Readings – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Greeting

The Lord has gathered us here,
however different we may be from one another,
to become one in him and to be a sample
of the unity in variety of the whole Church.
May the one Lord of all unite us
and be always with you. 

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Who Will Be Saved?

We are accustomed to go to Mass on Sundays and we hear the Lord speak his Word to us in the readings of the scriptures. Is that an insurance good enough to make us faithful Christians, to prove that we belong to the Kingdom of God? Outward practices and statements are not enough. We belong there if we try to be good Christians who do their best to live their faith. Jesus’ message and life must become visible in us by the way we love God in our everyday life, and serve him in our neighbor. This is the way, whoever we are, from wherever we come, that Jesus will recognize us as his disciples.

B. Many Will Come From East And West

Everyone likes to go to a house where the doors are always open in welcome. That is how Jesus wants the Church to be: a house of welcome open to anyone. Jesus says of himself that he is the gate or the door. He welcomes all who seek him and even goes out of his way to look for people. But at the same time the door is narrow. We have to make an effort to become like Jesus and to serve and love God and people with him and to live in the spirit of the Gospel. With Jesus we now thank the Father, and ask that we too may be open to all.

 

First Reading                                      Isaiah 66:18-21  

A reading from the book of Isaiah

Thus says the LORD: I know their works and their thoughts, and I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory.  I will set a sign among them; from them I will send fugitives to the nations: to Tarshish, Put and Lud, Mosoch, Tubal and Javan, to the distant coastlands that have never heard of my fame, or seen my glory; and they shall proclaim my glory among the nations. They shall bring all your brothers and sisters from all the nations as an offering to the LORD, on horses and in chariots, in carts, upon mules and dromedaries, to Jerusalem, my holy mountain, says the LORD, just as the Israelites bring their offering to the house of the LORD in clean vessels.  Some of these I will take as priests and Levites, says the LORD.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                            Psalms 117:1, 2

Response: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

Praise the LORD all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples!
Response: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.
Response: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

 

Second Reading                                       Hebrew 12:5-7, 11-13

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters, You have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: “My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.” Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.

So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                           Luke 13:22-30

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from. And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.  Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Solemnity of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary

15 August 2010

 

Greeting

Glory and honor to our Risen Lord,
whose victory over death
was shared first by her
who was closest to him,
his Mother, the Virgin Mary.
May her Son, the Lord Jesus, be always with you. 

Introduction by the Celebrant (Three Options)

A.     Faithful To The Word
We are happy to celebrate today Mary’s Assumption. Here is someone we love very much, someone who lived our everyday life in a way that totally responded to God’s plan. If only we too, like Mary, could recognize in the events and tasks of every day the Word and the call of God! In this Eucharist let us ask Jesus that like Mary we may be close to him and that she may inspire us to be completely open to the Lord.
(or)

B.     Mary Victorious With Her Son
On today’s feast of the Assumption we honor Mary not merely for a great privilege. We celebrate God’s victory in her faith, her poverty, and her unassuming service. As she was sure of God’s love, her faith prompted her to accept the unexpected. Humbly and without reservation she served God’s plans. She followed her Son in his life and his passion. This is why she is the first of all believers and the model of what the Church is called to be and what is in store for us. This is why she was the first to share in the total victory of her Son over death and is with him in heaven, body and soul. Let us thank God today for Mary.
(or)

C.     Mary’s Song Is Also Ours
Today we rejoice for one of us who has reached her destination. It is Mary’s great feast, the feast of her Easter, Our Lady’s Assumption. On earth she went the way of Jesus, she lived the beatitudes wholeheartedly, and now she shares in Jesus’ glory. The Assumption is for us a sign of hope. It reminds us that we too are called to share with her in Jesus’ victory if we are willing to share with her in the humble faith and service of the poor and the lowly in the kingdom of God. Let us celebrate!

 

First Reading                                      Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab  

A reading from the book of Revelation

God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.  A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems. Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth. She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne. The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed One.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

 

Responsorial Psalm                            Psalms 45:10, 11, 12, 16

Response: The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

The queen takes her place at your right hand in gold of Ophir.
Response: The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear,
forget your people and your father’s house.
Response: The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

So shall the king desire your beauty; for he is your lord.
Response: The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

They are borne in with gladness and joy; they enter the palace of the king.
Response: The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

Second Reading                                       1 Corinthians 15:20-27

A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians

Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for “he subjected everything under his feet.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                             Luke 1:39-56

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.  He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

08 August 2010

Greeting (See Heb 3:14)

The Lord Jesus is here with us.
We are all partners with him
if we hold on to the trust
we had in the beginning.
May he always be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Stand Ready In Faith

It is surprising how many people live in fear: fear of illness, fear of losing their beloved ones, fear of their own death, fear of today, fear of tomorrow. Jesus assures us: “Do not fear! Do not give up your hope! Have faith!” Even when we go through difficult days, we should never give up our faith and hope; we should always stay alert to the Lord and to his loving coming among us. In this Eucharist we ask the Lord to keep us always attentive to his presence.

B. God Is With Us

If we knew from the beginning the difficulties we would have to cope with before we could bring something to a good end, would we have had the courage to begin the work? And even then we fail at times. Yes, we would have done it and do it again if we had faith and hope and strength of character. That is what faith and hope are all about: to do what we have to do, to go on even if we are working in the dark, for if we have faith we know we are not alone. God is with us, there is a promise and a future, and the dawn will come. In this Eucharist we ask the Lord to sit with us at table and to give us strength.

 

First Reading                                                  Wisdom 18:6-9  

A reading from the book of Wisdom

The night of the passover was known beforehand to our fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage. Your people awaited the salvation of the just and the destruction of their foes. For when you punished our adversaries, in this you glorified us whom you had summoned. For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                            Psalms 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22

Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.
Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you.
Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Second Reading                                       Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-12

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters: Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were well attested.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God. By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age —and Sarah herself was sterile—for he thought that the one who had made the promise was
trustworthy. So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                             Luke 12:32-48

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

“Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.  Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

Readings – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

01 Aug. 2010

 

Greeting (See Second Reading)

There is only Christ:
he is everything
and he is in everything.
He has brought us back to true life.
May his grace and peace be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. What Are We Living for?

What do we consider most important in life? The message of today confronts us with this question. And it is basic for our Christian living. Are there more important things for us than money, goods, and power? Do we find love of God and neighbor, friendship and affection, and concern for each other greater and lasting and worthy of living for? What is the answer we give Jesus today?

B. What Brings Us Happiness That Lasts?

We all need the things that are necessary for life, but our human experience keeps reminding us again and again of what Jesus told us in the Gospel long ago: accumulating riches does not bring happiness! The joy of living does not depend on full granaries or fat bank accounts. The quality of life and its joy depend rather on how much we love the Lord and one another and on how far we can share what we have. That is how we become rich in the sight of God. In this Eucharist we ask our Lord that he bring us joy and happiness along with his friendship.

 

First Reading                                      Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23  

A reading from the book of Ecclesiastes

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities!  All things are vanity!

Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill, and yet to another who has not labored over it, he must leave property. This also is vanity and a great misfortune.  For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has labored under the sun? All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation; even at night his mind is not at rest. This also is vanity.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm                                        Psalms 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17

Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.”

For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.
Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

 

You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades.
Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

 

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!
Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

 

Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;
prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!
Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Second Reading                                               Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians

Brothers and sisters: If 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.

Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. Stop lying to one another,
since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                             Luke 12:13-21

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”  Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.  He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Readings – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

25 July 2010

 

Greeting (See Rom 8:14-15)

Those are sons and daughters of God
who are led by the Spirit of God.
We have received a Spirit
who makes us God’s children
and who make us cry out: Father!
May this Spirit be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Speaking To Our Father

The first lengthy prayer we learned as children, and the prayer we still pray most often, is probably the “Our Father.” Is it more than a formula to us? Is it to us, as it was for Jesus, a word of warmth and tenderness, and a cry of trust and close relationship? With Jesus we stand here before our Father and with the Spirit in our hearts we call out: “Father, our Father!”

B. Put Your Life In Your Prayer

It would perhaps be much easier for us to pray if prayer would not be just a compartment in life, some moments we reserve for certain places and occasions and times of special needs. Prayer is less a way of obtaining favors from God than a way of expressing to our Father in heaven, to Jesus or to the Spirit our trust in God, speaking about our life, our difficulties and our joys, entrusting to God those who are dear to us in life or in death and even recommending to him those who cause us trouble. And remember, in praying we do not try to bend God to our will but we ask that we may do his will. How long ago have we prayed this way?

First Reading                                                  Genesis 18:20-32  

A reading from the book of Genesis

In those days, the LORD said: “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin so grave, that I must go down and see whether or not their actions fully correspond to the cry against them that comes to me. I mean to find out.”

While Abraham’s visitors walked on farther toward Sodom, the LORD remained standing before Abraham.  Then Abraham drew nearer and said: “Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty?  Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city; would you wipe out the place, rather than spare it for the sake of the fifty innocent people within it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to make the innocent die with the guilty so that the innocent and the guilty would be treated alike! Should not the judge of all the world act with justice?” The LORD replied, “If I find fifty innocent people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”  Abraham spoke up again: “See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord, though I am but dust and ashes! What if there are five less than fifty innocent people?  Will you destroy the whole city because of those five?” He answered, “I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there.” But Abraham persisted, saying “What if only forty are found there?” He replied, “I will forbear doing it for the sake of the forty.” Then Abraham said, “Let not my Lord grow impatient if I go on.  What if only thirty are found there?”  He replied, “I will forbear doing it if I can find but thirty there.” Still Abraham went on, “Since I have thus dared to speak to my Lord, what if there are no more than twenty?”  The LORD answered, “I will not destroy it, for the sake of the twenty.” But he still persisted: “Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time. What if there are at least ten there?” He replied, “For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

 

Responsorial Psalm                                        Psalms 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8

Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name.
Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise.

When I called you answered me; you built up strength within me.
Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees, and the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me; against the anger of my enemies you raise your hand.
Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Your right hand saves me. The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands.
Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Second Reading                                                 Colossians 2:12-14

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians

Brothers and sisters: You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.  And even when you were dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims, which was opposed to us, he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                             Luke 11:1-13

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give the visitor the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

25 July 2010

Greeting (See Rom 8:14-15)

Those are sons and daughters of God
who are led by the Spirit of God.
We have received a Spirit
who makes us God’s children
and who make us cry out: Father!
May this Spirit be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Speaking To Our Father

The first lengthy prayer we learned as children, and the prayer we still pray most often, is probably the “Our Father.” Is it more than a formula to us? Is it to us, as it was for Jesus, a word of warmth and tenderness, and a cry of trust and close relationship? With Jesus we stand here before our Father and with the Spirit in our hearts we call out: “Father, our Father!”

B. Put Your Life In Your Prayer

It would perhaps be much easier for us to pray if prayer would not be just a compartment in life, some moments we reserve for certain places and occasions and times of special needs. Prayer is less a way of obtaining favors from God than a way of expressing to our Father in heaven, to Jesus or to the Spirit our trust in God, speaking about our life, our difficulties and our joys, entrusting to God those who are dear to us in life or in death and even recommending to him those who cause us trouble. And remember, in praying we do not try to bend God to our will but we ask that we may do his will. How long ago have we prayed this way?

 

First Reading                                                  Genesis 18:20-32  

A reading from the book of Genesis

In those days, the LORD said: “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin so grave, that I must go down and see whether or not their actions fully correspond to the cry against them that comes to me. I mean to find out.”

While Abraham’s visitors walked on farther toward Sodom, the LORD remained standing before Abraham.  Then Abraham drew nearer and said: “Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty?  Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city; would you wipe out the place, rather than spare it for the sake of the fifty innocent people within it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to make the innocent die with the guilty so that the innocent and the guilty would be treated alike! Should not the judge of all the world act with justice?” The LORD replied, “If I find fifty innocent people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”  Abraham spoke up again: “See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord, though I am but dust and ashes! What if there are five less than fifty innocent people?  Will you destroy the whole city because of those five?” He answered, “I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there.” But Abraham persisted, saying “What if only forty are found there?”
He replied, “I will forbear doing it for the sake of the forty.” Then Abraham said, “Let not my Lord grow impatient if I go on.  What if only thirty are found there?”  He replied, “I will forbear doing it if I can find but thirty there.” Still Abraham went on, “Since I have thus dared to speak to my Lord, what if there are no more than twenty?”  The LORD answered, “I will not destroy it, for the sake of the twenty.” But he still persisted: “Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time. What if there are at least ten there?” He replied, “For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                        Psalms 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8

Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name.
Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise.

When I called you answered me; you built up strength within me.
Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees, and the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me; against the anger of my enemies you raise your hand.
Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Your right hand saves me. The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands.
Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

 

Second Reading                                                 Colossians 2:12-14

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians

Brothers and sisters: You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.  And even when you were dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims, which was opposed to us, he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                             Luke 11:1-13

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give the visitor the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

11 July 2010

Greeting (See First Reading)

May the Word of God be very near to us
in our mouths and in our hearts,
and may Jesus, the living Word and our Lord,
always be with you.

 

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. The Law Is In Your Heart

Love is the core and meaning of life; it is also the summit of the commandments. We know this. But the question is: How genuine and deep is our love? The test will be how far we are willing to be inconvenienced by it, to “lose” time for it, to go out of our way for it, and to have a heart for strangers and misfits too. Jesus is with us here: he was moved with compassion at the sight of sinners, the sick and the suffering. Let us ask him, the first Good Samaritan, to make us good neighbors to all who need us.

B. Prove Yourself A Neighbor

It is easy to pray for all the people who are suffering and in need, but Jesus asks of us today: “What do you do for them?” It is easy if we have the means to just write a check and send it, for then we are not bothered any further. But Jesus asks us: “Are you willing to make personal contact and to make your hands dirty for them?” We ask Jesus today for the heart and the will to make ourselves the neighbors of the needy.

 

First Reading                                                  Deuteronomy 30:10-14  

A reading from the book of Deuteronomy

Moses said to the people: “If only you would heed the voice of the LORD, your God, and keep his commandments and statutes that are written in this book of the law, when you return to the LORD, your God, with all your heart and all your soul.

“For this command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you.  It is not up in the sky, that you should say, ‘Who will go up in the sky to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?’ Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?’ No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm                Psalms 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37

Response: Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.

I pray to you, O LORD, for the time of your favor, O God!

In your great kindness answer me with your constant help.

Answer me, O LORD, for bounteous is your kindness:

 in your great mercy turn toward me.
Response: Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live. 

I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me.
I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving.
Response: Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live. 

“See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.”
Response: Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live. 

For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah.  

The descendants of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall inhabit it.
Response: Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.

 

Second Reading                                       Colossians1:15-20

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians

Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                             Luke 10:25-37

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

04 July 2010

Greeting (See Second Reading)

Peace and mercy to all
who become new in Christ.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Disciples Must Be Missionaries

How many people belong to our Church? Catholics number less than 18% of the world population. Yet Luke says that Jesus tells us today: “The harvest is rich but there are few laborers. Pray to the Lord to send us harvesters.” And then, whom does Jesus send? Not just the leaders, but the disciples too. And where are they sent? To all nations and to all peoples, for they are seventy-two, as many as there were peoples known in those days. And how are they sent? In all humility receiving the people’s hospitality and kindness and proclaiming to them the Kingdom of God. Let us ask Jesus to make us suitable messengers.

B. Without Means of Power

When Jesus sends out his disciples, they are not sent with powerful means to impress people with or to buy their allegiance. No force, no money, not even people who are influential, renowned, and learned. Just simple disciples, ordinary people. They have to go out with no other riches than the Good News of Jesus, his message of joy to the poor. They also should not be choosy to whom they go: in all simplicity they present themselves to anyone willing to listen, depending on the good will of people and their hospitality. Let us become missionaries of Jesus by the way we live.

 

 

First Reading                                                  Isaiah 66:10-14c  

A reading from the book of Prophet Isaiah

Thus says the LORD: Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her; exult, exult with her, all you who were mourning over her! Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort, that you may nurse with delight at her abundant breasts! For thus says the LORD: Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent. As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap; as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.

When you see this, your heart shall rejoice and your bodies flourish like the grass; the LORD’s power shall be known to his servants.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

 

Responsorial Psalm                            Psalms 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

Response: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name;
proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”
Response: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. 

“Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you, sing praise to your name!”
Come and see the works of God, his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.
Response: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. 

He has changed the sea into dry land; through the river they passed on foot;
therefore let us rejoice in him. He rules by his might forever.
Response: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me.
Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness!
Response: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

 

 

 

 

Second Reading                                       Galatians 6:14-18

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians

Brothers and sisters: May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation.  Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

Gospel                                                 Luke 10:1-9

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.  Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.  Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Greeting (See Second Reading)

Christ has called us to freedom,
to serve God and one another.
May his liberating Spirit be always with you.

 

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. On The Way With Jesus

A farmer who looks back while he is plowing will certainly make crooked furrows and perhaps not plow some parts of the field at all. Jesus invites us again today to follow him and to do so by going his way, not our crooked one. Once we have accepted his invitation, we should not look back to regret our choice or to dwell on past mistakes. Let us go ahead with Jesus, also when the going is rough. We ask the Lord to give us the strength to follow him all the way.

B. Radical Discipleship

When we hear the radical demands that Jesus makes on those who want to follow him, we think perhaps that these are for people with special vocations, like missionaries and religious. They are meant for every disciple. Once we follow him, we have to be consistent. We have to love even when it demands sacrifices. We have to love even enemies. We have to be honest through and through. But if we can do this, we will see how happy and free this makes us. We ask the Lord that we may follow him always.

 

First Reading                                                  1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21  

A reading from the first book of Kings

The LORD said to Elijah: “You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah, as prophet to succeed you.”

Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you.” Elijah answered, “Go back! Have I done anything to you?” Elisha left him, and taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.

 The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm                            Psalms 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11  

Response: You are my inheritance, O Lord.

 

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.

O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.”

Response: You are my inheritance, O Lord.

I bless the LORD who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me.

I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

Response: You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence

 because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,

nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.

Response: You are my inheritance, O Lord.

You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence,

the delights at your right hand forever.

Response: You are my inheritance, O Lord.

 

 

Second Reading                                       Galatians 5:1, 13-18

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians

Brothers and sisters: For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.  For you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 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. But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                 Luke 9:51-62

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him.  On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”  Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

GOD

Bold Dutton, eight years old, in Grade Three at Chula Vista in California, was assigned for homework to “Explain God”. This is what he wrote: One of God’s main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die so there will be enough people to take care of things here on earth. He doesn’t make grown-ups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way, He doesn’t have to take up His valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.

 Read More….

EG Choir 2009 Photos

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eg-choir-2009e

Readings – Fifth Sunday of Easter

Fifth Sunday of Easter

10 May 2009

 

Greeting (See Second Reading)

We need not be afraid in God’s presence,
and whatever we ask him we shall receive
that is, if we keep his commandments,
that we believe in Christ and love each other.
May the love and peace of Jesus be with you.

 

Introduction

A. Branches On The Vine

Much more than a set of truths to believe in, our faith is a union with a living person, a unity of life with Jesus our Lord. His words and actions are our guide in life; our heart is attuned to his heart, and his serving love of God and people is our inspiration and model. We cannot think of him and pray to him all the time, but we can, with his help, try to live his life. That is how we can live in him, remain in him, be one with him as he is one with the Father. Let us be intensely one with him here in this Eucharist and in everyday life.

B. Different But One In Christ

In many ways we differ from one another. Thanks to God for the riches of this variety. How sad our world would be if we were all the same, for we would see only our own image. We differ in our faces, our characters, our personalities and occupations, our language and culture, in so many things. Yet there is one thing that brings us here together. We belong to Christ, we are united in him. He wants this bond to be a close union: like branches on a tree, on a life-giving vine. We are one in him with one another. We pray that this union may be close and effective.

 

First Reading                                       Acts 9:26 – 31

A reading from the Book of Acts

When Saul arrived in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how he had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. He moved about freely with them in Jerusalem, and spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord. He also spoke and debated with the Hellenists, but they tried to kill him. And when the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus. The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32
Response: I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

I will fulfill my vows before those who fear the LORD. The lowly shall eat their fill; they who seek the LORD shall praise him: “May your hearts live forever!”
Response: I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; all the families of the nations shall bow down before him.
Response: I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

To him alone shall bow down all who sleep in the earth; before him shall bend
all who go down into the dust.
Response: I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

And to him my soul shall live; my descendants shall serve him. Let the coming generation be told of the LORD that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born the justice he has shown.
Response: I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

Second Reading                                              1 John 3:18– 24

A reading from the first letter of St. John

Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he gave us.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                                          John 15:1 – 8

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Here are some ideas:

 

     Just as God planted and tended the true vine Jesus, so does God tend us who remain in Jesus so that we, too, might “bear much fruit”. God prunes from us whatever does not give life, and nourishes within us whatever does. 

 

     Our remaining in Jesus, our bearing fruit as disciples, our believing in the Son and keeping the commandments are all the work of the Father who loving tends the life we share with Jesus.

 

Here are some ideas:

 

     Just as God planted and tended the true vine Jesus, so does God tend us who remain in Jesus so that we, too, might “bear much fruit”. God prunes from us whatever does not give life, and nourishes within us whatever does. 

 

     Our remaining in Jesus, our bearing fruit as disciples, our believing in the Son and keeping the commandments are all the work of the Father who loving tends the life we share with Jesus.

 

Fr. Paul

Readings – Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sixth Sunday of Easter

17 May 2009

 

 

Greeting (See Second Reading)

Love comes from God
and everyone who loves
is born from God and knows God.
May Jesus, the Son of God,
who made God’s love known to us,
be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. A Love Without Boundaries

We are again reminded today that the heart of Christianity is love: love of God, love of one another. Jesus tells us that we have to love one another as he has loved us. This is a very demanding love, for it commits us to love not only those we like and who love us or like-minded fellow Christians, but also the difficult ones, the “unlovable,” people far from perfect, outsiders… That is not so easy, and this is probably why he calls it a commandment. Let us ask our Lord in this Eucharist that we may grow in this openness of genuine love.
 

B. As I Have Loved You

We are often surprised how inventive love can be and to discover it where we had not expected it. It makes a dour husband surprise his wife with an unpredictable gesture of tenderness or a couple in the slums adopt a child found abandoned in the street. God’s astonishing love is the source of it all. He shows it when he gives up his own Son for us. Jesus kept giving a human shape to God’s love when he cared for people and gave new chances even to outcasts, the unloved and the unlovable. Today he calls us his friends and he tells us: “Love one another as I have loved you.” With these words he challenges us in today’s Eucharist.

 

 

First Reading                                       Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

A reading from the Book of Acts

When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage. Peter, however, raised him up, saying, “Get up. I myself am also a human being.”  Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.” While Peter was still speaking these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?” He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
Response: 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.
Response: 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.
Response: 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.
Response: The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

 

Second Reading                                              1 John 4:7-10

A reading from the first letter of St. John

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 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.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                                          John 15:9-17

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Here are a couple of ideas:

 

            The gospel describes the unusual, intimate relationship we have with the Father and Jesus: chosen by them, given a share in their joy, called friends by them, told everything by them, appointed by them to bear fruit, and given whatever we ask in Jesus’ name.  In response, we are to make real this divine-human relationship in our relationships with each other: “love one another as I love you.”

 

            The Good News is that “God shows no partiality” in extending love and friendship to disciples and Gentiles alike. Just as we are to “love one another” to experience

            We are very aware of the obligations that come with any commitment.  Growth flows not only from obligation, but also from the knowledge and experience of being loved by God.

 

Fr. Paul

Readings – Seventh Sunday of Easter

Seventh Sunday of Easter

24 May 2009

 

 

First Reading                                                               Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26

A reading from the Book of Acts

Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers —there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place —.  He said, “My brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus.  He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry.  “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: May another take his office.  “Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.”  So they proposed two, Judas called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.  Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”  Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm                                                     Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
Response: The Lord has set His throne in heaven.

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.
Response: The Lord has set His throne in heaven.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.
Response: The Lord has set His throne in heaven.

The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, all you his angels, you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.
Response: The Lord has set His throne in heaven.

Second Reading                                                          1 John 4:11-16

A reading from the first Book of John

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another.  No one has ever seen God.  Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit.  Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world.  Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God.  We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.  God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

Gospel                                                                          John 17:11b-19

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.  When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.  But now I am coming to you.  I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely.  I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.  I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.  Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.  And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Readings – Pentecost Sunday

Greeting (See Sequence)

May the Spirit of the Lord
make flexible what is rigid,
kindle what is frigid,
straighten what is wayward.
With his Spirit may the Lord be always with you.

Introduction

A. The Spirit Of Renewal

There are days when life looks drab to us, too much like a repetitious, boring routine. Our faith too may impress us as unexciting, monotonous, and tiring and cheerless. Today’s feast of Pentecost reminds us: life, especially the life of faith, is marvelous, thanks to the Spirit of Jesus who wants to renew the Church and    the whole world as he did on the first Pentecost. Let him bring us to life again with joy and peace and the fire of his love. Let him breathe on us the fresh air of the Gospel and the life of Jesus. We ask Jesus here in this Eucharist to pour out on us his invigorating Spirit.

B. The Spirit Of Unity

On this beautiful day of Pentecost God lets his Spirit bring together again all that has been divided: our own selves, so often broken and ripped apart, our Church and its communities, nations. The Spirit unites in their diversity masters and servants, rich and poor, free people and those enslaved in any way, citizens and strangers, people of every race and tongue and color. All of us are called to hear in our own language the marvels God is doing among us. Wonder at all this, rejoice and celebrate the feast of the Spirit.

C. The Spirit Of Courage

Prudence is a good virtue to have, but a quality that is much rarer is courage: the courage to make a long overdue change, the courage to speak up for the truth when silence can keep you out of trouble, the courage to act according to your conscience, the courage to commit yourself to people when it is much safer not to be involved. Often prudence is cited as a good reason for not being courageous, and that’s bad. Courage and prudence should go hand in hand. The Holy Spirit can bring about the harmony between these two. He gave the apostles and the young Church the courage to risk their lives for the Gospel. Today we ask Jesus the Lord to pour out on us his Sprit of courage.

 

First Reading                                                                 Acts 2:1-11

A reading from the Book of Acts

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.  And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                               Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
Response: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
How manifold are your works, O Lord! the earth is full of your creatures;
Response: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD be glad in his works! Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the LORD.
Response: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

If you take away their breath, they perish and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.
Response: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

 

Second Reading                                                Galatians 5:16-25

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians

Brothers and sisters, live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 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. But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, lust, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                                John 15:26-27; 16:12-15

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Commentary:

We celebrate this Sunday a wondrous and unprecedented gift of God-”the Spirit of truth.” This truth God gives is relational. The Spirit enables us to live with one another in a new way: with “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,” etc. The Spirit propels us to engage with the world in a new way: we “testify” to the “mighty acts of God” through the very way that we live.  The truth God gives transforms us and, through us, transforms the world.

 

Fr. Paul

Readings – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (07 June 2009)

Greeting

The love of the Father,
the forgiveness and life of the Son
and the strength of the Holy Spirit
be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Three Options)

A. God Is Love

To most of us today’s feast of the Trinity may not be as stirring and touching as Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, yet it sums up all of these. It is simply the feast of one God who shows three loving faces to us. We can call him Father, even “Daddy,” as Jesus said. We can call him our brother in Jesus. We can call him our breath in the Spirit, who is our force and life and love that keeps us alive and moving and building a Church and a world. And if we want to sum up God in one word, we say with St. John: God is love. If God loves us so much we can do no less than love one another.

B. “I Am Here For You”

To many people God is all too often a far-away God, very distant and vague, a God apparently not easy to approach, but to whom we turn when all else fails. Would that we were more aware of the reality! Our God is near, very close to us. Already in the Old Testament he gave his name as “I am the one who is there [for you],” the God who feels our miseries and our joys. In Jesus he made himself one of us, a brother, a companion on the road of life. Through the Spirit of love he lives in us and makes us capable of community and love. If we were only aware of all this! Let Jesus awaken us to God’s riches and beauty.

C. Our Blood Relative

Where is God for us? Far away, in his high heaven, and very remote from our everyday life, as someone we fear to make angry? Today, as we celebrate the Blessed Trinity, we honor a God who lives in the community of a covenant relationship with us; that means, a God who makes us like his blood relatives, a God as close to us as a marriage partner, a God who preferred us to his own Son as he let Jesus give his life for us, a God who keeps stirring us through the Spirit with the inspirations of love and tenderness, of compassion and courage. Let this Eucharist be a song of thanks to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 

First Reading                                       Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

A reading from the Book of Deuteronomy
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 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? 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 that 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.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22
Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full.
Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made; by the breath of his mouth all their host. For he spoke, and it was made; he commanded, and it stood forth.
Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.
Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield. May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you.
Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

 

Second Reading                                  Romans 8:14-17

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans

Brothers and sisters: For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              Matthew 28:16-20

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.  Glory to you, Lord.

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.  Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 Here are some thoughts for the reflection:

The reading from Deuteronomy describes what our God did for the Israelites.  He made them heirs of the land and of a long life.

The second reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans and the gospel of Matthew describe what God does for us in Christ.  He makes us God’s own sons and daughters and heirs of divine life.

            Moreover, we share in God’s saving work because we share in the power and mission of Christ through the Spirit.  We participate in the power and mission of Jesus “if we only suffer with him”. As with Jesus, dying to ourselves brings new life to others and, ultimately, leads us to be “glorified with him.”

Have a good week.

 

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

14 June 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

Christ has come,
and in his own blood
he took us up in God’s love
in a new and lasting covenant.
May he keep us united with God
and be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. My Body And Blood For You

We admire great men and women who dedicated their lives to the good of others and were even willing to die for them. This is precisely what we celebrate whenever we come together for the Eucharist. We celebrate Jesus’ life and death for us, but also his resurrection, for he is alive here among us, in his Church, in our world. But when we do what he told us to do, “Do this in memory of me,” we must also learn to give ourselves to God and to people, the way Jesus gave himself. In this Eucharist he gives us this disposition.

B. The Blood Of The Covenant

Many bodies are broken today through the use of brute force and torture; much blood is shed of innocent people and children. Violence leads to hatred and more violence. Today we hear of someone whose broken body brought us peace, who shed his blood to bring us God’s forgiveness and love. “This is my body given for you. This is my blood of the everlasting covenant.” Every Eucharist is a message of hope that the love of God is with us now and for ever. Let us thank the Father today for the great gift of Jesus’ Eucharist.

 

First Reading                                                   Exodus 24:3-8

A reading from the Book of Exodus
When Moses came to the people and related all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all answered with one voice, “We will do everything that the LORD has told us.” Moses then wrote down all the words of the LORD and, rising early the next day, he erected at the foot of the mountain an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Then, having sent certain young men of the Israelites to offer holocausts and sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD, Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls; the other half he splashed on the altar. Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, “All that the LORD has said, we will heed and do.” Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18
Response: I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.

How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me?
The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
Response: I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.

Precious in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones. I am your servant, the son of your handmaid; you have loosed my bonds.
Response: I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.

To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the LORD. My vows to the LORD I will pay in the presence of all his people.
Response: I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.

 

Second Reading                                                          Hebrews 9:11-15

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters: When Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come to be, passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation, he entered once for all into the sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of a heifer’s ashes can sanctify those who are defiled so that their flesh is cleansed, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.  For this reason he is mediator of a new covenant: since a death has taken place for deliverance from transgressions under the first covenant, those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God. 

 

Gospel                                                              Matthew 14:12-16, 22-26

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.  Glory to you, Lord.

 

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”‘ Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready.  Make the preparations for us there.” The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover. While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Here are some thoughts for the reflection:

The story of our redemption unfolds as a deepening of God’s own presence and gift to us. The blood of bulls was sprinkled on the Israelites as a sign of their acceptance of the Mosaic covenant.  Now, the blood of Jesus is the sign of a new covenant. By our drinking of the blood of Jesus and our eating of his body, we accept this new covenant of divine self-gift and personal presence.  We are that presence for the world, called to the same self-giving.

 

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

21 June 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

The love of Christ overwhelms us.
He died for all,
so that those who live
should no longer live for themselves
but for him who died
and was raised up for us.
May the Risen Lord be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. With Jesus In The Storm

“Where are you, Lord, when we suffer?” “Why do you sleep, Lord, when your Church is in pain?” “Why is there so much evil in the world?” These are often our cries when we feel threatened by the waves of misfortune and suffering and evil. And the Lord’s answer to us is a question: “Why are you so afraid? I am with you! Have faith in me, trust me.” In this Eucharist we express our trust that with the Lord we can overcome all evil and trials.

B. Do Not Be Afraid

Many people are afraid today. Our times are very insecure in so many respects, with wars, violence, economic and moral crises. Things seem to move too fast for many. And the Church, in its leaders and members, is often upset and afraid too. God seems so far away, like a God who sleeps, a God who seems indifferent to our fears and anxieties. Where is our faith? Let us turn to him who journeys with us and wake him up, Jesus, our Lord and brother here among us.

 

 

First Reading                                                               Job 38:1, 8-11

A reading from the Book of Job

 

The Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said: Who shut within doors the sea, when it burst forth from the womb; when I made the clouds its garment
and thick darkness its swaddling bands? When I set limits for it and fastened the bar of its door, and said: Thus far shall you come but no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stilled!

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                 Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31
Response: Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting.

They who sailed the sea in ships, trading on the deep waters, These saw the works of the LORD and his wonders in the abyss.
Response: Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting.

His command raised up a storm wind which tossed its waves on high.
They mounted up to heaven; they sank to the depths; their hearts melted away in their plight.
Response: Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting.

They cried to the LORD in their distress; from their straits he rescued them,
He hushed the storm to a gentle breeze, and the billows of the sea were stilled.
Response: Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting.

They rejoiced that they were calmed, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his kindness and his wondrous deeds to the children of men.
Response: Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting.

 

Second Reading                                              2 Corinthians 5:14-17

A reading from the second letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians

 

Brothers and sisters: The love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; therefore, all have died. He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh; even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him so no longer. So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              Matthew 4:35-41

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.  Glory to you, Lord.

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet!  Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

Here are some thoughts for this Sunday:

 

Jesus is with experienced fishermen who know well the perils of a storm at sea. What they do not “yet” know fully is the extent of Jesus’ power and of his “care” for them.

 

What disaster does Jesus really save the disciples?  From a storm?  Yes, but much more; he saves them from their own lack of faith and trust in him—an even bigger disaster than a storm at sea.  And Jesus does the same for us.

 

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

28 June 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

We are gathered in the name of Jesus:
he was rich but became poor for our sake
to make us rich out of his poverty.
He brought us life and healing.
May his life and grace be always with you. 

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. God Is Pro-Life

Two great enemies in life are death and illness. Almost every one of us is scared of them. Are we convinced that God too is pro-life, that he is an enemy of death? Even the Old Testament assures us: “Death is not of God’s making.” Jesus’ resurrection is the sign that death has been overcome in its roots. It is the gate to life. In this Eucharist we express our faith that we believe in Jesus as the Lord of life.
 (or:)

B. Life Is Victorious

Almost everyone fears death and has a hard time to deal with it in faith. Life is a beautiful gift from God but it is brittle; sickness is a normal share of it and death comes as an inescapable reality. How can we reconcile this with faith in a God who has made us for life? We do not always see clearly, but we know at least this: since Christ rose from the dead, death has been overcome; it is not the end. We ask Jesus here in the Eucharist to touch us with his power of life.

 

First Reading                                                   Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24

A reading from the Book of Wisdom

 

God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they might have being; and the creatures of the world are wholesome, and there is not a destructive drug among them nor any domain of the netherworld on earth, for justice is undying. For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him. But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong to his company experience it.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                 Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13
Response: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

I will extol you, O LORD, for you drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me. O LORD, you brought me up from the netherworld; you preserved me from among those going down into the pit.
Response: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger lasts but a moment; a lifetime, his good will. At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, rejoicing.
Response: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me; O LORD, be my helper. You changed my mourning into dancing; O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.
Response: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

 

Second Reading                                              2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15 

A reading from the second letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians

 

Brothers and sisters: As you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also. For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. Not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their needs, so that their abundance may also supply your needs, that there may be equality. As it is written: Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              Matthew 5:21-43

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.  Glory to you, Lord.

 

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death.  Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him. There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to Jesus, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

  

Here are some thoughts for this Sunday:

 

Both the healing of Jairus’ daughter and the hemorrhaging woman disclose great faith and trust in Jesus on behalf of the petitioners. On the other hand, the disciples were critical of Jesus, and the crowd gathered in Jairus’ house ridiculed him until the raising of the child to life left them astounded.  The faith of Jairus and the woman stand in opposition to the realism of the disciples and the crowd. But it is precisely their faith that opened the door to the new life Jesus offered.  These humble petitioners bring to life the faith to which the disciples, the crowd, and we are called.

 

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

05 July 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

It is when we are weak
that we are strong in the Lord.
May the strength of God’s grace
be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A. Let Prophets Speak; Listen To Them

What do you think when you see around you people being trodden down and exploited? Most people do nothing. They think: “Who am I to speak up? What can I do to correct such situations? No one is going to listen to me. After all, no one is a prophet in his or her own town or country.” Too many people leave too much good undone because of this self-doubt and lack of courage. Let us ask the Lord Jesus for the boldness to speak out with him and to go about doing good.
 (or:)

B. Someone From Down Our Street

A man or woman like us from down the street, whose parents we know, how dare he or she speak God’s Word to us – if it is God’s Word? Jesus, the town carpenter, whose mother and relatives everyone knew, how could he work miracles and where did he get his strange message? The Church with all its faults and the priest who is no better than we are, how dare they speak to us in the name of God? God speaks to us through ordinary people. God’s Word and message are stronger than the weak messengers he sends to speak his prophetic word. And each of us too has to stand up and speak out for what is right and good. Jesus will help us.

 

 

First Reading                                                               Ezekiel 2:2-5

A reading from the Book of Ezekiel

 

As the LORD spoke to me, the spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking say to me: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have revolted against me to this very day. Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you. But you shall say to them: Thus says the LORD GOD!  And whether they heed or resist—for they are a rebellious house— they shall know that a prophet has been among them.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 123:1-2, 2, 3-4
Response: Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.

To you I lift up my eyes who are enthroned in heaven —
As the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters.
Response: Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.

As the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress,
So are our eyes on the LORD, our God, till he have pity on us.
Response: Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.

Have pity on us, O LORD, have pity on us, for we are more than sated with contempt; our souls are more than sated with the mockery of the arrogant, with the contempt of the proud.
Response: Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.

 

Second Reading                                              2 Corinthians 12:7-10 

A reading from the second letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians

Brothers and sisters: That I, Paul, might not become too elated, because of the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.  Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              Matthew 6:1-6

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.  When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished.  They said, “Where did this man get all this?  What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!  Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”  So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

  

Here are some thoughts for this Sunday:

 

Jesus came to his home town offering gifts of wisdom and healing. Amazingly, the townspeople took offense at him.  God continually offers us what we need for life, but we often resist it. Our response to how and through whom God speaks to us, however, is decisive.

 

A rejected person has no power to influence the behavior of the people. Jesus is unable to work miracles for those who do not believe in him.  God always offers new life; it is for us to recognize and receive it. Our reaction to God’s presence and gifts is an act of faith.  In spite of rejection, God is always faithful, assuring us that he will be with us, to teach us and bring us new life.

 

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

12 July 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has chosen us in Christ to live in his presence and with him to carry out his plan of bringing everyone together under Christ.

May the Lord’s peace and grace be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A. Let Prophets Speak; Listen To Them

A good test of how strong our faith is would be how much we want to share it with the people around us. We cannot keep for ourselves what is good and rich and beautiful. If the Gospel has shaped our lives and made it deep and precious for us, why not let it become Good News also to others? Not everyone is called to go out and preach it but just to let it speak for itself by the way we live it. Ask the Lord here in this Eucharist to help us live and spread his Good News.
 (or:)

B. Someone From Down Our Street

Ordinary people like you and me went out into the world with the message of Jesus, with nothing else to offer than the Good News, and yet the Gospel spread far and wide. In the early centuries after Jesus’ coming most of the converts were won over by seeing how the Christians lived, how they worshipped God and loved and served one another. In that way they lived and preached the heart of the Gospel message. Is it perhaps this simplicity and directness which we need in our day? With the Lord Jesus among us, we ask him how best to make his Good News known.
 (or:)

C. Speak In My Name: You Are A Prophet

Who of us dares to stand up and speak out on seeing something in society or the local community that is against the Gospel and genuine human values? To speak and spread the Good News is not always welcome to people. Even some faithful protest. It demands courage on the part of the messengers. For it will upset some of the leaders, and they will say you are meddling in politics when you are merely asking for justice or defending the voiceless poor. But speak we must, for it is God’s Word he has entrusted to us. A prophet is literally one who speaks for God. We ask Jesus for courage.
 (or:)

C. Chosen In Christ

It is not we who have chosen God, because we like him or because he conforms to our ideas about him or seems to answer our aspirations. It is he who has chosen us to become his sons and daughters. He has forgiven our sins and given us life through Jesus Christ. All is given us, all is grace. How rich we are! We are God’s people called to give him glory in the name of all the world and to bring the world to him. With Jesus we thank the Father for having chosen us in Christ.

 

 

First Reading                                                               Amos 7:12-15

A reading from the Book of Amos

 

Amaziah, priest of Bethel, said to Amos, “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
Response: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD —for he proclaims peace. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.
Response: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.
Response: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.
Response: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

 

Second Reading                                              Ephesians 1:3-14

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              Matthew 6:7-13

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance.  The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

 The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

  

Here are some thoughts for this Sunday:

In this Sunday’s gospel Jesus sends his disciples on mission and advises them to take nothing extra on the way.  All they need for success is the commission of Jesus and the authority he gives them. We who are Jesus’ disciples today are sent in the same way.  Though we travel light, we carry with us the weight of Jesus’ own authority.  In

Jesus’ time going on a journey with nothing was foolish.  This gospel reminds us of our need for complete dependence on God to carry out the mission.

 

Have a good week.

 

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Greeting (See Second Reading)

Jesus came to bring the Good News of peace: peace to those who are far away
and peace to you who are close-by. May that peace be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A. God, Compassionate Like A Mother

What a pity if our world would become so heartless as to do away with compassion, with pity! We hear today’s Good News that God cares for us with a love deeper and even more tender than that of a mother for the child to which she gave life. He is particularly close to those who need him most: the weak, those who suffer, those who count for nothing. That is the love he showed us in Jesus; that is the love he invites us to have for each other: deep, tender, lasting, not afraid of showing itself. Let us ask Jesus here with us in the Eucharist for such a compassionate and committed love.
 (or:)

B. A Shepherd Who Cares

There are times when we understand instinctively that a person is very close to us, that he or she understands us and feels with us, even if few words are said. This is how Jesus was one with the people, one of them, feeling with them, seeing their needs without having to be told, also the hidden needs, the needs of the heart. This is how Jesus feels about us. The Gospel expresses this in the image of Jesus as the shepherd who cares. We are gathered here around him and entrust ourselves to him. May we learn from him to care for one another.

 

First Reading                                                               Jeremiah 23:1-6

A reading from the Book of Jeremiah

Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the LORD.  Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered my sheep and driven them away.  You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds.  I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply. I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing, says the LORD.

Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: “The LORD our justice.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.
Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.
Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

Second Reading                                              Ephesians 2:13-18

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians

Brothers and sisters: In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it.  He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                              Matthew 6:30-34

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.  Glory to you, Lord.

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”  People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.  So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.  People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.  They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When he disembarked and 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.

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

Here are some thoughts for this Sunday:

 

Jesus, the true shepherd of God, responds to the needs of others: with a listening ear, food, and rest for the weary apostles, with teachings.  As disciples of Jesus, we are both shepherds and sheep. We respond to those in need, as well as receive care when we are the ones in need.  By this exchange of giving and receiving, we are no

longer a scattered crowd, but a community of God’s people.  Perhaps we tend to see ourselves as being either leaders or followers, haves or have-nots, those who give or those who receive. The fullness of human growth comes when we accept that sometimes we are one, sometimes the other.

 

Have a good week.

 

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

09 August 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

As God’s beloved children,
follow Christ by loving as he loved you,
giving himself up
as a sacrifice to God.
May the Lord Jesus be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

What keeps people alive and growing and healthy? For their body, it is food and drink. Yet even for their body not only food and drink is needed but also the nourishment of love and security. What do we need to keep us going as Christians? It is our trusting faith in God. That faith is kept alive and growing in us through our close relationship with Christ. He nourishes this faith and love in us with the food and drink of his word and with the strength he brings us through the Eucharist; this is our “viaticum,” our food and drink for the road of life. It gives us the courage to stand up for what is right and good. Let the Lord Jesus give us in this Eucharist the food and drink of his Word and his Body.

 

First Reading                                                   1 Kings 19:4-8

A Reading from the first book of Kings 

Elijah went a day’s journey into the desert, until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it.  He prayed for death saying: “This is enough, O LORD!  Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”  He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree, but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat.  Elijah looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water.  After he ate and drank, he lay down again, but the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and ordered, “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!”  He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                         Psalms 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Response:  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.
Response:  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.
Response:  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 afflicted man called out, the LORD heard, And from all his distress he saved him.
Response:  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.
Response:  Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading                                              Ephesians  4:30—5:2

A Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians

Brothers and sisters: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption.  All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice.  And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us  as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 Gospel                                                              John 6:41-51
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.  Glory to you, Lord.
The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven, ” and they said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph?  Do we not know his father and mother?  Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop murmuring among yourselves.  No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day.  It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God.  Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father.  Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.  I am the bread of life.  Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die.  I am the living bread that came  down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 Here are some thoughts for this Sunday:

 God is persistent in bringing us to new life. Elijah is worn out to the point of death. Twice God sends an angel to feed him and set him back on his feet to continue his journey to Horeb.  

 In the gospel, despite the murmuring of the crowd, Jesus persists in revealing himself as the bread sent by God to nourish them, and us, for the journey to eternal life. Jesus gives his life so that we might have new life: “the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

Have a good week.

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

16 August 2009

Greeting (See First Reading)

God’s wisdom has prepared his wine
and laid the table.
He invites us:
‘‘Come and eat my bread,
drink the wine I have prepared!”
This is our Lord’s invitation to us.
May we answer his invitation
and may he always be with you. 

Introduction by the Celebrant (Three Options)

A.     The Eucharist At The Core Of Our Faith
We know that the very core of our faith is that Jesus’ body was broken for us on the cross, that he shed his blood for us, but that he rose again from the dead and is alive. The deepest way for us to share in his death and resurrection is the Mass, the Eucharist we celebrate. There the body of Christ is given to us as our food; there his blood is made present to forgive our sins and to fill us with Jesus’ life and strength and joy. Let us celebrate this Eucharist with gratitude, for here the Lord gives himself totally to us.
(or)

B.     Come, The Table Is Ready
“Come, the table is ready!” In our homes this is the invitation that brings us together as a family to share our food and our love. “Come, the table is ready!” is Jesus’ invitation to us in the Eucharist. He takes our human bread and makes it into the sign of the giving of himself: “Take this, all of you, and eat it: This is my body, this is I myself giving myself for you.” Let us sit at the table of the Lord and break his bread, and learn from him to become each other’s food and drink of life and joy.
(or)

C.     Thank The Lord For The Eucharist
How fortunate we are that we have the Eucharist! Here is Jesus assuring us: “I am with you and live among you, and give you not just any gift but myself to eat on the journey of life. Eat my bread of life and drink my wine of joy. This is I who give myself for you.” In this way he also makes us capable of giving ourselves to God and to one another. Let this be a celebration of thanksgiving with the Lord among us.

 

First Reading                                         Proverbs 9:1-6
A Reading from the book of Proverbs 

Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her seven columns; she has dressed her meat, mixed her wine, yes, she has spread her table. She has sent out her maidens; she calls from the heights out over the city: “Let whoever is simple turn in here; To the one who lacks understanding, she says,Come, eat of my food, and drink of the wine I have mixed! Forsake foolishness that you may live; advance in the way of understanding.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                         Psalms 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Response:  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.
Response:  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.
Response:  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.
Response:  Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

 

Second Reading                                         Ephesians 5:15-20
A Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians

Brothers and sisters: Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.  And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

  

Gospel                                                              John 6:51-58
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus said to the crowds: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give
is my flesh for the life of the world.”

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 Here are some thoughts for this Sunday:

 

In John’s gospel, in the Bread of Life discourse, our table is finally set. It is not set, however, with meat and wine, but with the very Body and Blood of Jesus.  Jesus’ self-giving, fulfilled on the cross, is now made present in the Eucharist. Our eating his flesh and drinking his blood draws us into this same mystery of self-giving.

 

Have a good week.

 

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

23 August 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

Christ loved his Church; he gave himself up for her
to make her holy and immaculate; he nourishes us and cares for us.
May his love and peace be always with you. 

Introduction by the Celebrant (Three Options)

A.     Are You On My Side?
After Vatican II many were affected by the deeper insights in the Gospel and our faith which the Spirit had given to his Church: most were the result of deeper study or simply rediscoveries of neglected truths. To most people the renewal after the Council was like a deep breath of fresh air; but some went away sadly from the Church. They could not take it; there was no room for growth in their faith. Today Jesus asks us too: Can you grow in your faith? Do you choose me and my Church or do you stick to your own ideas? He invites us: choose me, grow in my life and my love.
(or)

B.     We Have Made a Choice
Ever since we were baptized we belong to Christ as our Lord and Savior and brother. Have we ever made our baptismal choice a conscious, personal option for Christ? Our presence here at the Eucharist implies that we have done so. Do we confirm that choice by our everyday Christian living, in our dealings with those around us in love, justice, and forgiveness? When our faith is put to the test do we renew our choice and say: “Lord, to whom else shall we go? You are the Lord of my life.”
(or)

C.     Though Not Perfect, It Is Beautiful Inside
Why do we stay in the Church even though we see glaring defects in its structures and members? For me personally I’d like to answer: because I also see its numerous qualities and beauty. The Church brings me its message of life and especially, I see the Lord present in it. It is my Church because I find my Lord there. He is present there in the Eucharist, he is present there in the community. And I know it is a Church on the way and so it cannot yet be perfect. For me the Church does not have to be perfect, for it is a Church of people and leaders who struggle and try, and so the Lord is there.

 

First Reading                                         Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
A reading from the book of Joshua

Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders, their judges, and their officers. When they stood in ranks before God, Joshua addressed all the people: “If it does not please you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are now dwelling.  As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

But the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD for the service of other gods. For it was the LORD, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among the peoples through whom we passed. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                               Psalms 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21
Response:  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.
Response:  Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

The LORD has eyes for the just, and ears for their cry. The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
Response:  Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
Response:  Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Many are the troubles of the just one, but out of them all the LORD delivers him; he watches over all his bones; not one of them shall be broken.
Response:  Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading                                                               Ephesians 5:21-32

A Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians

Brothers and sisters: Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body.  As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              John 6:60-69
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

Many of Jesus’disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”  As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”  Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

30 August 2009

Greeting (See Gospel)

Jesus our Lord has called us together and he says to us today:
“Listen to me, all of you, and try to understand.”
May we hear his word and put it into practice,
and may the Lord be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     The Spirit Of The Law
How do you experience laws, especially God’s commandments? Many people consider them as something coming from outside themselves, as burdens imposed on them. Of course, if they are outside you, you cannot love them, you feel like rejecting them or observe only the absolute minimum required. If we understand that their inspiration is love of God and love and respect for people, then they can become a part of ourselves and live in our hearts. Let us ask the Lord that with generosity and love we may go far beyond the letter of the law. (or)

B.     We Have Made a Choice
We are gathered here to listen to the Word of God and to eat from his table. To listen means not simply to hear what the Lord has to say, but to let his Word guide our life. But even our obedience to God’s Word should not become a mechanical compliance. God is a God who loves us, who wants to be near to his people. If we respond to his love, our response to him and to his Word and commandments cannot be anything else than a response from the heart, an answer given to him by free and responsible people.

 

First Reading                                       Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8 

A reading from the book of Deuteronomy

Moses said to the people: “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin upon you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it. Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm                               Psalms 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5
Response:  One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. 

Whoever walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue.
Response:  One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the LORD.
Response:  One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. 

Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things shall never be disturbed.
Response:  One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. 

Second Reading                                  James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27                                                                     

A Reading from the book of St. James

Dearest brothers and sisters: All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.  Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 Gospel                                                              Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.  Glory to you, Lord.

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem
gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. —For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds. — So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”  He summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile. “From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 Here are some thoughts for this Sunday:

 God gives us commandments so we “may live.”  The purpose of keeping the commandments is not a matter of blind obedience, but rather about growing closer to the Lord God who has first come close to us.

 

It is easier to do “outside” actions such as cleaning jugs and kettles than it is to do the harder work of cleaning one’s heart.  But it is as we do the work of the heart that our actions become pure.

 

Have a good week.

 

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

06 September 2009

Greeting (See Gospel)

Blessed be the Lord Jesus Christ,
who did all things well.
He makes the deaf hear
and the mute speak.
May he open our ears to his Word
and may he always be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     Lord, Open Our Ears And Lips
We live in an era of communication explosion: fax, e-mail, internet or web and so on. And at the same time it is an age of isolation and loneliness of people. What people have is information, and what they have lost is personal relations. In this Eucharist we pray to the Lord, to open our ears that we may again listen to one another and to God speaking to us. May we also learn again to speak to one another, person to person. (or)

B.     Ephphatha! Be Opened!
The sign that Jesus is the promised Savior is that he first goes to the poor, the sick, the marginalized people, for they need him most. Not only material poverty is meant. The deaf and the mute, the hard of hearing and the stammerers are we who are shut up within ourselves, often closed to God and one another. Jesus comes to open our ears and mouths to the words and deeds of God, that we may listen to his message and respond to his love, and that we may also hear the poor and speak to them with our help. Let Jesus in the Eucharist heal us and commit us to God and people.

 

First Reading                                                   Isaiah 35:4-7a 

A reading from the book of Prophet Isaiah

Thus says the LORD: Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                         Psalms 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
Response:  Praise the Lord, my soul! 

The God of Jacob keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free.
Response:  Praise the Lord, my soul!

The LORD gives sight to the blind; the LORD raises up those who were bowed down. The LORD loves the just; the LORD protects strangers.
Response:  Praise the Lord, my soul!

The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. The LORD shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.
Response:  Praise the Lord, my soul!

Second Reading                                              James 2:1-5

A Reading from the book of St. James

My brothers and sisters, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here, please, ” while you say to the poor one, “Stand there, ” or “Sit at my feet, ” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

  

Gospel                                                                          Mark 7:31-37
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.  Glory to you, Lord.

Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him.  He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”— that is, “Be opened!” — And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 September 2009

Greeting (See Responsorial Psalm)

We trust in the Lord who keeps us from lasting death,
who stands by our side in sorrow and distress,
and keeps our feet from stumbling.
The Lord be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     Do We Go Jesus’ Way?
What are we looking for in life? Good health, happiness in our families, in our job, in our faith, good relationships with ourselves, with people, and with God. When Jesus tells us today that we have to follow him in taking up the crosses that come our way, do we accept that as disciples of Jesus today? Do we take that as a part of our faith or do we say, “Lord, everything – but not that!”? Jesus assures us: “Anyone who loses his or her life for my sake will find life, will save life.” Come, let us meet the Lord who speaks to us.
(or)

B.     Do We Know Jesus?
We profess in the Creed, “I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son and our Lord.” We say we know who he is, our Savior and our Lord. Do we really know him? To know him deeply we not only have to listen to what he says but to know how he lived and died, giving himself totally to the Father and to people. Even that is not enough: we must follow in his footsteps by giving ourselves like him without reserve to God and to people. Then we will know Jesus from experience.

 

First Reading                                                   Isaiah 50:5-9a                                                                                            

A reading from the book of Prophet Isaiah

 

The Lord GOD opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let that man confront me. See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                               Psalms 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Response:  I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living. 

I love the LORD because he has heard my voice in supplication,
Because he has inclined his ear to me the day I called.
Response:  I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

The cords of death encompassed me; the snares of the netherworld seized upon me; I fell into distress and sorrow, And I called upon the name of the LORD, “O LORD, save my life!”
Response:  I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

Gracious is the LORD and just; yes, our God is merciful.
The LORD keeps the little ones; I was brought low, and he saved me.
Response:  I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

For he has freed my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
Response:  I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

 

Second Reading                                                          James 2:14-18  

A Reading from the book of St. James

 

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them,
“Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well, ” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

  

Gospel                                                              Mark 8:27-35
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.” Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “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 and that of the gospel will save it.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

20 September 2009

Greeting (See Responsorial Psalm)

We have God for our help.
The Lord upholds our life.
May the Lord Jesus be always with you. 

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     Who Is The Greatest?
“We are the greatest, the mightiest, the strongest nation on earth,” say the politicians. “I am the greatest of all time,” says the boxer. “I am the boss, and you do what I say,” says the manager. “I am stronger than you,” says the schoolboy. “Anyone who wants to be first must make himself or herself the last and the servant of all,” says Jesus. Jesus asks us, “What do you say?”
(or)

B.     And A Child Shall Lead Them
We, parents particularly, all know how defenseless and fragile children are. That is why God loves children very much, as Jesus showed us in his whole life. Jesus tells us even how we have to become like children, not that we have to become childish but that like children we must be spontaneous, open, and simple. Children do not ask for their due; they expect things from others and they accept everything as a gift. In the same way we must be open to the gifts of God and of people. People are God’s gift to us too. Children symbolize the beginning of life; so everything should be ahead for us, too, and we go forward with Jesus as our guide.

 

First Reading                                                   Wisdom 2:12, 17-20                                                                        

A reading from the book of Wisdom

The wicked say: Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he sets himself against our doings, reproaches us for transgressions of the law and charges us with violations of our training. Let us see whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him. For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes. With revilement and torture let us put the just one to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his  patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm                               Psalms 54:3-4, 5, 6, & 8
Response:  The Lord upholds my life.

O God, by your name save me, and by your might defend my cause.
O God, hear my prayer; hearken to the words of my mouth.
Response:  The Lord upholds my life.

For the haughty men have risen up against me, the ruthless seek my life;
they set not God before their eyes.
Response:  The Lord upholds my life.

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life. Freely will I offer you sacrifice; I will praise your name, O LORD, for its goodness.
Response:  The Lord upholds my life.

 

Second Reading                                              James 3:16-4:3                                                                           

A Reading from the book of St. James

Beloved: Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              Mark 9:30-37
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in the their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

27 September 2009

First Reading                                  Numbers 11:25-29                                                                          

A reading from the book of Wisdom

The LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. Taking some of the spirit that was on Moses, the LORD bestowed it on the seventy elders; and as the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied. Now two men, one named Eldad and the other Medad, were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp. They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent; yet the spirit came to rest on them also, and they prophesied in the camp. So, when a young man quickly told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp,” Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses’ aide, said, “Moses, my lord, stop them.” But Moses answered him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets! Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                               Psalms 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14
Response:  The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. 

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul;
the decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.
Response:  The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. 

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.
Response:  The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. 

Though your servant is careful of them, very diligent in keeping them,
Yet who can detect failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults!
Response:  The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. 

From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant; let it not rule over me.
Then shall I be blameless and innocent of serious sin.
Response:  The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. 

Second Reading                                               James 5:1-6                                                                    

A Reading from the book of St. James

Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire. You have stored up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

  

Gospel                                              Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.  Glory to you, Lord.

At that time, John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

  

Here are some thoughts for this Sunday:

 Discipleship is decided by our behavior rather than by our being in the inner circle. What is crucial to discipleship is how we act. Jesus uses extreme terms to tell us that we must turn from whatever is inconsistent with acting in his name. Any behavior that causes us to sin or to lead others into sin must be cut off.  Any attitude that limits the presence and power of the Spirit must also be cut off. Being a disciple demands radical choices about how we live and relate to others.

 

Have a good week.

Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

04 October 2009

First Reading                                       Genesis 2:18-24

A reading from the book of Genesis

The LORD God said: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.” So the LORD God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all wild animals; but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man. So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The LORD God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said: “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called ‘woman, ‘ for out of ‘her man’ this one has been taken.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm                               Psalms 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
Response:  May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored.
Response:  May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home;
your children like olive plants around your table.
Response:  May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.

Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
Response:  May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.

May you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!
Response:  May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.

Second Reading                                  Hebrew 2:9-11 

A Reading from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews

Brothers and sisters: He “for a little while” was made “lower than the angels, “that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering. He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated
all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              Mark 10:2-16
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.  Glory to you, Lord.

The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this.  He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Here are some thoughts for this Weekend:

 In the deepest recesses of our hearts, we all desire to live in union with one another as God intends.  The gospel intimates that the kingdom of God belongs to those who yield the hardness of their hearts to the open embrace that Jesus models.

 Just as the gospel moves from shortsighted confrontation over Mosaic laws of divorce to Jesus’ tender embrace of little children, so must our lives move from our own shortsighted to the wide embrace of God’s ultimate plan—the blessing of union with one another.

 Have a good week.

 Paul H. Slaby, CMF

Readings – Twenty-Eight Sunday in Ordinary Time

11 October 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

The Word of God is alive and active;
it can judge our secret emotions and thoughts.
It is the Lord Jesus who speaks this word to us.
May he always be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     What Do You Lack?
Today the Word of God challenges us: in what do you put your heart? Where is your security? What makes your life valuable and worthwhile? Here comes the advice of God’s word and wisdom as early as the Old Testament and here comes Jesus’ warning: Do not put your heart in possessions for they will become your masters. Let God be your Lord. Let it be Jesus whom we follow.
(or)

B.     The Lord Invites You
How happy are we when once in a while the Lord invites us to encounter him on a deeper level beyond the banality of life, be it in prayer, in listening to the word he speaks to us, in our thanksgiving after communion, in admiring the beauty of his creation. When we really encounter him he changes us, for known or unknown to us he invites us to follow him more radically. But we can refuse the invitation. It saddens him, for he loves us. Let us ask the Lord here in the Eucharist that we may always follow his call and invitation.

First Reading                                                   Wisdom 7:7-11       

A reading from the book of Wisdom

I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, nor did I liken any priceless gem to her; because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, and I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep. Yet all good things together came to me in her company, and countless riches at her hands.            

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm                               Psalms 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
Response:  Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!
Response:  Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!

Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. Make us glad, for the days when you afflicted us, for the years when we saw evil.
Response:  Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!

Let your work be seen by your servants and your glory by their children;
and may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!
Response:  Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!

Second Reading                                           Hebrew 4:12-13

A Reading from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews

Brothers and sisters: Indeed the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              Mark 10:17-30
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.  Glory to you, Lord.

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.  You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”  At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

…….Read Reflection.

Readings – Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

18 October 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

We have here among us
a High Priest capable of feeling our weaknesses
and who was tempted in every way that we are,
though he was without sin.
With his grace and mercy
may Jesus be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     Power Is Dangerous
Have you noticed how in their campaign for office most politicians use the word “service”? Very much they say they want to be the servants of the people and to be elected so that they can serve. But when they are elected, whom do they serve? Most usually serve themselves first and then make the people serve them. That should never be the way of the Church. People in church office or as ordinary faithful should have the ambition to serve one another and in this way to serve God. That was Jesus’ way. We ask him today to make it our way.
(or)

B.     Greatness Through Service
Not those commanding as masters, not those seeking places of honor, promotion, privileges and medals are great according to the standards of Jesus, but those who know how to serve. To serve is the Christian’s “career.” The servant is at the disposal of all, understands the weakness of others and sees them in himself. To serve is often painful, but only those capable of sacrificing themselves for others and not running away from difficulties have something to contribute to the world. They accept to be like seeds that die to give life. Ask Jesus who is with us here to help us serve with him.

 

First Reading                                                   Isaiah 53:10-11                                                                                         

A reading from the book of Prophet Isaiah

The LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity. If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him. Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm                               Psalms 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
Response:  Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
Response:  Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.
Response:  Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield. May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you.
Response:  Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Second Reading                                                          Hebrew 4:14-16

A Reading from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews

Brothers and sisters: Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way,
yet without sin.  So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              Mark 10:35-45

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.  Glory to you, Lord.

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him,
“Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

25 October 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

We are gathered in the name of Jesus, of whom the Father said: “You are my Son, today I have become your father.” May the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     Are We Blind?
Let all of us to whom God has given good eyes thank God wholeheartedly for the gift of sight. But today the Lord asks us: Do you see with the eyes of your heart what I am asking of you? Do you see the way I have shown you? Do you see the people I have placed on your way and are you aware of their needs and hungers? Do you see the beauty of the world I created and are you willing to keep it a marvel for you and your children? Let us ask the Lord in this Eucharist to open our eyes to God and people.
(or)

B.     Get Up! Jesus Will Open Your Eyes
Sometimes we feel like blind people groping in the dark or even dazed, sitting disheartened by the side of the road. We don’t see where we stand or where we are going, we cannot discern what we have to believe or to do. If only we would turn to Jesus and ask him, “Lord, let me see again!” May he restore our eyesight so that we can follow him on the road he shows us. Let this be our prayer today in this Eucharist.

First Reading                                             Jeremiah 31:7-9                                                                        

A reading from the book of Prophet Jeremiah

Thus says the LORD: Shout with joy for Jacob, exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say: The LORD has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. Behold, I will bring them back from the land of the north; I will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst, the mothers and those with child; they shall return as an immense throng. They departed in tears, but I will console them and guide them; I will lead them to brooks of water, on a level road, so that none shall stumble. For I am a father to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm                               Psalms 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Response:  The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.
Response:  The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.
Response:  The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Response:  The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.
Response:  The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. 

Second Reading                                                        Hebrew 5:1-6                                                                  

A Reading from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews

Brothers and sisters: Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: You are my son: this day I have begotten you; just as he says in another place: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              Mark 10:46-52

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.  Glory to you, Lord.

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

15 November 2009 

Greeting (See Entrance Antiphon)

The Lord reassures us today:
My plans for you are peace and not disaster.
When you call to me, I will listen to you
and I will bring you home.
May the Lord of peace and hope be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.    Hope In A New World
Some parts of Scripture, like today’s readings, speak of calamities and disasters as signs of an old world decaying and Jesus coming in judgment. Today’s television and other media bring into our homes the disasters and violence and suffering of the whole world; and people ask: where all this is leading us. These are signs for us today that the world in which we live is decay-ing, but we should not overlook the signs of hope too in a fairer and more unified world, the crumbling of tyrannies on the right and the left. These are, like budding branches on a tree, signs of hope in a new world that is growing, and in the coming of God among us, his people. Let us celebrate this hope in this Eucharist.
(or)

B.     My Plans For You Are Peace
Today the liturgy speaks to us of God’s judgment and the end of time. When and how the very end will come is known to God alone. But this we know for sure: the end time has begun with Christ, when he became one of us in his humanity, died and rose from the dead. With him among us now we live our faith even in the trials of life, not in fear but in the firm hope that God’s love and justice will triumph and that Christ will complete in us in God’s good time what we try to build up as we trust in him. For we are people of hope in a loving and saving God. Let us express this hope in this Eucharist.

First Reading                                         Daniel 12:1-3

A Reading from the book of Daniel

In those days, I Daniel, heard this word of the Lord: “At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book.  “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake;
some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. “But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.”
Responsorial Psalm                                         Psalms 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
Response: You are my inheritance, O Lord!

O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.
I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Response: You are my inheritance, O Lord!

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence;
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.

Response: You are my inheritance, O Lord!

You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
Response: You are my inheritance, O Lord!
Second Reading                                                          Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

A Reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters: Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool. For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated. Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer offering for sin.

Gospel                                                              Mark 13:24-32

Jesus said to his disciples: “In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.  ”And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky. “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates.  Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Readings – Second Sunday of Advent

06 December 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

May our love for one another
prepare us for the Day of the Lord,
when Jesus Christ returns.
May his grace and love be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.    Signs Of Hope
Vatican II has restored the meaning of Advent from a season of penance and conversion into its original purpose: a time of hope. We remember the coming of Christ, and we know he has to come more deeply in our Church and in our world. To dispose us to do this we need conversion, of course, but we need especially hope that, notwithstanding everything to the contrary, his kingdom will come. To deepen that hope, we have to learn to see the signs that this hope is already present among us. Let our Lord open our eyes to these signs.
(or)

B.     Remove The Obstacles From The Road
Tremendous amounts of money are spent to build better roads, to have better communications, but there still remain a lot of obstacles among people and even nations to communicate with one another. In the same way there are still many obstacles to the coming of our Savior in our world. People put up roadblocks and we have to remove them, so that his mercy and freedom, his justice and love may reach all people. Ah, if only all could encounter the Savior and experience God’s salvation in him and at work in us too! We ask Jesus our Lord in this Eucharist that we may be the road to him and that we may bring him near to people.

 

First Reading                                                   Baruch 5:1-9

A reading from the Book of Baruch

Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever: wrapped in the cloak of justice from God, bear on your head the miter that displays the glory of the eternal name. For God will show all the earth your splendor: you will be named by God forever the peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship. Up, Jerusalem! stand upon the heights; look to the east and see your children gathered from the east and the west at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that they are remembered by God. Led away on foot by their enemies they left you: but God will bring them back to you borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones. For God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low, and that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground, that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God. The forests and every fragrant kind of tree have overshadowed Israel at God’s command; for God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                         Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.
Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. 

Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.
Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. 

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. 

Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.
Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
 

Second Reading                                              Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians

Brothers and sisters: I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

 The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

Gospel                                                                          Luke 3:1-6

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord.

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

 The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Third Sunday of Advent

13 December 2009

Greeting (See Second Reading)

There is no need to worry,
for the Lord wants you to be happy,
and he is near to you.
May his peace and joy be with you always.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.    Called To Joy
On this Third Sunday of Advent the liturgy speaks to us, people who are too often so sad, of God as the Lord of the dance: the Lord is happy to come among us: he will dance with shouts of joy for you as on a day of festival. It is a feast for the Lord to be with us. Is it a feast for us too? Let us open ourselves to the joy of the coming and lasting presence among us of the Lord himself. He comes to us with his peace, his love, and his forgiveness, not only on the great feast of Christmas but in every Eucharist and every day when we are willing to make God’s love and peace grow in us and in our world. Lord, we are happy that you are here among us.
(or)

B.     Begin In A Small Way
When the task to carry out what we ought to do certainly exceeds our potentials, what can we do about it? When the problem is too large for us to handle— like injustice and violence in the world, the lack of love, the disunity among people—what is there that we little people can do? We can begin by acting responsibly in our own little corner, with the people around us and by doing well what we have to do. This is John the Baptist’s advice to those who come to him for conversion. This is what they have to do to hasten the coming of the Savior. This is perhaps all we can do to bring Christ today in our world.

 

First Reading                                                   Zephaniah 3:14-18a

A reading from the Book of Zephaniah

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                         Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

Response: Cry out with joy and gladness:  for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.
Response: Cry out with joy and gladness:  for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. 
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.

Response: Cry out with joy and gladness:  for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!
Response: Cry out with joy and gladness:  for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Second Reading                                              Philippians 4:4-7

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians

Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again:  rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                                          Luke 3:10-18

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord.

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none.  And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Fourth Sunday of Advent

20 December 2009

Greeting (See the Gospel)

Blessed are they who believe with Mary
that the Lord will fulfill his promises.
The Lord be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.    God Visits His People
Our world is full of humble, ordinary people living in obscure hamlets, and yet some people like these have changed the course of the world. Within the history of the Church we are shown today the first person coming from such an ordinary milieu who by a simple phrase of her YES turned around the course of the world and the Church to be. It is Mary. Her YES to God, her “Here I am,” gave to her and to us Jesus, the Son of God. It made possible the “Here I am, I come to do your will,” of Jesus. Her YES and the YES of Jesus call us and the whole Church today to give our unconditional YES to God. Let us ask in this Eucharist that we may join Jesus and Mary in their YES. Then we can change the course of the world today.
(or)

B.     God’s Way of Coming
To solve our human problems we have recourse to strong means, like authority, influence, money and power. God’s upsetting standards are quite different from ours. To save our world and us he joins people in their weakness and becomes human among us. The Savior is born not in the capital but in a sleepy rural town. He is born in poverty. He overthrows the power of evil with the apparent weakness of humility, obedience and service. A woman and a child are at the beginning of our salvation. Let us recognize God’s astonishing way of coming.

First Reading                                                   Micah 5:1-4

A reading from the Book of Micah

Thus says the LORD: You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, and the rest of his kindred shall return to the children of Israel. He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; and they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

Response: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power, and come to save us.
Response: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Response: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name.

Response: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Second Reading                                              Hebrew 10:5-10

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters: When Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.’“ First he says, “Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.” These are offered according to the law. Then he says,: Behold, I come to do your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. By this “will,” we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                              Luke 1:39-45

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord.

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Nativity of the Lord: Christmas Midnight Mass

24 December 2009

Greeting

A holy and joyful Christmas to all of you!
Christ is born to us, He lives in us.
May He always be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Three Options)

A.   Flesh From Our Flesh
Yes, we are assured tonight that the Lord is really with us: He smiles on us through a little newborn child lying in a manger. God has come to us in his humble way. The star of his coming has come to rest on this church, on this community. Are we humble and little enough to accept him the way he comes to us?
Because of the Christmas proclamation, the Penitential Act could perhaps be omitted. For those who prefer to keep it:
(or)

B.   A Recognizable God

Tonight the world is reminded how God became flesh from our flesh and blood from our blood. He joined us in our human poverty as he was born from the Virgin Mary in a stable by the roadside. There people could see how God had eyes to smile at us, ears to hear our cries and stammering, arms to extend to us and embrace us, a heart to beat for us and to love us, a mouth to speak to us words of endearment and truth, a life to live for us and to give up for us. Has his coming changed us and brought us close to him?
(or)

C.   The Face Of God

When God wanted to show himself as he is in a way we could understand, he became human, one of us, appearing with the face of a child. He showed himself in all our fragility, as if saying: Do you see now that I am near to you, that I am with you not to overpower you but with the face of peace and love and trust? Let us welcome with joy the Lord who comes to live among us and to join us on the journey of life. Now we can become more like God.

First Reading Introduction: A Light In Our Darkness
          A child born to us will bring us light and peace from God.

First Reading                                         Isaiah 9:1-6

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13

Response:  Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
Response:  Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
Response:  Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound;

Let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
Response:  Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth.

He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy.
Response:  Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Second Reading Introduction: Jesus, The Gift Of God’s Grace
          The coming of Jesus was God’s gift of grace to all people. But he depends on our cooperation.

Second Reading                                  Titus 2:11-14

A reading from the book of Titus

Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel Introduction: Today A Savior Has Been Born To Us
        This is the Good News of today: a Savior has been born to us. Let us give glory to God.

Gospel                                                              Luke 2:1-14
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

01 January 2010

Greeting (See second Reading)

God sent his Son, born of a woman,
to enable us to become God’s children.
Through the Spirit of the Son we can cry out to God:
“Father, my Father!”
May Jesus, this Son, be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

It is a pleasure to begin the year with Mary. As followers of Jesus we want to be close to him. Who was closer to him than his mother? We want to grow up in Christ. Mary conceived him and carried him in her body until he was born from her. She saw him grow up day after day. She helped him grow up. She is eager to help him grow in us. We place ourselves in the care of Mary, that she may help us this year to grow into the full stature of Jesus.

 

First Reading                                                   Numbers 6:22-27

A reading from the Book of Numbers

The LORD said to Moses: “Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                         Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8

Response: May God bless us in his mercy.

 

May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation.
Response: May God bless us in his mercy.
May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity;

the nations on the earth you guide.
Response: May God bless us in his mercy.

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
Response: May God bless us in his mercy.

 

Second Reading                                                          Galatians 4:4-7

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians

Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                                          Luke 2:16-21
The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.  When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – The Epiphany of the Lord Jesus

Light Revealed To The Nations

Greeting

May the star of Jesus our Lord shine on you and on all the nations of the earth.
May you live in his light and may the Lord Jesus be always with you. 

Introduction by the Celebrant

The celebration of Epiphany, meaning “manifestation,” is like a second Christmas. It is, in fact, the Christmas of the Eastern Churches. It proclaims that the child Jesus belongs to and is given to the whole world as its Savior. With the magi the world brings to him its variety of gifts: its culture, its many facets, its different identities. And we here, like people from other nations, bring him the gift of ourselves: our faith, our fidelity, our love, as we meet him in prayer and in people, especially in the poorest.

First Reading                                       Isaiah 60: 1-6

A reading from the Book of Prophet Isaiah

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem!  Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

  

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Response: 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.
Response: 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.
Response: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him.
Response: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save.
Response: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

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

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians

Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

 The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                  Matthew 2:1-12

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.  Glory to you, Lord.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – The Baptism of the Lord

10 January 2010

Greeting (see Second Reading)

God has revealed to us his kindness and love in Jesus Christ our Savior by saving us through the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit.  May the Lord Jesus be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. My Beloved Son

Still in the Christmas spirit we celebrate today the Lord’s Baptism. On Christmas he manifested himself as a child, yet he was no other than God’s Son. At the Epiphany he manifested himself to the Gentiles as the Savior of all people. Today he manifests himself as the Son intensely loved by the Father, with the Spirit resting on him and guiding him. Now he can begin his mission. In this eucharist we ask our Lord to make us aware how we too, through baptism, are beloved sons and daughters of the Father, and how the fire of the Spirit should inflame us. (or)

B. What about Our Baptism?

On this feast of Our Lord’s baptism the liturgy reminds us of our own baptism. At his baptism Jesus saw the mission ahead of him and committed himself to it. He received heaven’s confirmation that the Father and the Holy Spirit were with him in his mission of saving people. At our baptism too the Father accepted us as his beloved sons and daughters and gave us the mission of living the life of Christ for all people to see. We ask the Lord here with us to give us the insight and strength to accept our Christian mission in life.

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

A reading from the Book of Prophet Isaiah

Thus says the LORD: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street, a bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching. I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm                                  Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10

Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Give to the LORD, you sons of God, give to the LORD glory and praise, Give to the LORD the glory due his name; adore the LORD in holy attire.                                                                                                                                                                                 Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters, the LORD, over vast waters. The voice of the LORD is mighty; the voice of the LORD is majestic.                                                                                                                                                                                               Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.

The God of glory thunders, and in his temple all say, “Glory!” The LORD is enthroned above the flood; the LORD is enthroned as king forever.                                                                                                                                                                            Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Second Reading                                                          Acts 10:34-38                                                                                                                     A reading from the book of Acts

Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered in the house of Cornelius, saying: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                                        Luke  3:15-16, 21-22                                                                                                        The Lord be with you. And also with you.                                                                                                                                                              A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord.

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

17 January 2010

Greeting (See Second Reading)

One and the same Holy Spirit
distributes different gifts to different people
just as the Spirit chooses.
Through the Holy Spirit
may the Lord Jesus give us the gifts we need
to build up his Church.
May he always be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     From Water into Wine
The Lord wants to tell us today that life is a feast. A feast? With all its troubles and miseries? Yes, a feast, if we learn to look at it with eyes of faith, if we come to see what makes life beautiful. We all have our daily cares, we may have days of mourning and problems, but the deepest reality is that we are not alone, that we have God, who lets us drink the wine of his love, God who gives us Jesus to lead      us to him. Let us drink the wine of joy!
(or)

B.     A Marriage Feast
When two young people set out together on the adventure of married life, they affirm that they believe in each other, in love, in life, in the future. This is the message God speaks to us today. He has committed himself to us, his people, in a covenant bond of love, as lasting and as beautiful as marriage, when his Son Jesus became human. In him he has given himself to us for ever, for better and for worse, accepting that his Son laid down his life for us, so that we might live. He continues to change for us the water of the drabness and failures of our existence into plenty of wine and joy. And the best wine will be kept for the end, for eternal happiness. In this eucharist Jesus changes bread and wine for us into the food and drink of life.

First Reading                                                   Isaiah 62:1-5

A reading from the first Book of Prophet Isaiah

For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication, and all the kings your glory;
you shall be called by a new name pronounced by the mouth of the LORD. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem held by your God. No more shall people call you “Forsaken, “ or your land “Desolate, “ but you shall be called “My Delight, “ and your land “Espoused.” For the LORD delights in you and makes your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                         Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10

Response: Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
Response: Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations. 

Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
Response: Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations. 

Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name!
Response: Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations. 

Worship the LORD in holy attire. Tremble before him, all the earth; Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He governs the peoples with equity.
Response: Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

 

Second Reading                                  1 Corinthians 12:4-11

A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians

Brothers and sisters: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another, the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another, mighty deeds; to another, prophecy; to another, discernment of spirits; to another, varieties of tongues; to another, interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                                          John 2:1-11

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from — although the servers who had drawn the water knew —, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

24 January 2010

Greeting (See Second Reading)

We, though we are many,
are one body in Christ
and we have all been given the same Spirit.
May the Lord Jesus be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     Proclaiming Liberty to Captives
In church we often hear the words “salvation” or “redemption.” These technical words sound difficult and remote. Jesus, whose name means “God saves,” tells us today what this “saving” means: He came to bring us freedom, liberation, from all that alienates us from God and people and to make us capable of liberating one another. Indeed we are created and born to be free. That is the Good News he brings us. Let Jesus here among us make us free sons and daughters of God.
(or)

B.     A Marriage Feast
We know that it is not easy to bring together in one community people of different backgrounds, different talents, each with one’s own brand of selfishness too. But what is impossible for us to do, God tries to do with us in Christ. In him God calls us together from our diversity and division caused by the alienation of sin. Through baptism we have become one body, one family, one community in Christ. Each has to contribute one’s share, different from that of anyone else for the benefit of all and yet can remain true to oneself. Each of us becomes an irreplaceable part on which the whole body depends. In this unity in diversity let us praise the Father and eat the body of Christ that we may become more his body of the Church.

First Reading                                                   Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

A reading from the Book of Nehemiah
Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. He opened the scroll so that all the people might see it — for he was standing higher up than any of the people —; and, as he opened it, all the people rose. Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, “Amen, amen!” Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD, their faces to the ground. Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribe and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all the people: “Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep”— for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. He said further: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!”

 The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                         Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

Response: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.
Response: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. 

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye.
Response: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. 

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.
Response: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. 

Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Response: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Second Reading                                  1 Corinthians 12:12-30

A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians

Brothers and sisters: 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. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. Now the body is not a single part, but many. If a foot should say, “Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body, “it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. Or if an ear should say, “Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body, “ it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended. If they were all one part, where would the body be? But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you, “ nor again the head to the feet, “I do not need you.” Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary, and those parts of the body that we consider less honorable we surround with greater honor, and our less presentable parts are treated with greater propriety, whereas our more presentable parts do not need this. But God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to a part that is without it, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                                          Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

31 January 2010

Greeting (See First Reading)

Before you were born, I knew you;
I am with you to deliver you,
says the Lord.
May the Lord Jesus be your strength
and may he always be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     Jesus Asks for Prophets Like Himself
We know we are willing to listen to people as long as they tell us what pleases us, what conforms to our own ways of thinking. But when they remind us of things, even good things, that make demands on us or upset our patterns of           thinking and doing things, we close our ears and hearts. Yet it is good that Jesus reminds us of things that shake up our conscience when we neglect to do them: like forgiving, caring for the poor, standing up for what is right and just. Let us listen today to the Lord and to all that speak in his name.
(or)

B.     The Greatest of All Is Love
Sometimes we hear people voice their disappointment, as “I have given so much time and effort to the parish community and now I am not even elected to the parish council,” or “Look at all I have done for my family and see how my children disappoint me!” Is the undertone frustrated self-love or a real spirit of love and service of others? We are told today in strong words that love does not take offense and is not resentful. It is trusting and endures everything. Let us ask the Lord here with us to make our love genuine and deep.

First Reading                                                   Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19

A reading from the Book of Jeremiah
The word of the LORD came to me, saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.  But do you gird your loins; stand up and tell them all that I command you. Be not crushed on their account, as though I would leave you crushed before them; for it is I this day who have made you a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: against Judah’s kings and princes, against its priests and people. They will fight against you but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17

Response: I will sing of your salvation.

In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.

In your justice rescue me, and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me.
Response: I will sing of your salvation.

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress.

O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
Response: I will sing of your salvation.

For you are my hope, O Lord; My trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength.
Response: I will sing of your salvation. 
My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation.

O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
Response: I will sing of your salvation.

Second Reading                      1 Corinthians 12:31 – 13:13

A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians

 Brothers and sisters: Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in human and angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, It is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                                          Luke 4:21-30

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

7 February 2010 

Greeting (See Second Reading)

By God’s grace we are what we are.
May his grace not remain fruitless in us.
What matters is that we spread the Good News.
May the Lord Jesus be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant (Two Options)

A.     We Are Called And Sent
If our faith is truly an integral part of our lives, we should be so much aware of its riches that we cannot keep it to ourselves. What we see in it, what we live in it, we want to share with others. If it makes us feel happy and secure in God, we realize it is given not only for ourselves. Let us make others happy and rich in faith: that is the vocation of every Christian. Let us ask the Lord here in the Eucharist that we may bring him to others, at least by the way we live.
(or)

B.    The Rich Word Of God
It is fortunate that the new liturgy has opened the Bible for us. Not only do we hear it now in our own language but also the number and selection of texts read to us has improved immensely. No wonder many people now have a Bible and regularly read from it. Why do we read the Bible? Is it only to seek consolation in it or is it that we want to know God better, especially through encountering Jesus and his message? When we know God better, do we bring others closer to God? Jesus asks of us today to spread his word and message. Let us listen to him as he speaks to us.

First Reading                                         Isaiah6:1-2a, 3-8

A Reading from the book of Prophet Isaiah

In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling the temple. Seraphim were stationed above. They cried one to the other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!” At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shook and the house was filled with smoke. Then I said, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips;
yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me,
holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth with it, and said, “See, now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?  Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!”

This is the word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                         Psalms 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8

Response: In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
Response: In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord. 

Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
Response: In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
when they hear the words of your mouth;
and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD:
“Great is the glory of the LORD.”
Response: In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
Response: In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Second Reading                                                          1 Corinthians 15:1-11

A Reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians

I am reminding you, brothers and sisters, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 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; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. After that, Christ appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me. For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am,
and his grace to me has not been ineffective. Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them;
not I, however, but the grace of God that is with me. Therefore, whether it be I or they,
so we preach and so you believed.

This is the word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                                                                                                      Luke 5:1-11
The Lord be with you. And also with you.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.”
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing.
They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.

Readings – Third Sunday of Lent

07 March 2010

Greeting (See First Reading)

The Lord says: ”I have seen the misery of my people;
I have heard their cry to be free;
I am aware of their suffering.
I intend to set them free.”
May this caring God be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Unless You Repent
We all know that Lent is a time for conversion. There is much evil in the world and we know that there are also things wrong with us. These are certainly reasons for change. But the deepest reason for conversion is not the evil we see in the world and in us, nor the penalties we may have to pay for it. The ultimate “why” for conversion is God himself, that we encounter God and his love. Our faith in God and his fidelity to us and the goodness God showed us in Christ are the most profound motives to repent and to respond to his holiness and patient love.

B. I Have Seen The Misery Of My People
If we are living with both feet firmly on the earth, we cannot but see that we live in a world that is not exactly God’s world. We are not the people we are called to be, many situations and structures need change, and many people live in misery. We need conversion, the world around us needs it. The Lord is quoted as saying on this Third Sunday of Lent: “I have seen the misery of my people.” Do we see it and what do we do about it? For conversion means changing our ways, turning to God and to people. Are we willing to change?

First Reading                                                   Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 

A Reading from the book of Exodus

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 Moses 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, A 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 fathers, “he continued, “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. But the LORD said, “I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard their cry of complaint against their slave drivers, so I know well what they are suffering. Therefore I have come down to rescue them from the hands of the Egyptians and lead them out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Moses said to God, “But when I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ if they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what am I to tell them?” God replied, “I am who am.” Then he added, “This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you.” God spoke further to Moses, “Thus shall you say to the Israelites: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. “This is my name forever; thus am I to be remembered through all generations.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11
Response: 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.
Response: The Lord is kind and merciful.

He pardons all your iniquities, heals all your ills, He redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion.
Response: 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.
Response: The Lord is kind and merciful.

Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
Response: The Lord is kind and merciful.

Second Reading                                       1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. All ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert. These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did. Do not grumble as some of them did, and suffered death by the destroyer. These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                              Luke 13:1-9

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A  reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

 

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Fourth Sunday of Lent

Greeting (See Second Reading)

Blessed be God our Father
who has reconciled us to himself through Christ
and has entrusted to us
the work of reconciliation in this world.
May his pardon and peace be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. A Father Prodigal With His Love
Can you imagine that, when half-heartedly sorry for the stupidities of your sins, you tell God that you come back to him, he embraces you and prepares a feast for you? It is almost like a hero’s welcome! A God prodigal with his love waits for us; the past belongs to the past. Let us join in the feast of forgiveness.

B. A Scandalizing Mercy
Sometimes it is said of good, tolerant people: “that’s going too far to tolerate this, to forgive such a loss of face. Is there no spunk in him or her?” No, we shouldn’t be anybody’s fool, but when it comes to forgiveness and patience we have still much to learn from God our Father. Has he not kept forgiving us? Has he ever stopped being patient with us? This is what we have to learn from him, however difficult it may be. Let us ask Jesus with us here to give us that strength.

First Reading                                                   Joshua 5:9a, 10-12

A Reading from the book of Joshua

The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.” While the Israelites were encamped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they celebrated the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth of the month. On the day after the Passover, they ate of the produce of the land in the form of unleavened cakes and parched grain. On that same day after the Passover, on which they ate of the produce of the land, the manna ceased. No longer was there manna for the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

  

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Response: 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.

Response: 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.

Response: 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.

Response: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading                                       2 Corinthians 5:17-21

A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians

Brothers and sisters: Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                              Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A  reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

 

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable: “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Fifth Sunday of Lent

Greeting (See Second Reading)

With St Paul we say today:
”I forget the past
and I strain ahead for what is still to come,
for the prize to which God calls us.”
May the strength of the Lord Jesus
be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Throw No Stones
Have you ever had the experience of hurting someone very much but that the offended person forgave you, perhaps with difficulty, and accepted your apology, and that was the end? Do you remember how relieved you felt, as if you were a new person? That is how God keeps forgiving us: he makes us new every time again. Do we live as forgiven, new people? Do we make others new by our pardon? Let us encounter again in this Eucharist our patient, forgiving Lord Jesus.

B. Look First Into Your Own Heart
When they have sinned, especially when grievously, some people are afraid that God is out to catch them, like a policeman who has to implement the law. Today we learn from Jesus that God goes beyond the law, for he forgives and keeps forgiving. This is the attitude we learn from God. Look into your own heart and see that you need forgiveness. And repeatedly so. Then you will also easily forgive others. Let us ask Jesus for this attitude, even when we still feel the hurt inflicted.

First Reading                                                   Isaiah 43:16-21

A Reading from the book of Prophet Isaiah

Thus says the LORD, who opens a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, who leads out chariots and horsemen, a powerful army, till they lie prostrate together, never to rise, snuffed out and quenched like a wick. Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? In the desert I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers. Wild beasts honor me,
jackals and ostriches, for I put water in the desert and rivers in the wasteland for my chosen people to drink, the people whom I formed for myself, that they might announce my praise.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.
Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.
Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.
Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Second Reading                                       Philippians 3:8-14

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians

Brothers and sisters: I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having any righteousness of my own based on the law but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God, depending on faith to know him and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by being conformed to his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                              John 8:1-11

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they?
Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

I.  BLESSING OF PALMS AND PROCESSION

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Jerusalem: Place Of Suffering And Of Triumph
We know from the school of life that not every day is a day of joy and bliss: there are also gloomy days of suffering, of disappointments and failure. But today, on Palm Sunday “of the Lord’s Passion,” we are told in no uncertain terms that this was the freely accepted lot of no less than Jesus himself. First, we see him acclaimed in a small triumph, but then we hear how he is led to his death. One week from now, on Easter Sunday, we will hear it clearly and emphatically stated that his death led to the triumph of his own resurrection; we will also hear of the forgiveness and life he brings us. We unite ourselves with Our Lord in his triumph and in his suffering and death and we pray that he will make our life and death as acceptable and meaningful as his.

B. And The Passion Goes On…
Today and during the whole of Holy Week our attention focuses on the sufferings which our Lord endured for our sake and how they led to his resurrection and our own rising from sin and evil and ultimately from death. But we keep also in mind that Jesus goes on suffering today in his body, that means, in his people who are victims of injustice, of deprivation, betrayal, and persecution. Let us pray for them that they may also rise with the Lord and that we may help them to rise.

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion – At the Blessings of Palms

Reading 1                                            Luke 19: 28-40

Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.  As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples.  He said, “Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat.  Untie it and bring it here.  And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you will answer, ‘The Master has need of it.’”  So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them.  And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying this colt?” They answered, “The Master has need of it.”  So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount.  As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen.  They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”  Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”  He said in reply, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!”

  

First Reading                                                   Isaiah 50:4-7

A reading from the Book of Prophet Isaiah

The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
Response: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

All who see me scoff at me; they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads: “He relied on the LORD; let him deliver him, let him rescue him, if he loves him.”
Response: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Indeed, many dogs surround me, a pack of evildoers closes in upon me;
They have pierced my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.
Response: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

They divide my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots.
But you, O LORD, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me.
Response: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

I will proclaim your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise you: “You who fear the LORD, praise him; all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him; revere him, all you descendants of Israel!”
Response: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Second Reading                                              Philippians 2:6-11

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                  Luke 22: 14 – 23:56

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Narrator:      When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table with the apostles.  He said to them,

Jesus           “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

Narrator       Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said,

Jesus           “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you that from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

Narrator       Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying,

Jesus           “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” 

Narrator       And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying,

Jesus           “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.  “And yet behold, the hand of the one who is to betray me is with me on the table; for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed.”

Narrator       And they began to debate among themselves who among them would do such a deed.

Narrator       Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest.  He said to them,

Jesus           “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; but among you it shall not be so.  Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.  For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves?  Is it not the one seated at table?  I am among you as the one who serves.  It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus           “Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.”

Narrator       He said to him,

Speaker       “Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you.”

Narrator       But he replied,

Jesus           “I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Narrator       He said to them,

Jesus           “When I sent you forth without a money bag or a sack or sandals, were you in need of anything?”

Crowd          “No, nothing, “

Narrator       they replied.  He said to them,

Jesus           “But now one who has a money bag should take it, and likewise a sack, and one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.  For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, He was counted among the wicked; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment.”

Narrator       Then they said,

Crowd          “Lord, look, there are two swords here.”

Narrator       But he replied,

Jesus           “It is enough!”

Narrator       Then going out, he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.  When he arrived at the place he said to them,

Jesus           “Pray that you may not undergo the test.”

Narrator       After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying,

Jesus           “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.”

Narrator       And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him.  He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.

                   When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief.  He said to them,

Jesus           “Why are you sleeping?  Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.”

Narrator       While he was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas.  He went up to Jesus to kiss him.
Jesus said to him,

Jesus           “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Narrator       His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked,

Crowd          “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?”

Narrator       And one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear.  But Jesus said in reply,

Jesus           “Stop, no more of this!”

Narrator       Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him.  And Jesus said to the chief priests and temple guards and elders who had come for him,

Jesus           “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?  Day after day I was with you in the temple area, and you did not seize me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness.”

Narrator       After arresting him they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest; Peter was following at a distance. 

Narrator       They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat down with them.  When a maid saw him seated in the light, she looked intently at him and said,

Speaker       “This man too was with him.”

Narrator       But he denied it saying,

Speaker       “Woman, I do not know him.”

Narrator       A short while later someone else saw him and said,

Speaker       “You too are one of them”;

Narrator       but Peter answered,

Speaker       “My friend, I am not.”

Narrator       About an hour later, still another insisted,

Speaker       “Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean.”

Narrator       But Peter said,

Speaker       “My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.”

Narrator       Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.”  He went out and began to weep bitterly.

Narrator       The men who held Jesus in custody were ridiculing and beating him.
They blindfolded him and questioned him, saying,

Crowd          “Prophesy!  Who is it that struck you?”

Narrator       And they reviled him in saying many other things against him.

Narrator       When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin.  They said,

Crowd          “If you are the Christ, tell us, “

Narrator       but he replied to them,

Jesus           “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond.  But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

Narrator       They all asked,

Crowd          “Are you then the Son of God?”

Narrator       He replied to them,

Jesus           “You say that I am.”

Narrator       Then they said,

Crowd          “What further need have we for testimony?  We have heard it from his own mouth.”

Narrator       Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate.  They brought charges against him, saying,

Crowd          “We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he is the Christ, a king.”

Narrator       Pilate asked him,

Speaker       “Are you the king of the Jews?”

Narrator       He said to him in reply,

Jesus           “You say so.”

Narrator       Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds,

Speaker       “I find this man not guilty.”

Narrator       But they were adamant and said,

Crowd          “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here.”

Narrator       On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time.

Narrator       Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign.  He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer.  The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly.  Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate.  Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly.

Narrator       Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them,

Speaker       “You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt.  I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us.  So no capital crime has been committed by him.  Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”

Narrator       But all together they shouted out,

Crowd          “Away with this man!  Release Barabbas to us.”

Narrator       — Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder. — Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting,

Crowd          “Crucify him!  Crucify him!”

Narrator       Pilate addressed them a third time,

Speaker       “What evil has this man done?  I found him guilty of no capital crime.  Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”

Narrator       With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed.  The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted.  So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished.

Narrator       As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus.  A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him.  Jesus turned to them and said,

Jesus           “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’  At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”

Narrator       Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed.  When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left.  Then Jesus said,

Jesus           “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”

Narrator       They divided his garments by casting lots.  The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said,

Crowd          “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.”

Narrator       Even the soldiers jeered at him.  As they approached to offer him wine they called out,

Crowd          “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.”

Narrator       Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Narrator       Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,

Speaker       “Are you not the Christ?  Save yourself and us.”

Narrator       The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,

Speaker       “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation?  And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.”

Narrator       Then he said,

Speaker       “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Narrator       He replied to him,

Jesus           “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Narrator       It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun.  Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.  Jesus cried out in a loud voice,

Jesus           “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”;

Narrator       and when he had said this he breathed his last.

Here all kneel and pause for a short time.

Narrator       The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said,

Speaker       “This man was innocent beyond doubt.”

Narrator       When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance,  including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events.

Narrator       Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the council, had not consented to their plan of action.  He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea and was awaiting the kingdom of God.  He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.  After he had taken the body down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb in which no one had yet been buried.  It was the day of preparation, and the sabbath was about to begin.  The women who had come from Galilee with him followed behind, and when they had seen the tomb and the way in which his body was laid in it, they returned and prepared spices and perfumed oils.  Then they rested on the sabbath according to the commandment.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Greeting 

You Must Wash Each Other’s Feet

“If I, the Lord and Teacher,” says the Lord,
“have washed your feet,
you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have set you an example
that you also should do as I have done to you.”
May the Lord and servant Jesus be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. This Is I for You

This evening we have come together to celebrate the memory of Jesus’ farewell meal: At this supper so heavy with meaning, he did and said unusual, shocking things. Like the lowliest of servants, he, the great Teacher and Lord, washed the feet of his disciples and told them to become, like him, servants of people. Then, as they were eating, he passed the bread and the wine to them, saying: “This is my body broken for you. This is the cup of my blood shed for you. Love one another as I have loved you.” These events happened long ago, and yet, he tells us here and now: “I have given you an example. As I have done, so you must do; as I have served, so you must serve. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
 

B. You Must Wash Each Other’s Feet

John the Evangelist does not tell the story how Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Instead, John tells us how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. In this way he showed and stressed what the Eucharist is all about. It meant for Jesus total commitment in love to the service of the people he came to save, that is, to make free for God and people. It means for us that with Jesus we have to dedicate ourselves completely to the service of God and of our brothers and sisters. Total, self-forgetting and serving love must be the mark of the disciple of Jesus. Jesus is here with us to give us the spirit of service.
 

B. Do This In Memory Of Me

When Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper, he said: “Do this in memory of me.” In memory of Jesus we are now remembering and celebrating what happened at the Last Supper and doing again what he did there, as we do, in fact, at every Eucharist. We, God’s people, are now the disciples of the Last Supper. The priest, acting in Jesus’ name represents Jesus. The table around which the disciples were gathered is now the altar. The room of the Last Supper is the church. Like the disciples, we are gathered as a community around Jesus and eating with him. This is a basic act for our Christian communities: to be gathered around the Lord, to eat and drink with him and in this way to become more united with him and more like him. Let us celebrate with the Lord.

 

First Reading                                                   Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14

A Reading from the book of Prophet Isaiah

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month shall stand at the head of your calendar; you shall reckon it the first month of the year.  Tell the whole community of Israel:  On the tenth of this month every one of your families must procure for itself a lamb, one apiece for each household.  If a family is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join the nearest household in procuring one and shall share in the lamb in proportion to the number of persons who partake of it.  The lamb must be a year-old male and without blemish. You may take it from either the sheep or the goats.  You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, and then, with the whole assembly of Israel present, it shall be slaughtered during the evening twilight.  They shall take some of its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel of every house in which they partake of the lamb.  That same night they shall eat its roasted flesh with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.  “This is how you are to eat it: with your loins girt, sandals on your feet and your staff in hand, you shall eat like those who are in flight.  It is the Passover of the LORD.  For on this same night I will go through Egypt, striking down every firstborn of the land, both man and beast, and executing judgment on all the gods of Egypt—I, the LORD!  But the blood will mark the houses where you are.  Seeing the blood, I will pass over you; thus, when I strike the land of Egypt, no destructive blow will come upon you. “This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the LORD, as a perpetual institution.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             116:  12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18
Response: Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.

How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me?

The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the LORD.

Response: Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.

Precious in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones.

I am your servant, the son of your handmaid; you have loosed my bonds.

Response: Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.

To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the LORD. My vows to the LORD I will pay in the presence of all his people.

Response: Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.

Second Reading                                       1 Corinthians 11: 23-26

A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians

Brothers and sisters: I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.”

            In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.  Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                              John 13: 1-15

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father.  He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.  The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.  So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.  He took a towel and tied it around his waist.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.

            He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”

            Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.”  For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

            So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?  You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’  and rightly so, for indeed I am.  If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Second Sunday of Easter

Greeting (See Second Reading)

We are gathered in the name of Jesus,
the First and the Last,
the Living One who lives for ever,
our Lord and our God.
May his peace and joy be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. The Risen Lord Present Among His People

Why do we gather every Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist of the Lord? For the same reason that the first Christians changed their day of worship from the Jewish Sabbath to the Christian Sunday. For Christ rose from the dead on Sunday, the first day of the week. It became “the Lord’s Day,” the day on which they began to celebrate that Christ is risen and alive in the community of his faithful, as he is present among us now. He is real and alive among us, he is our companion on the road of life and we recognize him in the community of the Church. May the Lord Jesus give us faith to sense his presence.

B. See, I Am Alive

We accept in faith, perhaps with difficulty and hesitation, that Jesus is alive among his people today. Yes, he lives in his communities and he is right here among us. Yet like the apostles we too would like very much to see the Lord, to become more aware and more convinced that he is here, alive, standing by our side, moving us forward by his Holy Spirit. But we don’t see him except with eyes of faith. That is what real, deep faith is all about: not seeing and yet believing. We recognize Jesus as our Lord and God and with him we thank our Father.

C. Peace Be With You

When are you at peace in life? I hope it is not when nobody disturbs but when you are living in the right relationship with God and yourself and with your neighbor. It is not always a peace easy to find. The key to all real peace is the peace Jesus offers us; he states this even three times today: It is the peace of forgiveness, the peace of his nearness, the peace of your faith. Then all the rest will follow. Let us ask our Lord here in this Eucharist for that peace that no one can take away from us.

 

 First Reading                                                   Acts 5: 12-16

A reading from the book of Acts

Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s portico. None of the others dared to join them, but the people esteemed them. Yet more than ever, believers in the Lord, great numbers of men and women, were added to them. Thus they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats
so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or another of them. A large number of people from the towns in the vicinity of Jerusalem also gathered, bringing the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits,
and they were all cured.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Response: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.

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.”
Response: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting. 
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.
Response: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.

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.
Response: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.

 

Second Reading                                       Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

A reading from the book of Revelation

I, John, your brother, who share with you the distress, the kingdom, and the endurance we have in Jesus, found myself on the island called Patmos because I proclaimed God’s word and gave testimony to Jesus. I was caught up in spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a voice as loud as a trumpet, which said, “Write on a scroll what you see.” Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, wearing an ankle-length robe, with a gold sash around his chest.
 
When I caught sight of him, I fell down at his feet as though dead. He touched me with his right hand and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld. Write down, therefore, what you have seen, and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              John 20:19-31

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

 

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.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Third Sunday of Easter

Greeting (See Second Reading)

To the One who is sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb
be all praise, honor, glory and power.
May the Risen Lord be with you all.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Encountering The Risen Lord

Perhaps we envy the apostles for having seen and experienced Jesus after he had risen from the dead. There is no reason to be envious of them: If we have faith, we too experience him as risen, alive, present, and sharing our life. If we have faith we know he is there when we suffer mishaps and failures or when we rejoice. If we have faith, we know Jesus is there when we strengthen and encourage one another. If we have faith, we know Jesus is with us when we share a meal of friendship, and, especially and deeply, when we eat together from the table of the Eucharist. Lift up your heads and be happy: the Risen Lord is with us in life.

B. Do You Love Me?

If Jesus would ask you today: “How close am I to you? Do you really love me?” what answer could you give him? There have been times certainly when we offended and betrayed him by our sins. I hope that you still dare to answer: “Jesus, notwithstanding my weakness and my occasional cowardice, I still want to say that I believe in you and that I love you. I know you keep loving me and I want to keep loving you.”

 

First Reading                                                   Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

A reading from the book of Acts

When the captain and the court officers had brought the apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, “We gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name? Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” The Sanhedrin ordered the apostles to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
Response: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

I will extol you, O LORD, for you drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me. O LORD, you brought me up from the netherworld; you preserved me from among those going down into the pit.
Response: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger lasts but a moment; a lifetime, his good will. At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, rejoicing.
Response: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me; O LORD, be my helper. You changed my mourning into dancing; O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.
Response: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Second Reading                                       Rev 5:11-14

A reading from the book of Revelation

I, John, looked and heard the voices of many angels who surrounded the throne and the living creatures and the elders. They were countless in number, and they cried out in a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing.” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, everything in the universe, cry out: “To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.” The four living creatures answered, “Amen, “ and the elders fell down and worshiped.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                              John 21:1-19

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

 

At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.
 
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Fourth Sunday of Easter

Greeting (See Second Reading)

The Lamb on the throne will be our shepherd
and will lead us to springs of living water.
God will wipe away all tears from our eyes.
May this Lamb of God, Jesus our Lord,
be always with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. I Call Them By Their Name

It is very reassuring to know that our guide or community leader knows us personally and calls us by our name. It makes us say or think: He knows me and I know him. This calls for deeper trust and loyalty and love. On the Sunday of the Good Shepherd Jesus himself reminds us how he knows us personally. At the same time the fact that we know him too, at least a bit, changes our whole life. For in knowing him, we know God. We experience in him God’s goodness and care and close presence in everyday life. Would that we could also be near to one another and Jesus’ pastors and shepherds could be close to their people.

B. The Voice Of The Shepherd

Who are the pastors, the shepherds, whom people trust and listen to? As if instinctively they entrust themselves to priests who do not preach themselves but the Lord Jesus and his Good News. They listen to and confide in priests who know them and who also take the time to listen to them and their problems and hopes. For in them they recognize something of Jesus, the Good Shepherd and model of all shepherds. Let us join our Good Shepherd in his thanks to the Father.

First Reading                                                   Acts 13:14, 43-52

A reading from the book of Acts

Paul and Barnabas continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered the synagogue and took their seats. Many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God.
 
On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us,
I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
that you may be an instrument of salvation
to the ends of the earth.”
 
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Ps 100:1-2, 3, 5

Response: We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
Response: We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
Response: We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

The LORD is good: his kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
Response: We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Second Reading                                       Rev 7:9, 14b-17

A reading from the book of Revelation

I, John, had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue.
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.
 
Then one of the elders said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
 
“For this reason they stand before God’s throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                              Jn 10:27-30

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Fifth Sunday of Easter

02 May 2010

 

Greeting (See Second Reading)

God lives among his people,
he makes his home among us
in his Son Jesus Christ.
In Jesus, may he be our God-with-us.
The Lord be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Love Is Inventive

We are often surprised because of the things people who love us do for us or give us: it amazes us how inventive love can be. Look at God, the origin of all love: he lets his own Son become one of us; Jesus astonishes us by his love for sinners, for misfits in life, for those who suffer. He gives up his life for us. And it is that inventive love which he makes the heart of our faith and our life. If we only had a bit of love like that we could make ourselves and our world all new. It is this inventive, renewing love which Jesus comes to share with us in this Eucharist.

B. See How They Love One Another

If you would be asked to define what is most typical of our Christian community, could it be said of us, as of the first Christians, “See how they love one another?” According to our Lord himself, the mark of his disciples should be that we love one another as he has loved us. Gathered here for the Lord’s meal of love, let us ask him to make us love one another the way he has loved us.

 

First Reading                                                   Acts 14:21-27     

A reading from the book of Acts

After Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed the good news to that city and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” They appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord

in whom they had put their faith. Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia. After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now accomplished. And when they arrived, they called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                              Psalms 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13

Response: I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. 

The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness.

The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.

Response: I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might.

Response: I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

 

Let them make known your might to the children of Adam, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations.

Response: I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

 

Second Reading                                       Revelation 21:1-5a

A reading from the book of Revelation

Then I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.”

The One who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                              John 13:31-33a, 34-35

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.  Glory to you, Lord.

When Judas had left them, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and God will glorify him at once.

My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – The Ascension of the Lord

 

16 May 2010

Greeting

The Risen Lord Jesus now lives
in the glory of the Father.
Through the Spirit of courage and love
may he always be with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Glorious, Yet Still With Us

When someone good and close to us has died, we feel that this person is still with us and keeps inspiring and guiding us. When at his Ascension Jesus left his disciples and passed to the glory of heaven, he became to his disciples more than a memory of a great person who had died. First, he is still alive as the Risen Lord; second, he is gone but he stays with us by his Spirit of strength, wisdom, and love and in this way he is our companion in life. He still speaks his Word to us, he still gives himself to us as our food and drink, and he is alive in our communities. Listen to him present among us here and let him nourish us with his Word and his Body.

B. An End And A New Beginning

Jesus had gone ahead of us and shown us the way in his preaching and the way he lived: this is what should inspire us, this is how we should live, like Jesus. In his death he showed us the way of faithful love. He was the first to rise from the dead and our assurance that we too will rise. In his ascension he went ahead of us to live in the joy of the Father. In all these steps he is a living invitation: Come, follow me where I go. I am waiting for you after you have continued my work. In this Eucharist we say in the Creed: “I believe in the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting.”

First Reading                                                   Acts 1:1-11

A reading from the book of Acts

In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.  While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”  When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?  This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Response: God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

All you peoples, clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness,

For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth.

Response: God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy; the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.

Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise.

Response: God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

For king of all the earth is God; sing hymns of praise.

God reigns over the nations, God sits upon his holy throne.

Response: God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

Second Reading                                       Ephesians 1:17-23

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians

Brothers and sisters:  May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might: which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. 

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                              Luke 24:46-53

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.   And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 June 2010 

 

Greeting (See Second Reading)

It is not our own life we should live
but the life of Christ who lives in us.
Christ loves us
and he sacrificed himself for our sake.
May his forgiveness and peace be always with you.

 

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. A Meal Of Forgiveness

We know from experience that a meal is a great opportunity for reconciliation and forgiveness. Sharing the same table means accepting one another, forming community, letting bygones be bygones. The meal of the Eucharist is an encounter with the forgiving Christ and with one another in peace. This is why we have in the Eucharist a penitential act, the Our Father, an acclamation to the Lamb of God who takes our sins away, the sign of peace. At the very heart of the celebration we remember how Christ shed his blood so that sins may be forgiven. Let us celebrate this Eucharist in a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.

 

B. Friendship Forgives

If we admit a person into our home and especially when we invite him or her to eat with us, it means that we fully accept this person. Is this always true? Here at the table of our Lord Jesus, he accepts all of us, the weak and the strong; he brings forgiveness and life to all and calls us all to praise the Father with him. He does not judge us, for he simply wants to be with us and to be our companion in life. Do we welcome one another in the same way?

 

First Reading                                                   2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13

A reading from the second book of Samuel

Nathan said to David: “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I anointed you king of Israel. I rescued you from the hand of Saul. I gave you your lord’s house and your lord’s wives for your own. I gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were not enough, I could count up for you still more. Why have you spurned the Lord and done evil in his sight? You have cut down Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you took his wife as your own, and him you killed with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.’ Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”

Nathan answered David: “The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die.”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm                             Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11  

Response: Lord, forgive the wrong I have done. 

Blessed is the one whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile.

Response: Lord, forgive the wrong I have done. 

I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,” and you took away the guilt of my sin.

Response: Lord, forgive the wrong I have done. 

You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me; with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round.

Response: Lord, forgive the wrong I have done. 

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart.

Response: Lord, forgive the wrong I have done. 

 

Second Reading                                       Galatians 2:16, 19-21

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians

Brothers and sisters: We who know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. For through the law I died to the law, that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.  

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel                                                  Luke 7:36-50

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

A Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher, ” he said. “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings – Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

20 June 2010

Greeting (See Second Reading)

We are all sons and daughters of God
through faith in Christ Jesus;
we belong to Christ.
May we also follow Christ our Lord
and may his strength be with you.

 

Introduction by the Celebrant

A. Jesus’ Identity And Ours

Jesus asks of us, his disciples today, “You, who do you say I am?” I hope that we can say with Peter that for us he is Jesus, our Savior. This is a very important question for us, for our own identity depends on it. Who are we? We are Christians, followers of Christ, and therefore people who try as much as we can to become like him. And that will include also at times that we have to bear the cross with him. But don’t you worry: he is our “com-pan-ion” in life, literally, the one who breaks bread with us.

 

B. No Following Jesus Without The Cross

Everyone without exception meets in life pain, sickness, suffering, and at the end, death. Do we have to say that these are good or look at them as the will of God? The will of God is our happiness! With Jesus going through his agony in the garden, we do not glorify suffering. But with him we learn to accept it where it can help us to grow as persons, where it can serve our love for God and people. And we are sure that pain does not have the last word. We ask Jesus that we may follow him all the way.

 

 

First Reading                                                  Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1

A reading from the second book of Samuel

Thus says the LORD: I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and petition; and they shall look on him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for an only son, and they shall grieve over him as one grieves over a firstborn. On that day the mourning in Jerusalem shall be as great as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo. On that day there shall be open to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm                            Psalms 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9  

Response: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. 

O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth,

parched, lifeless and without water.

Response: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. 

 

Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory,

For your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you.

Response: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. 

Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.

As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.

Response: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

You are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.

My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.

Response: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

 

Second Reading                                       Galatians 3:26-29

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians

Brothers and sisters: Through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person,

there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel                                                 Luke 9:18-24

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, Lord.

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.