Bible daily readings

7/29/2019 Bible daily readings

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FIRST READING

26th

November 2011

Saturday in the Thirty Fourth Week of General Time

Daniel 7:15-27 Page 1007

Daniel 3: 82, 83, 84,85,86,87 Page 1002

Luke 21:34-36 Page 86

First reading from the Book of Daniel Chapter 7 verses 15 to 27

As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I

approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would

disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: "As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out

of the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom

forever - forever and ever."

Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest,

exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in

pieces, and stamped what was left with its feet; and concerning the ten horns that were on its head,

and concerning the other horn, which came up and to make room for which three of them fell out the

horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, and that seemed greater than the others. As I

looked, this horn made war with the holy ones and was prevailing over them, until the Ancient One

came; then judgment was given for the holy ones of the Most High, and the time arrived when the holy

ones gained possession of the kingdom.

This is what he said: "As for the fourth beast,

there shall be a fourth kingdom on earththat shall be different from all the other kingdoms;

it shall devour the whole earth,

and trample it down, and break it to pieces.

As for the ten horns,

out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise,

and another shall arise after them.

This one shall be different from the former ones,

and shall put down three kings.

He shall speak words against the Most High,

shall wear out the holy ones of the Most High,and shall attempt to change the sacred seasons and the law;

and they shall be given into his power

for a time, two times, and half a time.

Then the court shall sit in judgment,

and his dominion shall be taken away,

to be consumed and totally destroyed.

The kingship and dominion

and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven

shall be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High;

their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,

and all dominions shall serve and obey them."

This is the word of the Lord.


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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

26th

November 2011



Daniel 3: 82, 83, 84,85,86,87 Page 1002

Luke 21:34-36 Page 86

Daniel 3: 82, 83, 84,85,86,87

Response: Give glory and eternal praise to the Lord!

I will be glad and exult in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

When my enemies turned back,

They stumbled and perished before you.

R: Give glory and eternal praise to the Lord!

For you have maintained my just cause;

you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment.

The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins;their cities you have rooted out;

the very memory of them has perished.


The LORD has made himself known, he has executed judgment;

the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.

Rise up, O LORD! Do not let mortals prevail;

Let the nations be judged before you.


26th

November 2011

Response: Give glory and eternal praise to the Lord !


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BIBLE READING

26th

November 2011



Daniel 3: 82, 83, 84,85,86,87 Page 1002

Luke 21:34-36 Page 86

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke Chapter 21 verse 34 to 36

Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question,

"Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man

shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; thefirst married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same

way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose

wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her."

Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who

are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry

nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are

children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses

himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham,

the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him

all of them are alive." Then some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." For

they no longer dared to ask him another question.



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INTRODUCTION

26th

November 2011



Daniel 3: 82, 83, 84,85,86,87 Page 1002

Luke 21:34-36 Page 86

Give glory and eternal praise to the LORD!

Is our life earthbound or heaven bound? The Sadducees, unlike the Pharisees, did not believe in

immortality, nor in angels or evil spirits. Their religion was literally grounded in an earthly image of

heaven. They came to Jesus with a test question to make the resurrection look ridiculous.

Jesus replies by dealing with the fact of the resurrection. The scriptures give proof of it. In Exodus

3:6, when God manifests his presence to Moses in the burning bush, the Lord tells him that

he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus defeats their arguments by showing that God

is a living God of a living people. God was the friend of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when they

lived. That friendship could not cease with death. As Psalm 73:23-24 states: "I am continually with

you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to

glory." The ultimate proof of the resurrection is the Lord Jesus and his victory over death when he

rose from the tomb. Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he exclaimed: "I am the

resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives

and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25). Jesus asks us the same

question. Do we believe in the resurrection and in the promise of eternal life with God?

The Holy Spirit reveals to us the eternal truths of God's unending love and the life he desires to

share with us for all eternity. Paul the Apostle, quoting from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 64:4; 65:17)

states: "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has

prepared for those who love him," God has revealed to us through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-

10). The promise of paradiseheavenly bliss and unending life with an all-loving Godis beyond

human reckoning. We have only begun to taste the first-fruits! Do we live now in the joy and hope

of the life of the age to come?

"May the Lord Jesus put his hands on our eyes also, for then we too shall begin to look not at whatis seen but at what is not seen. May he open the eyes that are concerned not with the present but

with what is yet to come, may he unseal the heart's vision, that we may gaze on God in the Spirit,

through the same Lord, Jesus Christ, whose glory and power will endure throughout the unending

succession of ages."

In this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to our Lord Jesus to lead us to eternal life in Him.

Meditation: Is there anything holding you back from the joy and freedom of the Lord?God wants our hearts for him and for his kingdom of peace, joy, and righteousness

(Romans 14:17). But our hearts can be weighed down by many different things, such asgreed, gluttony, drunkenness, and so many other harmful addictions and sinful habits.Jesus, our Lord and Master, offers us true freedomfreedom from the power of sin andwasted life, and freedom from our unruly desires and disordered passionssuch as


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making food, drink or anything else our master rather than our servant. Jesus wants ourhearts to be ruled by one thing onlyhis love and truth which enables us to choose

whatever is good and to reject whatever is evil and harmful for us.

Jesus also warns us of the temptation to slacken offto become spiritually idle, lazy,indifferent, or inattentive to God's word and guidance for our lives. We can fall asleep

spiritually if we allow other things to distract us from the reality of God and hiskingdom. It is very easy to get caught up in the things of the present moment or to beweighed down with anxious cares and concerns. The Lord knows our struggles,

weaknesses, and shortcomings. And he assures us that we do not need to carry ourburdens alone nor struggle without his help. He is always very present and ready to give

us whatever strength, guidance, and help we need to fight temptation and to stay the

course which he has set for us. But there is one thing he doesn't tolerate: indifference, anattitude of not caring, and doing nothing! The Lord wants us to cast our anxieties on himand to ask for his guidance and help. Do you pray for God's strength and wisdom?

Until the Lord comes again we can expect troubles, trials, and temptations. Our

adversary the devil does not rest in his attempt to lure us away from God's will for our

lives. If he cannot succeed in getting us to renounce our faith in Christ, he will try, little

by little, to distract us from pursuing God, especially in prayer and listening to his word.Ask the Lord Jesus to rekindle the fire of his love in you so that you will be ready andeager to meet him when he comes again.

"Lord Jesus, rouse my spirit to the truth that this world is passing away. Give me a lively

faith, a joyful hope, and a fervent love to see you face to face when you return in glory."

Now that we are reborn, as I have said, in the likeness of our Lord, and have indeed

been adopted by God as his children, let us put on the complete image of our Creator

so as to be wholly like him, not in the glory that he alone possesses, but in innocence,

simplicity, gentleness, patience, humility, mercy, harmony, those qualities in which he

chose to become, and to be, one with us.

KEY VERSE:"For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth" (v 35).

READING:Jesus often used the title "Son of Man" to describe his role as the humble servant of

God who would be exalted through his death and resurrection. This was a reference to the Book of

Daniel in which the "Son of Man" ascended to the throne of God to receive everlasting "dominion,glory, and kingship" (Dn 7:13-14). Jesus told his disciples not to be fearful of the cosmic events

that would precede his arrival, but to be ever watchful for his return. He warned them not to

indulge in carnal cravings and worldly anxieties that would dull their longing for that great day. He

exhorted them to pray for the strength to endure the coming trials, and to be ever vigilant of

his arrival (Greek,parousia).

REFLECTING:In what ways am I preparing myself for Christ's coming in Advent?

PRAYING:Lord Jesus, help me to live in faith as I await your glorious return.

The apocalyptic language of todays reading from Daniel is certainly graphic in its

description of his anguish and the terror of his visions. The fourth beast with iron teethand bronze claws and its ten horns was destroying everything in its path. The

description reminded me of some of the crazy science fiction movie clips on TV which

always cause me wonder that anyone would want to go see them. That does not seem


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to have a place in the Bible, and is not an easy passage to pray with. Then the gospel

account with Jesus warning that the final day will approach with the surprise of a trap

that will assault us with tribulations.

It all seems out of place as we come to the close of the Church year on this last day of

ordinary time. Tomorrow is the beginning of advent, a time to strengthen our

relationship with Jesus and prepare for his coming. One wonders why the dire

warnings at this particular time. Shouldnt the readings be more hopeful to prepare us

for the beginning of Advent?

But, if we can get beyond these dire warnings, we see that there is hope. There is the

promise that God will be a just judge. He will be there during the anxieties of our days

and any sufferings that we encounter. He does not expect that we do it on our own; it

is our faith and trust in God that saves us. He is honored by our trust not by our fear.

As we finish this church year, may we put the anxieties of our lives in the loving hands

of Jesus so that we can focus on preparing for his coming and bask in the warmth of his

love.

Jesus said to his disciples: 'Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from

carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by

surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations

that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.' -Luke 21:34-36

The Gospel passage for today is a short reading but yet so powerful. It contains a

message that I need to remind myself of everyday. We all probably need that constant

reminder that we can not be consumed with all the glamorous aspects of life, whether

its spending money, drinking, gossiping, etc., but instead we should be asking for

Gods strength to help us focus on living our lives and not giving into temptations.

This passage is the perfect reminder of how we should be living our daily lives. It is so

easy to get caught up in the craziness of our everyday lives and forget to take time to

really focus on what Jesus is really asking of us. There are so many bad distractions that

can lead us down the wrong paths and turn us away from the path God has planned for

us. I try to challenge myself every morning to pray to God and ask for his help in

allowing me to say no to temptations that could bring me further away from him and

the life he has planned for me. If I take a little bit of time everyday to acknowledge that

I will be facing challenges then it may be easier to feel Gods strength in helping me

turn away from these temptations.


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We all face temptations everyday. Let us each say a little prayer every morning to ask

God to give us the courage and strength we need to say no to these temptations. We

all have different temptations that we are faced with and we need God's help in

different ways. I will continue to pray that God will fill our lives with his presence and

fill us with the courage to do the things he is asking of us.


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FIRST READING

19th

November 2011

Saturday in the Thirty Third Week of General Time

1 Maccabees 6:1-13 Page 493

Psalms 9: 2-3, 4&6, 16&19 Page 877

Luke 20:27-40 Page 84

First reading from the first Book of Maccabees Chapter 6 verses 1 to 13

King Antiochus was going through the upper provinces when he heard that Elymais in Persia was

a city famed for its wealth in silver and gold. Its temple was very rich, containing golden shields,

breastplates, and weapons left there by Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian king who first

reigned over the Greeks. So he came and tried to take the city and plunder it, but he could not

because his plan had become known to the citizens and they withstood him in battle. So he fled

and in great disappointment left there to return to Babylon. Then someone came to him in Persia

and reported that the armies that had gone into the land of Judah had been routed; that Lysias had

gone first with a strong force, but had turned and fled before the Jews; that the Jews had grown

strong from the arms, supplies, and abundant spoils that they had taken from the armies they had

cut down; that they had torn down the abomination that he had erected on the altar in Jerusalem;

and that they had surrounded the sanctuary with high walls as before, and also Beth-zur, his town.

When the king heard this news, he was astounded and badly shaken. He took to his bed and

became sick from disappointment, because things had not turned out for him as he had planned.

He lay there for many days, because deep disappointment continually gripped him, and he

realized that he was dying. So he called all his Friends and said to them, "Sleep has departed from

my eyes and I am downhearted with worry. I said to myself, 'To what distress I have come! And

into what a great flood I now am plunged! For I was kind and beloved in my power.' But now I

remember the wrong I did in Jerusalem. I seized all its vessels of silver and gold, and I sent to

destroy the inhabitants of Judah without good reason. I know that it is because of this that these

misfortunes have come upon me; here I am, perishing of bitter disappointment in a strange land."



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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

19th

November 2011



Psalms 9: 2-3, 4&6, 16&19 Page 877

Luke 20:27-40 Page 84

Psalms 9: 2-3, 4&6, 16&19

Response: I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart!

I will be glad and exult in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.When my enemies turned back,

They stumbled and perished before you.

R: I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart!

For you have maintained my just cause;

you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment.

The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins;

their cities you have rooted out;

the very memory of them has perished.


The LORD has made himself known, he has executed judgment;

the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.

Rise up, O LORD! Do not let mortals prevail;

Let the nations be judged before you.


19th

November 2011

Response: I wi l l give thanks to the LORD with m y whole heart !


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BIBLE READING

19th

November 2011



Psalms 9: 2-3, 4&6, 16&19 Page 877

Luke 20:27-40 Page 84


Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question,

"Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man

shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; thefirst married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same

way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose

wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her."

Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who

are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry

nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are

children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses

himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham,

the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him

all of them are alive." Then some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." For

they no longer dared to ask him another question.



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INTRODUCTION

19th

November 2011



Psalms 9: 2-3, 4&6, 16&19 Page 877

Luke 20:27-40 Page 84

Iwill give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart!

Is our life earthbound or heaven bound? The Sadducees, unlike the Pharisees, did not believe in

immortality, nor in angels or evil spirits. Their religion was literally grounded in an earthly image of

heaven. They came to Jesus with a test question to make the resurrection look ridiculous.

Jesus replies by dealing with the fact of the resurrection. The scriptures give proof of it. In Exodus

3:6, when God manifests his presence to Moses in the burning bush, the Lord tells him that

he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus defeats their arguments by showing that God

is a living God of a living people. God was the friend of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when they

lived. That friendship could not cease with death. As Psalm 73:23-24 states: "I am continually with

you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to

glory." The ultimate proof of the resurrection is the Lord Jesus and his victory over death when he

rose from the tomb. Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he exclaimed: "I am the

resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives

and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25). Jesus asks us the same

question. Do we believe in the resurrection and in the promise of eternal life with God?

The Holy Spirit reveals to us the eternal truths of God's unending love and the life he desires to

share with us for all eternity. Paul the Apostle, quoting from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 64:4; 65:17)

states: "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has

prepared for those who love him," God has revealed to us through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-

10). The promise of paradiseheavenly bliss and unending life with an all-loving Godis beyond

human reckoning. We have only begun to taste the first-fruits! Do we live now in the joy and hope

of the life of the age to come?

"May the Lord Jesus put his hands on our eyes also, for then we too shall begin to look not at whatis seen but at what is not seen. May he open the eyes that are concerned not with the present but

with what is yet to come, may he unseal the heart's vision, that we may gaze on God in the Spirit,

through the same Lord, Jesus Christ, whose glory and power will endure throughout the unending

succession of ages."

In this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to our Lord Jesus to lead us to eternal life in Him.


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5th

November 2011

Saturday in the Thirty first Week of General Time

Romans 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27 Page 164

Psalms 145: 2-3, 4-5, 10-11 Page 666

Luke 16: 9-15 Page 79

First reading from the Book of Romans Chapter 16 verses 3 to 9, 16 and 22 to 27

Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life,

to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in

their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary,

who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in

prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved

Stachys.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

I Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord.

Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our

brother Quartus, greet you.

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus

Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but is nowdisclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the

command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith 27 to the only wise God,

through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.


12th

November 2011

Saturday in the Thirty second Week of General Time

Wisdom 18: 14-16; 19: 6-9 Page 732

Psalms 105: 2-3, 36-37, 42-43 Page 641

Luke 18: 1-8 Page 81

First reading from the Book of Wisdom Chapter 18 verses 14 to 16 and Chapter 19 verses 6 to 9

For while gentle silence enveloped all things,

and night in its swift course was now half gone,your all-powerful word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne,

into the midst of the land that was doomed,

a stern warrior carrying the sharp sword of your

authentic command, and stood and filled all things with death,


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and touched heaven while standing on the earth.

For the whole creation in its nature was fashioned anew,

complying with your commands, so that your children might be kept unharmed.

The cloud was seen overshadowing the camp,

and dry land emerging where water had stood before,

an unhindered way out of the Red Sea,and a grassy plain out of the raging waves,

where those protected by your hand passed through as one nation,

after gazing on marvelous wonders. For they ranged like horses,

and leaped like lambs, praising you, O Lord, who delivered them.



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12th

November 2011


Wisdom 18: 14-16; 19: 6-9 Page 732

Psalms 105: 2-3, 36-37, 42-43 Page 641


Psalms 105: 2-3, 36-37, 42-43

Response: Remember the wonderful works Lord has done!

Sing to him, sing praises to him;

tell of all his wonderful works.

Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

R: Remember the wonderful works Lord has done!

He struck down all the firstborn in their land,

the first issue of all their strength.

Then he brought Israel out with silver and gold,

and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled.


For he remembered his holy promise,

and Abraham, his servant.

So he brought his people out with joy,

his chosen ones with singing.


Response: Remember the won derful works L ord has done!


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12th

November 2011


Wisdom 18: 14-16; 19: 6-9 Page 732

Psalms 105: 2-3, 36-37, 42-43 Page 641



Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, "In

a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city

there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Grant me justice against my opponent.'

For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, 'Though I have no fear of God and no respect

for anyone, yetbecause this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she maynot wear me out by continually coming.'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says.

And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long

in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man

comes, will he find faith on earth?"



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12th

November 2011


Wisdom 18: 14-16; 19: 6-9 Page 732

Psalms 105: 2-3, 36-37, 42-43 Page 641


Remember the wonderful works Lord has done!

In todays reading from Saint Luke, Jesus tells a parable about a defenseless widow, who is taken

advantage of and refused her rights. Through sheer persistence she wears down an unscrupulous

judge until he gives her justice. Persistence pays off, and that's especially true for those who trust

in God. Jesus illustrates how God as our Judge is much quicker to bring us his justice, blessing,

and help when we need it. But we can easily lose heart and forget to ask our heavenly Father for

his grace and help.

In this present life we can expect trials and adversity, but we are not without hope in God. The Last

Judgment will reveal that God's justice triumphs over all the injustices perpetrated by his creatures

and that God's love is stronger than death. The just who put their trust in God can look forward

with hope to that day when they will receive their reward.

"Lord Jesus, make our faith strong that we may never doubt your promises. When we face trials

and difficulties, help us to trust in your unfailing love and to find joy and contentment in you alone."

In this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to our Lord Jesus to grant us perseverance in our faith in

Him.


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5th

November 2011


Romans 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27 Page 164

Psalms 145: 2-3, 4-5, 10-11 Page 666

Luke 16: 9-15 Page 79

First reading from the Book of Romans Chapter 16 verses 3 to 9, 16 and 22 to 27

Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life,

to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in

their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary,

who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in

prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved

Stachys.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

I Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord.

Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our

brother Quartus, greet you.

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus

Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but is nowdisclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the

command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith 27 to the only wise God,

through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.



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5th

November 2011


Romans 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27 Page 164

Psalms 145: 2-3, 4-5, 10-11 Page 666

Luke 16: 9-15 Page 79

Psalms 145: 2-3, 4-5, 10-11

Response: I will bless your name forever and ever!

Every day I will bless you,

and praise your name forever and ever.

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;

his greatness is unsearchable.

R: I will bless your name forever and ever!

One generation shall laud your works to another,

and shall declare your mighty acts.

On the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.


All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,

and all your faithful shall bless you.

They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom,

and tell of your power


Response: I wi l l bless your name forever and ever!


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5th

November 2011


Romans 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27 Page 164

Psalms 145: 2-3, 4-5, 10-11 Page 666

Luke 16: 9-15 Page 79


And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone,

they may welcome you into the eternal homes.

"Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little

is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who willentrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who

will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one

and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and

wealth."

The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. So he said to

them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for

what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.



20/125

5th

November 2011


Romans 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27 Page 164

Psalms 145: 2-3, 4-5, 10-11 Page 666

Luke 16: 9-15 Page 79

I will bless your name forever and ever!

Jesus taught his disciples that material goods should be used to build up the kingdom of God on

earth. The phrase to make friends with "mammon" (dishonest wealth) roughly means to do good

works with material possessions. Jesus told his disciples to be faithful and honest in all their

dealings, whether large or small. If they could not be trusted with material goods, how could they

be trusted in the greater matters of spiritual wealth? Jesus rebuked those who had their values

turned upside down. He warned them that worldly goods could lead to dishonesty and greed. Thena person could end up being controlled by their possessions. One cannot be a servant of God and

a slave to material goods at the same time.

"Lord Jesus, may the fire of your love burn in our hearts that we may be wholly devoted to you

above all else. Free us from greed and attachment to material things that we may be generous in

using the gifts and resources you give us for your glory and for the good of our neighbors."

In this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to our Lord Jesus to help us to choose Him as our

Master.


21/125

29th

October 2011

Saturday in the Thirtieth Week of General Time

Romans 11: 1-2, 11-12, 25-29 Page 161

Psalms 94:12-13, 14-15, 17-18 Page 635

Luke 14:1, 7-11 Page 77

First reading from the Book of Romans Chapter 11 verses 1 to 2, 11 to 12 and 25 to 29

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of

Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?

So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their stumbling salvation has

come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their stumbling means riches for the

world, and if their defeat means riches for Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!

So that you may not claim to be wiser than you are, brothers and sisters, I want you to understand

this mystery: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has

come in. And so all Israel will be saved; as it is written,

"Out of Zion will come the Deliverer;

he will banish ungodliness from Jacob."

"And this is my covenant with them,

when I take away their sins."

As regards the gospel they are enemies of God for your sake; but as regards election they are

beloved, for the sake of their ancestors; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.



22/125

29th

October 2011


Romans 11: 1-2, 11-12, 25-29 Page 161

Psalms 94:12-13, 14-15, 17-18 Page 635

Luke 14:1, 7-11 Page 77

Psalms 94:12-13, 14-15, 17-18

Response: The LORD will not forsake his people!

Happy are those whom you discipline, O LORD,

and whom you teach out of your law,

giving them respite from days of trouble,

until a pit is dug for the wicked.

R: The LORD will not forsake his people!

For the LORD will not forsake his people;

he will not abandon his heritage;

for justice will return to the righteous,

and all the upright in heart will follow it.


If the LORD had not been my help,

my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.

When I thought, "My foot is slipping,"

your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.


Response: The LORD wil l not forsake his people!


23/125

29th

October 2011


Romans 11: 1-2, 11-12, 25-29 Page 161

Psalms 94:12-13, 14-15, 17-18 Page 635

Luke 14:1, 7-11 Page 77

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke Chapter 14 verse 1 and 7 to 11

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on

the Sabbath, they were watching him closely. When he noticed how the guests chose the places

of honor, he told them a parable. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not

sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by

your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, 'Give this person yourplace,' and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go

and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move

up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who

exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."



24/125

29th

October 2011


Romans 11: 1-2, 11-12, 25-29 Page 161

Psalms 94:12-13, 14-15, 17-18 Page 635

Luke 14:1, 7-11 Page 77

The LORD will not forsake his people!

Who wants to be last? Isn't it only natural to desire respect and esteem from others? Jesus'

parable of the guests invited to the marriage feast probes our motives for seeking honor and

position. Self-promotion is most often achieved at the expense of others! Jesus' parable reinforces

the teaching of Proverbs: Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place

of the great; for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of the

prince.

Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues because it enables us to view and judge ourselves

correctly, the way God sees us. Humility leads to true self-knowledge, honesty, realism, strength,

and dedication to give ourselves to something greater than ourselves. Humility frees us to love and

serve others selflessly, for their sake, rather than our own. Paul the Apostles, gives us the

greatest example and model of humility in the person of Jesus Christ, who emptied himself, taking

the form of a servant, ...who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a

cross.

In this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to our Lord Jesus to grant us humility so that we can

serve Him without sin, selfishness, and conceit.


25/125

22nd

October 2011

Saturday in the Twenty ninth Week of General Time

Romans 8: 1-11 Page 157

Psalms 24: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Page 587


First reading from the Book of Romans Chapter 8 verses 1 to 11

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit

of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For God has done what the

law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh,

and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the just requirement of the law might

be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live

according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the

Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the

mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to

God; it does not submit to God's law indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot

please God.

But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who

does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is

dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised

Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortalbodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.



26/125

22nd

October 2011



Psalms 24: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Page 587


Psalms 105: 6-7, 8-9, 42-43

Response: Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face!

The earth is the LORD's and all that is in it,

the world, and those who live in it;

for he has founded it on the seas,

and established it on the rivers.

R: Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face!

Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?

And who shall stand in his holy place?

Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,

who do not lift up their souls to what is false,

and do not swear deceitfully.


They will receive blessing from the LORD,

and vindication from the God of their salvation.

Such is the company of those who seek him,

who seek the face of the God of Jacob.


Response: Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face!


27/125

22nd

October 2011



Psalms 24: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Page 587


Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke Chapter 13 verses 1 to 9

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate

had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans

suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you

repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam

fell on them do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem?No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."

Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for

fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come

looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?'

He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears

fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"



28/125

22nd

October 2011



Psalms 24: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Page 587


Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face!

The first reading from Romans focuses on what our lives are really meant to be. For those who live

according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the

Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.And Gods Spirit within isnot something that can

be measured or quantified. Rather, Gods presence within each of us is gift in our unique creation

in Gods image.

Jesus' parable of the barren fig trees illustrated his warning about the consequences of allowing

sin and corruption to take root in our hearts and minds. A fig tree normally matured within three

years, producing plentiful fruit. If it failed, it was cut down to make room for more healthy trees.

The unfruitful fig tree symbolized the outcome of Israel's unresponsiveness to the word of God.

Jesus' parable depicts the patience of God, but it also contains a warning that we should not

presume upon patience and mercy.

The Lord in his mercy gives us both grace and time to turn away from sin, but that time is right

now. If we delay, even for a day, we may discover that grace has passed us by and our time is up.

In this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to our Lord Jesus to increase our hunger for Him so that

we may grow in righteousness and holiness.


29/125

15th

October 2011

Saturday in the Twenty eighth Week of General Time

Romans 4: 13, 16-18 Page 155

Psalms 105: 6-7, 8-9, 42-43 Page 641

Luke 12: 8-12 Page 74

First reading from the Book of Romans Chapter 4 verse 13 and verses 16 to 18

For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants

through the law but through the righteousness of faith For this reason it depends on faith, in order

that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the

adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham for he is the father of all of

us, as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations" in the presence of the God in

whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become "the father of many nations," according to

what was said, "So numerous shall your descendants be."



30/125

15th

October 2011


Romans 4: 13, 16-18 Page 155

Psalms 105: 6-7, 8-9, 42-43 Page 641

Luke 12: 8-12 Page 74

Psalms 105: 6-7, 8-9, 42-43

Response: The Lord is mindful of His covenant forever!

O offspring of his servant Abraham,

children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

He is the LORD our God;

his judgments are in all the earth.

R: The Lord is mindful of His covenant forever!

He is mindful of his covenant forever,

of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,

the covenant that he made with Abraham,

his sworn promise to Isaac,


For he remembered his holy promise,

and Abraham, his servant.

So he brought his people out with joy,

his chosen ones with singing.


Response: The Lord is m indful of His co venant forever!


31/125

15th

October 2011


Romans 4: 13, 16-18 Page 155

Psalms 105: 6-7, 8-9, 42-43 Page 641

Luke 12: 8-12 Page 74


"And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will

acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will be denied before

the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but

whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they bring you before the

synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you are to defend yourselvesor what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say."



32/125

15th

October 2011


Romans 4: 13, 16-18 Page 155

Psalms 105: 6-7, 8-9, 42-43 Page 641

Luke 12: 8-12 Page 74

The Lord is mindful of His covenant forever!

What is the unforgivable sin which Jesus warns us to avoid? Jesus knows that his disciples will be

tested and he assures them that the Holy Spirit will give them what they need in their time of

adversity. He warns them, however, that it's possible to reject the grace of God and to fall into

apostasy out of cowardice or disbelief. Jesus also speaks against blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

What is blasphemy and why is it reprehensible? Blasphemy consists in uttering against God,

inwardly or outwardly, words of hatred, reproach, or defiance. It's contrary to the respect due God

and his holy name. Jesus speaks of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin.

A sin can only be unforgivable if repentance is impossible. If someone repeatedly closes his heart

to God and shuts his ears to his voice, he comes to a point where he can no longer recognize God

even when God makes himself known. Such a person ends up perceiving evil as good and good

as evil. There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who refuses to accept God's mercy by

repenting of wrongdoing, rejects the forgiveness of their sins and the salvation offered by the Holy

Spirit. God gives grace and help to all who humbly call upon him. The love and mercy of Jesus

Christ, the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit are freely given to those who

acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Let us thank God for the grace of faith and in this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to God to

send Holy Spirit to strengthen us when we are weak.


33/125

1st

October 2011

Saturday in the Twenty sixth Week of General Time

Baruch 4: 5-12, 27-29 Page

Psalms 69: 33-37 Page

Luke 10: 17-24 Page

First reading from the Book of Baruch Chapter 4 verses 5 to 12 and verses 27 to 29

Take courage, my people,

who perpetuate Israel's name!

It was not for destruction

that you were sold to the nations,

but you were handed over to your enemies

because you angered God.

For you provoked the one who made you

by sacrificing to demons and not to God.

You forgot the everlasting God, who brought you up,

and you grieved Jerusalem, who reared you.

For she saw the wrath that came upon you from God,

and she said:

Listen, you neighbors of Zion,

God has brought great sorrow upon me;

for I have seen the exile of my sons and daughters,

which the Everlasting brought upon them.

With joy I nurtured them,

but I sent them away with weeping and sorrow.

Let no one rejoice over me, a widow

and bereaved of many;

I was left desolate because of the sins of my children,

because they turned away from the law of God.

Take courage, my children, and cry to God,

for you will be remembered by the one who brought this

upon you.

For just as you were disposed to go astray from God,return with tenfold zeal to seek him.

For the one who brought these calamities upon you

will bring you everlasting joy with your salvation.



34/125

1st

October 2011


Baruch 4: 5-12, 27-29 Page


Luke 10: 17-24 Page

Psalms 69: 33-34, 35-36

Response: The Lord hears the needy!

For the LORD hears the needy,

and does not despise his own that are in bonds.

Let heaven and earth praise him,

the seas and everything that moves in them.

R: The Lord hears the needy!

For God will save Zion

and rebuild the cities of Judah;

and his servants shall live there and possess it;

the children of his servants shall inherit it,

and those who love his name shall live in it.

R: The Lord hears the needy!

Response: The Lord hears the needy!


35/125

1st

October 2011


Baruch 4: 5-12, 27-29 Page


Luke 10: 17-24 Page

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew Chapter 10 verses 17 to 24

The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!" He

said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you

authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will

hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your

names are written in heaven."

At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven

and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have

revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed

over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father

is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what

you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see

it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."


36/125

1st

October 2011


Baruch 4: 5-12, 27-29 Page


Luke 10: 17-24 Page

The Lord hears the needy!

The first reading from Baruch concerns Jerusalem, who shares her sorrow with her children

scattered among the nations, acknowledges her inability to help them, and confesses that her only

hope is the Lord God of Israel.

In the responsorial psalm, we read about the promise that The Lord hears the needy. He will take

care of his servants and the children of His children.

The reading from Luke tells about the mission of the seventy. Jesus sent out seventy disciples and

sent them ahead in pairs to every town he intended to go. They were jubilant when they returned

from their successful mission, amazed at the power that had been given to them. They witnessed

the collapse of Satan's reign through their proclamation of God's kingdom. Jesus shared their joy

over Satan's fall, but he told them not to rejoice that they had greater power than the evil forces.

They should be glad that their "names were written in heaven". Jesus thanked the Father for

bestowing the mysteries of the kingdom on his lowly disciples. This privilege had not been given to

the "wise and the learned", but to his disciples who, like little children, were open to God's

revelation in Jesus.

Jesus tells us that prophets and kings desire to see and hear what his followers do but cannot. In

this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to God to open our eyes and ears so that we can see and

hear what Jesus wishes me to.


37/125

24th

September 2011

Saturday in the Twenty Fifth week of General Time

Zechariah 2:5-9 Page 1063

Jeremiah 31: 10, 11-12, 13 Page 903

Luke 9: 43-45 Page 70

First reading from the Book of Zechariah Chapter 2 verses 5 to 9

For I will be a wall of fire all around it, says the LORD, and I will be the glory within it. A summons

to the exiles Up, up! Flee from the land of the north, says the LORD; for I have spread you abroad

like the four winds of heaven, says the LORD. Up! Escape to Zion, you that live with daughter

Babylon. For thus said the LORD of hosts (after his glory sent me) regarding the nations that

plundered you: Truly, one who touches you touches the apple of my eye. See now, I am going to

raise my hand against them, and they shall become plunder for their own slaves. Then you will

know that the LORD of hosts has sent me.



38/125

24th

September 2011



Jeremiah 31: 10, 11-12, 13 Page 903

Luke 9: 43-45 Page 70

Jeremiah 31: 10, 11-12, 13 Page 607

Response: He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock!

Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,

and declare it in the coastlands far away;

say, "He who scattered Israel will gather him,

and will keep him as a shepherd a flock."

R: He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock!

For the LORD has ransomed Jacob,

and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.

They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,

and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD,

over the grain, the wine, and the oil,

and over the young of the flock and the herd;


Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,

and the young men and the old shall be merry.

I will turn their mourning into joy,

I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.


Response: He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock!


39/125

39

24th

September 2011



Jeremiah 31: 10, 11-12, 13 Page 903

Luke 9: 43-45 Page 70


All were astounded at the greatness of God. While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing,

he said to his disciples, "Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be

betrayed into human hands." But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed

from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.


40/125

40

24th

September 2011



Jeremiah 31: 10, 11-12, 13 Page 903

Luke 9: 43-45 Page 70

Hewho scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock!

Greetings to all of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Todays first reading describes God promising that he will be the guardian of his people . His

stance toward the people of Jerusalem, according to the Psalm, is the loving, attentive and verywily shepherd who surrounds the flock with Divine care. In theGospel we hear Jesus warning

his disciples that the day is coming when the Son of Man will be handed over to people of evil

intent.

Jesus prophesied his own betrayal and crucifixion. But it did not make any sense to the disciples

because it did not fit their understanding of the Messiah who was supposed to come and free his

people from tyranny and oppression. Little did they know that the way to victory over sin and death

would be through the cross and resurrection of Christ. This was Jesus' second prediction of his

passion, yet his disciples still failed to understand his meaning.

"Lord Jesus, by your cross you have redeemed the world and revealed your glory and triumph

over sin and death. May we never fail to see your glory and victory in the cross. Help us to

conform our life to your will and to follow in your way of love and holiness."

In this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to help us to be faithful to Him in

adversity and in victory.


41/125

41

17th

September 2011

Saturday in the Twenty Fourth week of General Time

1 Timothy 6:13-16 Page 210

Psalms 100: 2, 3, 4, 5 Page 637

Luke 8:4-15 Page 67

First reading from the first Book of Timothy Chapter 6 verses 13 to 16

In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony

before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without

spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right

time he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he

alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can

see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.



42/125

42

17th

September 2011



Psalms 100: 2, 3, 4, 5 Page 637

Luke 8:4-15 Page 67

Psalms 100: 2, 3, 4, 5 Page 607

Response: Come into the presence of the Lord with singing!

Worship the LORD with gladness;

come into his presence with singing.

R: Come into the presence of the Lord with singing!

Know that the LORD is God.

It is he that made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.


Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise.

Give thanks to him, bless his name.


For the LORD is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations.


Response: Come into the presence of the Lord with singing!


43/125

43

17th

September 2011



Psalms 100: 2, 3, 4, 5 Page 637

Luke 8:4-15 Page 67


When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable:

"A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on,

and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of

moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good

soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold." As he said this, he called out, "Let anyone with

ears to hear listen!"

Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, "To you it has been given to know

the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that 'looking they may not

perceive, and listening they may not understand.'

"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have

heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not

believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it

with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As

for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are

choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as forthat in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest

and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.


44/125

44

17th

September 2011



Psalms 100: 2, 3, 4, 5 Page 637

Luke 8:4-15 Page 67

Comeinto the presence of the Lord with singing!


How good are we at listening, especially for the word of God? God is always ready to speak to

each of us and to give us understanding of his word. Jesus' parable of the sower is aimed at the

hearers of his word. There are different ways of accepting God's word and they produce differentkinds of fruit accordingly. There is the prejudiced hearer who has a shut mind. Such a person is

un-teachable and blind to the things of God. Then there is the shallow hearer who fails to think

things out or think them through; such a person lacks spiritual depth. They may initially respond

with an emotional fervor; but when it wears off their mind wanders to something else.

Another type of hearer is the person who has many interests or cares, but who lacks the ability to

hear or comprehend what is truly important. Such a person is for ever too busy to pray or too

preoccupied to study and meditate on God's word. He or she may work so hard that they are too

tired to even think of anything else but their work. Then there is the one whose mind is open. Such

a person is at all times willing to listen and to learn. He or she is never too proud or too busy to

learn. They listen in order to understand. God gives grace to those who hunger for his word that

they may understand his will and have the strength to live according to it. Do we hunger for God's

word?

"Lord Jesus, faith in your word is the way to wisdom, and to ponder your divine plan is to grow in

the truth. Open our eyes to your deeds, and our ears to the sound of your call, that we may

understand your will for my life and live according to it."

In this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to make our hearts fertile ground

for His word.


45/125

45

10th

September 2011

Saturday in the Twenty Third week of General Time


Psalms 113: 1-2, 3-4, 5-7 Page 648

Luke 6:43-49 Page 65

First reading from the first Book of Timothy Chapter 1 verses 15 to 17

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save

sinners of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the

foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who

would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only

God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.



46/125

46

10th

September 2011



Psalms 113: 1-2, 3-4, 5-7 Page 648


Psalms 54: 3-4, 6-7 Page 607

Response: Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time on and forevermore!

Praise the LORD!

Praise, O servants of the LORD;

praise the name of the LORD.

Blessed be the name of the LORDfrom this time on and forevermore.

R: Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time on and forevermore!

From the rising of the sun to its setting

the name of the LORD is to be praised.

The LORD is high above all nations,

and his glory above the heavens.


Who is like the LORD our God,

who is seated on high,

who looks far down

on the heavens and the earth?

He raises the poor from the dust,

and lifts the needy from the ash heap,


Response: Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time on and forevermore!


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10th

September 2011



Psalms 113: 1-2, 3-4, 5-7 Page 648



"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by

its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The

good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil

treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is

like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house,who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that

house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not

act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst

against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house."


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10th

September 2011



Psalms 113: 1-2, 3-4, 5-7 Page 648


Blessedbe the name of the LORD from this time on and forevermore!


Jesus taught his followers that the quality of their inner lives could be judged by the words they

spoke and the deeds they performed. Their hearts were like storehouses of either good or bad

fruit. Jesus' disciples would be recognizedbythe good fruit that they produced in their lives. Jesus

also compared the Christian life to building a house. The wise builder laid a firm foundation that

could withstand the trials of life.Thosewho heard Jesus but did not act on his words werebuilding

on a shaky foundation. It was hypocritical to call Jesus "Lord" and refuse to obey him. Jesus

taught his followers to put into practice everything he had taught them.

"Lord Jesus, you are the sure foundation and source of life and strength for us. Give us wisdom

and strength to live according to our truth and to reject every false way. May we be a doer of your

word and not a hearer only.

In this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ help us to hear and obey Him so

others can see good fruit in our life.


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3rd

September 2011

Saturday in the Twenty second week of General Time

Colossians 1: 21-23 Page 204

Psalms 54: 3-4, 6-7 Page 607

Luke 6:1-5 Page 63

First reading from the Book of Colossians Chapter 1 verses 21 to 23

And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in

his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before

him provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting

from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every

creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.



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3rd

September 2011



Psalms 54: 3-4, 6-7 Page 607

Luke 6:1-5 Page 63

Psalms 54: 3-4, 6-7 Page 607

Response: I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good!

Save me, O God, by your name,

and vindicate me by your might.

Hear my prayer, O God;

give ear to the words of my mouth.

R: I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good!

With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;

I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.

For he has delivered me from every trouble,

and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.

R: I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good!

Response: I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good!


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3rd

September 2011



Psalms 54: 3-4, 6-7 Page 607

Luke 6:1-5 Page 63


One Sabbath while Jesus was going through the grain fields, his disciples plucked some heads of

grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you

doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?" Jesus answered, "Have you not read what David did

when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the

bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his

companions?" Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath."


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3rd

September 2011



Psalms 54: 3-4, 6-7 Page 607

Luke 6:1-5 Page 63

Iwill give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good!


What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet, what is the

primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The

"Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the

goodness of his work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of

God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday

work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. Jesus' disciples are scolded by the

scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the

Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human need has

precedence over ritual custom. In their hunger, David and his men ate of the holy bread offered in

the Temple. On every Sabbath morning twelve loaves were laid before God on a golden table in

the Holy Place. Each loaf represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. No one was allowed to eat

this bread except the priests because it represented the very presence of God. David understood

that human need took precedence over rules and ritual regulations.

Why didn't the Pharisees recognize the claims of mercy over rules and regulations? Their zeal for

ritual observance blinded them from the demands of charity. Jesus declares that he is "Lord of the

Sabbath." Jesus healed on the Sabbath and he showed mercy to those in need. All who are

burdened can find true rest and refreshment in him.

In this Eucharistic celebration let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to help us act with compassion

and justice.


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In todays reading from Luke, Jesus is rebuked by the elders for taking grain from the field on the

Sabbath. He responds by reminding them that Isaiah took holy bread from the synagogue to feed

his hungry followers. He then goes on to say that keeping the Sabbath is judged by the Son of

man. What does the Son of man think of how well we keep the Sabbath? In years past keeping

the Sabbath was considered to be an important part of Christian life. All of the Sunday Masses

were said on Sunday morning. Families started their Sunday as a unit going to Mass.

People took the Sabbath seriously, sometimes too much so, becoming like the Pharisees in thegospel. As with the Pharisees, sometimes the rules were more important than human needs. In

the gospel account, Jesus provided an essential lesson in priorities; human need takes

precedence over rules.

Today, it is not so common to worry about how to keep the Sabbath holy. It seems to be more of

the norm that the Sabbath is largely ignored in much of our society. It is business as usual in the

malls and grocery stores. In fact, some malls require their leasing stores to be open seven days a

week. Yet there are e few retail businesses that close for the Sabbath and they seem to make up

their business on the other six days.

Whether we work or not on the Sabbath, is there a remembrance of it being Gods day? Do wespend time with friends and/or family? Do we minister to others in some way? How do we thank

God for his many blessings and give Him praise and glory?


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We are reminded in todays Gospel of the importance of the Sabbath. How can I better

observe the Sabbath in my life?

Lord, show me what I must do to better observe your special day. Grant me the courage to

make whatever changes I must make to better observe your Sabbath. Never let me forgetthat this is your special day - not mine.

KEY VERSE:"The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath" (v 5).READING: Picking grain on the Sabbath was the first conflict story told in Luke's gospel regarding

the Sabbath law. Luke showed how this controversy led to a final break with the religious leaders,

and ultimately to Jesus' death. When Jesus' disciples picked and ate grain on the Sabbath, the

Pharisees accused them of violating the Sabbath law, which prohibited harvesting (Ex 34:21).

Jesus defended his disciples by reminding them of a precedence in scripture. The great King

David fed his hungry men with the bread of offering that was reserved for priests (1 Sm 21:1-7).

Jesus said that charity must prevail over religious laws. Jesus, the "Son of Man," showed solidarity

with the needs of his people and displayed his supreme authority over the law.

REFLECTING:Am I unduly bound by scrupulosity?

PRAYING:Lord Jesus, help me to avoid legalism and act with compassion and justice.

Meditation: What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or

better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders

confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to rememberand celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work, both in creation and

redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and hissaving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to

provide needed rest and refreshment. Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and

Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the

Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human needhas precedence over ritual custom. In their hunger, David and his men ate of the holy

bread offered in the Temple (1 Samuel 21:2-7). On every Sabbath morning twelvesloaves were laid before God on a golden table in the Holy Place. Each loaf represented

one of the twelve tribes of Israel. No one was allowed to eat this bread except the priestsbecause it represented the very presence of God. David understood that human need

took precedence over rules and ritual regulations.

Why didn't the Pharisees recognize the claims of mercy over rules and regulations?

Their zeal for ritual observance blinded them from the demands of charity. Jesus'reference to the bread of the Presencealludes to the true bread from heavenwhich heoffers to all who believe in him. Jesus, the Son of David, and the Son of Man, a title for

theMessiah, declares that he is "Lord of the Sabbath." Jesus healed on the Sabbath and

he showed mercy to those in need. All who are burdened can find true rest and

refreshment in him. Do you seek rest and refreshment in the Lord and in the celebrationof the Lord's Day?

"Lord Jesus, you refresh us with your presence and you sustain us with your life-givingword. Show me how to lift the burden of others, especially those who lack the basic

necessities of life, and to refresh them with humble care and service."


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21th

August 2011

Saturday in the Twenty first Week of General Time

1 Thessalonians 4: 9-11 Page 204

Psalms 98:1,7-9 Page 637

Matthew 25:14-30 Page 28

First reading from the first Book of Thessalonians Chapter 4 verses 9 to 11

Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for

you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the

brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to

aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you,



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21th

August 2011





Psalms 98:1, 7-9 Page 637

Response: The LORD is coming to judge the earth!

O sing to the LORD a new song,

for he has done marvelous things.

His right hand and his holy arm

have gotten him victory.

R: The LORD is coming to judge the earth!

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

the world and those who live in it.

Let the floods clap their hands;

let the hills sing together for joy

at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming

to judge the earth.He will judge the world with righteousness,

and the peoples with equity.

R: The LORD is coming to judge the earth!

Response: The LORD is coming to judge the earth!


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21th

August 2011





Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew Chapter 25 verses 14 to 30

"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them;

to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then

he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them,

and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more

talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid

his master's money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with

them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents,

saying, 'Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.' His

master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few

things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' And the one with

the two talents also came forward, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have

made two more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have

been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your

master.' Then the one who had received

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