in another today as one of the gifts leading us through Advent toward Jesus’ coming at Christmas.

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe narrates the apparition of Virgin Mary to a peasant Juan Diego on the Hill of Tepeyac. She sent him to the bishop of Mexico to build a chapel. As a sign, she provided roses for Juan to carry to the bishop. On the tilma where the roses had been, appeared an image of Mary exactly as she had appeared at the hill of Tepeyac.

13 DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 2nd Week of Advent

RED O M E M RI A L

LUCY

First Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31

To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see; who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does no faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Psalm 102:1-4, 8, 10

R. My soul, give thanks to the Lord. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him. N & MARTYR VIRGI (c.283 - 304)

Raised in a pious family, St. Lucy was betrothed to a pagan. As a sign of her rejection, her fiancé denounced Lucy as a Christian to the governor. He sentenced her to forced prostitution, but this was thwarted by divine intervention, she was next ordered to be burnt but proved impervious to the flames. Finally she was martyred by having a sword thrust to her throat. She is the patron saint of the blind.

Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Where does your heart find a resting place, a peaceful place that brings a sense of fullness? Jesus suggests in today’s Gospel that a meek and humble heart is a restful heart and that he is there in that heart. Sometimes, when facing a problem, we attempt a solution that “gets to the heart of the matter.” A calm, peaceful heart-- humble, meek and unclouded by selfish intention-- can see the calm, peaceful resolution waiting in the heart of another, and their burden can be lifted. Maybe this is what St. La Salle was striving toward when he says the Brothers should “touch hearts,” not to put their own fingerprint on the heart of another but, in humility and meekness, drawing forth the love of Jesus that is there as a mutual identity.

First Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20

14 DECEMBER THURSDAY 2nd Week of Advent

WHITE

JOH N

O M E M RI A L TH OF E C

SS RO

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you insect Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Now, I will make of you a threshing sledge, sharp, new, and having teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and you shall make the hills like chaff. You shall winnow them and the wind shall carry them away, and the tempest shall scatter them. Then you shall rejoice in the Lord; in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory. When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, so that all may see and know, all may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it. Psalm 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13

R. The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in mercy. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit. Gospel: Matthew 11:11-15

Jesus said to the crowds, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with earslisten!

God’s mission of love and service to others in the world cannot be shut down by violence against it nor by violence done in God’s name. Christians are not “soldiers of Christ” making holy war, but are what St. La Salle describes in terms like Christ’s ministers, ambassadors, good shepherds, guardian angels. The Gospel today tells us John the Baptist was the most important person to have been born at that time because he helped people see that “God is here” and here for all. What is present in the world as a binding force, that is, the love of God, cannot be forced onto people. We are called to inspire others to see that force of God’s love from within. How can your words and, more importantly, your example manifest God’s love in the world?

DOCTOR

(1542 - 1591)

Born at Fontiveros, John was a Carmelite friar who was persuaded by St. Teresa of Avila to be the first to undertake the reform of his Order and founded the Discalced Carmelites., which cost him much hard work and trials. His famous writings Spiritual Canticle, The Dark Night of the Soul, and The Ascent of Mount Carmel depicts mysticism and spirituality. He is the patron of Contemplatives, mystics and Spanish poets.

15 DECEMBER FRIDAY

2nd Week of Advent

VIOLET

First Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way you should go. O that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your prosperity would have been like a river, and your success like the waves of the sea; your offspring would have been like the sand, and your descendants like its grains; their name would never be cut off or destroyed from before me. Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

R. He who follows you, Lord, will have the light of life.

DI RIA RO

Gospel Acclamation:

FOUNDRESS

(1813 - 1855)

Maria born as Paola Francesca Di Rosa was an Italian religious who tended to the spiritual and material needs of the female worker while working at her father’s spinning mill. She founded the Handmaids of Charity of Brescia, to care for the poor, the sick and the suffering. She also established a school for the hearing impaired. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII on 12 June 1954.

Alleluia, The Lord will come, go out to meet him! He is the prince of peace. Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19

Jesus said to the crowds, “But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

A question that teachers once discussed among themselves was, “What kind of students are attracted to you?” The intent of the question was to explore those points of connection one unknowingly communicates to others, points of connection that might indicate more about how one ministers and to whom. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is accused of being “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Mt. 11:19). Sometimes the attention people need to find peace and wholeness is what attracts them to those they sense can provide it.St. La Salle’s many writings teach a valuable lesson in the same regard; namely, when students aim their attention toward you as a source of support, you direct it toward God as the author of the support. The qualities in a teacher that attract a student’s need, are gifts of God.

First Reading: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11

Then Elijah arose, a prophet like fire, and his word burned like a torch. He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number. By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens, and also three times brought down fire. How glorious you were, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? You were taken up by a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with horses of fire. At the appointed time, it is written, you are destined to calm the wrath of God before it breaks out in fury, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and to restore the tribes of Jacob. Happy are those who saw you and were adorned with your love! For we also shall surely live.

16 DECEMBER SATURDAY 2nd Week of Advent

VIOLET

Psalm 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16a, 18-19

R. O God, bring us back; Let your face shine on us, and we shall be saved.

ELAIDE AD

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Gospel: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Is salvation already here? Each year we await the coming of Jesus and celebrate it at Christmas. We are drawn into the ongoing reality of Jesus both coming into our lives and already there. The source and aim of salvation, the love of God, present, transforming, and leading us more deeply into further recognition of purifying love. Our Gospel reflects on the multiple generations of religious leaders, in Jesus’s time such as the Scribes, who attempt to prevent recognition of God’s salvific act already in the world. The love of God, for some like those who deny its existence in the world, requires an ongoing change of heart, a very painful process for those stuck in the thought that they hold the keys to salvation. The words of Elijah, John the Baptist, St. La Salle and other prophets since all point toward the need to “touch hearts” and “change hearts,” a process that begins at home within ourselves.

WIDOW

(d. 999)

Born a princess, Adelaide was a Holy Roman Empress by marriage to Emperor Otto the Great. She used her position and power to help the poor, to evangelize, especially among the Slavs, and to build and restore monasteries and churches. She was a principal agent of the work of the preschism Orthodox Catholic Church at the end of the Early Middle Ages in the construction of the religious culture of Central Europe.

17 DECEMBER

3rd Sunday of Advent Violet

Year B

SUNDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54

R. My soul shall exult in my God. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold henceforth all generations will call me blessed; R For the who is mighty has done great

things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. R he has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy.” R

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia! The Sprit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to preach good news to the poor. Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.”“Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let

us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptized with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

Those whose intentions and actions come, like John the Baptist, from God, are “… not the light, but came to testify to the light.” (Jn 1:8) One who “testifies” (from the word meaning “witness”) does so when rooted in today’s “O Antiphon,” Wisdom: O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge! Wisdom puts us on the path of knowing what is right and true in God’s eyes. That path often has the distraction, and character builder, of troubles. St. La Salle reflects, “Often testify to God that it will be a pleasure for you to suffer all the troubles he will want to send you. Do not complain in the least about what people may say or do against you. Show by your silence and patience that you are content and that you accept all willingly for the love of God.” (Med. 95.3) As witnesses to God’s love, step wisely today.

18 DECEMBER MONDAY

3rd Week of Advent

VIOLET

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” Therefore, the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when it shall no longer be said, “As the Lord lives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of Egypt,” but “As the Lord lives who brought out and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the land of the north and out of all the lands where he had driven them.” Then they shall live in their own land. Psalm 71:1-2, 12-13, 18-19

R. In his days justice shall fourish and peace till the moon fails.

NEBALD WI

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai; come to rescue us with your mighty power! Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

ABBOT

(702 - 761)

Born a prince, Winebald spent seven years in Rome recovering and studying before finally returning to England. He was placed in charge of seven churches, including one at Erfurt. Along with the brothers founded a double monastery for the training of priests and as a center of learning. He joined the League of Attigny, a confraternity of prayer established by Archbishop of Metz. He is the patron saint of construction workers.

FLANNAN

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, and angle of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son; and you are to name him Jesus, for he will this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, ‘God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Who do you look to for leadership, especially when you, yourself, are leading? Our O Antiphon for the day suggests: O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power! Those who have led well within the tradition we follow, a tradition rooted in faith and zeal for the love of God, is where Lasallians place their trust. St. La Salle says, “It is characteristic of the providence of God and of his vigilance over human conduct to substitute for fathers and mothers, people who have enough knowledge and zeal to bring children to the knowledge of God and of his mysteries.” (Med. 193.2). He often points to Mary and Joseph as models of parenting especially in their “yes” to God as depicted in today’s Gospel through Joseph taking Mary as his wife and raising Jesus, the Son of God. In making his decision, Joseph looked toward the angel of God for leadership. Do we look on others who we seek to guide us, as reflecting the face of God?

First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25

...(please see appendix Page 509) Psalm 70:3-4, 5-6, 16-17 day long.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

The angel, Gabriel, was very busy. Visiting Mary, visiting Zachariah, both visits with the intent of delivering news that would change their lives. In both cases, particularly in today’s Gospel, he brings crazy, nonsensical news that is outside the bounds of normal belief. Gabriel would have been a great teacher in a school, for he was able to bring a message, read a response from the individual, and respond himself in a way that assured the change that needed to take place. Zechariah’s world of daily routine became different but continued, assured that he was and expressed later when he could speak and the first words from his mouth were, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to set them free” (Is. 1:68). The previously childless, Zechariah and Elizabeth were freed from the prison of expectations of the time that one had to have children.Events that change our lives, when happening, seem to happen quickly, as if an angel appears and tells us, and tells in a way that we realize the change has always been there as part of us, like a child to a pregnant woman. As the O Antiphon of today tells us: O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! God is not only coming, but already here if we open ourselves to realize the birth. St. La Salle often mentions we should be like guardian angels to the students we serve, and in extension, to those with whom we live. When have you been a messenger of transformative power of God at work in another and when have you listened to another as an angel to you of the same?

TUESDAY

3rd Week of Advent

VIOLET STASIU NA

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order to Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. ...(please see appendix Page 509)

DECEMBER

R. My lips are filled with your praise, with your glory all the

POPE

401

St Anastasius I was a Pope for only two years, little is known about St Anastasius’s early Life. He became pope in 399. His short papacy was marked by the hard work of fighting heresy. He is particularly known for condemning the writings of a theologian called Origen, whose work was widely read during that time. St Anastasius knew St Augustine and St Jerome and was known to be a very holy man.

20 DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 3rd Week of Advent

CO INI F S

S ILO

DO M

VIOLET

MONK

(c.1000 - 1073)

Dominic of Silos Spanish monk, to whom the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos, where he served as the abbot, is dedicated. Inspired by the reforms of Cluny, he proceeded to rebuild the monastery, both spiritually and physically. He turned the monastery into a center of book design, scholarship, and significant charity He raised funds to ransom Christians taken prisoner by the Moors. He is the patron saint of prisoners, pregnant women, and shepherds.

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, ...(please see appendix Page 510) Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

R. Let the Lord enter; He is the king of glory. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

We are familiar with doing favors for others, but have you ever considered “finding favors,” especially when not trying? Essentially, today’s Gospel points out that Mary, unbeknownst to her, has “found favor with God.’ (Lk. 1:30), a condition that dissipates any fear she might have with the other news Gabriel gives her. In fact, the news of carrying God within her,is the favor and the source of fearlessness, strength and the resolve to say, “yes.” In humility she responds, as St. La Salle reflects on the same reading, “for when the angel declares to her that she is the Mother of God and honors her as such, this admirable virgin has no reply except that she is the servant of the Lord” (Med. 112.1) Humility is a key to accepting the favors that come from God’s grace. Our O Antiphon today tells us: O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! How often have we placed ourselves in the prisons of our own selfishness. Like Mary, today may we practice authentic humility as a key to opening the door of God’s love in the events of our day.

First Reading: Song of Solomon 2:8-14

The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice. My beloved speaks and says to me:“Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; ...(please see appendix Page 510) Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21

21 DECEMBER THURSDAY 3rd Week of Advent

VIOLET

R. Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just; O sing him a song Gospel Acclamation:

S IU

Alleluia, O Emmanuel, our King, and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!.

EMORATI MM ON O C A C N IS ER

PE T

that is new.

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Even when you can’t hear the sound of music, you can always listen to the vibration of the beat.You know the music is there. “Blessed are you who believedthat what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Lk. 1:45). The child, John the Baptist, deep in the womb of Elizabeth heard the greeting of the Son of God in the womb of Mary. Whether that was directly or through the joy of his mother, he knew. Even secondhand joy is joy. Even when you have your eyes closed, you can tell if bright light is shining on them. You know the sun is there. O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. So, when God inspires you indirectly through the vibration of faith or the muted light of closed eyes, he still is visiting you. St. La Salle reflects, “We must consider ourselves blessed when we are visited by Godthrough his inspirations. Let us be faithful to them, for to this fidelity God usually attaches a great number of graces. He does this only insofaras we do what he shows us that he wants us to do when hegives us his inspirations. God sends us his holy inspirations only tomake us prompt to put them into practice with the intent to accomplishhis holy will exactly.” (Med. 141.1)

GIOUS & DOCTOR RELI (1521 - 1597)

Peter Canisius was a Dutch Jesuit Catholic priest who was known for his strong support for the Catholic faith during the Protestant Reformation in Europe. He was sent to Germany where for many years he worked to defend and to strengthen the Catholic faith by his writings and preaching. He had great diplomatic ability, often serving as a reconciler between disputing factions. He was canonised on 21 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI.

22 DECEMBER FRIDAY

3rd Week of Advent

VIOLET

First Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28

When Hannah had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.”She left him there for the Lord. Psalm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

AVIER I BRIN CA

FRAN CE

R. My heart exults in the Lord my Saviour.

IN & FOUNDER VIRG (1850 - 1917)

Born in Sant Angelo Lodigiano, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was the first U.S. citizen to be canonized. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to care for poor children in schools and hospitals. She organized catechism and education classes for the Italian immigrants and provided for the needs of the many orphans. She is the patron saint of immigrants. She was canonised on July 7, 1946, by Pope Pius XII.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!. Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

And what inspiration of God does Mary hear in her visit with Elizabeth? Essentially it could read: • The arrogant return to dust. • Those in the dustand those who serve for the sake of God will rise humbly in God’s name. Maybe one of the greatest things God has done for us is given us the ability to recognize love in the humblest and simplest of his creations. Two pregnant women greeting in a desert town becomes a reminder of hope for all in the world. O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save all, whom you formed from the dust! During Lent we are reminded that the dust we are is the dust to which we return. Advent reminds us that in between dustings, we can humbly rise as God’s servant leaders of God in the world, and some of the simplest acts of loving service, like greeting another’s goodness in the events of life, is a royal act.

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 4:5-6

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you ...(please see appendix Page 510)

R. Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is

drawing near.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! Gospel: Luke 1:57-66

Expectation can bear a heavy burden, breaking away from expectations even a heavier one. A child bears a family name and a given name. In the Gospel, John the Baptist is not given his father’s name which would have had the expectation of being the holy man his father was. Instead, witha childuniquely named John, “All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, ‘What, then, will this child be?’ For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” (Lk. 1:66) Ourexpectation of a child living out a family name can limit the growth of the child within the traditions and laws we place on him or her. Our hearts open the door to the hand of God acting uniquely within the child’s gifts and talents, and yes, some will be like members of the family. The O Antiphon of the day reminds us: O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God! Jesus has many names, one being Emmanuel, “God is with us,” a reminder that the laws and traditions are not the end in themselves but come from a loving hand and their interpretation needs to be from the point of view of God’s love. One of the traditions of the Brothers is to know each student by name and to greet the student uniquely. Wouldn’t it be hopeful this Christmas to see the Emmanuel in each person with whom we have contact, to see the hand of God acting through each person’s life? Jesus in another is the true Christmas gift and recognizing that, the saving act of God.

SATURDAY 3rd Week of Advent

VIOLET EMORATI MM ON O C F K O AN HN TY

DECEMBER

Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14

CONFESSOR

(1390 - 1473)

Born in Kanty, John was an outstanding professor of the Catholic faith. He excelled in personal holiness and in charity to his neighbour. He was well known for his generosity and compassion toward the poor, especially needy students at the university. He subsisted on what was strictly necessary to sustain his life, giving alms regularly to the poor. He is the patron saint of the Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius

24 DECEMBER

4th Sunday of Lent Violet

Year B

SUNDAY

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16

Now when the king was settled in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.” But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever. Psalm 88:2-5, 27, 29

R. I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord. I will sing for ever of your love, to Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established as the heavens. R I have made a covenant with my chosen

one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your dynasty for ever and set up your throne through all ages.” R He will say to me; “You are my father, my God, the rock who saves me.” I will keep my love for him always; for him my covenant shall endure. R

Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

“For nothing will be impossible for God” (Lk. 1:37) becomes the lens through which Mary can accept her situation of becoming the Mother of God. Her initial “yes” to the God through the angel, Gabriel, acts as her “eyes of faith” of the series of events unfolding in her life. At Bethlehem, there may be no room at the inn, but there is in the simplicity of the stable—God will provide. No one but animals are there, but shepherds and kings come together and worship—God will provide. St. La Salle, suggests another stable where the Holy Family may find a home, “Because we know that Jesus Christ is going to come into us today and we recognize him for what he is, let us prepare for him a dwelling place worthy of him. Let us dispose our hearts to receive him in such a way that he may be pleased to make his home there!” (Med. 85.3) Home is where the heart is, the stable (and stabile) place. Open the eyes of your heart to see with the eyes of faith.

First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 ...(please see appendix Page 510)

Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6

DECEMBER MONDAY

The Nativity of The Lord

WHITE

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6

...(please see appendix Page 510) Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, A hallowed day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, worship the Lord, for today a great light has shone down upon the earth. Gospel: John 1:1-18

E M NI T Y S OL RD LO

NAT IVI

OF THE TY

The Feast of the Nativity of the Lord focuses especially on the newborn Child, God becoming human, who embodies for us all the hope and peace we seek. The nativity is described in the Biblical gospels of Luke and Matthew. The two accounts agree that Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, his mother Mary was betrothed to a man named Joseph, his foster father, and that his birth was caused by divine intervention.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. ...(please see appendix Page 511)

Where is your stabile place, your reference point for balance and integration in life? At the heart of the Christmas story is Mary’s story which she could not fully understand as it happened, so “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Lk. 2:19) To live not fully knowing the full set of consequences for your actions, or actions toward you, takes faith. And as Mary’s experience shows, the days, weeks, months, and years ahead unfold their God-filled meaning. Maybe that is why we need to celebrate Christmas annually and to tell the story again and again through the lens of an accepting heart. One year the pain of birth and the foreshadowing to the pain of crucifixion may take center stage as a primary part of God’s plan. Another year the joy of angel choruses and the comradery of fraternity foreshadowed in the Last Supper bond us to the story. St. La Salle’s Christmas meditation places poverty at the center of the story where, “Only thepoor come looking for us. They have nothing to offer us but their hearts ready to accept our instructions. Let us love what is most humiliating in our profession in order to share in some way in the lowliness of Jesus Christ at his birth.” (Med. 86.2) So, when those we serve come knocking on the door of heart, pray that it’s a humble heart, stabile in the love of God that reflects the answers that are needed.

First Reading: Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” ...(please see appendix Page 511) Psalm 30: 3-4, 6, 8, 17, 21

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Gospel Acclamation:

26 DECEMBER TUESDAY Octave of Christmas

RED FEA ST

EPHEN ST

Alleluia, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the Lord God is our light. Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22

Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

No matter how many times you run conversations through your head in advance of an important encounter with someone, different words seem to come out. And how many times have you rehearsed your final words?Living with an intentional focus on faith allows the words to come from the wellspring of God. On this feast of St. Stephen, St. La Salle writes, “It is said of Saint Stephen in the Acts of the Apostles that he wasfilled with faith. He certainly showed this, for he always guided himselfand acted by the spirit of faith.” (Med. 87.1) He meets his final moments in a way the Gospel points out how we should handle the anticipation of unforeseen encounters, especially ones that will prove to be troubling, “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mt. 10:19-20). A faith filled person will pour forth words of faith within the situation at hand, as drastic as it may be. And the words of a faith filled person are spoken, primarily, through actions that support faith in God.

N & FIRST MARTYR DECO (D. 36)

St. Stephen traditionally venerated as the protomartyr or first martyr of Christianity, was according to the Acts of the Apostles a deacon in the early church at Jerusalem who aroused the enmity of members of various synagogues by his teachings. Accused of blasphemy at his trial, he made a speech denouncing the Jewish authorities who were sitting in judgment on him and was then stoned to death. He is the patron saint of altar servers.

27 DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY Octave of Christmas

WHITE FEA ST JO H N

First Reading: 1 John 1:1-4

We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, We praise you, O God, we acknowledge you to be the Lord. The glorious company of the apostles praise you, O Lord. Gospel: John 20:1a, 2-8

TLE & EVANGELIST APOS

Son of Zebedee and Salome, he was called by Jesus during the first year of His ministry, and travelled everywhere with Him. He was the only one of the Twelve present at the Crucifixion of the Lord and the first to reach the tomb of the Risen Lord. During the era of the new Church, he worked in Jerusalem and Ephesus. He outlived the remaining apostles and was the only one to die of natural causes.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.

One of the famous churches of Rome should be called “Saints John Lateran.” Amidst the relief carved words at the top of the entrance are the names of two Johns: the apostle/evangelist we celebrate today, and the Baptist. Together, the Johns mark the Advent coming of the Messiah in the person of Jesus and the witnessing to the coming of the Christ after the Resurrection. Today’s John witnesses as “the beloved,” the one who sees from the heart and believes in the born, lived, died, and risen Jesus.John lived his faith from the standpoint of zeal, a Lasallian notion whereby one’s heart is focused, fixed, and engaged in the activity that leads to deepening faith. His zeal allows him to leave immediately for the tomb. His zeal allows him to wait respectfully for Peter to investigate in the tomb before he himself enters, for he knows that waiting won’t lessen his faith. Like his standing at the foot of the cross, his standing at the entrance of the tomb is the patient, loving presence so important to prayer and the witnessing of faith.

First Reading: 1 John 1:5–2:2

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. ...(please see appendix Page 511) Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8

R. Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler.

28 DECEMBER THURSDAY Octave of Christmas

RED

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, We praise you, O God, we acknowledge you to be the Lord. The noble army of martyrs praise you, O Lord.

FEA ST

Today, it’s difficult not to think about the “not so holy, nor innocents” that created the situation that caused a remembering of “holy innocents.” Herod, and subsequent Herod-type people over the generations, are consumed by power and fear, a combination when coupled with leadership and command, always seems to leave innocents lying dead along the road. St. La Salle reflects on the feast day as a time whereby children died before they knew the troubles of the world, before their hearts could turn away from God. At his time, turning away from the world was a way to keep one’s heart pure. Since his time, we have many examples of other approaches to facing fear and power-hungry tyranny. The bravery and strength required to be of passive resistance, which is really an active form of fortitude and resilience in the face of fear, is one. Mary and Joseph pulled Jesus from the world of Herod but later in life he was able to face fear and death by “turning the other check.” In considering the education of young people to be mature holy innocents, how often do we teach them how to face, recognize and respond to fear with the love of God?

Y INNO OL

NTS CE

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”

THE H

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18

MARTYRS

The Massacre of the Innocents is the incident in the nativity narrative of the Gospel of Matthew (2:16-18) in which Herod the Great, king of Judea, orders the execution of all male children two years old and under in the vicinity of Bethlehem when he tried to kill the infant Christ. The Catholic Church has claimed the children murdered in Jesus’s stead as the first Christian martyrs, and their feast as Holy Innocents Day.

29 DECEMBER FRIDAY

First Reading: 1 John 2:3-11

...(please see appendix Page 511) Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6

R. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to

your people Israel. 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas Gospel: Luke 2:22-35

WHITE

TH O

T KE

EMORATI MM ON O C S B MA EC

P & MARTYR BISHO (1118 - 1170)

Born in London, Thomas strenuously defended the rights of the Church against King Henry II and he was exiled to France for six years. As a bishop, he helped the people and developed his own holiness. He sought for divine guidance in prolonged vigils, fasting, constant prayer and was very generous to the poor with both his time and his money. He was martyred by four knights who were appointed by King Henry II.

As some people age and feel they are closer to death than to birth, they create a “bucket list,” that list of experiences they would like to accomplish before becoming physically unable or when dying is imminent.For many people it includes trips and other things for personal development. St. La Salle had a bucket list, of sorts, and on it was the establishing of Papal recognition of the Institute, the writing of memoirs and thoughts that could help guide the Brothers, and the establishing a way that the Brothers continue to seek a successor from within their ranks to lead the Brothers. In our Gospel today, Simeon declares completion of his simple bucket list item, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”(Lk. 2:29-32). Mary and Joseph also participate in an important “bucket list” item for their new family: to dedicate their son, Jesus, to Yahweh and the life of the Temple worship. Giving, thinking of the salvation of others, establishing continuity for the sake of ministry—are these types of items on our daily bucket list?Maybe then, in the evening of our life, we won’t feel the need to have a bucket list because of a life fully lived.

First Reading: 1 John 2:12-17

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have conquered the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write SATURDAY to you, young people, because you are strong and the word of 5th Day in the God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. ...(please see appendix Page 511) Octave of Christmas

DECEMBER

Psalm 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10

WHITE

R. Let the heaven rejoice and the earth be glad.

Gospel: Luke 2:36-40

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 seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

Some people see into the heart of others and of situations. Woman are often depicted in Scripture as having this gift of inner sight. Women were the first to see the empty tomb and meet the resurrected Jesus and in today’s Gospel, we have a woman, Anna, witnessing the dedication of Jesus in the temple, “And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Lk. 2:38) As the faithful and holy “church lady,” she bears witness publicly to the coming of the Messiah. St. La Salle reminds the Brothers in their consecration, and in extension those who have claimed a Lasallian charism, those who “… offered yourself to God... Did you hold back anything at that time? Did you give yourself entirely to him? Have you taken back nothing of the offering you made to God at that time? You must not be content to have made this offering to God once. Renew it daily, and consecrate all your actions to him by not performing any of them except for him.” (Med. 104.2) Though we all make various public commitments at different times, to witness to the love of God is a daily commitment lived out in even some of the simplest interactions of the day. Today, be mindful of heart of God present in the heart of another, and like Anna, let them know.

COMP

IONS AN

Alleluia, A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon the earth.

SABIN U

Gospel Acclamation:

MARTYRS

(c. 373)

Sabinus the Bishop of Spoleto, along with his companions were apprehended in Assisi for revolt and thrown into prison by the Governor Venustianus During the persecution, Diocletian ordered all Christians to sacrifice to the gods or be put to death. While imprisoned, he healed and converted many to Christian faith. As punishment for spreading Christianity, he had his hands amputated and beaten to death by the guards.

ANYSIA OF SALONIKA

31 DECEMBER

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph White

Year B

SUNDAY

First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

For the Lord honors a father above his children, and he confirms a mother’s right over her children. Those who honor their father atone for sins, and those who respect their mother are like those who lay up treasure. Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pray they will be heard. Those who respect their father will have long life, and those who honor their mother obey the Lord My child, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives; even if his mind fails, be patient with him; because you have all your faculties do not despise him. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and will be credited to you against your sins. Psalm 104:1-6, 8-9

R. He, the Lord, us our God. He remembers his covenant for ever. Give thanks to the Lord, tell his name, make known his deeds among the People. O sing to him, sing his praise; tell all his wonderful works! R

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, the judgements he spoke O children on Abraham, his servant, O sons of the Jacob he chose. R

Be proud of his holy name, let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice. Consider the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face. R

He remembers his covenant for ever, his promise for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. R

Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts; let the message of Christ find a home with you. Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every

firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phan’u.el, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

There is the family we are born into and the families we choose. Although we do not choose the family we are born into, we can choose how we will relate to them. The Gospel today provides sage advice to those efforts: “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” (Lk. 2:40) We can chose to support family members toward growth in their gifts that make them strong, wise, and, thus, favored by God. Many have chosen the Lasallian Family. Even within this family we have choices. Do we choose interactions that help unify a holy family, a family that allowsGod to be reflected in everyone’s interaction? Being patient with ourselves and others and being humble to know we are always a child growing when it comes to understanding and living the love of God, takes the effort of all. We may not choose who we live with, work with, and minister to, but we can choose how we will interact with them today.

Appendix | 444

Jan 5 | Thursday

First Reading: 1 John 3: 11-21 ...How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God.

Jan 7 | Saturday

First Reading: 1 John 5:14-21 ... All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not mortal. We know that those who are born of God do not sin, but the one who was born of God protects them, and the evil one does not touch them. We know that we are God’s children, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Jan 10 | Tuesday

First Reading: Hebrews 2:5-12 ... so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

Jan 13 | Friday

First Reading: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 ...“though his works were finished at the foundation of the world. For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows, “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this place it says, “They shall not enter my rest.” Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.

JAN 16 | MONDAY

First Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10 ...and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Jan 17 | Tuesday

First Reading: Hebrews 6:10-20 ...We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Jan 19 | Thursday

First Reading: Hebrews 7:25 - 8:6 ...when he was about to erect the tent, was warned, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” But Jesus has now

445 | Appendix obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises.

Jan 25 | Wednesday

First Reading: Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22 ...A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, came to me; and standing beside me, he said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight!’ In that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. Then he said, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear his own voice; for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.’

Jan 28 | Saturday

First Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 ...They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

Jan 30 | Monday

First Reading: Hebrews 11:32-40 ...And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. Gospel: Mark 5:1-20 ... Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him. that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.”And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed..

Jan 31 | Tuesday

First Reading: Hebrews 12: 1-4 ...Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the

Appendix | 446 race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Gospel: Mark 5: 21-43 ...When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Feb 1 | Wednesday

First Reading: Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15 ...so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled.

Feb 2| Thursday

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 ... For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 ...to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 ...And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Annathe daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow

447 | Appendix to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day.

FEB 3 | Friday

First Reading: Hebrews 13: 1-8 ... “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Feb 6| Monday

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-19 ...And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.

Feb 7 | Tuesday

First Reading: Genesis 1:20 – 2:4a ...And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed

Appendix | 448 them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.

Feb 8 | Wednesday

First Reading: Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17 ...The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.”

Feb 10 | FRIDAY

First Reading: Genesis 3:1-8 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

Feb 11 | Saturday

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-24 ...He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?”The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and Iate.”The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” To the woman he said, “I will greatly increase your pangs in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children, yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” And to the man he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it, ‘cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living. And the Lord God made garments of skins for the man and for his wife, and clothed them. Then the Lord God said, “See, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever” therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man; and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim, and a sword flaming and turning to guard the way to the tree of life.

449 | Appendix

Feb 13 | Monday

First Reading: Genesis 4:1-15, 25 ...you will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear! Today you have driven me away from the soil, and I shall be hidden from your face; I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and anyone who meets me may kill me ” Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! Whoever kills Cain will suffer a sevenfold vengeance.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, so that no one who came upon him would kill him. Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another child instead of Abel, because Cain killed him.”

Feb 14| Tuesday

First Reading: Genesis 6:5-8; 7: 1-5, 10 ... and seven pairs of the birds of the air also, male and female, to keep their kind alive on the face of all the earth. For in seven days I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights; and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him. And after seven days the waters of the flood came on the earth.

Feb 15 | Wednesday

First Reading: Genesis 8: 6-13. 20-22 ... and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the Lord smelled the pleasing odor, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of humankind, for the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth; nor will I ever again destroy every living creature as I have done. As long as the earth endures, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

Feb 16| Thursday

First Reading: Genesis 9: 1-13 ... ” Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

Feb 17 | Friday

First Reading: Genesis 11:1-9 ...Therefore it was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

Feb 18 | Saturday

First Reading: Hebrews 11: 1-7 ... When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”? Or again,“I will be his Father,and he will be my Son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Of the angels he says,“He makes his angels winds,and his servants flames of fire.”

Appendix | 450

Feb 20 | Monday

First Reading: Sirach 1: 1-10 ...Wisdom is from the Lord, and with him it remains forever. The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity who can count them? The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the abyss, and wisdom who can search them out? Wisdom was created before all other things, and prudent understanding from eternity. The root of wisdom to whom has it been revealed? Her subtleties who knows them? There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared, seated upon his throne the Lord. It is he who created her; he saw her and took her measure; he poured her out upon all his works, upon all the living according to his gift; he lavished her upon those who love him.

Feb 21 | TUESDAY

First Reading: Sirach 2:1-11 ...has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? Or has anyone persevered in the fear of the Lord and been forsaken? Or has anyone called upon him and been neglected? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of distress.

Feb 22| Wednesday

First Reading: Joel 2: 12-18 . ...Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord, your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her canopy. Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep. Let them say, “Spare your people, O Lord, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ” Then the Lord became jealous for his land, and had pity on his people. Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2 ...so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!

Feb 24 | FRIDAY

First Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9a ...Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.

Feb 27 | Monday

First Reading: Leviticus 19: 1-2. 11-18 ...The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; and you shall not lie to one another. And you shall not swear falsely by my name, profaning the name of your God: I am the Lord. You shall not defraud your neighbor; you shall not steal; and you shall not keep for yourself the wages of a laborer

451 | Appendix until morning. You shall not revile the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind; you shall fear your God: I am the Lord. You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the Lord. You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

March 1 | Wednesday

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 ...The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may relent and change his mind; he may turn from his fierce anger, so that we do not perish.” When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

March 2 | Thursday

First Reading: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 . ...She prayed to the Lord God of Israel, and said: “O my Lord, you only are our king; help me, who am alone and have no helper but you, for my danger is in my hand. Ever since I was born I have heard in the tribe of my family that you, O Lord, took Israel out of all the nations, and our ancestors from among all their forebears, for an everlasting inheritance, and that you did for them all that you promised. Remember, O Lord; make yourself known in this time of our affliction, and give me courage, O King of the gods and Master of all dominion! Put eloquent speech in my mouth before the lion, and turn his heart to hate the man who is fighting against us, so that there may be an end of him and those who agree with him. But save us by your hand, and help me, who am alone and have no helper but you, O Lord.

March 3 | Friday

First Reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28 ...But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die. None of the transgressions that they have committed shall be remembered against them; for the righteousness that they have done they shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live? But when the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity and do the same abominable things that the wicked do, shall they live? None of the righteous deeds that they have done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which they are guilty and the sin they have committed they shall die. Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is unfair.”

Appendix | 452 Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? .When the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it; for the iniquity that they have committed they shall die. Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die.

March 4 | Saturday

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26:16-19 ...Today you have obtained the Lord’s agreement: to be your God; and for you to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, his commandments, and his ordinances, and to obey him. Today the Lord has obtained your agreement: to be his treasured people, as he promised you, and to keep his commandments; for him to set you high above all nations that he has made, in praise and in fame and in honour; and for you to be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.

March 6 | Monday

First Reading: Daniel 9:4b-10 ...turning aside from your commandments and ordinances. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land. “Righteousness is on your side, O Lord, but open shame, as at this day, falls on us, the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away, in all the lands to which you have driven them, because of the treachery that they have committed against you. Open shame, O Lord, falls on us, our kings, our officials, and our ancestors, because we have sinned against you. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him, and have not obeyed he voice of the Lord our God by following his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.

March 7 | Tuesday

First Reading: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 ...Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

March 8 | Wednesday

First Reading: Jeremiah 18:18-20 ...Then they said, “Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah—for instruction shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us bring charges against him, and let us not heed any of his words.” Give heed to me, O Lord, and listen to what my adversaries say! Is evil a recompense for good? Yet they have dug a pit for my life. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn away your wrath from them. Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28 ...They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom

453 | Appendix it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

March 9 | Thursday

First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10 ...Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord. They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse—who can understand it? I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings. Gospel: Luke 16:19-31 ...and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house—for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

March 10 | Friday

First Reading: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a ...Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them. ..”So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let

Appendix | 454 us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers agreed. When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 ....‘ This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.’ So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet.

March 11 | Saturday

First Reading: Micah 7: 14-15. 18-20 ...Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, which lives alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed in Bashan and Gileadas in the days of old. As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, show us marvelous things. Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of your possession? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in showing clemency. He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and unswerving loyalty to Abraham, as you have sworn to our ancestors from the days of old. Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 ....He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to celebrate. “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”

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March 12 | Sunday

First Reading: Exodus 17:3-7 ...But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you stuck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

March 13 | Monday

First Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-15a ...Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” So Naaman went in and told his lord just what the girl from the land of Israel had said. And the king of Aram said, “Go then, and I will send along a letter to the king of Israel. ”He went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of garments. He brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you my servant Naaman, that you may cure him of his leprosy. ” When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Just look and see how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me. ...” But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel.” So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and halted at the entrance of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.” But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, “I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?” He turned and went away in a rage. But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean. Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company; he came and stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel;

March 14 | Tuesday

First Reading: Daniel 3:25, 34-43 ...Then Azariah stood still in the fire and prayed aloud: For your name’s sake do not give us up forever, and do not annul your covenant. Do not withdraw your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham your beloved and for the sake of your servant Isaac and Israel your holy one, to whom you promised to multiply their descendants like the stars of heaven and like the sand on the shore of the sea. For we, O Lord, have become fewer than any other

Appendix | 456 nation, and are brought low this day in all the world because of our sins. In our day we have no ruler, or prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, no place to make an offering before you and to find mercy. Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted, as though it were with burnt offerings of rams and bulls, or with tens of thousands of fat lambs; such may our sacrifice be in your sight today, and may we unreservedly follow you, for no shame will come to those who trust in you. And now with all our heart we follow you; we fear you and seek your presence. Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in your patience and in your abundant mercy. Deliver us in accordance with your marvellous works, and bring glory to your name, O Lord. Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35 ...Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

March 15 | Wednesday

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 ...the God of your ancestors, is giving you. See, just as the Lord my God has charged me, I now teach you statutes and ordinances for you to observe in the land that you are about to enter and occupy. You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!” For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is whenever we call to him? And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today? But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children.

March 16 | Thursday

First Reading: Jeremiah 7:23-28 ...But this command I gave them, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it may be well with you.” Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but, in the stubbornness of their evil will, they walked in their own counsels, and looked backward rather than forward. From the day that your ancestors came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day; yet they did not listen to me, or pay attention, but they stiffened their necks. They did worse than their ancestors did So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. You shall say to them: This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips. Gospel: Luke 11:14-23 ...When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armor in which he

457 | Appendix trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

March 17 | Friday

First Reading: Hosea 14:2-10 ...Take words with you and return to the Lord; say to him, “Take away all guilt; accept that which is good, and we will offer the fruit of our lips. Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; we will say no more, ‘Our God,’ to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy.” I will heal their disloyalty; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily, he shall strike root like the forests of Lebanon. His shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like that of Lebanon. They shall again live beneath my shadow, they shall flourish as a garden; they shall blossom like the vine, their fragrance shall be like the wine of Lebanon. O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; your faithfulness comes from me. Those who are wise understand these things; those who are discerning know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.

March 18 | SATURDAY

First Reading: Hosea 6:1-6 ...Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.” What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes away early. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have killed them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light. For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

March 19 | Sunday

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 ...The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. First Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14 ...For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Appendix | 458

March 20 | Monday

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 ...But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, ...I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever. Second Reading: Romans 4:13. 16-18. 22 ...For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) —in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be”. Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a ...unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him;

March 21 | Tuesday

First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 ...Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and the water was coming out on the south side. Going on eastward with a cord in his hand, the man measured one thousand cubits, and then led me through the water; and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was knee-deep. Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was up to the waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed. He said to me, “Mortal, have you seen this?” Then he led me back along the bank of the river. As I came back, I saw on the bank of the river a great many trees on the one side and on the other. He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the sea, the sea of stagnant waters, the water will become fresh. Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds

459 | Appendix of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” Gospel: John 5:1-16 Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” But he answered them, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.’” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. Therefore the Jews started persecuting Jesus, because he was doing such things on the Sabbath.

March 22 | Wednesday

First Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15 ... Thus says the Lord: In a time of favor I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; saying to the prisoners, “Come out,” to those who are in darkness, “Show yourselves.” They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them. And I will turn all my mountains into a road, and my highways shall be raised up. Lo, these shall come from far away, and lo, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Syene. Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.” Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Gospel: John 5:17-30 ...Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

March 23 | Thursday

First Reading: Exodus 32:7-14 ...The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the

Appendix | 460 way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’ “The Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.” But Moses implored the Lord his God, and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’ ” And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people. Gospel: John 5:31-47 ...The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent. “You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings. But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”

March 24 | Friday

First Reading: Wisdom 2: 1a. 12-22 ...For they reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, “Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training. He professes to have knowledge of God, and calls himself a child of the Lord. He became to us a reproof of our thoughts; the very sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of others, and his ways are strange. We are considered by him as something base,and he avoids our ways as unclean; he calls the last end of the righteous happy, and boasts that God is his father. Let us see if his words are true, and let us test what will happen at the end of his life; for if the righteous man is God’s child, he will help him,and will deliver him from the hand of his adversaries. Let us test him with insult and torture, so that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance. Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected.” Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them, and they did not know the secret purposes of God, nor hoped for the wages of holiness, nor discerned the prize for blameless souls. Gospel: John 7:1-2. 10. 25-30 ...speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the

461 | Appendix temple, “You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.

March 25 | Saturday

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 ...Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. Take counsel together, but it shall be brought to naught; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us. Second Reading: Hebrews 10:4-10 ...It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, “See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written of me). ” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Gospel: Luke 1:26-38 ....He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

March 26 | Sunday

First Reading: Ezekiel: 37:12-14 ...Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord. Second Reading: Romans 8:8-11 ...And those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.

Appendix | 462 Gospel: John 11:1-45 ...I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

March 27 | Monday

First Reading: Daniel 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 (or 13: 41-62) ...There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Joakim. He married the daughter of Hilkiah, named Susanna, a very beautiful woman and one who feared the Lord. Her parents were righteous, and had trained their daughter according to the Law of Moses. Joakim was very rich, and had a fine garden adjoining his house; the Jews used to come to him because he was the most honored of them all. That year two elders from the people were appointed as judges Concerning them the Lord had said: “Wickedness came forth from Babylon, from elders who were judges, who were supposed to govern the people.” These men were frequently at Joakims house, and all who had a case to be tried came to them there. When the people left at noon, Susanna would go into her husband’s garden to walk. Every day the two elders used to see her, going in and walking about, and they began to lust for her. They suppressed their consciences and turned away their eyes from looking to Heaven or remembering their duty to administer justice. Once, while they were watching for an opportune day, she went in as before with only two maids, and wished to bathe in the garden, for it was a hot day. No one was there except the two elders, who had hidden themselves and were watching her. She said to her maids, “Bring me olive oil and ointments, and shut the garden doors so that I can bathe.” When the maids had gone out, the two elders got up and ran to her. They said, “Look, the garden doors are shut, and no one can see us. We are burning with desire for you; so give your consent, and lie with us. If you refuse, we will testify against you that a young man was with you, and this was why you sent your maids away.” Susanna groaned and said, “I am completely trapped . For if I do this, it will mean death for me; if I do not, I cannot escape your hands. I choose not to do it; I will fall into your hands, rather than sin in the sight of the Lord.” Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and the two elders shouted against her. And one of them ran and opened the garden doors. When the people in the house heard the shouting in the garden, they rushed in at the side door to see what had happened to her. And when the elders told their story, the servants felt very much ashamed, for nothing like this had ever been said about Susanna. The next day, when the people gathered at the house of her husband Joakim, the two elders came, full of their wicked plot to have Susanna put to death. In the presence of the people they said, “Send for Susanna daughter of Hilkiah, the wife of Joakim.” So they sent for her. And she came with her parents, her children, and all her relatives. Those who were with her and all who saw her were weeping. Then the two elders stood up before the people and laid their hands on her head. Through her tears she looked up toward Heaven, for her heart trusted in the Lord. The elders said, “While we were walking in the garden alone, this woman came in with two maids, shut the garden doors, and dismissed the maids. Then a young man, who was hiding there, came to her and lay with her. We were in a corner of the garden, and when we saw this wickedness we ran to them. Although we saw them embracing, we could not hold the man, because he was stronger than we, and he opened the doors and got away. We did, however, seize this woman and asked who the young man was, but she would not tell us. These things we testify.” Because they were elders of the people and judges, the assembly believed

463 | Appendix them and condemned her to death. Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, “O eternal God, you know what is secret and are aware of all things before they come to be; you know that these men have given false evidence against me. And now I am to die, though I have done none of the wicked things that they have charged against me!” The Lord heard her cry. Just as she was being led off to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young lad named Daniel, and he shouted with a loud voice, “I want no part in shedding this woman’s blood!” All the people turned to him and asked, ‘What is this you are saying?” Taking his stand among them he said, ‘Are you such fools, O Israelites, as to condemn a daughter of Israel without examination and without learning the facts? Return to court, for these men have given false evidence against her.” So all the people hurried back. And the rest of the elders said to him, “Come, sit among us and inform us, for God has given you the standing of an elder.” Daniel said to them, “Separate them far from each other, and I will examine them.” When they were separated from each other, he summoned one of them and said to him, “You old relic of wicked days, your sins have now come home, which you have committed in the past, pronouncing unjust judgments, condemning the innocent and acquitting the guilty, though the Lord said, ‘You shall not put an innocent and righteous person to death.’ Now then, if you really saw this woman, tell me this: Under what tree did you see them being intimate with each other?” He answered, “Under a mastic tree.” And Daniel said, “Very well! This lie has cost you your head, for the angel of God has received the sentence from God and will immediately cut you in two.” Then, putting him to one side, he ordered them to bring the other. And he said to him, “You offspring of Canaan and not of Judah, beauty has beguiled you and lust has perverted your heart. This is how you have been treating the daughters of Israel, and they were intimate with you through fear; but a daughter of Judah would not tolerate your wickedness. Now then, tell me: Under what tree did you catch them being intimate with each other?” He answered, “Under an evergreen oak.” Daniel said to him, “Very well! This lie has cost you also your head, for the angel of God is waiting with his sword to split you in two, so as to destroy you both.” Then the whole assembly raised a great shout and blessed God, who saves those who hope in him. And they took action against the two elders, because out of their own mouths Daniel had convicted them of bearing false witness; they did to them as they had wickedly planned to do to their neighbor. Acting in accordance with the law of Moses, they put them to death. Thus innocent blood was spared that day. Gospel: John 8:1-11 ...Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, sir.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”

March 28 | Tuesday

First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9 ...From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord

Appendix | 464 and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live. Gospel :John 8:21-30 ...They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.” As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

March 29 | Wednesday First Reading: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 ...King Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble to fall down and worship the statue that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?” for the sake of Abraham your beloved and for the sake of your servant Isaac and Israel your holy one, to whom you promised to multiply their descendants like the stars of heaven and like the sand on the shore of the sea. For we, O Lord, have become fewer than any other nation, and are brought low this day in all the world because of our sins. In our day we have no ruler, or prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, no place to make an offering before you and to find mercy. Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted, as though it were with burnt offerings of rams and bulls, or with tens of thousands of fat lambs; such may our sacrifice be in your sight today, and may we unreservedly follow you, for no shame will come to those who trust in you. And now with all our heart we follow you; we fear you and seek your presence. Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in your patience and in your abundant mercy. Deliver us in accordance with your marvelous works, and bring glory to your name, O Lord. Gospel: John 8:31-42 ...I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father. ”They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.

March 30 | Thursday

First Reading: Genesis 17:3-9 ...Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and

465 | Appendix to your offspring after you. And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God.” God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. Gospel: John 8:51-59 ...though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

March 31 | Friday

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13 ...For I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. “Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.” But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. Gospel: John 10:31-42 ...then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, “John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there.

April 1 | Saturday

First Reading: Ezekiel 37:21-28 ...Never again shall they be divided into two kingdoms. They shall never again defile themselves with their idols and their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions. I will save them from all the apostasies into which they have fallen, and will cleanse them. Then they shall be my people, and I will be their God. My servant David shall be king over them; and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall follow my ordinances and be careful to observe my statutes. They shall live in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, in which your ancestors lived; they and their children and their children’s children shall live there forever; and my servant David shall be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be and everlasting covenant with them; and I will bless them and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary among them forevermore. My dwelling place shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Then the nations shall know that I the Lord sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary is among them forevermore.

April 3 | Monday

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7 ...I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

Appendix | 466

April 4 | Tuesday

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 ...” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.” And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength—he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

April 6 | Thursday

First Reading: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 ...If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance. This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ...For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

April 7 | Friday

First Reading: Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 ...See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. Just as there were many who were astonished at him —so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals—so he shall startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate. Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account. Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for

467 | Appendix our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 ...Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

April 8 | Saturday

Epistle: Romans 6:3-11 ...we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

April 10 | Monday

First Reading: Acts 2: 14, 22-33 ..David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, “He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.’ This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear.

April 12 | Wednesday

First Reading: Acts 3:1-10 ...One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would

Appendix | 468 lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Gospel: Luke 24:13-35 ...Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

April 13 | Thursday

First Reading: Acts 3:11-26 ...To this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.“And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus, who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets. Moses said, “The Lord your God will raise up for you from your own people a prophet like me. You must listen to whatever he tells you. And it will be that everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be utterly rooted out of the people.’ And all the prophets, as many as have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, also predicted these days. You are the descendants of the prophets and of the covenant that God gave to your ancestors, saying to Abraham, “And in your descendants all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you, to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

April 14 | Friday

First Reading: Acts 4:1-12 ...and they numbered about five thousand. The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom

469 | Appendix you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is “the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”

April 17 | Monday

First Reading: Acts 4:23-31 ...and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

April 19 | Wednesday

First Reading: Acts 5:17-26 ...Then someone arrived and announced, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

April 21 | Friday

First Reading: Acts 5:34-42 ...For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!”They were convinced by him, and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.

April 24 | Monday

First Reading: Acts 6:8-15 ...”And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

April 27 | Thursday

First Reading: Acts 8:26-40 ... “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

April 28 | Friday

First Reading: Acts 9:1-20 ...The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord. ” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a

Appendix | 470 man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”

April 29 | Saturday

First Reading: Acts 9:31-42 ...So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

May 1 | Monday

First Reading: Acts 11:1-18 ...But a second time the voice answered from heaven, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, “Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”

May 2 | TUESDAY

First Reading: Acts 11:19-26 ...And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”

May 4 | Thursday

First Reading: Acts 13:13-25 ... “I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.’ Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised; before

471 | Appendix his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his work, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.’

May 6 | Saturday

First Reading: Acts 13: 44-52 ...and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to I.co’ni. um. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

May 8 | Monday

First Reading: Acts 14: 5-18 ...and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to follow their own ways; yet he has not left himself without a witness in doing good-giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.” Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.

May 11 | Thursday

First Reading: Acts 15:7-21 ...but we should write to them to abstain only from things polluted by idols and from fornication and from whatever has been strangled and from blood. For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every sabbath in the synagogues.”

May 12 | Friday

First Reading: Acts 15:22-31 ...So they were sent off and went down to Antioch. When they gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. When its members read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation.

May 16 | Tuesday

First Reading: Acts 16:22-34 ...“Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God.

May 17 | Wednesday

First Reading: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 ...and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed; but others said, “We will hear you again about this.” At that point Paul left them. But some of them joined him and became believers, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth

May 23 | Tuesday

First Reading: Acts 20:17-27 ... persecutions are waiting for me. But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace. “And now I know that none of you, among whom I have

Appendix | 472 gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again. Therefore I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God’s purpose..

May 24 | Wednesday

First Reading: Acts 20:28-38 ...remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed. There was much weeping among them all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again. Then they brought him to the ship.

May 25 | Thursday

First Reading: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 ...When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks. That night the Lord stood near him and said, “Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.”

May 26 | Friday

First Reading: Acts 25:13b-21 ...but whom Paul asserted to be alive.” Since I was at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there on these charges. But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of his Imperial Majesty, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to the emperor.

May 31 | Wednesday

First Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-18 ...The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it.

June 1 | Thursday

First Reading: Sirach 42:15-25 ...He searches out the abyss and the human heart; he understands their innermost secrets. For the Most High knows all that may be known; he sees from of old the things that are to come. He discloses what has been and what is to be, and he reveals the traces of hidden things. No thought escapes him, and nothing is hidden from him. He has set in order the splendours of his wisdom; he is from all eternity one and the same. Nothing can be added or taken away, and he needs no one to be his counselor. How desirable are all his works, and how sparkling they are to see! .All these things live and remain forever; each creature is preserved to meet a particular need. All things come in pairs, one opposite the other, and he has made nothing incomplete. Each supplements the virtues of the other. Who could ever tire of seeing his glory?

June 2 | Friday

First Reading: Sirach 44: 1, 9-13 ...Let us now sing the praises of famous men, our ancestors in their generations But of others there is no memory; they have perished as though they had never existed;they

473 | Appendix have become as though they had never been born, they and their children after them. But these also were godly men, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; their wealth will remain with their descendants, and their inheritance with their children’s children. Their descendants stand by the covenants; their children also, for their sake. Their offspring will continue forever, and their glory will never be blotted out. Gospel: Mark 11:11-25 ...Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”

June 3 | Saturday

First Reading: Sirach 51:12cd-20 ...My soul grappled with wisdom, and in my conduct I was strict; I spread out my hands to the heavens, and lamented my ignorance of her. I directed my soul to her, and in purity I found her. With her I gained understanding from the first; therefore I will never be forsaken.

June 5 | Monday

First Reading: Tobit 1: 3; 2: 1a-8 ...I performed many acts of charity for my kindred and my people who had gone with me in exile to Nineveh in the land of the Assyrians. I returned home, and my wife Anna and my son Tobias were restored to me. At our festival of Pentecost, which is the sacred festival of weeks, a good dinner was prepared for me and I reclined to eat. When the table was set for me and an abundance of food placed before me, I said to my son Tobias, “Go, my child, and bring whatever poor person you may find of our people among the exiles in Nineveh, who is wholeheartedly mindful of God, and he shall eat together with me. I will wait for you, until you come back.” So Tobias went to look for some poor person of our people. When he had returned he said, “Father!” And I replied, “Here I am, my child.” Then he went on to say, “Look, father, one of our own people has been murdered and thrown into the market place, and now he lies there strangled.” Then I sprang up, left the dinner before even tasting it, and removed the body from the square and laid it in one of the rooms until sunset when I might bury it. When I returned, I washed myself and ate my food in sorrow. Then I remembered the prophecy of Amos, how he said against Bethel, “Your festivals shall be turned into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation.” And I wept. When the sun had set, I went and dug a grave and buried him. And my neighbors laughed and said, “Is he still not afraid? He has already been hunted down to be put to death for doing this, and he ran away; yet here he is again burying the dead!”

June 6 | Tuesday

First Reading: Tobit 2:9-14 ...At that time, also, my wife Anna earned money at women’s work. She used to send what she made to the owners and they would pay wages to her. One day, the seventh of Dystrus, when she cut off a piece she had woven and sent it to the owners, they paid her full wages and also gave her a young goat for a meal. When she returned to me, the goat began to bleat. So I called her and said, “Where did you get this goat? It is surely not stolen, is it? Return it to the owners; for we have no right to eat anything stolen.” ”But she said to me, “It was given to me as a gift in addition to my wages.” But I did not believe her, and

Appendix | 474 told her to return it to the owners. I became flushed with anger against her over this. Then she replied to me, “Where are your acts of charity? Where are your righteous deeds? These things are known about you!

June 7 | Wednesday

First Reading: Tobit 3:1-11a, 16-17a ...They sinned against you, and disobeyed your commandments. So you gave us over to plunder, exile, and death, to become the talk, the byword, and an object of reproach among all the nations among whom you have dispersed us. And now your many judgments are true in exacting penalty from me for my sins. For we have not kept your commandments and have not walked in accordance with truth before you. So now deal with me as you will; command my spirit to be taken from me so that I may be released from the face of the earth and become dust. For it is better for me to die than to live, because I have had to listen to undeserved insults, and great is the sorrow within me. Command, O Lord, that I be released from this distress; release me to go to the eternal home, and do not, O Lord, turn your face away from me. For it is better for me to die than to see so much distress in my life and to listen to insults.” On the same day, at Ecbatana in Media, it also happened that Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, was reproached by one of her father’s maids. For she had been married to seven husbands, and the wicked demon Asmodeus had killed each of them before they had been with her as is customary for wives. So the maid said to her, “You are the one who kills your husbands! See, you have already been married to seven husbands and have not borne the name of a single one of them. Why do you beat us? Because your husbands are dead? Go with them! May we never see a son or daughter of yours!” On that day she was grieved in spirit and wept. When she had gone up to her father’s upper room, she intended to hang herself. But she thought it over and said, “Never shall they reproach my father, saying to him, ‘You had only one beloved daughter but she hanged herself because of her distress.’ And I shall bring my father in his old age down in sorrow to Hades. It is better for me not to hang myself, but to pray the Lord that I may die and not listen to these reproaches anymore.” At that same time, with hands outstretched toward the window, she prayed and said,“Blessed are you, merciful God!At that very moment, the prayers of both of them were heard in the glorious presence of God. So Raphael was sent to heal both of them.

June 8 | Thursday

First Reading: Tobit 6:10-11; 7:1bcde, 9-17; 8:4-9a ...” Then Raguel slaughtered a ram from the flock and received them very warmly. When they had bathed and washed themselves and had reclined to dine, Tobias said to Raphael, “Brother Azariah, ask Raguel to give me my kinswoman Sarah.” But Raguel overheard it and said to the lad, “Eat and drink, and be merry tonight. For no one except you, brother, has the right to marry my daughter Sarah. Likewise I am not at liberty to give her to any other man than yourself, because you are my nearest relative. But let me explain to you the true situation more fully, my child. I have given her to seven men of our kinsmen, and all died on the night when they went in to her. But now, my child, eat and drink, and the Lord will act on behalf of you both.” But Tobias said, “I will neither eat nor drink anything until you settle the things that pertain to me.” So Raguel said, “I will do so. She is given to you in accordance with the decree in the book of Moses, and it has been decreed from heaven that she be given to you. Take your kinswoman; from now on you are her brother and she is your sister. She is given to you from today and forever. May the Lord of heaven, my child, guide and prosper you both this night and grant you mercy and peace.” Then Raguel summoned his daughter Sarah. When she came to him he took her by the hand and gave her to Tobias, saying, “Take her to be your wife in accordance with the law and

475 | Appendix decree written in the book of Moses. Take her and bring her safely to your father. And may the God of heaven prosper your journey with his peace.” Then he called her mother and told her to bring writing material; and he wrote out a copy of a marriage contract, to the effect that he gave her to him as wife according to the decree of the law of Moses. Then they began to eat and drink. Raguel called his wife Edna and said to her, “Sister, get the other room ready, and take her there.” So she went and made the bed in the room as he had told her, and brought Sarah there. She wept for her daughter. Then, wiping away the tears, she said to her, “Take courage, my daughter; the Lord of heaven grant you joy in place of your sorrow. Take courage, my daughter.” Then she went out. When the parents had gone out and shut the door of the room, Tobias got out of bed and said to Sarah, “Sister, get up, and let us pray and implore our Lord that he grant us mercy and safety.” So she got up, and they began to pray and implore that they might be kept safe. Tobias began by saying, “Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors, and blessed is your name in all generations forever. Let the heavens and the whole creation bless you forever. You made Adam, and for him you made his wife Eve as a helper and support. From the two of them the human race has sprung. You said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; let us make a helper for him like himself.’ I now am taking this kinswoman of mine, not because of lust, but with sincerity. Grant that she and I may find mercy and that we may grow old together.” And they both said, “Amen, Amen.” Then they went to sleep for the night.

June 9 | Friday

First Reading: Tobit 11:5-17 ...Then he said, “Blessed be God, and blessed be his great name, and blessed be all his holy angels. May his holy name be blessed throughout all the ages. Though he afflicted me, he has had mercy upon me. Now I see my son Tobias! ”So Tobit went in rejoicing and praising God at the top of his voice. Tobias reported to his father that his journey had been successful, that he had brought the money, that he had married Raguel’s daughter Sarah, and that she was, indeed, on her way there, very near to the gate of Nineveh. Then Tobit, rejoicing and praising God, went out to meet his daughter-in-law at the gate of Nineveh. When the people of Nineveh saw him coming, walking along in full vigour and with no one leading him, they were amazed. Before them all, Tobit acknowledged that God had been merciful to him and had restored his sight. When Tobit met Sarah the wife of his son Tobias, he blessed her saying, “Come in, my daughter, and welcome. Blessed be your God who has brought you to us, my daughter. Blessed be your father and your mother, blessed be my son Tobias, and blessed be you, my daughter. Come in now to your home, and welcome, with blessing and joy. Come in, my daughter.” So on that day there was rejoicing among all the Jews who were in Nineveh.

June 10 | Saturday

First Reading: Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20 ...It is good to conceal the secret of a king, but to acknowledge and reveal the works of God, and with fitting honour to acknowledge him. Do good and evil will not overtake you. Prayer with fasting is good, but better than both is almsgiving with righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than wealth with wrongdoing. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold. For almsgiving saves from death and purges away every sin. Those who give alms will enjoy a full life, but those who commit sin and do wrong are their own worst enemies. “I will now declare the whole truth to you and will conceal nothing from you. Already I have declared it to you when I said, ‘It is good to conceal the secret of a king, but to reveal with due honour the works of God.’ So now when you and Sarah prayed, it was I who brought and read the record of your prayer before the glory of the Lord, and likewise whenever you would bury the dead. And that time when you did not hesitate to get up

Appendix | 476 and leave your dinner to go and bury the dead, I was sent to you to test you. And at the same time God sent me to heal you and Sarah your daughter-in-law. I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord.”So now get up from the ground, and acknowledge God. See, I am ascending to him who sent me. Write down all these things that have happened to you.” And he ascended.

June 12 | MONDAY

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 ...For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.

June 15 | Thursday

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:15-4: 1, 3-6 ...Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

June 16 | Friday

First Reading: Deuteronomy 7: 6-11 ...It was not because you were more numerous than any other people that the Lord set his heart on you and chose you for you were the fewest of all peoples. It was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath that he swore to your ancestors, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, and who repays in their own person those who reject him. He does not delay but repays in their own person those who reject him. Therefore, observe diligently the commandment the statutes, and the ordinances that I am commanding, you today. Second Reading: 1 John 4: 7-16 ... God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.

June 17 | Saturday

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 (Isaiah 61:9-11) ...From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if

477 | Appendix anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation;.that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

June 20 | TUESDAY

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

June 21 | Wednesday

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 ...Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.

June 22 | Thursday

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11 ...Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you submit to it readily enough. I think that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. I may be untrained in speech, but not in knowledge; certainly in every way and in all things we have made this evident to you. Did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I proclaimed God’s good news to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for my needs were supplied by the friends who came from Macedonia. So I refrained and will continue to refrain from burdening you in any way. As the truth of Christ is in me, this boast of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

June 23 | Friday

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30 ...danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers and sisters; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, hungry and thirsty, often without food, cold and naked. And, besides other things, I am under daily pressure because of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

June 24 | Saturday

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 ...He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant,

Appendix | 478 Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.” And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength—he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80 ...“I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.’ Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus, as he promised; before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his work, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.’ “My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent.

June 27 | Tuesday

First Reading: Genesis 13:2, 5-18 ...Now the people of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord. The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Raise your eyes now, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth; so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Rise up, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” So Abram moved his tent, and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron; and there he built an altar to the Lord.

June 28 | Wednesday

First Reading: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 ...When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.

June 29 | Thursday

First Reading: Acts 12:1-11 ...(This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. The angel said to him, “Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I am sure that the Lord

479 | Appendix has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 ...I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

June 30 | Friday

First Reading: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22 ...As for Ishmael, I have heard you; I will bless him and make him fruitful and exceedingly numerous; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this season next year.” And when he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.

July 1 | Saturday

First Reading: Genesis 18:1-15 ...The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. He said, “Oh yes, you did laugh.”

JULY 3 | Monday

First Reading : Acts 10:24-35 ...But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.” And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ So I sent for

Appendix | 480 you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.” So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 ...he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your soul

July 4 | Tuesday

First Reading: Genesis 19: 15-29 ...Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!” He said to him, “Very well, I grant you this favor too, and will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken. Hurry, escape there, for I can do nothing until you arrive there.” Therefore the city was called Zoar. The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar. Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the Plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord; and he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the Plain and saw the smoke of the land going up like the smoke of a furnace. So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the Plain, God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had settled.

July 5 | Wednesday

First Reading: Genesis 21:5, 8-20a ...for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac.” The matter was very distressing to Abraham on account of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. As for the son of the slave woman, I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered about in the wilderness of Beer-sheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the child under one of the bushes. Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot; for she said, “Do not let me look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him.” Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. She went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the boy a drink. God was with the boy, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness, and became an expert with the bow.

481 | Appendix

July 6 | Thursday

First Reading: Genesis 22:1b-19 ...because you have obeyed my voice.” So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham lived at Beer-sheba. After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you.” Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac said to his father Abraham, “Father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, “By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore.

July 7 | Friday

First Reading: Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67 ...“Put your hand under my thigh and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live, but will go to my country and to my kindred and get a wife for my son Isaac.” The servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land; must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?”Abraham said to him, “See to it that you do not take my son back there. The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my birth, and who spoke to me and swore to me, “To your offspring I will give this land,’ he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there.” Now Isaac had come from Beer-lahai-roi, and was settled in the Negeb. Isaac went out in the evening to walk in the field; and looking up, he saw camels coming. And Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she slipped quickly from the camel, and said to the servant, “Who is the man over there, walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took her veil and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent. He took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

Appendix | 482

July 8 | Saturday

First Reading: Genesis 27: 1-5. 15-29 ...and put them on her younger son Jacob; and she put the skins of the kids on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. Then she handed the savory food, and the bread that she had prepared, to her son Jacob. So he went in to his father, and said, “My father”; and he said, “Here I am; who are you, my son?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, so that you may bless me.” But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He answered, “Because the Lord your God granted me success.” Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come near, that I may feel you, my son, to know whether you are really my son Esau or not.” So Jacob went up to his father Isaac, who felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” He did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. He said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He answered, “I am.” Then he said, “Bring it to me, that I may eat of my son’s game and bless you.” So he brought it to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near and kiss me, my son.” So he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him, and said,“Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed. May God give you of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!”

July 10 | Monday

First Reading: Genesis 28:10-22a ...And the Lord stood beside him and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. ”Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!” And he was afraid, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called that place Bethel; but the name of the city was Luz at the first. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house.

July 11 | Tuesday

First Reading: Genesis 32:23-33 And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. Therefore, to this day the Israelites do not eat the thigh muscle that is on the hip socket, because he struck Jacob on the hip socket at the thigh muscle.

483 | Appendix

July 12 | Wednesday

First Reading: Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a ...Now Joseph was governor over the land; it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground. When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke harshly to them. And he put them all together in prison for three days. On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God: if you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here where you are imprisoned. The rest of you shall go and carry grain for the famine of your households, and bring your youngest brother to me. Thus your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And they agreed to do so. They said to one another, “Alas, we are paying the penalty for what we did to our brother; we saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this anguish has come upon us.” Then Reuben answered them, “Did I not tell you not to wrong the boy? But you would not listen. So now there comes a reckoning for his blood.” They did not know that Joseph understood them, since he spoke with them through an interpreter. He turned away from them and wept.

July 13 | Thursday

First Reading: Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45: 1-5 ... Then you said to your servants, “Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’ When we went back to your servant my father we told him the words of my lord. And when our father said, “Go again, buy us a little food,’ we said, “We cannot go down. Only if our youngest brother goes with us, will we go down; for we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ Then your servant my father said to us, “You know that my wife bore me two sons; one left me, and I said, surely he has been torn to pieces; and I have never seen him since. If you take this one also from me, and harm comes to him, you will bring down my grey hairs in sorrow to Sheol.’ Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.

July 14 | Friday

First Reading: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30 ...Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph’s own hand shall close your eyes.” Then Jacob set out from Beer-sheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. They also took their livestock and the goods that they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and they came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters; all his offspring he brought with him into Egypt. Israel sent Judah ahead to Joseph to lead the way before him into Goshen. When they came to the land of Goshen, Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to meet his father Israel in Goshen. He presented himself to him, fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. Israel said to Joseph, “I can die now, having seen for myself that you are still alive.”

Appendix | 484

July 15 | Saturday

First Reading: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a ...There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried; there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried; and there I buried Leah—the field and the cave that is in it were purchased from the Hittites.” When Jacob ended his charge to his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed, breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him? ”So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, “Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them. So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father’s household; and Joseph lived one hundred ten years. Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation; the children of Machir son of Manasseh were also born on Joseph’s knees. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die; but God will surely come to you, and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” So Joseph made the Israelites swear, saying, “When God comes to you, you shall carry up my bones from here.” And Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old.

July 17 | Monday

First Reading: Exodus 1:8-14, 22 ...He said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” Therefore, they set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labour. They built supply cities, Pithom and Rameses, for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. The Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on the Israelites, and made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and brick and in every kind of field labour. They were ruthless in all the tasks that they imposed on them. Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every boy that is born to the Hebrews you shall throw into the Nile, but you shall let every girl live.”

July 18 | Tuesday

First Reading: Exodus 2:1-15a ...Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages. ” So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.” One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and saw their forced labour. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his kinsfolk. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. When he went out the next day, he saw two Hebrews fighting; and he said to the one who was in the wrong, “Why do you strike your fellow Hebrew?” He answered, “Who made you a ruler and judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh.

485 | Appendix

July 19 | Wednesday

First Reading: Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12 ...The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”

July 20 | Thursday

First Reading: Exodus 3:13-20 ...king of Egypt and say to him, “The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; let us now go a three days’ journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ I know, however, that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders that I will perform in it; after that he will let you go.

July 21 | Friday

First Reading: Exodus 11:10–12:14 ...If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbour in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the Passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

July 22 | Saturday

First Reading: Song of Solomon 3:1-4ab ...The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed crowd also went up with them, and livestock in great numbers, both flocks and herds. They baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt; it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves. The time that the Israelites had lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years. At the end of four hundred thirty years, on that very day, all the companies of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. That was for the Lord a night of vigil, to bring them out of the land of Egypt. That same night is a vigil to be kept for the Lord by all the Israelites throughout their generations.

Appendix | 486 Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 ...The love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18 ...Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (Which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

July 24 | Monday

First Reading: Exodus 14:5-18 ...his chariot drivers and his army; they overtook them camped by the sea, by Pihahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. As Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked back, and there were the Egyptians advancing on them. In great fear the Israelites cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt? ” Is this not the very thing we told you in Egypt, ‘Let us alone and let us serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” But Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground. Then I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and so I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots, and his chariot drivers. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained glory for myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his chariot drivers.

July 25 | Tuesday

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4: 7-15 ... struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture “ I believed, and so I spoke we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanks giving, to the glory of God.

July 26 | Wednesday

First Reading: Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15 ... for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test

487 | Appendix them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, “Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’ “And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, “At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ “In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.

July 27 | Thursday

Exodus 19: 1-2. 9-11. 16-20b ...on that very day, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, in order that the people may hear when I speak with you and so trust you ever after.” When Moses had told the words of the people to the Lord, the Lord said to Moses: “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and prepare for the third day, because on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, as well as a thick cloud on the mountain, and a blast of a trumpet so loud that all the people who were in the camp trembled. Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the Lord had descended upon it in fire; the smoke went up like the smoke of a kiln, while the whole mountain shook violently. As the blast of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses would speak and God would answer him in thunder. When the Lord descended upon Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain, the Lord summoned Moses to the top of the mountain.

July 28 | Friday

First Reading: Exodus 20:1-17 ... punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work— you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it. Honour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.

Appendix | 488

July 29 | Saturday

First Reading: Exodus 24:3-8 ...He sent young men of the people of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed oxen as offerings of well-being to the Lord. Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he dashed against the altar. Then he took the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” Moses took the blood and dashed it on the people, and said, “See the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

July 31 | Monday

First Reading: Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34 ... As soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses’ anger burned hot, and he threw the tablets from his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain. He took the calf that they had made, burned it with fire, ground it to powder, scattered it on the water, and made the Israelites drink it. Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?” And Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord burn hot; you know the people, that they are bent on evil. They said to me, ‘Make us gods, who shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, take it off’; so they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!” On the next day Moses said to the people, “You have sinned a great sin. But now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin; they have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, blot me out of the book that you have written.” But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. But now go, lead the people to the place about which I have spoken to you; see, my angel shall go in front of you. Nevertheless, when the day comes for punishment, I will punish them for their sin.”

August 1 | Tuesday

First Reading: Exodus 33:7-11; 34: 5b-9, 28 ...The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name, “The Lord.” The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means clearing the guilty, but visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. He said, “If now I have found favour in your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiffnecked people, pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.” He was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

August 3 | Thursday

First Reading: Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38 Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out on each stage of their journey; but if the cloud was

489 | Appendix not taken up, then they did not set out until the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, before the eyes of all the house of Israel at each stage of their journey.

August 4 | Friday

First Reading: Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37 ... When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall raise the sheaf before the Lord, that you may find acceptance; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall raise it. And from the day after the Sabbath, from the day on which you bring the sheaf of the elevation offering, you shall count off seven weeks; they shall be complete. You shall count until the day after the seventh Sabbath, fifty days; then you shall present an offering of new grain to the Lord. Now, the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you: you shall deny yourselves and present the Lord’s offering by fire; Speak to the people of Israel, saying: On the fifteenth day of this seventh month, and lasting seven days, there shall be the festival of booths to the Lord. The first day shall be a holy convocation; you shall not work at your occupations. Seven days you shall present the Lord’s offerings by fire; on the eighth day you shall observe a holy convocation and present the Lord’s offerings by fire; it is a solemn assembly; you shall not work at your occupations These are the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you shall celebrate as times of holy convocation, for presenting to the Lord offerings by fire—burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its proper day.

August 5 | Saturday

First Reading: Leviticus 25:1, 8-17 ... Then you shall have the trumpet sounded loud; on the tenth day of the seventh month—on the day of atonement—you shall have the trumpet sounded throughout all your land. And you shall hallow the fiftieth year and you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you: you shall return, every one of you, to your property and every one of you to your family. That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you: you shall not sow, or reap the after growth, or harvest the unpruned vines. For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you: you shall eat only what the field itself produces. In this year of jubilee, you shall return, every one of you, to your property. When you make a sale to your neighbour or buy from your neighbour, you shall not cheat one another. When you buy from your neighbour, you shall pay only for the number of years since the jubilee; the seller shall charge you only for the remaining crop years. If the years are more, you shall increase the price, and if the years are fewer, you shall diminish the price; for it is a certain number of harvests that are being sold to you. You shall not cheat one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God.

August 7 | Monday

First Reading: Numbers 11:4b-15 ...Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its colour was like the colour of gum resin. The people went around and gathered it, ground it in mills or beat it in mortars, then boiled it in pots and made cakes of it; and the taste of it was like the taste of cakes baked with oil. When the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna would fall with it. Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, all at the entrances of their tents.” Then the Lord became very angry, and Moses was displeased. So Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I not found favour in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? Did I conceive all this people? Did I give birth to them, that you should say to me, “Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a

Appendix | 490 sucking child,’ to the land that you promised on oath to their ancestors? Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they come weeping to me and say, “Give us meat to eat!’ I am not able to carry all this people alone, for they are too heavy for me. If this is the way you are going to treat me, put me to death at once—if I have found favour in your sight—and do not let me see my misery.

August 8| Tuesday

First Reading: Numbers 12:1-13 ...While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had indeed married a Cushite woman); and they said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. Now the man Moses was very humble, more so than anyone else on the face of the earth. Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” So the three of them came out. Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the entrance of the tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward. And he said, “Hear my words: When there are prophets among you, I the Lord make myself known to them in visions; I speak to them in dreams. Not so with my servant Moses; he is entrusted with all my house. With him I speak face to face—clearly, not in riddles; and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed. When the cloud went away from over the tent, Miriam had become leprous, as white as snow. And Aaron turned towards Miriam and saw that she was leprous. Then Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us for a sin that we have so foolishly committed. Do not let her be like one stillborn, whose flesh is half consumed when it comes out of its mother’s womb.” And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her.” Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36 ...When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

August 9 | Wednesday

First Reading: Numbers 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35 ...The Amalekites live in the land of the Negeb; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea, and along the Jordan.” But Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against this people, for they are stronger than we.” So they brought to the Israelites an unfavorable report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land that we have gone through as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people that we saw in it are of great size. There we saw the Nephilim (the Anakites come from the Nephilim); and to ourselves we seemed like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.” Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying: How long shall this wicked congregation complain against me? I have heard the complaints of the Israelites, which they complain against me. Say to them, “As I live,” says the Lord, “I will do to you the very things I heard you say: your dead bodies shall fall in this very wilderness; and of all your number, included in the census, from twenty years old and upward, who have complained against me. According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for every day a year, you shall bear your iniquity, forty years, and you shall know my displeasure.” I the

491 | Appendix Lord have spoken; surely I will do thus to all this wicked congregation gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall come to a full end, and there they shall die.

August 11 | Friday

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4: 32-40 ... your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? To you it was shown so that you would acknowledge that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him. From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, while you heard his words coming out of the fire. And because he loved your ancestors, he chose their descendants after them. He brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, driving out before you nations greater and mightier than yourselves, to bring you in, giving you their land for a possession, as it is still today. So acknowledge today and take to heart that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Keep his statutes and his commandments, which I am commanding you today for your own well-being and that of your descendants after you, so that you may long remain in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time.

August 12 | Saturday

First Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-13 ...and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. When the Lord your God has brought you into the land that he swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—a land with fine, large cities that you did not build, houses filled with all sorts of goods that you did not fill, hewn cisterns that you did not hew, vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you have eaten your fill, take care that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. The Lord your God you shall fear; him you shall serve, and by his name alone you shall swear.

August 14 | Monday

First Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-22 ...yet the Lord set his heart in love on your ancestors alone and chose you, their descendants after them, out of all the peoples, as it is today. Circumcise, then, the foreskin of your heart, and do not be stubborn any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the Lord your God; him alone you shall worship; to him you shall hold fast, and by his name you shall swear. He is your praise; he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things that your own eyes have seen. Your ancestors went down to Egypt seventy persons; and now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in heaven.

August 15 | Tuesday

First Reading: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab ...Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pangs, in the agony of giving birth. Then another portent appeared in heaven: a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, so that he might

Appendix | 492 devour her child as soon as it was born. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. But her child was snatched away and taken to God and to his throne; and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 ...But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is plain that this does not include the one who put all things in subjection under him. Gospel: Luke 1:39-56 ...Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

August 16 | Wednesday

First Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 ...Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigour had not abated. The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended. Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses. Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequalled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.

August 17 | Thursday

First Reading: Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17 ...The Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses. You are the one who shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, ‘When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’” Joshua then said to the Israelites, “Draw near and hear the words of the Lord your God.” Joshua said, “By this you shall know that among you is the living God who without fail will drive out from before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites: the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is going to pass before you into the Jordan. When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.” When the people set out from their tents to

493 | Appendix cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan. Gospel: Matthew 18:21–19:1 ...So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.

August 18 | Friday

First Reading: Joshua 24:1-13 ...Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan and made his offspring many. I gave him Isaac; and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I gave Esau the hill country of Seir to possess, but Jacob and his children went down to Egypt. Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt with what I did in its midst; and afterwards I brought you out. When I brought your ancestors out of Egypt, you came to the sea; and the Egyptians pursued your ancestors with chariots and horsemen to the Red Sea. When they cried out to the Lord, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and made the sea come upon them and cover them; and your eyes saw what I did to Egypt. Afterwards you lived in the wilderness a long time. Then I brought you to the land of the Amorites, who lived on the other side of the Jordan; they fought with you, and I handed them over to you, and you took possession of their land, and I destroyed them before you. Then King Balak son of Zippor of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent and invited Balaam son of Beor to curse you, but I would not listen to Balaam; therefore he blessed you; so I rescued you out of his hand. When you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho, the citizens of Jericho fought against you, and also the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I handed them over to you. I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove out before you the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow. I gave you a land on which you had not labored, and towns that you had not built, and you live in them; you eat the fruit of vineyards and olive yards that you did not plant.

August 19 | Saturday

First Reading: Joshua 24:14-29 ...Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him. ”And they said, “We are witnesses.” He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” The people said to Joshua, “The Lord our God we will serve, and him we will obey.” So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem. Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a large stone, and set it up there under the oak in the sanctuary of the Lord. Joshua said to all the people, “See, this stone shall be a witness against us; for it has heard all the words of the Lord that he spoke to us; therefore it shall be a witness against you, if you deal falsely with your God.” So Joshua sent the people away to their inheritances. After these things Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being one hundred ten years old.

Appendix | 494

August 21 | Monday

First Reading: Judges 2:11-19 ...as the Lord had warned them and sworn to them; and they were in great distress. Then the Lord raised up judges, who delivered them out of the power of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen even to their judges; for they lusted after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their ancestors had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord; they did not follow their example. Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord would be moved to pity by their groaning because of those who persecuted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they would relapse and behave worse than their ancestors, following other gods, worshiping them and bowing down to them. They would not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways.

August 22 | Tuesday

First Reading: Judges 6:11-24a ... “Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has cast us off, and given us into the hand of Midian.” Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian; I hereby commission you.” He responded, “But sir, how can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike down the Midianites, every one of them.” Then he said to him, “If now I have found favour with you, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. Do not depart from here until I come to you, and bring out my present, and set it before you.” And he said, “I will stay until you return.” So Gideon went into his house and prepared a kid, and unleavened cakes from an ephah of flour; the meat he put in a basket, and the broth he put in a pot, and brought them to him under the oak and presented them. The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened cakes, and put them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And he did so. Then the angel of the Lord reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes; and fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes; and the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight. Then Gideon perceived that it was the angel of the Lord; and Gideon said, “Help me, Lord God! For I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you; do not fear, you shall not die.” Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it, The Lord is peace.

August 23 | Wednesday

First Reading: Judges 9:6-15 ...Then all the lords of Shechem and all Beth-millo came together, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem. When it was told to Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, and cried aloud and said to them, “Listen to me, you lords of Shechem, so that God may listen to you. The trees once went out to anoint a king over themselves. So they said to the olive tree, “Reign over us.’ The olive tree answered them, “Shall I stop producing my rich oil by which gods and mortals are honored, and go to sway over the trees?’ Then the trees said to the fig tree, “You come and reign over us.’ But the fig tree answered them, “Shall I stop producing my sweetness and my delicious fruit, and go to sway over the trees?’ Then the trees said to the vine, “You come and reign over us.’ But the vine said to them, “Shall I stop producing my wine that cheers gods and mortals, and go to sway over the trees?’ So all the trees said to the bramble, “You come and reign over us.’ And the bramble said to the trees, “If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’

495 | Appendix

August 25 | Friday

First Reading: Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22 ...So Naomi returned together with Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, who came back with her from the country of Moab. They came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

August 26 | Saturday

First Reading: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17 ...Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped, and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you. If you get thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.”Then she fell prostrate, with her face to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favour in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?” But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your motherin-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighbourhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.

August 28 | Monday

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10 ...but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. We have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

August 29 | Tuesday

First Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19 ...And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you.”

SEP 1 | Friday

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 ...Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you know how to control your own body in holiness and honour, not with lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one wrong or exploit a brother or sister in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we have already told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. Therefore, whoever rejects this rejects not human authority but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Appendix | 496 Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13 ...you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Sep 2 | Saturday

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 ...Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you. Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

...His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Sep 4 | Monday

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ...But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage one another with these words.

Sep 7 | Thursday

First Reading: Colossians 1:9-14 ...May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

497 | Appendix

Sep 8 | Friday

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a or Romans 8:28-30 ...Now you are walled around with a wall; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the ruler of Israel upon the cheek. But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 ...Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, ”which means, “God is with us.”

Sep 11 | Monday

First Reading: Colossians 1:24–2:3 ...I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Sep 12 | Tuesday

First Reading: Colossians 2:6-15 ...who is the head of every ruler and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it.

Sep 14 | Thursday

First Reading: Numbers 21:4b-9 ...pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.

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Sep 18 | Monday

First Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8 ...for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all—this was attested at the right time. For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

SEP 19 | Tuesday

First Reading: 1 Timothy 3: 1-13 ...not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Sep 22 | Friday

First Reading: 1 Timothy 6:2c-12 ...Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Sep 23 | Saturday

First Reading: 1 Timothy 6:13-16 ...the right time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honour and eternal dominion. Amen.

Sep 27 | Wednesday

First Reading: Ezra 9:5-9 ...But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, who has left us a remnant, and given us a stake in his holy place, in order that he may brighten our eyes and grant us a little sustenance in our slavery. For we are slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem.

Sep 29 | Friday

First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 ...And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.

Oct 4 | Wednesday

First Reading: Nehemiah 2: 1-8 ...Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may grant me passage until I arrive in Judah;

499 | Appendix and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, directing him to give me timber to make beams for the gates of the temple fortress, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was upon me.

Oct 5 | Thursday

First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12 ...All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. The scribe Ezra stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the purpose; And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. the Levites, helped the people to understand the law, while the people remained in their places. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Gospel: Luke 10:1-12 ...go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.

Oct 6 | Friday

First Reading: Baruch 1:15-22 ...We did not listen to the voice of the Lord our God in all the words of the prophets whom he sent to us, but all of us followed the intent of our own wicked hearts by serving other gods and doing what is evil in the sight of the Lord our God.

Oct 7 | Saturday

Baruch 4: 5-12. 27-29 (Exodus 23:20-23) ...Take courage, my people, who perpetuate Israel’s name!It was not for destruction that you were sold to the nations, but you were handed over to your enemies because you angered God. For you provoked the one who made you by sacrificing to demons and not to God. You forgot the everlasting God, who brought you up, and you grieved Jerusalem, who reared you. For she saw the wrath that came upon you from God, and she said: Listen, you neighbors of Zion, God has brought great sorrow upon me; for I have seen the exile of my sons and daughters, which the Everlasting brought upon them. With joy I nurtured

Appendix | 500 them, but I sent them away with weeping and sorrow. Let no one rejoice over me, a widow and bereaved of many; I was left desolate because of the sins of my children, because they turned away from the law of God. Take courage, my children, and cry to God, for you will be remembered by the one who brought this upon you. For just as you were disposed to go astray from God, return with tenfold zeal to seek him.For the one who brought these calamities upon youwill bring you everlasting joy with your salvation.

Oct 9 | Monday

First Reading :Jonah 1:1-17; 2:1, 10 ...and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.” And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know on whose account this evil has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. Then they said to him, “Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, “What is this that you have done!” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea grew more and more tempestuous. He said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.” Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them. Therefore they called out to the LORD, “O LORD, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you.” so they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows. And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish. And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land. Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

...Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denari and

501 | Appendix gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.”

Oct 10 | Tuesday

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 ...Who knows? God may relent and change his mind; he may turn from his fierce anger, so that we do not perish.” When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

Oct 11 | Wednesday

First Reading: Jonah 4:1-11 ...He said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?” And he said, “Yes, angry enough to die.” Then the Lord said, “You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labour and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?”

Oct 12 | Thursday

First Reading: Malachi 3:13-4:2a ...and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him “For behold, the day is coming burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.

Oct 13 | Friday

First Reading: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 ...Put on sackcloth and lament, you priests; wail, you ministers of the altar. Come, pass the night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God! Grain offering and drink offering are withheld from the house of your God. Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes. Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near—a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness spread upon the mountainsa great and powerful army comes; their like has never been from of old, nor will be again after them in ages to come.

Oct 14 | Saturday

First Reading: Joel 4:12-21 ...and all the stream beds of Judah shall flow with water; a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord and water the WadiShittim. Egypt shall become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness, because of the violence done to the people of Judah,

Appendix | 502 in whose land they have shed innocent blood. But Judah shall be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem to all generations. I will avenge their blood, and I will not clear the guilty, for the Lord dwells in Zion.

Oct 16 | Monday

First Reading: Romans 1:1-7 ...resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Oct 17 | Tuesday

First Reading: Romans 1:16-25 ...or four-footed animals or reptiles. Therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the degrading of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Oct 18 | Wednesday

First Reading: 2 Timothy 4:10-17b ...Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will pay him back for his deeds. You also must beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.

Oct 19 | Thursday

First Reading: Romans 3:21-30 ...whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one; and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.

Oct 21 | Saturday

First Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18 ...“I have made you the father of many nations”)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.”

Oct 24 | Tuesday

First Reading: Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21 ...so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, just as sin exercised dominion in death,

503 | Appendix so grace might also exercise dominion through justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Oct 25 | Wednesday

First Reading: Romans 6:12-18 ... Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that you, having once been slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which you were entrusted, and that you, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Gospel: Luke 12:39-48 ...him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful. That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.

Oct 26 | Thursday

First Reading: Romans 6:19-23 ...The end of those things is death. But now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Oct 27 | Friday

First Reading: Romans 7:18-25a ...but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Oct 30 | Monday

First Reading: Romans 8:12-17 ...For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Nov 1 | Wednesday

First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 ...After this I looked, and there was from all tribes an a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, d peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, “Amen! Blessing

Appendix | 504 and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Nov 2 | Thursday

First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9 ...and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them forever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect.

Nov 7 | Tuesday

First Reading: Romans 12:5-16a ...Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.

Nov 9 | Thursday

First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 ...and the water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and the water was coming out on the south side. He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the sea, the sea of stagnant waters, the water will become fresh. Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

Nov 10 | Friday

First Reading: Romans 15:14-21 ...by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ. Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.”

Nov 11 | Saturday

First Reading: Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27 ...and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

505 | Appendix

Nov 17 | Friday

First Reading: Wisdom 13:1-9 ...For while they live among his works, they keep searching, and they trust in what they see, because the things that are seen are beautiful. Yet again, not even they are to be excused; for if they had the power to know so much that they could investigate the world, how did they fail to find sooner the Lord of these things?

Nov 20 | Monday

First Reading: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 ..They also built altars in the surrounding towns of Judah, and offered incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets. The books of the law that they found they tore to pieces and burned with fire. Anyone found possessing the book of the covenant, or anyone who adhered to the law, was condemned to death by decree of the king. But many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die.

Nov 21 | Tuesday

First Reading: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31 ... “Such pretence is not worthy of our time of life,” he said, “for many of the young might suppose that Eleazar in his ninetieth year had gone over to an alien religion, and through my pretence, for the sake of living a brief moment longer, they would be led astray because of me, while I defile and disgrace my old age. Even if for the present I would avoid the punishment of mortals, yet whether I live or die I will not escape the hands of the Almighty. Therefore, by bravely giving up my life now, I will show myself worthy of my old age and leave to the young a noble example of how to die a good death willingly and nobly for the revered and holy laws. ”When he had said this, he went at once to the rack. Those who a little before had acted toward him with goodwill now changed to ill will, because the words he had uttered were in their opinion sheer madness. When he was about to die under the blows, he groaned aloud and said: “It is clear to the Lord in his holy knowledge that, though I might have been saved from death, I am enduring terrible sufferings in my body under this beating, but in my soul I am glad to suffer these things because I fear him.” So in this way he died, leaving in his death an example of nobility and a memorial of courage, not only to the young but to the great body of his nation.

Nov 22 | Wednesday

First Reading: 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31 ...It happened also that seven brothers and their mother were arrested and were being compelled by the king, under torture with whips and thongs, to partake of unlawful swine’s flesh. The mother was especially admirable and worthy of honourable memory. Although she saw her seven sons perish within a single day, she bore it with good courage because of her hope in the Lord. She encouraged each of them in the language of their ancestors. Filled with a noble spirit, she reinforced her woman’s reasoning with a man’s courage, and said to them, “I do not know how you came into being in my womb. It was not I who gave you life and breath, nor I who set in order the elements within each of you. Therefore, the Creator of the world, who shaped the beginning of humankind and devised the origin of all things, will in his mercy give life and breath back to you again, since you now forget yourselves for the sake of his laws.” Antiochus felt that he was being treated with contempt, and he was suspicious of her reproachful tone. The youngest brother being still alive, Antiochus not only appealed to him in words, but promised with oaths that he would make him rich and enviable if he would turn from the ways of his ancestors, and that he would take him for his Friend and entrust him with public affairs. Since the

Appendix | 506 young man would not listen to him at all, the king called the mother to him and urged her to advise the youth to save himself. After much urging on his part, she undertook to persuade her son. But, leaning close to him, she spoke in their native language as follows, deriding the cruel tyrant: “ My son, have pity on me. I carried you nine months in my womb, and nursed you for three years, and have reared you and brought you up to this point in your life, and have taken care of you. I beg you, my child, to look at the heaven and the earth and see everything that is in them, and recognize that God did not make them out of things that existed. And in the same way the human race came into being. Do not fear this butcher, but prove worthy of your brothers. Accept death, so that in God’s mercy I may get you back again along with your brothers.” While she was still speaking, the young man said, “What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king’s command, but I obey the command of the law that was given to our ancestors through Moses. But you, who have contrived all sorts of evil against the Hebrews, will certainly not escape the hands of God.

Nov 23 | Thursday

First Reading: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29 ...He gave vent to righteous anger; he ran and killed him on the altar. At the same time he killed the king’s officer who was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar. Thus he burned with zeal for the law, just as Phinehas did against Zimri son of Salu. Then Mattathias cried out in the town with a loud voice, saying: “Let every one who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out with me!” Then he and his sons fled to the hills and left all that they had in the town. At that time many who were seeking righteousness and justice went down to the wilderness to live there.

Nov 25 | Saturday

First Reading: 1 Maccabees 6:1-13 ...that Lysias had gone first with a strong force, but had turned and fled before the Jews; that the Jews had grown strong from the arms, supplies, and abundant spoils that they had taken from the armies they had cut down; that they had torn down the abomination that he had erected on the altar in Jerusalem; and that they had surrounded the sanctuary with high walls as before, and also Beth-zur, his town. When the king heard this news, he was astounded and badly shaken. He took to his bed and became sick from disappointment, because things had not turned out for him as he had planned. He lay there for many days, because deep disappointment continually gripped him, and he realized that he was dying. So he called all his Friends and said to them, “Sleep has departed from my eyes and I am downhearted with worry. I said to myself, ‘To what distress I have come! And into what a great flood I now am plunged! For I was kind and beloved in my power.’ But now I remember the wrong I did in Jerusalem. I seized all its vessels of silver and gold, and I sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judah without good reason. I know that it is because of this that these misfortunes have come upon me; here I am, perishing of bitter disappointment in a strange land.”

Nov 27 | Monday

First Reading: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 ...You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants according to what you observe So he agreed to this proposal and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations. So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions

507 | Appendix and dreams. At the end of the time that the king had set for them to be brought in, the palace master brought them into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar, and the king spoke with them. And among them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were stationed in the king’s court. In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. And Daniel continued there until the first year of King Cyrus.

Nov 28 | Tuesday

First Reading: Daniel 2:31-45 ...wherever they live, the wild animals of the field, and the birds of the air, and whom he has established as ruler over them all—you are the head of gold. After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over the whole earth. And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; just as iron crushes and smashes everything, it shall crush and shatter all these. As you saw the feet and toes partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but some of the strength of iron shall be in it, as you saw the iron mixed with the clay. As the toes of the feet were part iron and part clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. As you saw the iron mixed with clay, so will they mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall this kingdom be left to another people. It shall crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever; just as you saw that a stone was cut from the mountain not by hands, and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. The great God has informed the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation trustworthy.”

Nov 29 | Wednesday

First Reading: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28 ...and that enlightenment, understanding, and excellent wisdom are found in you. But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Now if you are able to read the writing and tell me its interpretation, you shall be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around your neck, and rank third in the kingdom.” Then Daniel answered in the presence of the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, or give your rewards to someone else! Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and let him know the interpretation. You have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven! The vessels of his temple have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines have been drinking wine from them. You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know; but the God in whose power is your very breath, and to whom belong all your ways, you have not honoured. “So from his presence the hand was sent and this writing was inscribed. And this is the writing that was inscribed: mene, mene, tekel, and parsin. This is the interpretation of the matter: mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; tekel, you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting; peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Dec 1 | Friday

First Reading: Daniel 7:2-14 ... A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat

Appendix | 508 in judgment, and the books were opened. I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. As I watched in the night visions,I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. To him was given dominion and glory and kingship,that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away,and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.

Dec 2 | Saturday

First Reading: Daniel 7:15-27 ...As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them. A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.

Dec 8 | Friday

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 ...But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” The man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 ...just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.

Dec 9 | Saturday

First Reading: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 ...and the oxen and donkeys that till the ground will eat silage, which has been winnowed with shovel and fork. On every lofty mountain and every high hill there will

509 | Appendix be brooks running with water—on a day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Moreover, the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, like the light of seven days, on the day when the Lord binds up the injuries of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.

Dec 11 | Monday

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 ...like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveller, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Dec 19 | Tuesday

First Reading: Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25 ...There was a certain man of Zo’rah, of the tribe of the Dan’ites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no children. And the angel of the lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Although you are barren, having borne no children, you shall conceive and bear a son. Now be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, or to eat anything unclean, for you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor is to come on his head, for the boy shall be a nazirite to God from birth. It is he who shall begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” Then the woman came and told her husband, ‘A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like that of an angel of God, most awe-inspiring; I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not tell me his name; but he said to me, ‘You shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the boy shall be a nazirite to God from birth to the day of his death.’” The woman bore a son, and named him Samson. The boy grew, and the Lord blessed him. The spirit of the Lord began to stir him in Mahanehdan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. Gospel: Luke 1: 5-25 ...But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” The angel replied, “I am Gabriel, I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for

Appendix | 510 Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, ‘This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.”

Dec 20 | Wednesday

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 ...and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.

Dec 21 | Thursday

First Reading: Song of Solomon 2:8-14 ...they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the covert of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.

Dec 23 | Saturday

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 4:5-6 ...seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. Lo, I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents, so that I will not come and strike the land with a curse.

Dec 25 | Monday

First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 ...How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 ...Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”?Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

511 | Appendix Gospel: John 1:1-18 ...And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

Dec 26 | Tuesday

First Reading: Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59 ...But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Dec 28 | Thursday

First Reading: 1 John 1:5–2:2 ...If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Dec 29 | Friday

First Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 ...Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. Whoever says, “I have come to know him,” but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk just as he walked. Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word that you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness. Gospel: Luke 2:22-35 ...And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Dec 30 | Saturday

First Reading: 1 John 2:12-17 ...Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.

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