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."