iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

Here is some scripture I wanted to share with you.

Deuteronomy 6:5

Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Reflection for August 26, 2015: OUR ONLY WORTHINESS

"Make your lives worthy of the God Who calls you to His kingship and glory." –1 Thessalonians 2:12
"Lead a life worthy of the Lord and pleasing to Him in every way" (Col 1:10). "Conduct yourselves, then, in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Phil 1:27). "Live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Eph 4:1). The Lord commands us to lead lives worthy of Him, the Gospel, and our calling. Will the Lord be able to declare the end of this day and the end of our lives "worthy"?

Before receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, we admit: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You." We are not worthy to receive God or worthy of God. How can we be worthy? In heaven, they sing: "Worthy are You to receive the scroll and break open its seals, for You were slain" (Rv 5:9). They all cry out: "Worthy is the Lamb That was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and praise!" (Rv 5:12) Jesus alone is worthy, and we have been baptized into Him (Rm 6:3). In Jesus, we are worthy. In Jesus, our lives are worthy of God, the Gospel, our calling, and eternal life. So we sing forever: "Worthy is the Lamb!"

PRAYER:  Jesus, my only Worthiness, I praise You forever!
PROMISE:  "That is why we thank God constantly that in receiving His message from us you took it, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God at work within you who believe." –1 Thes 2:13
PRAISE:  Stephen adjusts his work schedule so that daily Mass and weekly eucharistic adoration are not neglected.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Wednesday of Week 21; St. Elizabeth Bichier


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FIRST READING
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers. As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into his Kingdom and glory.

And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 139:7-8, 9-10, 11-12ab

R. (1) You have searched me and you know me, Lord.

Where can I go from your spirit? From your presence where can I flee? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I sink to the nether world, you are present there.

R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.

If I take the wings of the dawn, if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea, Even there your hand shall guide me, and your right hand hold me fast.

R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.

If I say, "Surely the darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" - For you darkness itself is not dark, and night shines as the day.

R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.


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ALLELUIA
1 John 2:5

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever keeps the word of Christ, the love of God is truly perfected in him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Matthew 23:27-32

Jesus said,
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets' blood.' Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out!"

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

Here is some scripture I wanted to share with you.

1 Corinthians 12:12

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ.

Reflection on the Day's Mass

One Bread, One Body - Reflection for August 7, 2015
THE PRIVILEGE OF TOTAL GIVING
"If a man wishes to come after Me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in My footsteps." –Matthew 16:24
Jesus "makes no bones" about it. If we are to be Christians, we must deny our very selves (Mt 16:24). This is not an option but a necessity. In fact, we must deny ourselves to the point of taking up a daily cross (Lk 9:23). We must simply lose our lives (Mt 16:25) by being crucified with Christ (Gal 2:19). The lives we live become no longer our own, but lives "of faith in the Son of God, Who loved" us and gave His life for us (Gal 2:20).

If anyone other than Jesus announced that we must lose our lives, we would be understandably distressed. However, when Jesus tells us to deny our selves and lose our lives, we should feel honored, privileged, and thankful. "Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of?" (Dt 4:32) We're not doing the Lord a favor by answering His call; He is doing us a favor by calling us. One day in the Lord's courts is better than a thousand elsewhere (Ps 84:11). The Lord didn't have to create, include, or talk to us. He is giving us mercy and blessings when He gives us the opportunity to work, live, and die for Him. Give your entire life to Jesus and thank Him for such a privilege.

PRAYER:  Father, thank You for the privilege of suffering for love of You.
PROMISE:  "Out of the heavens He let you hear His voice to discipline you." –Dt 4:36
PRAISE:  St. Cajetan built God's Kingdom among the sick and poor by ministering God's love.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Friday of Week 18; St. Cajetan


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FIRST READING
Deuteronomy 4:32-40

Moses said to the people:
"Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of? Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live? Or did any god venture to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, with his strong hand and outstretched arm, and by great terrors, all of which the LORD, your God, did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? All this you were allowed to see that you might know the LORD is God and there is no other. Out of the heavens he let you hear his voice to discipline you; on earth he let you see his great fire, and you heard him speaking out of the fire. For love of your fathers he chose their descendants and personally led you out of Egypt by his great power, driving out of your way nations greater and mightier than you, so as to bring you in and to make their land your heritage, as it is today. This is why you must now know, and fix in your heart, that the LORD is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other. You must keep his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you today, that you and your children after you may prosper, and that you may have long life on the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you forever."


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 77:12-13, 14-15, 16 and 21

R. (12a) I remember the deeds of the Lord.

I remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I remember your wonders of old. And I meditate on your works; your exploits I ponder.

R. I remember the deeds of the Lord.

O God, your way is holy; what great god is there like our God? You are the God who works wonders; among the peoples you have made known your power.

R. I remember the deeds of the Lord.

With your strong arm you redeemed your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. You led your people like a flock under the care of Moses and Aaron.

R. I remember the deeds of the Lord.


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ALLELUIA
Matthew 5:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Matthew 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples,
"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom."

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

Here is some scripture I wanted to share with you.

1 Timothy 4:1-2

Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions through the hypocrisy of liars with branded consciences.

Reflection on Readings of The Mass

One Bread, One Body - Reflection for August 3, 2015
WHAT'S YOUR PRICE?
"If this is the way You will deal with me, then please do me the favor of killing me at once, so that I need no longer face this distress." –Numbers 11:15
The Israelites were willing to give up their freedom because they felt that the Egyptian food was tastier than God's miraculous manna (Nm 11:4ff).

Moses was willing to give up living rather than carry the burden of a complaining people (Nm 11:15).

Esau gave up his birthright rather than be hungry a few minutes longer (Gn 25:30ff).

Demas gave up loving and serving the Lord in favor of living in the world (2 Tm 4:10).

Some people lose their souls forever to gain the whole world (Lk 9:25), or even a little part of it.

What's your price? What will it take for you to give up your freedom, life, birthright, love, or salvation? Will you give up Jesus for money, sexual pleasure, popularity, comfort, power, or relief from pain? Will you take a bribe?

Alternatively, is God's Word more precious to you "than thousands of gold and silver pieces"? (Ps 119:72) Is God's kingdom the precious pearl you would never part with for any price? (Mt 13:44-46) Would you prefer to die for Jesus rather then live without Him?

Hold on to Jesus forever – no matter what (see Ps 91:14).

PRAYER:  Father, I give everything to You. Multiply the fruitfulness of my life.
PROMISE:  "If only My people would hear Me, and Israel walk in My ways, quickly would I humble their enemies; against their foes I would turn My hand." –Ps 81:14-15
PRAISE:  Gloria puts her faith into practice by relying on her Lord to provide her needs, not on her savings account.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Monday of Week 18; St. Philip Benizi


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FIRST READING
Numbers 11:4b-15

The children of Israel lamented, "Would that we had meat for food! We remember the fish we used to eat without cost in Egypt, and the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now we are famished; we see nothing before us but this manna."

Manna was like coriander seed and had the color of resin. When they had gone about and gathered it up, the people would grind it between millstones or pound it in a mortar, then cook it in a pot and make it into loaves, which tasted like cakes made with oil. At night, when the dew fell upon the camp, the manna also fell.

When Moses heard the people, family after family, crying at the entrance of their tents, so that the LORD became very angry, he was grieved. "Why do you treat your servant so badly?" Moses asked the LORD. "Why are you so displeased with me that you burden me with all this people? Was it I who conceived all this people? Or was it I who gave them birth, that you tell me to carry them at my bosom, like a foster father carrying an infant, to the land you have promised under oath to their fathers? Where can I get meat to give to all this people? For they are crying to me, 'Give us meat for our food.' I cannot carry all this people by myself, for they are too heavy for me. If this is the way you will deal with me, then please do me the favor of killing me at once, so that I need no longer face this distress."


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 81:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R. (2a) Sing with joy to God our help.

"My people heard not my voice, and Israel obeyed me not; So I gave them up to the hardness of their hearts; they walked according to their own counsels."

R. Sing with joy to God our help.

"If only my people would hear me, and Israel walk in my ways, Quickly would I humble their enemies; against their foes I would turn my hand."

R. Sing with joy to God our help.

"Those who hated the LORD would seek to flatter me, but their fate would endure forever, While Israel I would feed with the best of wheat, and with honey from the rock I would fill them."

R. Sing with joy to God our help.


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ALLELUIA
Matthew 4:4

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.

or:

Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." He said to them, "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have here." Then he said, "Bring them here to me," and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over - twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Saturday of Week 15; St. Camillus de Lellis


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FIRST READING
Exodus 12:37-42

The children of Israel set out from Rameses for Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, not counting the little ones. A crowd of mixed ancestry also went up with them, besides their livestock, very numerous flocks and herds. Since the dough they had brought out of Egypt was not leavened, they baked it into unleavened loaves. They had rushed out of Egypt and had no opportunity even to prepare food for the journey.

The time the children of Israel had stayed in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. At the end of four hundred and thirty years, all the hosts of the LORD left the land of Egypt on this very date. This was a night of vigil for the LORD, as he led them out of the land of Egypt; so on this same night all the children of Israel must keep a vigil for the LORD throughout their generations.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 136:1 and 23-24, 10-12, 13-15

R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever; Who remembered us in our abjection, for his mercy endures forever; And freed us from our foes, for his mercy endures forever.

R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Who smote the Egyptians in their first-born, for his mercy endures forever; And brought out Israel from their midst, for his mercy endures forever; With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, for his mercy endures forever.

R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Who split the Red Sea in twain, for his mercy endures forever; And led Israel through its midst, for his mercy endures forever; But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, for his mercy

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.

Reflection on Readings of The Mass

Reflection for July 15, 2015
DEPENDING ON REVELATION
"Father, Lord of heaven and earth, to You I offer praise; for what You have hidden from the learned and the clever You have revealed to the merest children." –Matthew 11:25
The Father reveals what has been hidden. The Son reveals the Father (Mt 11:27). God's revelation is so precious. Contrary to the old saying, what we don't know does hurt us. However, what we do know can do more than help us; it can transform us.

For example, Moses was a victim of Egyptian oppression. He never knew his parents. He had a speech defect. He was a murderer and a refugee (see Ex 2:11ff). However, when he received God's revelation at the burning bush, he became a new man. His job, residence, and even his face (Ex 34:29) changed. He changed from a frightened refugee into a mighty liberator. God's revelation to Moses resulted in the liberation of the whole Israelite nation. Revelation leads to transformation and liberation.

We receive divine revelation not by being learned and clever, but by being more dependent on the Lord than babies are on their parents (Mt 11:25). For instance, we can receive God's revelation by going to Mass and receiving Holy Communion in an attitude of adoration and submission. We can receive revelation by praying, fasting, and knowing that without Jesus we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). We can also receive revelation by reading and living the Church's teachings and the Bible without leaning on our own understanding (see Prv 3:5). We receive God's revelation when we depend on Him. New life is in revelation.

PRAYER:  Father, tell me "things great beyond reach of [my] knowledge" (Jer 33:3).
PROMISE:  "Father, it is true. You have graciously willed it so. Everything has been given over to Me by My Father." –Mt 11:26-27
PRAISE:  St. Bonaventure's humility was so great that he chose to finish washing the dishes before he would listen to the news of his being appointed cardinal.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Wednesday of Week 15; St. Bonaventure


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FIRST READING
Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12

Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. Leading the flock across the desert, he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There an angel of the LORD appeared to him in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. So Moses decided, "I must go over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is not burned."

When the LORD saw him coming over to look at it more closely, God called out to him from the bush, "Moses! Moses!" He answered, "Here I am." God said, "Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. I am the God of your father," he continued, "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob. The cry of the children of Israel has reached me, and I have truly noted that the Egyptians are oppressing them. Come, now! I will send you to Pharaoh to lead my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt."

But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?" He answered, "I will be with you; and this shall be your proof that it is I who have sent you: when you bring my people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this very mountain."


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 103:1b-2, 3-4, 6-7

R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

The LORD secures justice and the rights of all the oppressed. He has made known his ways to Moses, and his deeds to the children of Israel.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.


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ALLELUIA
Matthew 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Matthew 11:25-27

At that time Jesus exclaimed:
"I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

1 John 4:20

If anyone says, "I love God," but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

TO KNOW JESUS NO MATTER WHAT - Reflection for June 18, 2015

"When someone comes preaching another Jesus than the One we preached, or when you receive a different spirit than the One you have received, or a gospel other than the gospel you accepted, you seem to endure it quite well." –2 Corinthians 11:4
To live the Christian life, we must know Jesus deeply and intimately. However, it is not easy to know Jesus. For example, Paul accused the Corinthian church of believing in "another Jesus" (2 Cor 11:4) – a false Jesus. Jesus warned: "Many will come attempting to impersonate Me. 'I am the Messiah!' they will claim, and they will deceive many" (Mt 24:5). In fact, at the end of the world, many baptized Christians will not believe in the true Jesus but in a false one. This will be "the mass apostasy" (2 Thes 2:3).

Despite formidable opposition to knowing Jesus, God the Father constantly and powerfully reveals His Son, Jesus (see Jn 12:28). Moreover, the Holy Spirit bears witness to Jesus (Jn 15:26) and proclaims "Jesus is Lord" (1 Cor 12:3). Therefore, if we let God have His way, we will know Jesus and have eternal life (Jn 17:3).

PRAYER:  Father, as St. Jerome has taught, may I not be ignorant of the Scriptures and ignorant of Christ (see Catechism, 133).
PROMISE:  "If you forgive the faults of others, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours. If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you." –Mt 6:14-15
PRAISE:  Senators Smith and Foster work tirelessly for justice for the unborn, as a service to God, the Lord of life.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Thursday of Week 11; St. Gregory Barbarigo


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FIRST READING
2 Corinthians 11:1-11

Brothers and sisters:
If only you would put up with a little foolishness from me! Please put up with me. For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God, since I betrothed you to one husband to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts may be corrupted from a sincere and pure commitment to Christ. For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough. For I think that I am not in any way inferior to these "superapostles." Even if I am untrained in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

Did I make a mistake when I humbled myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the Gospel of God to you without charge? I plundered other churches by accepting from them in order to minister to you. And when I was with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. By the truth of Christ in me, this boast of mine shall not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 111:1b-2, 3-4, 7-8

R. Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights.

R. Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Majesty and glory are his work, and his justice endures forever. He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.

R. Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

The works of his hands are faithful and just; sure are all his precepts, Reliable forever and ever, wrought in truth and equity.

R. Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
or:
R. Alleluia.


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ALLELUIA
Romans 8:15bc

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
"In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"This is how you are to pray:

'Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.' "If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures

Reflection of 17th June: ZONING CHANGES

"He dawns through the darkness, a light for the upright." –Psalm 112:4
In many aspects of our lives, we have various zones. For example, we all have comfort zones in work, relationships, prayer, study, service, etc. In our comfort zones, we are relaxing and probably enjoying ourselves.

If we, because of love or some other reason, cross the boundary of our comfort zone, we enter into a discomfort zone. In this zone, we are struggling and suffering. In this zone, we find both the danger of burnout and the opportunity for significant growth in holiness as our faculties are challenged and exercised vigorously.

If we proceed further in love and cross the boundary of the discomfort zone, we enter a new, mysterious zone which is difficult to name. It is a zone of mystery and of the paradox of indescribable joy combined with crucified love. In this zone, we are living, giving, praying, and fasting "on the edge." We are secretly extending ourselves more than ever before, and our Father Who sees in secret will repay us (Mt 6:4, 6, 18). This is the zone of agonizing temptations and Paschal victory.

Cross the border into a zone of greater love.

PRAYER:  Father, may I accept that my life is zoned for the cross.
PROMISE:  "He Who supplies seed for the sower and bread for the eater will provide in abundance; he will multiply the seed you sow and increase your generous yield." –2 Cor 9:10
PRAISE:  Margaret gives heartfelt thanks to Jesus for waking up each day.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Wednesday of Week 11; St. Emily de Vialar


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FIRST READING
2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Brothers and sisters, consider this:
whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written:

He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.

The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 112:1bc-2, 3-4, 9

R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed.

R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever. Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just.

R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory.

R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.


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ALLELUIA
John 14:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

"When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."

My Daily Bread Verse

John 6:44

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day.

Reflections on Readings of The Mass

Reflection for June 15, 2015
LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING
"As your fellow workers we beg you not to receive the grace of God in vain." –2 Corinthians 6:1
Much of 2 Corinthians is devoted to St. Paul's defense of his apostleship. Traveling evangelists demeaned Paul's apostleship to build up their own ministries. This situation can still exist in churches today. Paul's accusers were evangelists who accepted money for their services, a practice which Paul himself recommended at least once (1 Tm 5:17). Paul had a calling from God to preach "the gospel free of charge" (1 Cor 9:18) while working to support himself. As a result, Paul's accusers saw themselves as qualified "professionals" superior to the "amateur" Paul and his team. These quasi-professionals did all they could to undermine Paul's ministry, calling him an impostor (2 Cor 6:8), unskilled (2 Cor 11:6), and unimpressive (2 Cor 10:10), among other charges.

Experienced, trained church personnel might be similarly tempted to look down upon parish volunteers such as catechists, musicians, and others who sincerely, humbly, and prayerfully try to serve the Lord. A group of "ragtag" volunteers such as Paul's team can make an entire church staff appear on paper to be disorganized, unprofessional, and inferior.

Church professionals have trained hard and long to devote themselves to God's service. Thank God for them! Nevertheless, St. Paul would warn: "As your fellow workers we beg you not to receive the grace of God in vain" (2 Cor 6:1). Church professionals were the group Jesus most severely condemned. Let us all humble ourselves so we do not squelch a future St. Paul.

PRAYER:  Father, may we always conduct "ourselves with innocence, knowledge, and patience, in the Holy Spirit" (2 Cor 6:6).
PROMISE:  "He has remembered His kindness and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel." –Ps 98:3
PRAISE:  It was through seeking to better understand the Catholic faith in order to pass it on to her children that Sarah experienced a new birth in the Spirit.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Monday of Week 11; St. Germaine of Pibrac


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FIRST READING
2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Brothers and sisters:
As your fellow workers, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says:

In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.

Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We cause no one to stumble in anything, in order that no fault may be found with our ministry; on the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves as ministers of God, through much endurance, in afflictions, hardships, constraints, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, vigils, fasts; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love, in truthful speech, in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness at the right and at the left; through glory and dishonor, insult and praise. We are treated as deceivers and yet are truthful; as unrecognized and yet acknowledged; as dying and behold we live; as chastised and yet not put to death; as sorrowful yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing and yet possessing all things.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4

R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

In the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

R. The Lord has made known his salvation.


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ALLELUIA
Psalm 119:105

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

A lamp to my feet is your word, a light to my path.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."

Reflection for June 11, 2015

MAXIMUM FRUIT
"He himself was a good man filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby large numbers were added to the Lord." –Acts 11:24

St. Barnabas was extremely fruitful for God's kingdom. This makes him one of the greatest saints, for we are known by our fruits (Lk 6:44).

St. Barnabas bore fruit in risking his life to accept St. Paul (see Acts 9:27). Paul eventually became an apostle, the writer of many books of the New Testament, and one of the first Christian missionaries in addition to Barnabas.

St. Barnabas bore fruit in forming Antioch, the first missionary church. He had the daring and wisdom to seek out Paul to teach the church of Antioch for a year (see Acts 11:25-26). This church matured to the point that it heard and obeyed the Holy Spirit's command to send forth the first Christian missionaries (see Acts 13:2).

St. Barnabas bore fruit in John Mark, his cousin. After John Mark quit the first Christian missionary journey, Barnabas argued with Paul to have John Mark reinstated for the second mission (see Acts 15:37ff). Barnabas' support of John Mark eventually bore fruit when he wrote the second gospel, the gospel according to Mark.

St. Barnabas had a deep influence on the formation of the early Church, the New Testament, and the first missionary outreach of the Church. He is among the most fruitful Christians ever. Hear and obey the Lord as Barnabas did.

PRAYER:  Father, may I let You fully work out Your plan for my life.

PROMISE:  "The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number of them believed and were converted to the Lord." –Acts 11:21

PRAISE:  St. Barnabas was "filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby large numbers were added to the Lord" (Acts 11:24).

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

1 John 4:7

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Saint Barnabas, Apostle; St. Barnabas


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FIRST READING
Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3

In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6

R. (see 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.


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ALLELUIA
Matthew 28:19a, 20b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
John 21:20-25

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, "Master, who is the one who will betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?
You follow me."
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?"

It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

John 14:12

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.

Reflection on Readings of The Mass

Reflection for June 10, 2015
TEACH THE OLD TESTAMENT
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets." –Matthew 5:17
When the Bible speaks of "the Law and the Prophets," it refers to the Old Testament. Peter preached from the Old Testament on the day of Pentecost, and three thousand people received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17, 25, 34). "The ministry of the Spirit" (2 Cor 3:8) began by the preaching of the ministry of the law.

Jesus' Transfiguration featured the Law, represented by Moses, and the Prophets, represented by Elijah (Lk 9:30). When Jesus was transfigured into a greater glory (Lk 9:29ff), He didn't just bypass the old covenant, He fulfilled it (Mt 5:17). Thus the presence of Moses and Elijah at His Transfiguration shows the Old Testament has a place in the New Testament's ministry of the Spirit.

On Easter evening, Jesus changed the hearts of His two disciples on the road to Emmaus by opening the Scriptures to them, which at that point consisted of only the Old Testament. Jesus began with "Moses and all the prophets" and "interpreted for them every passage of Scripture which referred to Him" (Lk 24:27).

Jesus declared that the Old Testament is more capable of effecting change on a hard heart than would be the sight of a man risen from the dead! (Lk 16:31) Read the Old Testament. Then teach the Old Testament to a hard-hearted world (Mt 5:19).

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, show me how the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New, and how the New Testament is revealed by the Old.
PROMISE:  "This great confidence in God is ours, through Christ." –2 Cor 3:4
PRAISE:  Ben was abused and beaten as a child. Now, Ben praises Jesus for giving him the strength to be a loving, gentle father to his own children.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Wednesday of Week 10; Blessed Anna Maria Taigi


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FIRST READING
2 Corinthians 3:4-11

Brothers and sisters:
Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God, who has indeed qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, was so glorious that the children of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of its glory that was going to fade, how much more will the ministry of the Spirit be glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, the ministry of righteousness will abound much more in glory. Indeed, what was endowed with glory has come to have no glory in this respect because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was going to fade was glorious, how much more will what endures be glorious.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 99:5, 6, 7, 8, 9

R. (see 9c) Holy is the Lord our God.

Extol the LORD, our God, and worship at his footstool; holy is he!

R. Holy is the Lord our God.

Moses and Aaron were among his priests, and Samuel, among those who called upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.

R. Holy is the Lord our God.

From the pillar of cloud he spoke to them; they heard his decrees and the law he gave them.

R. Holy is the Lord our God.

O LORD, our God, you answered them; a forgiving God you were to them, though requiting their misdeeds.

R. Holy is the Lord our God.

Extol the LORD, our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for holy is the LORD, our God.

R. Holy is the Lord our God.


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ALLELUIA
Psalm 25:4b, 5a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Teach me your paths, my God, and guide me in your truth.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven."

Reflections on the Day's Mass Readings

One Bread, One Body - Reflection for June 9, 2015
"THROUGH HIM"

"It is through Him that we address our Amen to God when we worship together." –2 Corinthians 1:20
At every Mass, the Eucharistic prayer comes to a climax when the priest elevates the body and blood of Jesus and proclaims: "Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, almighty Father, forever and ever." At this climactic moment, the entire assembly responds "Amen." We worship God together by addressing our Amen through Jesus to the Father in the Spirit (2 Cor 1:20).

This is God's plan for worship. Through Jesus (2 Cor 1:20), we worship the Father, addressing our prayer and praise to Him. With Jesus (Eph 2:6; Rm 6:8), we are raised up to heaven in our worship and share in the life of the Father. In Jesus (Phil 3:9), we find our very life and share in the glory of the Father (2 Thes 1:12).

In the Mass, every person, prayer, praise, promise (2 Cor 1:20), and proclamation are all wrapped together and offered to God through, with, and in Jesus. In turn, God the Father shares His life with us through, with, and in Jesus in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Re-dedicate yourself often to God through Jesus in the Mass, even daily if possible. Joyfully immerse yourself in the worship of heaven. Experience the fullness of God – through, with, and in Jesus.

PRAYER:  Thank You, Jesus, for lifting us up to the Father in the Mass. I will praise You in eucharistic joy forever.
PROMISE:  "Your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father." –Mt 5:16
PRAISE:  St. Ephrem was a teacher, Scripture scholar, prolific songwriter and worship leader, and is a Doctor of the Church.

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

Matthew 5:39

But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Tuesday of Week 10; St. Ephrem


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FIRST READING
2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Brothers and sisters:
As God is faithful, our word to you is not "yes" and "no." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us, Silvanus and Timothy and me, was not "yes" and "no," but "yes" has been in him. For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him; therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory. But the one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; he has also put his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135

R. (135a) Lord, let your face shine on me.

Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

The revelation of your words sheds light, gives understanding to the simple.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

I gasp with open mouth in my yearning for your commands.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

Turn to me in pity as you turn to those who love your name.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

Steady my footsteps according to your promise, and let no iniquity rule over me.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

Let your countenance shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.


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ALLELUIA
Matthew 5:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."

Readings of The Day's Mass

Monday of Week 10; St. William of York


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FIRST READING
2 Corinthians 1:1-7

Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the Church of God that is at Corinth, with all the holy ones throughout Achaia: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. For as Christ's sufferings overflow to us, so through Christ does our encouragement also overflow. If we are afflicted, it is for your encouragement and salvation; if we are encouraged, it is for your encouragement, which enables you to endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is firm, for we know that as you share in the sufferings, you also share in the encouragement.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (9a) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.


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ALLELUIA
Matthew 5:12a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Rejoice and be glad; for your reward will be great in heaven.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

Here is some scripture I wanted to share with you.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

Readings of The Day's Mass

2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy); St. Joseph Moscati


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FIRST READING
Acts 4:32 - 35

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 118:2 - 4, 13 - 15, 22 - 24 (1)

R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.

Let the house of Israel say, "His mercy endures forever." Let the house of Aaron say, "His mercy endures forever." Let those who fear the LORD say, "His mercy endures forever."

R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.

I was hard pressed and was falling, but the LORD helped me. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just.

R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.

The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.


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SECOND READING
1 John 5:1 - 6

Beloved:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him. In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith. Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth.


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ALLELUIA
John 20:29

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen me, but still believe!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
John 20:19 - 31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Readings of The Day's Mass

2nd Week of Lent - Monday; Blessed Agnes of Bohemia


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FIRST READING
Daniel 9:4b-10

"Lord, great and awesome God,
you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments! We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws. We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land. Justice, O Lord, is on your side; we are shamefaced even to this day: we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel, near and far, in all the countries to which you have scattered them because of their treachery toward you. O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers, for having sinned against you. But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness! Yet we rebelled against you and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God, to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets."


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 79:8, 9, 11 and 13

R. (see 103:10a) Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.

Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low.

R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.

Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name's sake.

R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.

Let the prisoners' sighing come before you; with your great power free those doomed to death. Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; through all generations we will declare your praise.

R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.


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VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL
See John 6:63c, 68c

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.


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GOSPEL
Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

"Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you."

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

Colossians 3:1-4

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

Readings of The Day's Mass

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time; Blessed Christina Ciccarelli


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FIRST READING
1 Samuel 3:3b - 10, 19

Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was. The LORD called to Samuel, who answered, "Here I am." Samuel ran to Eli and said, "Here I am. You called me." "I did not call you," Eli said. "Go back to sleep." So he went back to sleep. Again the LORD called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli. "Here I am," he said. "You called me." But Eli answered, "I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep."

At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD, because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet. The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, "Here I am. You called me." Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth. So he said to Samuel, "Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the LORD came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, "Samuel, Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7 - 8, 8 - 9, 10 (8a and 9a)

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

I have waited, waited for the LORD, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry. And he put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God.

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Sacrifice or offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not; then said I, "Behold I come."

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, to do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!"

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.


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SECOND READING
1 Corinthians 6:13c - 15a, 17 - 20

Brothers and sisters:
The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body; God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one Spirit with him. Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.


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ALLELUIA
John 1:41, 17b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

We have found the Messiah: Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
John 1:35 - 42

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi"—which translated means Teacher—, "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah" —which is translated Christ—. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas"—which is translated Peter.

iMissal: My Daily Bread Verse

John 8:32

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Readings of The Day's Mass

Tuesday after Epiphany; St. André Bessette


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FIRST READING
John 4:7-10

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8

R. (see 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king's son; He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

The mountains shall yield peace for the people, and the hills justice. He shall defend the afflicted among the people, save the children of the poor.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.


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ALLELUIA
Luke 4:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Lord has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.


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GOSPEL
Mark 6:34-44

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat." He said to them in reply, "Give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Are we to buy two hundred days' wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?" He asked them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they had found out they said, "Five loaves and two fish." So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.