Verbum Domini

2016 Feb 27 Sat: Lenten Weekday ===================================================A reading from the book of the prophet MicahMi 7: 14-15. 18-20===================================================[14] Shepherd thy people with thy staff,the flock of thy inheritance,who dwell alone in a forestin the midst of a garden land;let them feed in Bashan and Gileadas in the days of old.[15] As in the days when you came out of the land of EgyptI will show them marvelous things.[18] Who is a God like thee, pardoning iniquityand passing over transgressionfor the remnant of his inheritance?He does not retain his anger for everbecause he delights in steadfast love.[19] He will again have compassion upon us,he will tread our iniquities under foot.Thou wilt cast all our sinsinto the depths of the sea.[20] Thou wilt show faithfulness to Jacoband steadfast love to Abraham,as thou hast sworn to our fathersfrom the days of old.The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 103Ps 103: 1-2. 3-4. 9-10. 11-12==============================================The LORD is merciful and gracious[1] Bless the LORD, O my soul;and all that is within me, bless his holy name![2] Bless the LORD, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits,The LORD is merciful and gracious [3] who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases,[4] who redeems your life from the Pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,The LORD is merciful and gracious[9] He will not always chide,nor will he keep his anger for ever.[10] He does not deal with us according to our sins,nor requite us according to our iniquities.The LORD is merciful and gracious [11] For as the heavens are high above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;[12] as far as the east is from the west,so far does he remove our transgressions from us.The LORD is merciful and gracious==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke Lk 15: 1-3. 11-32==============================================[1] Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. [2] And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." [3] So he told them this parable: [11] And he said, "There was a man who had two sons; [12] and the younger of them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. [13] Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. [14] And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. [15] So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. [16] And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. [17] But when he came to himself he said, `How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! [18] I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants."' [20] And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. [21] And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' [22] But the father said to his servants, `Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; [23] and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; [24] for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. [25] "Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. [27] And he said to him, `Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' [28] But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, [29] but he answered his father, `Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. [30] But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' [31] And he said to him, `Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. [32] It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"The Gospel of the Lord

2016 Feb 26 Fri: Lenten Weekday===================================================A reading from the book of GenesisGn 37: 3-4. 12-13a. 17b-28a===================================================[3] Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a long robe with sleeves. [4] 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.[12] Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem. [13] And Israel said to Joseph, "Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them." [17] So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. [18] They saw him afar off, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him. [19] They said to one another, "Here comes this dreamer. [20] Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild beast has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams." [21] But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, "Let us not take his life." [22] And Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood; cast him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand upon him" -- that he might rescue him out of their hand, to restore him to his father. [23] So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; [24] and they took him and cast him into a pit. The pit was empty, there was no water in it. [25] Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ish'maelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. [26] Then Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is it if we slay our brother and conceal his blood? [27] Come, let us sell him to the Ish'maelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh." And his brothers heeded him. [28] Then Mid'ianite traders passed by; and they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ish'maelites for twenty shekels of silver.The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 105Ps 105: 16-17. 18-19. 20-21==============================================Remember the wonderful works that the Lord has done[16] When the Lord summoned a famine on the land,and broke every staff of bread,[17] he had sent a man ahead of them,Joseph, who was sold as a slave.Remember the wonderful works that the Lord has done [18] His feet were hurt with fetters,his neck was put in a collar of iron;[19] until what he had said came to passthe word of the LORD tested him.Remember the wonderful works that the Lord has done [20] The king sent and released him,the ruler of the peoples set him free;[21] he made him lord of his house,and ruler of all his possessions.Remember the wonderful works that the Lord has done==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew Mt 21: 33-43. 45-46==============================================[33] Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "Hear another parable. There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. [34] When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; [35] and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. [36] Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. [37] Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, `They will respect my son.' [38] But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, `This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' [39] And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. [40] When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" [41] They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons." [42] Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: `The very stone which the builders rejectedhas become the head of the corner;this was the Lord's doing,and it is marvelous in our eyes'?[43] Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it." [45] When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. [46] But when they tried to arrest him, they feared the multitudes, because they held him to be a prophet.The Gospel of the Lord

2016 Feb 25 Thu: Lenten Weekday ===================================================A reading from the book of the prophet JeremiahJer 17: 5-10===================================================[5] Thus says the LORD:"Cursed is the man who trusts in manand makes flesh his arm,whose heart turns away from the LORD.[6] He is like a shrub in the desert,and shall not see any good come.He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,in an uninhabited salt land.[7] "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,whose trust is the LORD.[8] He is like a tree planted by water,that sends out its roots by the stream,and does not fear when heat comes,for its leaves remain green,and is not anxious in the year of drought,for it does not cease to bear fruit."[9] The heart is deceitful above all things,and desperately corrupt;who can understand it?[10] "I the LORD search the mindand try the heart,to give to every man according to his ways,according to the fruit of his doings."The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 1Ps 1: 1-2. 3. 4 and 6==============================================Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust[1] Blessed is the manwho walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,nor sits in the seat of scoffers;[2] but his delight is in the law of the LORD,and on his law he meditates day and night.Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust [3] He is like a treeplanted by streams of water,that yields its fruit in its season,and its leaf does not wither.In all that he does, he prospers.Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust [4] The wicked are not so,but are like chaff which the wind drives away.[6] for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,but the way of the wicked will perish.Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to LukeLk 16: 19-31==============================================[19] "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. [20] And at his gate lay a poor man named Laz'arus, full of sores, [21] who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; [23] and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Laz'arus in his bosom. [24] And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laz'arus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' [25] But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Laz'arus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. [26] And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' [27] And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, [28] for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' [29] But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' [30] And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' [31] He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"The Gospel of the Lord

2016 Feb 24 Wed: Lenten Weekday===================================================A reading from the book of the prophet JeremiahJer 18: 18-20===================================================[18] The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem said, "Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah, for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not heed any of his words." [19] Give heed to me, O LORD,and hearken to my plea.[20] Is evil a recompense for good?Yet they have dug a pit for my life.Remember how I stood before theeto speak good for them,to turn away thy wrath from them.The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 31Ps 31: 5-6. 14. 15-16==============================================Save me in thy steadfast love[5] take me out of the net which is hidden for me,for thou art my refuge.[6] Into thy hand I commit my spirit;thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.Save me in thy steadfast love [14] Yea, I hear the whispering of many --terror on every side! --as they scheme together against me,as they plot to take my life. Save me in thy steadfast love [15] But I trust in thee, O LORD,I say, "Thou art my God."[16] My times are in thy hand;deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors!Save me in thy steadfast love==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew Mt 20: 17-28==============================================[17] As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, [18] "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, [19] and deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day." [20] Then the mother of the sons of Zeb'edee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. [21] And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." [22] But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." [23] He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." [24] And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. [25] But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. [26] It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; [28] even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."The Gospel of the Lord

2016 Feb 23 Tue: Lenten Weekday ===================================================A reading from the book of the prophet IsaiahIs 1: 10. 16-20===================================================[10] Hear the word of the LORD,you rulers of Sodom!Give ear to the teaching of our God,you people of Gomor'rah![16] Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;remove the evil of your doingsfrom before my eyes;cease to do evil,[17] learn to do good;seek justice,correct oppression;defend the fatherless,plead for the widow.[18] "Come now, let us reason together,says the LORD:though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow;though they are red like crimson,they shall become like wool.[19] If you are willing and obedient,you shall eat the good of the land;[20] But if you refuse and rebel,you shall be devoured by the sword;for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 50Ps 50: 8-9. 16bc-17. 21 and 23==============================================To him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God[8] I do not reprove you for your sacrifices;your burnt offerings are continually before me.[9] I will accept no bull from your house,nor he-goat from your folds.To him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God [16] "What right have you to recite my statutes,or take my covenant on your lips?[17] For you hate discipline,and you cast my words behind you.To him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God [21] These things you have done and I have been silent;you thought that I was one like yourself.But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you.[23] He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me;to him who orders his way arightI will show the salvation of God!"To him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew Mt 23: 1-12==============================================[1] Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, [2] "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; [3] so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. [4] They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. [5] They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, [6] and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, [7] and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men. [8] But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. [9] And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. [10] Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. [11] He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; [12] whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.The Gospel of the Lord

2016 Feb 22 Mon: Feast of the Chair of Peter, apostle ===================================================A reading from the first letter of St. Peter1 Pt 5: 1-4===================================================[1] So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. [2] Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, [3] not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory.The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 23Ps 23: 1-3a. 4. 5. 6==============================================The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want[1] The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want;[2] he makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters;[3] he restores my soul.The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want[4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I fear no evil;for thou art with me;thy rod and thy staff,they comfort me.The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want [5] Thou preparest a table before mein the presence of my enemies;thou anointest my head with oil,my cup overflows.The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meall the days of my life;and I shall dwell in the house of the LORDfor ever.The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew Mt 16: 13-19==============================================[13] When Jesus came into the district of Caesare'a Philip'pi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" [14] And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli'jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." [15] He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" [16] Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." [17] And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."The Gospel of the Lord

2016 Feb 21 SUN: SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT ==============================================A reading from the book of GenesisGn 15: 5-12. 17-18==============================================[5] And the LORD brought Abram outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your descendants be." [6] And he believed the LORD; and he reckoned it to him as righteousness. [7] And he said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chalde'ans, to give you this land to possess." [8] But he said, "O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?" [9] He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a she-goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." [10] And he brought him all these, cut them in two, and laid each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. [11] And when birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, Abram drove them away. [12] As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram; and lo, a dread and great darkness fell upon him. [17] When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. [18] 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 Euphra'tes.”The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 27Ps 27: 1. 7-8. 8-9. 13-14==============================================The LORD is my light and my salvation[1] The LORD is my light and my salvation;whom shall I fear?The LORD is the stronghold of my life;of whom shall I be afraid?The LORD is my light and my salvation [7] Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud,be gracious to me and answer me![8] Thou hast said, "Seek ye my face."My heart says to thee,"Thy face, LORD, do I seek."The LORD is my light and my salvation Thy face, LORD, do I seek.[9] Hide not thy face from me.Turn not thy servant away in anger,thou who hast been my help.Cast me not off, forsake me not,O God of my salvation!The LORD is my light and my salvation [13] I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORDin the land of the living![14] Wait for the LORD;be strong, and let your heart take courage;yea, wait for the LORD!The LORD is my light and my salvation===================================================A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the PhilippiansPhil 3: 17 -- 4: 1 or 3: 20 -- 4: 1===================================================[17] Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an example in us. [18] For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. [20] But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself.[1] Therefore, my brethren, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. The Word of the Lord==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke Lk 9: 28b-36==============================================[28] Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. [29] And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. [30] And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Eli'jah, [31] who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. [32] Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. [33] And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah" -- not knowing what he said. [34] As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. [35] And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" [36] And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Saturday January 30, 2016Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
A Reading from Second Samuel 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17
And the LORD sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, "There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor.
[2] The rich man had very many flocks and herds; [3] but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children; it used to eat of his morsel,
and drink from his cup, and lie in his bosom, and it was like a daughter to him. [4] Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him, but he took the poor man's lamb, and prepared it for the man who had come to him."
[5] Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; [6] and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." [7] Nathan said to David, "You are the man. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uri'ah the Hittite to be your wife.' [11] Thus says the LORD, `Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.
[12] For you did it secretly; but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.'" [13] David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. [14] Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child that is born to you shall die." [15] Then Nathan went to his house.
And the LORD struck the child that Uri'ah's wife bore to David, and it became sick. [16] David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in and lay all night upon the ground. [17] And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground; but he would not, nor did he eat food with them.
The Word of the Lord.
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From Psalm 51 PS 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17 R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.
A clean heart create for me, O God,and a steadfast spirit renew within me.Cast me not out from your presence,and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,and a willing spirit sustain in me.I will teach transgressors your ways,and sinners shall return to you.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.
Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God;then my tongue shall revel in your justice.O Lord, open my lips,and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.
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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark Mk 4:35-41
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side."
[36] And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. [37] And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
[38] But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care if we perish?"
[39] And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. [40] He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?" [41] And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?"
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Friday January 29, 2016Friday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time
A Reading from Second Samuel 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go forth to battle, David sent Jo'ab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.
[2] It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking upon the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful.
[3] And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is not this Bathshe'ba, the daughter of Eli'am, the wife of Uri'ah the Hittite?" [4] So David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her.
And the woman conceived; and she sent and told David, "I am with child." [6] So David sent word to Jo'ab, "Send me Uri'ah the Hittite." And Jo'ab sent Uri'ah to David.
[7] When Uri'ah came to him, David asked how Jo'ab was doing, and how the people fared, and how the war prospered. [8] Then David said to Uri'ah, "Go down to your house, and wash your feet."
And Uri'ah went out of the king's house, and there followed him a present from the king. [9] But Uri'ah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.
[10] When they told David, "Uri'ah did not go down to his house," David said to Uri'ah, "Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?"
And David invited him, and he ate in his presence and drank, so that he made him drunk; and in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house. [14] In the morning David wrote a letter to Jo'ab, and sent it by the hand of Uri'ah.
[15] In the letter he wrote, "Set Uri'ah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, that he may be struck down, and die." [16] And as Jo'ab was besieging the city, he assigned Uri'ah to the place where he knew there were valiant men.
[17] And the men of the city came out and fought with Jo'ab; and some of the servants of David among the people fell. Uri'ah the Hittite was slain also.
The Word of the Lord.
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From Psalm 51 PS 51:3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11 R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.Thoroughly wash me from my guiltand of my sin cleanse me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
For I acknowledge my offense,and my sin is before me always:“Against you only have I sinned,and done what is evil in your sight.”
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
I have done such evil in your sightthat you are just in your sentence,blameless when you condemn.True, I was born guilty,a sinner, even as my mother conceived me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;the bones you have crushed shall rejoice.Turn away your face from my sins,and blot out all my guilt.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark Mk 4:26-34
And Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground,
[27] and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how. [28] The earth produces of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. [29] But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." [30] And he said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it?
[31] It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; [32] 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." [33] With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it;
[34] he did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Thursday January 28, 2016Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church
A Reading from Second Samuel 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and said, "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that thou hast brought me thus far? [19] And yet this was a small thing in thy eyes, O Lord GOD; thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast shown me future generations, O Lord GOD!
And thou didst establish for thyself thy people Israel to be thy people for ever; and thou, O LORD, didst become their God. [25] And now, O LORD God, confirm for ever the word which thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house, and do as thou hast spoken; [26] and thy name will be magnified for ever, saying, `The LORD of hosts is God over Israel,' and the house of thy servant David will be established before thee.
[27] For thou, O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, hast made this revelation to thy servant, saying, `I will build you a house'; therefore thy servant has found courage to pray this prayer to thee. [28] And now, O Lord GOD, thou art God, and thy words are true, and thou hast promised this good thing to thy servant;
[29] now therefore may it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee; for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken, and with thy blessing shall the house of thy servant be blessed for ever."
The Word of the Lord.
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From Psalm 132 PS 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14
R. The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.
LORD, remember Davidand all his anxious care;How he swore an oath to the LORD,vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob.
R. The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.
“I will not enter the house where I live,nor lie on the couch where I sleep;I will give my eyes no sleep,my eyelids no rest,Till I find a home for the LORD,a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
R. The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.
The LORD swore an oath to Davida firm promise from which he will not withdraw:“Your own offspring I will set upon your throne.”
R. The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.
“If your sons keep my covenant,and the decrees which I shall teach them,Their sons, too, forevershall sit upon your throne.”
R. The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.
For the LORD has chosen Zion,he prefers her for his dwelling:“Zion is my resting place forever;in her I will dwell, for I prefer her.”
R. The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.
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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark Mk 4:21-25
And Jesus said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not on a stand?
[22] For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. [23] If any man has ears to hear, let him hear." [24] And he said to them, "Take heed what you hear;
the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. [25] For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away."
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Wednesday January 27, 2016Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
A Reading from Second Samuel 2 Sm 7:4-17
But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan,
[5] "Go and tell my servant David, `Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in? [6] I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. [7] In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel,
did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"' [8] 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, that you should be prince over my people Israel;
[9] 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. [10] And I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly,
[11] 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. [12] When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.
[13] He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. [14] I will be his father, and he shall be my son. When he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men;
[15] but I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. [16] And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.'" [17] In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
The Word of the Lord.
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From Psalm 89 PS 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“I have made a covenant with my chosen one;I have sworn to David my servant:I will make your dynasty stand foreverand establish your throne through all ages.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“He shall cry to me, ‘You are my father,my God, the Rock that brings me victory!’I myself make him firstborn,Most High over the kings of the earth.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“Forever I will maintain my love for him;my covenant with him stands firm.I will establish his dynasty forever,his throne as the days of the heavens.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
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A Reading from the Holy Gosepl according to Mark Mk 4:1-20
Again Jesus began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.
[2] And he taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: [3] "Listen! A sower went out to sow. [4] And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. [5] Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it had not much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil;
[6] and when the sun rose it was scorched, and since it had no root it withered away. [7] Other seed fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. [8] And other seeds fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold." [9] And he said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." [10] And when he was alone, those who were about him with the twelve asked him concerning the parables.
[11] And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables; [12] so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand; lest they should turn again, and be forgiven." [13] And he said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? [14] The sower sows the word.
[15] And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown; when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which is sown in them. [16] And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy;
[17] and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. [18] And others are the ones sown among thorns; they are those who hear the word, [19] but the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things,
enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. [20] But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Tuesday January 26, 2016Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops
A Reading from Second Timothy 2 Tm 1:1-8
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, [2] To Timothy, my beloved child:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
[3] I thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience, as did my fathers, when I remember you constantly in my prayers.
[4] As I remember your tears, I long night and day to see you, that I may be filled with joy. [5] I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lo'is and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you. [6] Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; [7] for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control. [8] Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God,
The Word of the Lord.
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From Psalm 96 PS 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Sing to the LORD a new song;sing to the LORD, all you lands.Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Announce his salvation, day after day.Tell his glory among the nations;among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Give to the LORD, you families of nations,give to the LORD glory and praise;give to the LORD the glory due his name!
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.He has made the world firm, not to be moved;he governs the peoples with equity.
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark Mk 3:31-35
The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house; and standing outside they sent to him and called him.
[32] And a crowd was sitting about him; and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, asking for you." [33] And he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"
[34] And looking around on those who sat about him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! [35] Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and mother."
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Monday January 25, 2016Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
A Reading From The Acts of the Apostles Acts 22:3-16
Paul addressed the people in these words:
"I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cili'cia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gama'li-el, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as you all are this day.
[4] I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, [5] as the high priest and the whole council of elders bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brethren, and I journeyed to Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. [6] "As I made my journey and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me.
[7] And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, `Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' [8] And I answered, `Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, `I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.' [9] Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. [10] And I said, `What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me,
`Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.' [11] And when I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. [12] "And one Anani'as, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,
[13] came to me, and standing by me said to me, `Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And in that very hour I received my sight and saw him. [14] And he said, `The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Just One and to hear a voice from his mouth; [15] for you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. [16] And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'
The Word of the Lord.
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From Psalm 117 PS 117:1bc, 2
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Praise the LORD, all you nations;glorify him, all you peoples!
R. Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.
For steadfast is his kindness toward us,and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.
R. Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.
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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark Mk 16:15-18
And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. [16] He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
[18] they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Sunday January 24, 2016Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
A Reading from the Prophet Nehemaih Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
And Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. [3] And 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. [4] And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden pulpit which they had made for the purpose
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people; and when he opened it all the people stood. [6] And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God; and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands; and they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
And they read from the book, from the law of God, clearly; and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. [9] And Nehemi'ah, 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.
The Word of the Lord.
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From Psalm 19 Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,refreshing the soul;The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,giving wisdom to the simple.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heart;The command of the LORD is clear,enlightening the eye.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring forever;The ordinances of the LORD are true,all of them just.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heartfind favor before you,O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
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A Reading First Corinthians 1 Cor 12:12-30
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.
[13] For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free -- and all were made to drink of one Spirit. [14] For the body does not consist of one member but of many.
[15] If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?
[18] But as it is, God arranged the organs in the body, each one of them, as he chose. [19] If all were a single organ, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. [21] The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
[22] On the contrary, the parts of the body which seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and those parts of the body which we think less honorable we invest with the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty,
[24] which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior part, [25] that there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. [26] If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. [27] Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
[28] And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? [30] Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
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A Reading From The Holy Gospel According To Luke Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21
[1] Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things which have been accomplished among us, [2] just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, [3] it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent The-oph'ilus, [4] that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed.
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country.
[15] And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. [16] And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read;
[17] and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, [18] "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,[19] to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."[20] And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. [21] And he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Thursday January 7th, 2016 - Thursday after Epiphany
1 John 4: 19 — 5:4A reading from the 1st Letter of John
19 We love, because he first loved us. 20 If any one says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also. 5:1 Every one who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God, and every one who loves the parent loves the child. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.The word of the Lord
Psalms 72: 2, 14 – 15, 17R: May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!
2 May he judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with justice! R: May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight. 15 Long may he live, may gold of Sheba be given to him! R: May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day! 17 May his name endure for ever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May men bless themselves by him, all nations call him blessed!R: May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! A reading from the Holy Gospel according to LukeLuke 4: 14 – 2214 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read; 17 and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” 20 And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”The Gospel of the Lord======================================================================================

Today is Tuesday January 5th, 2016 - Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop1 John 4: 7 – 10A reading from the 1st letter according to John7 Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins.The Word of the LordPsalms 72: 1 – 4, 7 – 8R: May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!1 Give the king thy justice, O God, and thy righteousness to the royal son! 2 May he judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with justice! R: May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness! 4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor! R: May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!7 In his days may righteousness flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 8 May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth!R: May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!Mark 6: 34 – 44A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Mark 34 As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a lonely place, and the hour is now late; 36 send them away, to go into the country and villages round about and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down by companies upon the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And 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 to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.The Gospel of the Lord========================================================================================

Today is Monday January 4th , 2016 - Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious
1 John 3: 22 — 4:6A reading from the 1st letter of John
22 and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us. 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. This is the spirit of antichrist, of which you heard that it was coming, and now it is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world, therefore what they say is of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are of God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and he who is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.The Word of the Lord
Psalms 2: 7 – 8, 10 – 12From Psalm 2
R: I will make the nations your heritage7 I will tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my son, today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. R: I will make the nations your heritage10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, with trembling 12 kiss his feet, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.R: I will make the nations your heritage
Matthew 4: 12 – 17, 23 – 25
A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew
12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Caper’na-um by the sea, in the territory of Zeb’ulun and Naph’tali, 14 that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 “The land of Zeb’ulun and the land of Naph’tali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles — 16 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.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 23 And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decap’olis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan.The Gospel of the Lord================================================================

2015 Dec 19 Sat: 3rd week of Advent ==============================================A reading from the book of JudgesJgs 13: 2-7. 24-25a==============================================[2] And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Mano'ah; and his wife was barren and had no children. [3] And the angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, "Behold, you are barren and have no children; but you shall conceive and bear a son. [4] Therefore beware, and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, [5] for lo, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from birth; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines." [6] Then the woman came and told her husband, "A man of God came to me, and his countenance was like the countenance of the angel of God, very terrible; I did not ask him whence he was, and he did not tell me his name; [7] but he said to me, `Behold, 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.'"[24] And the woman bore a son, and called his name Samson; and the boy grew, and the LORD blessed him. [25] And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him.The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 71Ps 71: 3-4a. 5-6ab. 16-17==============================================My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory![3] Be thou to me a rock of refuge,a strong fortress, to save me,for thou art my rock and my fortress.[4] Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked.My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory![5] For thou, O Lord, art my hope,my trust, O LORD, from my youth.[6] Upon thee I have leaned from my birth;thou art he who took me from my mother's womb.My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory![16] With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come,I will praise thy righteousness, thine alone.[17] O God, from my youth thou hast taught me,and I still proclaim thy wondrous deeds.My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to LukeLk 1: 5-25==============================================[5] In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechari'ah, of the division of Abi'jah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. [6] And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. [7] But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. [8] Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, [9] according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. [10] And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. [11] And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. [12] And Zechari'ah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. [13] But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechari'ah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. [14] And you will have joy and gladness,and many will rejoice at his birth;[15] for he will be great before the Lord,and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink,and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,even from his mother's womb.[16] And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God,[17] and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Eli'jah,to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,to make ready for the Lord a people prepared."[18] And Zechari'ah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." [19] And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. [20] And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." [21] And the people were waiting for Zechari'ah, and they wondered at his delay in the temple. [22] And when he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he made signs to them and remained dumb. [23] And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. [24] After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she hid herself, saying, [25] "Thus the Lord has done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men."The gospel of the Lord

2015 Dec 18 Fri: 3rd week of Advent ==============================================A reading from the book of the prophet JeremiahJer 23: 5-8==============================================[5] "Behold, the days are 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. [6] In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: `The LORD is our righteousness.' [7] "Therefore, behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when men shall no longer say, `As the LORD lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,' [8] but `As the LORD lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.' Then they shall dwell in their own land."The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 72Ps 72: 1-2. 12-13. 18-19==============================================Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.[1] Give the king thy justice, O God,and thy righteousness to the royal son![2] May he judge thy people with righteousness,and thy poor with justice!Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. [12] For he delivers the needy when he calls,the poor and him who has no helper.[13] He has pity on the weak and the needy,and saves the lives of the needy.Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. [18] Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,who alone does wondrous things.[19] Blessed be his glorious name for ever;may his glory fill the whole earth!Amen and Amen!Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to MatthewMt 1: 18-25==============================================[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; [19] and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. [20] But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; [21] she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." [22] All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: [23] "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son,and his name shall be called Emmanuel"(which means, God with us). [24] When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, [25] but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.The Gospel of the Lord

2015 Dec 17 Thu: 3rd week of Advent ==============================================A reading from the Book of GenesisGn 49: 2. 8-10==============================================[2] Assemble and hear, O sons of Jacob,and hearken to Israel your father.[8] Judah, your brothers shall praise you;your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;your father's sons shall bow down before you.[9] Judah is a lion's whelp;from the prey, my son, you have gone up.He stooped down, he couched as a lion,and as a lioness; who dares rouse him up?[10] The scepter shall not depart from Judah,nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,until he comes to whom it belongs;and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.The Word of the Lord ==============================================From Psalm 72Ps 72: 1-2. 3-4ab. 7-8. 17==============================================Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.[1] Give the king thy justice, O God,and thy righteousness to the royal son![2] May he judge thy people with righteousness,and thy poor with justice!Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. [3] Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,and the hills, in righteousness![4] May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,give deliverance to the needy.Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.[7] In his days may righteousness flourish,and peace abound, till the moon be no more![8] May he have dominion from sea to sea,and from the River to the ends of the earth!Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. [17] May his name endure for ever,his fame continue as long as the sun!May men bless themselves by him,all nations call him blessed!Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to MatthewMt 1: 1-17==============================================[1] The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. [2] Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, [3] and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, [4] and Ram the father of Ammin'adab, and Ammin'adab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, [5] and Salmon the father of Bo'az by Rahab, and Bo'az the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, [6] and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uri'ah, [7] and Solomon the father of Rehobo'am, and Rehobo'am the father of Abi'jah, and Abi'jah the father of Asa, [8] and Asa the father of Jehosh'aphat, and Jehosh'aphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzzi'ah, [9] and Uzzi'ah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezeki'ah, [10] and Hezeki'ah the father of Manas'seh, and Manas'seh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josi'ah, [11] and Josi'ah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. [12] And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoni'ah was the father of She-al'ti-el, and She-al'ti-el the father of Zerub'babel, [13] and Zerub'babel the father of Abi'ud, and Abi'ud the father of Eli'akim, and Eli'akim the father of Azor, [14] and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eli'ud, [15] and Eli'ud the father of Elea'zar, and Elea'zar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, [16] and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. [17] So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. The Gospel of the Lord

2015 Dec 16 Wed: 3rd week of Advent ==============================================A reading from the Book of the prophet IsaiahIs 45: 6c-8. 18. 21c-25==============================================I am the LORD, and there is no other.[7] I form light and create darkness,I make weal and create woe,I am the LORD, who do all these things.[8] "Shower, O heavens, from above,and let the skies rain down righteousness;let the earth open, that salvation may sprout forth,and let it cause righteousness to spring up also;I the LORD have created it.[18] For thus says the LORD,who created the heavens(he is God!),who formed the earth and made it(he established it;he did not create it a chaos,he formed it to be inhabited!):"I am the LORD, and there is no other.Who told this long ago?Who declared it of old?Was it not I, the LORD?And there is no other god besides me,a righteous God and a Savior;there is none besides me.[22] "Turn to me and be saved,all the ends of the earth!For I am God, and there is no other.[23] By myself I have sworn,from my mouth has gone forth in righteousnessa word that shall not return:`To me every knee shall bow,every tongue shall swear.'[24] "Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me,are righteousness and strength;to him shall come and be ashamed,all who were incensed against him.[25] In the LORD all the offspring of Israelshall triumph and glory."The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 85Ps 85: 9ab and 10. 11-12. 13-14==============================================Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.[9] Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,for he will speak peace to his people.[10] Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,that glory may dwell in our land.Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. [11] Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;righteousness and peace will kiss each other.[12] Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,and righteousness will look down from the sky.Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. [13] Yea, the LORD will give what is good,and our land will yield its increase.[14] Righteousness will go before him,and make his footsteps a way.Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to LukeLk 7: 18b-23==============================================[18] The disciples of John told him of all these things. [19] And John, calling to him two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord, saying, "Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?" [20] And when the men had come to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, `Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?'" [21] In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many that were blind he bestowed sight. [22] And he answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. [23] And blessed is he who takes no offense at me."The Gospel of the Lord

2015 Dec 15 Tue: 3rd week of Advent==============================================A reading from the book of the prophet ZephaniahZep 3: 1-2. 9-13==============================================Thus says the Lord:[1] Woe to her that is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city![2] She listens to no voice,she accepts no correction.She does not trust in the LORD,she does not draw near to her God.[9] "Yea, at that time I will change the speech of the peoplesto a pure speech,that all of them may call on the name of the LORDand serve him with one accord.[10] From beyond the rivers of Ethiopiamy suppliants, the daughter of my dispersed ones,shall bring my offering.[11] "On that day you shall not be put to shamebecause of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me;for then I will remove from your midstyour proudly exultant ones,and you shall no longer be haughtyin my holy mountain.[12] For I will leave in the midst of youa people humble and lowly.They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD,[13] those who are left in Israel;they shall do no wrongand utter no lies,nor shall there be found in their moutha deceitful tongue.For they shall pasture and lie down,and none shall make them afraid."The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 34Ps 34: 2-3. 6-7. 17-18. 19 and 23==============================================The Lord hears the cry of the poor.[2] I will bless the LORD at all times;his praise shall continually be in my mouth.[3] My soul makes its boast in the LORD;let the afflicted hear and be glad.The Lord hears the cry of the poor.[6] Look to him, and be radiant;so your faces shall never be ashamed.[7] This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him,and saved him out of all his troubles.The Lord hears the cry of the poor. [17] The face of the LORD is against evildoers,to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.[18] When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears,and delivers them out of all their troubles.The Lord hears the cry of the poor. [19] The LORD is near to the brokenhearted,and saves the crushed in spirit.[23] The LORD redeems the life of his servants;none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.The Lord hears the cry of the poor.==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to MatthewMt 21: 28-32==============================================Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people:[28] "What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, `Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' [29] And he answered, `I will not'; but afterward he repented and went. [30] And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, `I go, sir,' but did not go. [31] Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. [32] For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him.”The Gospel of the Lord

2015 Dec 14 Mon: Memorial of St. John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the church==============================================A reading from the book of NumbersNm 24: 2-7. 15-17a==============================================[2] And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and saw Israel encamping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him, [3] and he took up his discourse, and said, "The oracle of Balaam the son of Be'or,the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,[4] the oracle of him who hears the words of God,who sees the vision of the Almighty,falling down, but having his eyes uncovered:[5] how fair are your tents, O Jacob,your encampments, O Israel![6] Like valleys that stretch afar,like gardens beside a river,like aloes that the LORD has planted,like cedar trees beside the waters.[7] Water shall flow from his buckets,and his seed shall be in many waters,his king shall be higher than Agag,and his kingdom shall be exalted.[15] And he took up his discourse, and said, "The oracle of Balaam the son of Be'or,the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,[16] the oracle of him who hears the words of God,and knows the knowledge of the Most High,who sees the vision of the Almighty,falling down, but having his eyes uncovered:[17] I see him, but not now;I behold him, but not nigh:a star shall come forth out of Jacob,and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.The Word of the Lord==============================================From Psalm 25Ps 25: 4-5ab. 6 and 7bc. 8-9==============================================Teach me your ways, O Lord.[4] Make me to know thy ways, O LORD;teach me thy paths.[5] Lead me in thy truth, and teach me,for thou art the God of my salvation.Teach me your ways, O Lord.[6] Be mindful of thy mercy, O LORD, and of thy steadfast love,for they have been from of old.[7] according to thy steadfast love remember me,for thy goodness' sake, O LORD!Teach me your ways, O Lord. [8] Good and upright is the LORD;therefore he instructs sinners in the way.[9] He leads the humble in what is right,and teaches the humble his way.Teach me your ways, O Lord.==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to MatthewMt 21: 23-27==============================================[23] When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" [24] Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. [25] The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, `From heaven,' he will say to us, `Why then did you not believe him?' [26] But if we say, `From men,' we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet." [27] So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Saturday, January 2nd, Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops, and Doctors of the Church
==============================================A reading from the First Letter of Saint John [1 Jn 2: 22-28]==============================================
[22] Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. [23] No one who denies the Son has the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also. [24] 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. [25] And this is what he has promised us, eternal life. [26] I write this to you about those who would deceive you; [27] but the anointing which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that any one should teach you; as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him. [28] And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
The Word of the Lord
==============================From Psalm 98 [Ps 98: 1. 2-3ab. 3cd-4]==============================R. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God![1] O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God![2] The LORD has made known his victory, he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. [3] He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God!All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. [4] Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!R. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God!=====================================================A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint John [Jn 1: 19-28]=====================================================
[19] And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” [20] He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” [21] And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” And he answered, “No.” [22] They said to him then, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” [23] He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, `Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” [24] Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. [25] They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” [26] John answered them, “I baptize with water; but among you stands one whom you do not know, [27] even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” [28] This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Friday, January 1st, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
========================================A reading from the Book of Numbers [Nm 6: 22-27]========================================
[22] The LORD said to Moses, [23] “Say to Aaron and his sons, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, [24] The LORD bless you and keep you: [25] The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: [26] The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. [27] “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”
The Word of the Lord
==============================From Psalm 67 [Ps 67: 2-3. 5. 6. 8 (2a)]==============================R. May God be gracious to us and bless usMay God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving power among all nations.R. May God be gracious to us and bless usLet the nations be glad and sing for joy, for thou dost judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.R. May God be gracious to us and bless usLet the peoples praise thee, O God; let all the peoples praise thee! God has blessed us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!R. May God be gracious to us and bless us===================================================A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians [Gal 4: 4-7]===================================================
[4] But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. [6] And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” [7] So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.
The Word of the Lord
=====================================================A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke [Lk 2: 16-21]=====================================================
[16] And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. [17] And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; [18] and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. [20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. [21] And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Thursday, December 31st, Memorial of Saint Sylvester I, Pope
==============================================A Reading from the First Letter of Saint John [1 Jn 2: 18-21]==============================================
[18] Children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come; therefore we know that it is the last hour. [19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that it might be plain that they all are not of us. [20] But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all know. [21] I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and know that no lie is of the truth.
The Word of the Lord
==============================From Psalm 96 [Ps 96: 1-2. 11-12. 13]==============================R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;[1] O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! [2] Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;[11] Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; [12] let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy [13] before the LORD, R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
====================================================A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint John [Jn 1: 1-18]====================================================
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God; [3] all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. [4] In him was life, and the life was the light of men. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. [6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. [7] He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. [8] He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. [9] The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. [10] He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. [11] He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. [12] But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. [14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. [15] (John bore witness to him, and cried, “This was he of whom I said, `He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.’”) [16] And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. [17] For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. [18] No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.
The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Wednesday, December 30th, weekday in Christmas
=============================================A reading from the First Letter of Saint John [1 Jn 2: 12-17]=============================================
[12] I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his sake. [13] I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. [14] I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. [15] Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.
The Word of the Lord
=============================From Psalm 96 [Ps 96: 7-8a. 8b-9. 10]=============================R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;[7] Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! [8] Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;bring an offering, and come into his courts! [9] Worship the LORD in holy array; tremble before him, all the earth!R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;[10] Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yea, the world is established, it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;=====================================================A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke [Lk 2: 36-40]=====================================================
[36] And there was a prophetess, 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 from her virginity, [37] and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. [38] And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. [39] And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. [40] And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Tuesday, December 29th, Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr
========================================A reading from the First Letter of John [1 Jn 2: 3-11]========================================
[3] And by this we may be sure that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] He who says “I know him” but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; [5] but whoever keeps his word, in him truly love for God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: [6] he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. [7] Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. [8] Yet I am writing you a new commandment, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. [9] He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still. [10] He who loves his brother abides in the light, and in it there is no cause for stumbling. [11] But he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
The Word of the Lord
===============================From Psalm 96 [Ps 96: 1-2a. 2b-3. 5b-6]===============================R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;[1] O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! [2] Sing to the LORD, bless his name; R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;tell of his salvation from day to day. [3] Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;[5b] the LORD made the heavens. [6] Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.R. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;======================================================A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke [Lk 2: 22-35]======================================================
[22] And 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 [23] (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) [24] and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” [25] Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. [26] And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. [27] And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, [28] he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, [29] “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; [30] for mine eyes have seen thy salvation [31] which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, [32] a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.” [33] And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; [34] and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against [35] (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.”
The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Monday, December 28th, Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs
===============================================A reading from the First Letter of Saint John [1 Jn 1: 5 – 2: 2]===============================================
[5] This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; [7] but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. [8] If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. [2:1] My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; [2] and he is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
The Word of the Lord
===============================From Psalm 124 [Ps 124: 2-3. 4-5. 7b-8]===============================R. We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;[1] If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say — [2] if it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, [3] then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; R. We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;[4] then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; [5] then over us would have gone the raging waters. R. We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;[7] the snare is broken, and we have escaped! [8] Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.R. We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;========================================================A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew [Mt 2: 13-18]========================================================
[13] Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” [14] And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, [15] and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” [16] Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. [17] Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: [18] “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.”
The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Sunday, December 27th, Feast of the Holy Family
=================================================A reading from the First Book of Samuel [1 Sm 1: 20-22. 24-28]=================================================
[20] and in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked him of the LORD." [21] And the man Elka'nah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and to pay his vow. [22] But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, that he may appear in the presence of the LORD, and abide there for ever." [24] And when she 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; and she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh; and the child was young. [25] Then they slew the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. [26] 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. [27] For this child I prayed; and the LORD has granted me my petition which I made to him. [28] Therefore I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.” And they worshiped the LORD there.
The Word of the Lord
=============================From Psalm 84 [Ps 84: 2-3. 5-6. 9-10]=============================
R. Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, O Lord.[2] How lovely is thy dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! [3] My soul longs, yea, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.R. Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, O Lord.[5] Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, ever singing thy praise! [6] Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.R. Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, O Lord.[9] O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;give ear, O God of Jacob! [10] Behold our shield, O God; look upon the face of thine anointed!R. Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, O Lord.
=================================================A reading from the First Letter of Saint John [1 Jn 3: 1-2. 21-24]=================================================
[1] See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. [2] Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. [21] Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God; [22] and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. [23] And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. [24] All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.
The Word of the Lord
=====================================================A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke [Lk 2: 41-52]=====================================================
[41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. [42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; [43] and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, [44] but supposing him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; [45] and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. [46] After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; [47] and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. [48] And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” [49] 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?” [50] And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. [51] And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. [52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.
The Gospel of the Lord

2015 Dec 13 SUN: 3rd Sunday of Advent==============================================A reading from the book of the prophet ZephaniahZep 3: 14-18a==============================================[14] Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;shout, O Israel!Rejoice and exult with all your heart,O daughter of Jerusalem![15] The LORD has taken away the judgments against you,he has cast out your enemies.The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;you shall fear evil no more.[16] On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:"Do not fear, O Zion;let not your hands grow weak.[17] 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[18] as on a day of festival.The Word of the Lord==============================================From IsaiahIs 12: 2-3. 4. 5-6 (6)==============================================Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.[2] "Behold, God is my salvation;I will trust, and will not be afraid;for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,and he has become my salvation."[3] With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.[4] And you will say in that day: "Give thanks to the LORD,call upon his name;make known his deeds among the nations,proclaim that his name is exalted.Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.[5] "Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously;let this be known in all the earth.[6] Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.===================================================A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the PhilippiansPhil 4: 4-7===================================================Brothers and sisters:[4] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. [5] Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. [6] Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.The Word of the Lord==============================================A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke Lk 3: 10-18==============================================[10] The multitudes asked John the Baptist, "What then shall we do?" [11] And he answered them, "He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." [12] Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" [13] And he said to them, "Collect no more than is appointed you." [14] Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages." [15] As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ, [16] John answered them all, "I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. [17] His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." [18] So, with many other exhortations, he preached good news to the people. The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Saturday November 20, 2015Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A Reading from First Macabees 1 Mc 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, the 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 became known to the men of the city and they withstood him in battle. So he fled and in great grief departed from there to return to Babylon. Then some one came to him in Persia and reported that the armies which had gone into the land of Judah had been routed;
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 which they had taken from the armies they had cut down; that they had torn down the abomination which he had erected upon the altar in Jerusalem; and that they had surrounded the sanctuary with high walls as before, and also Beth-zur, his city. When the king heard this news, he was astounded and badly shaken. He took to his bed and became sick from grief, because things had not turned out for him as he had planned.
He lay there for many days, because deep grief continually gripped him, and he concluded that he was dying. So he called all his friends and said to them, "Sleep departs 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 evils I did in Jerusalem. I seized all her 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 evils have come upon me; and behold, I am perishing of deep grief in a strange land."
The Word of the Lord.
============================
From Psalm 9 PS 9:2-3, 4 and 6, 16 and 19
R. I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart;I will declare all your wondrous deeds.I will be glad and exult in you;I will sing praise to your name, Most High.
R. I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord.
Because my enemies are turned back,overthrown and destroyed before you.You rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;their name you blotted out forever and ever.
R. I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord.
The nations are sunk in the pit they have made;in the snare they set, their foot is caught.For the needy shall not always be forgotten,nor shall the hope of the afflicted forever perish.
R. I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord.
=======================
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke Lk 20:27-40
There came to him some Sadducees, those who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the wife and raise up children for his brother.
Now there were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and died without children; and the second and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. Afterward the woman also died. On the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife." And Jesus said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage;
but those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die any more, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living; for all live to him." And some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." For they no longer dared to ask him any question.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Friday November 20, 2015Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
A Reading from First Macabees 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59
Then said Judas and his brothers, "Behold, our enemies are crushed; let us go up to cleanse the sanctuary and dedicate it." So all the army assembled and they 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 and forty-eighth year,
they rose and offered sacrifice, as the law directs, on the new altar of burnt offering which 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 offered burnt offerings with gladness; they offered a sacrifice of deliverance and praise.
They decorated the front of the temple with golden crowns and small shields; they restored the gates and the chambers for the priests, and furnished them with doors. There was very great gladness among the people, and the reproach of 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 gladness and joy for eight days, beginning with the twenty-fifth day of the month of Chislev.
The Word of the Lord.
======================
The Responsorial is from First Chronicles 1 Chronicles 29:10bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd
R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.“Blessed may you be, O LORD,God of Israel our father,from eternity to eternity.”
R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
“Yours, O LORD, are grandeur and power,majesty, splendor, and glory.For all in heaven and on earth is yours.”
R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
“Yours, O LORD, is the sovereignty;you are exalted as head over all.Riches and honor are from you.”
R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
“You have dominion over all,In your hand are power and might;it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all.”
R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
=====================
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke Lk 19:45-48
And Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold,
[46] saying to them, "It is written, `My house shall be a house of prayer'; but you have made it a den of robbers."
And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people hung upon his words.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Thursday Nobember 19, 2015Thursday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
A Reading from First Macabees 1 Mc 2:15-29
Then the king's officers who were enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Modein 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, honored and great in this city, and supported by sons and brothers.
Now be the first to come and do what the king commands, as all the Gentiles and the men 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 honored 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 do his commandments, departing each one from the religion of his fathers,
yet I and my sons and my brothers will live by the covenant of our fathers. 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 upon the altar in Modein, according to the king's command.
When Mattathias saw it, be burned with zeal and his heart was stirred. He gave vent to righteous anger; He ran and killed him upon 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, as Phinehas did against Zimri the son of Salu. Then Mattathias cried out in the city with a loud voice, saying: "Let every one who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out with me!"
And he and his sons fled to the hills and left all that they had in the city. Then many who were seeking righteousness and justice went down to the wilderness to dwell there,
The Word of the Lord.
======================
From Psalm 50 PS 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
God the LORD has spoken and summoned the earth,from the rising of the sun to its setting.From Zion, perfect in beauty,God shines forth.
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Gather my faithful ones before me,those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”And the heavens proclaim his justice;for God himself is the judge.
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Offer to God praise as your sacrificeand fulfill your vows to the Most High;Then call upon me in time of distress;I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
======================
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke Lk 19:41-44
And when he drew near and saw the city he wept over it, saying, "Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace!
But now they are hid from your eyes. For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank about you and surround you, and hem you in on every side,
and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation."
The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Wednesday November 18, 2015Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
A Reading from Second Macabees 2 Mc 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 cords, to partake of unlawful swine's flesh.
The mother was especially admirable and worthy of honorable memory. Though 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 fathers. Filled with a noble spirit, she fired 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 man 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 fathers, and that he would take him for his friend and entrust him with public affairs.
Since the 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 tongue 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 beseech 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. Thus also mankind comes 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 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 fathers through Moses.
But you, who have contrived all sorts of evil against the Hebrews, will certainly not escape the hands of God.
The Word of the Lord.
==================
From Psalm 17 PS 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b and 15
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
Hear, O LORD, a just suit;attend to my outcry;hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
My steps have been steadfast in your paths,my feet have not faltered.I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;incline your ear to me; hear my word.
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;hide me in the shadow of your wings.But I in justice shall behold your face;on waking, I shall be content in your presence.
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
=================
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke Lk 19:11-28
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, `Trade with these till I come.' But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, `We do not want this man to reign over us.'
When he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading. The first came before him, saying, `Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.' And he said to him, `Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' And the second came, saying, `Lord, your pound has made five pounds.'
And he said to him, `And you are to be over five cities.' Then another came, saying, `Lord, here is your pound, which I kept laid away in a napkin; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.' He said to him, `I will condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant!
You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank, and at my coming I should have collected it with interest?' And he said to those who stood by, `Take the pound from him, and give it to him who has the ten pounds.' (And they said to him, `Lord, he has ten pounds!') I tell you, that to every one who has will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.'" And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Tuesday November 17, 2015Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
A Reading from Second Macabees 2 Mc 6:18-31
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 the rack of his own accord, spitting out the flesh, as men 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 pretend that he was eating the flesh of the sacrificial meal which 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 gray hairs which 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.
"Such pretense is not worthy of our time of life," he said, "lest many of the young should suppose that Eleazar in his ninetieth year has gone over to an alien religion,
and through my pretense, for the sake of living a brief moment longer, they should be led astray because of me, while I defile and disgrace my old age. For even if for the present I should avoid the punishment of men, yet whether I live or die I shall not escape the hands of the Almighty.
Therefore, by manfully 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.
And those who a little before had acted toward him with good will 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.
The Word of the Lord.
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From Psalm 3 PS 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. The Lord upholds me.
O LORD, how many are my adversaries!Many rise up against me!Many are saying of me,“There is no salvation for him in God.”
R. The Lord upholds me.
But you, O LORD, are my shield;my glory, you lift up my head!When I call out to the LORD,he answers me from his holy mountain.
R. The Lord upholds me.
When I lie down in sleep,I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.I fear not the myriads of peoplearrayed against me on every side.
R. The Lord upholds me.
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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke Lk 19:1-10
He entered Jericho and was passing through.
And there was a man named Zacchae'us; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way.
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchae'us, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchae'us stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold."
And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."
THe Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Monday November 16, 2015Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
A Reading from First Macabees 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
From them came forth a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king; he had been a hostage in Rome. He began to reign in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
In those days lawless men came forth from Israel, and misled many, saying, "Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles round about us, for since we separated from them many evils have come upon us."
This proposal pleased them, and some of the people eagerly went to the king. He 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 each should give up his 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 and forty-fifth year, they erected a desolating sacrilege upon the altar of burnt offering. They also built altars in the surrounding cities of Judah,
and burned incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets. The books of the law which they found they tore to pieces and burned with fire. Where the book of the covenant was found in the possession of any one, or if any one adhered to the law, the decree of the king condemned him to death.
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. And very great wrath came upon Israel.
The Word of the Lord.===========================
From Psalm 119 PS 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Indignation seizes me because of the wickedwho forsake your law.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Though the snares of the wicked are twined about me,your law I have not forgotten.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,that I may keep your precepts.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
I am attacked by malicious persecutorswho are far from your law.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Far from sinners is salvation,because they seek not your statutes.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
I beheld the apostates with loathing,because they kept not to your promise.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke Lk 18:35-43
As jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him 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 receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Sunday November 15, 2015Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
A Reading from Daniel Dn 12:1-3
"At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time; but at that time your people shall be delivered, every one whose name shall be found written in the book.
[2] And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. [3] And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
The Word of the Lord.
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From Psalm 16 Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
R. (1) You are my inheritance, O Lord!
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,you it is who hold fast my lot.I set the LORD ever before me;with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord!
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,my body, too, abides in confidence;because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord!
You will show me the path to life,fullness of joys in your presence,the delights at your right hand forever.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord!
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A Reading from Hebrews HB 10:11-14, 18
And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, then to wait until his enemies should be made a stool for his feet.
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
The Word of the Lord.
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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark Mk 13:24-32
"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.
So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Today is Saturday October 31st, 2015 - Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
A reading from the letter of Paul to the RomansRomans 11: 1 – 2, 11 – 12, 25 – 291 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. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Eli’jah, how he pleads with God against Israel? 11 So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! 25 Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brethren: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles come in, 26 and so all Israel will be saved; as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27 “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.The word of the Lord
From Psalm 94Psalms 94: 12 – 13, 14 – 15, 17 – 18R: The LORD will not forsake his people 12 Blessed is the man whom thou dost chasten, O LORD, and whom thou dost teach out of thy law 13 to give him respite from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. R: The LORD will not forsake his people 14 For the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; 15 for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. R: The LORD will not forsake his people 17 If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in the land of silence. 18 When I thought, “My foot slips,” thy steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.R: The LORD will not forsake his people
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest placeso that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”The Gospel of the Lord=========================================================================================================================================

Today is Friday October 30, 2015 - Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
A reading from the letter of Paul to the RomansRomans 9: 1 – 51 I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen by race. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; 5 to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ. God who is over all be blessed for ever. Amen.The word of the LordFrom Psalm 147Psalms 147: 12 – 15, 19 – 20R: Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! 12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! 13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your sons within you. Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! 14 He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat. 15 He sends forth his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! 19 He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel. 20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the LORD!Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to LukeLuke 14: 1 – 61 One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. 2 And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or not?” 4 But they were silent. Then he took him and healed him, and let him go. 5 And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well, will not immediately pull him out on a sabbath day?” 6 And they could not reply to this.The Gospel of the Lord
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Today is Thursday October 29th, 2015 - Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
A Reading from the letter of Paul to the RomansRomans 8: 31 – 3931 What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; 34 who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us? 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For thy sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.The word of the Lord
From Psalm 109Psalms 109: 21 – 22, 26 – 27, 30 – 31R: Save me according to thy steadfast love! 21 But thou, O GOD my Lord, deal on my behalf for thy name’s sake; because thy steadfast love is good, deliver me! 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is stricken within me.Save me according to thy steadfast love! 26 Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to thy steadfast love! 27 Let them know that this is thy hand; thou, O LORD, hast done it!Save me according to thy steadfast love! 30 With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. 31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who condemn him to death.A reading from the Holy Gospel according to LukeLuke 13: 31 – 3531 At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, `Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. 33 Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! 35 Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”The Gospel of the Lord======================================================================================================================================

Today is Wednesday October 28th, 2015 - Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
A reading from the letter of Paul to the EphesiansEphesians 2: 19 – 2219 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.The word of the Lord
From Psalm 19Psalms 19: 2 – 5R: Their voice goes out through all the earth.2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;R: Their voice goes out through all the earth. 4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.R: Their voice goes out through all the earth.
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to LukeLuke 6: 12 – 1612 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles; 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.The Gospel of the Lord===========================================================================================================================================

Today is Tuesday, October 27th 2015, Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary TimeA reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans
Romans 8: 18 – 2518 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.The Word of the Lord
From Psalm 126Psalms 126: 1 – 6R: The Lord has done great things for us1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; R: The Lord has done great things for usThen they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. R: The Lord has done great things for us4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb! 5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! R: The Lord has done great things for us6 He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to LukeLuke 13: 18 – 2118 He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” 20 And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”The Gospel of the Lord===========================================================================================================================================