Readings and Reflection for June 11 Friday Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Readings and Reflection for June 11 Friday Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

FIRST READING
A reading from the book of Hosea (Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9)

Thus says the Lord: When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.  Yet it was I who taught Ephriam to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them, I led them with cords of compassion, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who raises an infant to his cheeks, and I bent down to them and fed them. My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not comet to destroy.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM  Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcde, 5-6 (R.3)
R/. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation,”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. R/.

“Give thanks to the Lord,
call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the nations,
proclaim that his name is exalted.” R/.

R/. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

“Sing praise to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be known in all the earth.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Isreal.” R/.

SECOND READING          
A reading from Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19

Brethren: To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; that through the Church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and power in the heavenly places.  This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through all faith in him.  For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ my dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The word of the Lord

ALLELUIA John 13:34
Alleluia. Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord; and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.  Alleluia.

GOSPEL               
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5:20-26)

Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the Sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.  So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; but when they come to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the solders pierced his side with a spear, and at once here came out blood and water.  He who saw it has bone witness – his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth – that you also may believe.  For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “Not a bone of him shall be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on him whom they have pierced.”

The Gospel of the Lord.
 

Today’s Reflection

The heart of Jesus was very much a human heart; he was familiar with all the emotions we experience: fear, doubt, joy, sadness, grief, anger, pain. But through all the joys and heartaches of being human, Jesus had one clear purpose, one mission: to love and serve God. Even though humanity does not deserve such love, he continues to love. It is this love that makes his heart sacred. We get distracted, busy, tempted by the love of money and the things money can buy: “Where our treasure is, there will our heart be also.” If our hearts are aglow with love of God, our actions will glorify him and by extension bring joy and peace to our brothers and sisters.

Readings and Reflection for June 10 Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

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Readings and Reflection for June 10 Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING
God has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1.3-6)

Brethren: To this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over the minds of the Israelites; but when a man turns to the Lord the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM  Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 (R. cf. 1 0b)
R/. The Lord’s glory will dwell in our land.

I will hear what the Lord God speaks;
he speaks of peace for his people and his faithful.
His salvation is near for those who fear him,
and his glory will dwell in our land. R.

Merciful love and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have kissed.
Faithfulness shall spring from the earth,
and justice look down from heaven. R.

R/. The Lord’s glory will dwell in our land.

Also the Lord will bestow his bounty,
and our earth shall yield its increase.
Justice will march before him,
and guide his steps on the way. R.

 

ALLELUIA John 13:34
Alleluia. A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Alleluia.

GOSPEL               
”Every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgement.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5:20-26)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgement.’ But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgement; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, ‘You fool! ‘ shall be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

Holiness is not simply compliance with a legal code but personal transformation. Jesus fleshes out this teaching through a set of six examples, showing that the Law of Moses did not go far enough towards internal change. It is important not only to avoid murder but to expel from within us the brooding anger that could lead to it. By harming others in subtle ways we could be as fearsome as murderers. Anger can break the bonds of community without actual murder. However deeply we try to bury anger, it surfaces in different ways, hindering our acceptance of the Gospel message and the action of God’s spirit. To be free we must learn to reconcile; reconciliation enhances our spiritual vitality.

Readings and Reflection for June 9 Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

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Readings and Reflection for June 9 Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING                                
He made us ministers of a new covenant, not in a written code but in the Spirit.
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 3 :4-11)

Brethren: Such is the confidence that we have through Christ towards God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our sufficiency is from God, who has qualified us to be ministers of a new covenant, not in a written code but in the Spirit; for the written code kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the dispensation of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such splendour that the Israelites could not look at Moses’ face because of its brightness, fading as this was, will not the dispensation of the Spirit be attended with greater splendour? For if there was splendour in the dispensation of condemnation, the dispensation of righteousness must far exceed it in splendour. Indeed, in this case, what once had splendour has come to have no splendour at all, because of the splendour that surpasses it. For if what faded away came with splendour, what is permanent must have much more splendour.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM    Ps99:5.6.7.8.9 (R. see 9c)
R/. You are holy, O Lord our God

Exalt the Lord our God;
bow down before his footstool.
Holy is he! R.

Among his priests were Aaron and Moses;
among those who invoked his name was Samuel.
They cried out to the Lord and he answered. R.

R/. You are holy, O Lord our God

To them he spoke in the pillar of cloud.
They obeyed his decrees and the statutes
which he had given them. R.

O Lord our God, you answered them.
For them you were a God who forgives,
and yet you punished their offences.

Exalt the Lord our God;
bow down before his holy mountain,
for the Lord our God is holy. R.

ALLELUIA Psalm 25:4b.5a
Alleluia. Teach me your paths, O Lord. Guide me in your truth. Alleluia.

GOSPEL                                             
I have come not to abolish the law, but to fulfil it.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5:17-19)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord.
 

Today’s Reflection

Paul, when accused of arrogance, tries to explain that his “confidence” is not in himself but in the mission given to him by Christ. He goes on to compare the glory of Moses and his law with the far greater glory of the New Covenant in Christ Jesus. This comparison of the new with the old law was also an important theme in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfil it, so his disciples must go beyond the letter of the law in our behavior towards one another. If we follow this, we’ll have little time to worry about ourselves or others.

Readings and Reflection for June 8 Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

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Readings and Reflection for June 8 Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING
Jesus was not Yes and No,’ but in him if is always Yes.
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 1:18-22)

Brethren: As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No.  For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we preached among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No; but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why we utter the Amen through him, to the glory of God. But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM   Ps 119: 129. 130. 131.I 32.133.135 (R. 135a)
R/. Lord, let your face shine forth on your servant.

Your decrees are wonderful indeed;
therefore my soul obeys them. R.

The unfolding of your word gives light,
and understanding to the simple.  R.

I have opened my mouth and I sigh,
for I yearn for your commands. R.

R/. Lord, let your face shine forth on your servant.

Turn and have mercy on me,
as is your rule for those who love your name. R.

Let my steps be guided by your promise;
may evil never rule me. R.

Let your face shine forth on your servant,
and teach me your decrees. R.

ALLELU IA Matthew 5:16
Alleluia. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father. Alleluia.

GOSPEL               
“You are the light of the world.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5:13-16)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s reflection
Jesus proclaims to the crowds that they are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He doesn’t say, “Someday in the future, you will be the salt of the earth.” And he doesn’t say, “If you do everything I teach you, you will be the light of the world.” The crowd might have come to hear about God’s blessings, but instead they received an assignment, a job to be done: be salt and light. Jesus tells them that, just as salt season’s food and light brightens the darkness, they are to be disciples to make a difference! They are to add spice, flavor and vitality to life. Let your light shine. Uncover the lamp you have hidden. Respond to God’s love and goodness in word and deed. Equip us, O God, to be light and salt in the world.

Readings and Reflection for June 7 Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

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Readings and Reflection for June 7 Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING
God comforts us that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.
The beginning of the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 1:1-7)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother. To the Church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation, and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 34:2-3.4-5.6-7.5-9 (R. 9a)
R/. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

I will bless the Lord at all times,
praise of him is always in my mouth.
In the Lord my soul shall make its boast;
the humble shall hear and be glad. R.

Glorify the Lord with me;
together let us praise his name.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
from all my terrors he set me free. R.

R/. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Look towards him and be radiant;
let your faces not be abashed.
This lowly one called; the Lord heard,
and rescued him from all his distress. R.

The angel of the Lord is encamped
around those who fear him, to rescue them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Blessed the man who seeks refuge in him. R.

ALLELUIA Matthew 5: 12a
Alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Blessed are the poor in spirit.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5:1-12)

At that time: Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

The Gospel of the Lord.
 

Today’s Reflection

A bit of background on Paul’s unstable relationship with the Corinthians may deepen our understanding of this letter that we begin today. After living with the Corinthian community for eighteen months, Paul moved to Ephesus where he received a delegation from Corinth reporting divisions within the community, and behavior not in keeping with discipleship. Paul’s first letter was written in response to these reports. When the Corinthians failed to heed his admonitions, he returned to Corinth, but it seems his visit did not go smoothly. The second letter shows Paul’s devotion to the community and his desire that they receive the true message of Christ crucified and risen for them. The Sermon on the Mount is a teaching of freedom combined with responsibility; liberation with challenge. The beatitudes fly in the face of the wisdom of first century Corinth and of 21st century Africa.

Readings and Reflection for Sunday June 6, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

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Readings and Reflection for Sunday June 6, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)


FIRST READING
“Behold the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you.”
A reading from the Book of Exodus (Exodus 24:3-8)

In those days: Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, “All the words which the Lord has spoken we will do.” And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. And he sent young men of the people of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord. And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he threw against the altar. Then he took the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” And Moses took the blood and threw it upon the people, and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM  Psalm 116:12-13.15 and 16bc.17-18 (R. 13)
R/. The cup of salvation I will raise,
I will call on the name of the Lord.
Or:  Alleluia.

How can I repay the Lord
for all his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the name of the Lord. R.

How precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant am I, the son of your handmaid;
you have loosened my bonds. R.

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the name of the Lord.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfil
before all his people. R.

SECOND READING          
The blood of Christ will purify our conscience.
A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 9:11-15)

Brethren: When Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred which redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant.

The word of the Lord.

The following sequence, Lauda Sion, is optional before the Alleluia verse. The sequence may be used either in its entirety or in the shorter form, beginning with the words *Behold the bread.

Sequence (LAUDA SION)

Zion, praise your Saviour.
Praise your leader and shepherd in hymns and canticles.
Praise him as much as you can, for he is beyond all praising
and you will never be able to praise him as he merits.

But today a theme worthy of particular praise
is put before us — the living and life- giving bread
that, without any doubt,
was given to the Twelve at table during the holy supper.

Therefore let our praise be full and resounding
and our soul’s rejoicing full of delight and beauty,
for this is the festival day
to commemorate the first institution of this table.

At this table of the new King,
the new law’s new Pasch puts an end to the old Pasch.
The new displaces the old, reality the shadow and light the darkness.
Christ wanted what he did at the supper
to be repeated in his memory.

And so we, in accordance with his holy directions
consecrate bread and wine to be salvation’s Victim.
Christ’s followers know by faith that bread is changed into his flesh and wine into his blood.

Man cannot understand this, cannot perceive it;
but a lively faith affirms that the change,
which is outside the natural course of things, takes place.

Under the different species,
which are now signs only and not their own reality,
there lie hid wonderful realities. His body is our food, his blood our

And yet Christ remains entire under each species.
The communicant receives the complete Christ —
uncut, unbroken and undivided.

Whether one receive or a thousand,
the one receives as much as the thousand.

Nor is Christ diminished by being received.
The good and the wicked alike receive him,
but with the unlike destiny of life or death.
To the wicked it is death, but life to the good.

See how different is the result,
though each receives the same.

Last of all, if the sacrament is broken, have no doubt.
Remember there is as much in a fragment
as in an unbroken host.

There is no division of the reality, but only a breaking of the sign;
nor does the breaking diminish the condition or size
of the One hidden under the sign.

* Behold, the bread of angels is become the pilgrim’s food;
truly it is bread for the sons, and is not to be cast to dogs.

It was prefigured in type
when Isaac was brought as an offering, when a lamb was appointed for the Pasch
and when manna was given to the Jews of old.

Jesus, good shepherd and true bread, have mercy on us; feed us and guard us.
Grant that we find happiness in the land of the living.

You know all things, can do all things, and feed us here on earth.
Make us your guests in heaven,
co-heirs with you and companions of heaven’s citizens.
Amen. Alleluia

ALLELUIA John 6:51
Alleluia. I am the living bread which came down from heaven, says the Lord; if any one eats this bread he will live for ever.
Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“This is my body. This is my blood.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 14:12-16.22-26)

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to Jesus, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” And he sent two of his disciples, and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the householder, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I am to eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” And the disciples set out and went to the city, and found it as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover. And as they were eating, he took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a chalice, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection
Today we remember with gratitude and celebrate Jesus’ gift of his Body and Blood to us. To give one’s own body is to give one’s time. To give one’s own blood is to give one’s very life. We might give our body but, when we give our life as well, the gift becomes truly personal. Jesus gives his body and pours out his life for love of us, to transform the world into a new creation. As we receive his body and blood in communion, let us be filled with gratitude for this amazing gifts of Jesus, who wants not only to be close to us but to fill our hearts and dwell within the temple of our body, bringing with him his father and the spirit who unites them in love. In imitation, we must pour out ourselves in love for others and transform the world into a community of loving and self-sacrificing persons.

Readings and Reflection for June 5 Saturday Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

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Readings and Reflection for June 5 Saturday Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

FIRST READING         
“And now give thanks to God, for I am ascending to him.”
A reading from the Book of Tobit (Tobit 12:1.5-15.20)

In those days: Tobit called his son Tobias and said to him, “My son, see to the wages of the man who went with you; and he must also be given more.” So he called the angel and said to him, “Take for your wages half of all that you two have brought back, and farewell.” Then the angel called the two of them privately and said to them: “Praise God and give thanks to him; exalt him and give thanks to him in the presence of all the living for what he has done for you. It is good to praise God and to exalt his name, worthily declaring the works of God. Do not be slow to give him thanks. It is good to guard the secret of a king, but gloriously to reveal the works of God, and with fitting honour to acknowledge him. Do good, and evil will not overtake you. Prayer is good when accompanied by fasting, almsgiving, and righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than much with wrongdoing. It is better to give alms than to treasure up gold. For almsgiving delivers from death, and it will purge away every sin. Those who perform deeds of charity and of righteousness will have fullness of life; but those who commit sin are the enemies of their own lives. I will now declare the whole truth to you and I will not conceal anything from you. I have said, ‘It is good to guard the secret of a king, but gloriously to reveal the works of God.’ And so, when you and your daughter-in-law Sarah prayed, I brought a reminder of your prayer before the Holy One; and when you buried the dead, I was likewise present with you. When you did not hesitate to rise and leave your dinner in order to go and lay out the dead, I was sent to test you. So now God sent me to heal you and your daughter-in- law Sarah. I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Lord. And now bless the Lord upon the earth and give thanks to God, for I am ascending to him who sent me. Write in a book everything that has happened to you.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM   Tobit 13:1b and 2.3-4a.6efgh.6ij.8 (R. 1b)
R/. Blessed is God, who lives forever.

Blessed be God, who lives forever.
For he afflicts, and he shows mercy;
he leads down to Hades, and brings up again,
and there is no one who can escape his hand. R.

Acknowledge him before the nations, O sons of Israel;
for he has scattered us among them.
Make his greatness known there. R.

R/. Blessed is God, who lives forever.

But see what he will do with you;
give thanks to him with your full voice.
Praise the Lord of righteousness,
and exalt the King of the ages. R.

I give him thanks in the land of my captivity,
and I show his power and majesty to a nation of sinners. R.

Bless the Lord, all you his chosen ones,
all of you, praise his glory
Celebrate days of joy, and give thanks to him. R.

ALLELUIA Matthew 5 :3
Alleluia. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Alleluia.

GOSPEL          
“This poor widow has put in more than all the others.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 12:38-44)

At that time: In his teaching Jesus said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and to have salutations in the market places and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretence make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

The story of the woman in the Gospel passage bears out the truth of the statement in the first reading: “A little with righteousness is better than much with wrongdoing .” It is course proper to praise and show gratitude to God for all He has done for us. God owns all (Ps 24), even our very selves, and He expects us to give all we have, not for human recognition, but because it is the right thing to do.  We must never pride ourselves that we can give back to God all that He has given us, but we can at least do our best to show how grateful we are for all He has done and all that He is to us.  As we do this, we must avoid hypocrisy.  It only leads to our condemnation.  Give your very best to God and the best will come back to you.  Seek not the praises of men.  The Lord, who sees in secret, will reward you.

Readings and Reflection for June 4 Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

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Readings and Reflection for June 4 Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING
God himself has afflicted me, but here I see my son Tobias.
A reading from the Book of Tobit (Tobit 11:5-11)

In those days: Anna sat looking intently down the road for her son. And she caught sight of him coming, and said to his father, “Behold, your son is coming, and so is the man who went with him!” Raphael said to Tobias, before they approached his father, “I know that his eyes will be opened. Smear the gall of the fish on his eyes, and the medicine will cause the white films to fall away. And your father will regain his sight and see the light.” Then Anna ran to meet them, and embraced her son, and said to him, “I have seen you, my child; now I am ready to die.” And she wept. Tobit got up, and came stumbling out through the courtyard door. But his son ran to him with the gall of the fish in his hand, and holding him firmly, he blew into his eyes, saying, “Take courage, Father.” With this he applied the medicine on his eyes. Next with both his hands, he peeled off the white films from the corners of his eyes. Then he saw his son and embraced him, and he wept and said, “Here I see my son, the light of my eyes!” Then he said, “Blessed be God, and blessed be his great name, and blessed be all his holy angels. May his holy name be blessed throughout all the ages. Though he afflicted me, he has had mercy on me. Now I see my son Tobias!”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 146:1b.2.6c.7.8-9a.9bc-10 (R. 1b)
R/. My soul, give praise to the Lord!
Or:  Alleluia.

My soul, give praise to the Lord;
I will praise the Lord all my life,
sing praise to my God while I live. R.

It is the Lord who preserves fidelity forever,
who does justice to those who are oppressed.
It is he who gives bread to the hungry,
the Lord Who sets prisoners free. R.

R/. My soul, give praise to the Lord!
Or:  Alleluia.

It is the Lord who opens the eyes of the blind,
the Lord who raises up those who are bowed down.
It is the Lord who loves the just,
the Lord who protects the stranger. R.

The Lord upholds the orphan and the widow,
but thwarts the path of the wicked.
The Lord will reign forever,
the God of Sion from age to age. R.

ALLELUIA John 14:23
Alleluia. If a man loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. Alleluia.

GOSPEL                               
“How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 12:35-37)

At that time: As Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declared, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I put your enemies under your feet.’ David himself calls him Lord; so how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.

The Gospel of the Lord

Today’s Reflection

In this touching homecoming scene, the blind Tobit is healed and gives thinks.  The tragedy of his blindness has enabled him to appreciate the gift of sight.  The Book of Tobit draws a lesson from his situation, which is: that faith can turn tragedy to a moment of insight.  Tobit’s faith, despite his blindness, gave him a deeper insight into himself and into God.  Through faith we also can surrender to God that which we have no control of.  We too can turn our pain into a vehicle of holiness, just as pressure can turn coal into diamonds.  The facts of life and death are neutral, and depending on how we respond to them, we can draw something precious out of our negative circumstances.

Readings and Reflection for June 3 Wednesday Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs

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Readings and Reflection for June 3 Wednesday Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs

FIRST READING
“Grant that I may find mercy and may grow old together with her.”
A reading from the Book of Tobit (Tobit 6:9- 12; 7:1 cd.9- 12.1 6; 8: 1.4-9a)

In those days: when he entered Media and was already approaching Ecbatana, Raphael said to the young man, “Brother Tobias!” “Here I am,” he answered. Then Raphael said to him, “We must stay this night in the home of Raguel. He is your relative, and he has a daughter named Sarah. He has no male heir and no daughter except Sarah only, and you, as next of kin to her; have before all other men a hereditary claim on her. Also, it is right for you to inherit her father’s possessions. Moreover, the girl is sensible, brave, and very beautiful, and her father is a good man.” And they found Raguel sitting beside the courtyard door. They greeted him first, and he replied, “Joyous greetings, brothers; welcome and good health!” Then he brought them into his house. Then Raguel killed a ram from the flock and received them very warmly. When they had bathed and washed themselves and had reclined to dine, Tobias said to Raphael, “Brother Azarius, ask Raguel to give me my kinswoman Sarah.” But Raguel overheard it and said to Tobias, “Eat, drink, and be merry; for no one except you, brother, has the right to marry my daughter Sarah. Likewise, I am not at liberty to give her to any other man than yourself, because you are my nearest relative. But let me explain the true situation to you. I have given my daughter to seven men of our kinsmen, and when each came to her he died in the night.  But for the present, my child, eat and drink, and the Lord will act on behalf of you both.” But Tobias said, “I will eat nothing here until you make a binding agreement with me.” So Raguel said, “I will do so. She is given to you in accordance with the decree in the book of Moses, and it has been decreed from heaven that she be given to you. Take your kinswoman; from now on you are her brother and. she is your sister. She is given to you from today and for ever, May the Lord of heaven, my child, guide and prosper you both this night and grant you mercy and peace.” And Raguel called his wife Edna and said to her, “Sister, make up the other room and take her into it.” When they had finished eating and drinking they wanted to retire; so they took the young man and brought him into the bedroom. When the door was shut and the two were alone, Tobias got up from the bed and, said, “Sister, get up, and let us pray and implore our Lord that he grant us mercy and safety.” And they began to say, “Blessed are you, O God of our fathers, and blessed be your holy and glorious name for ever. Let the heavens and all your creatures bless you. You made Adam and gave him Eve his wife as a helper and support. From them the race of mankind has sprung. You said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; let us make a helper for him like himself.’ And now, O Lord, I am not taking this sister of mine because of lust, but with sincerity. Grant that I may find mercy and may grow old together with her.” And they both said, “Amen, amen.” Then they both went to sleep for the night.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM  Psalm 128: 1-2.3.4-5 (R. see 1 a)
R/. Blessed are all who fear the Lord.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
and walk in his ways!
By the labour of your hands you shall eat.
You will be blessed and prosper. R.

Your wife like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
your children like shoots of the olive
around your table. R.

R/. Blessed are all who fear the Lord.

Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lose bless you from Sion.
May you see Jerusalem prosper
all the days of your life! R.

ALLELUIA 2 Timothy 1:10
Alleluia. Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“There is no other commandment greater than these.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 12:28b-34)

At that time: One of the scribes came up and asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbour as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any question.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection:

We cannot love God without loving our neighbor, and in loving our neighbor we are at the same time loving God.  Yet the two commandments are not on the same level; one comes first and the other second.  It is the love of God which is to be the primary love in our lives. We owe the greatest devotion to God, who, as revealed in Jesus, is to be our greatest love Jesus says in another passage, “Seek first the kingdom of God.”  If we are absorbed in a loving relationship with God, it will overflow into love of all those whom God loves, and our love for other people will reflect something of God’s love for them.

Readings and Reflection for June 2 Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

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Readings and Reflection for June 2 Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING
“The prayer of both was heard in the presence of the glory of God.”
A reading from the Book of Tobit (Tobit 3:1- 11a.16-17a)

In those days: in my grief I wept, and I prayed in anguish, saying, “Righteous are you, O Lord; all your deeds are just and all your ways are mercy and truth, and you render true and righteous judgement for ever. And now, O Lord, remember me and look favourably upon me; do not punish me for my sins and for my unwitting offences and those which my fathers committed before you. For we disobeyed your commandments, and you gave us over to plunder, captivity, and death; you made us the talk, the byword, and an object of reproach in all the nations among which you have dispersed us. And now your many judgements are true in exacting penalty from me for my sins and those of my fathers, because we did not keep your commandments. For we did not walk in truth before you. And now deal with me according to your pleasure; command my spirit to be taken up, that I may be released from the face of the earth and become dust. For it is better for me to die than to live, because I have heard false reproaches, and great is the sorrow within me. Command that I now be released from my distress; release me to go to the eternal abode; and do not, O Lord, turn your face away from me. For it is better for me to die than to see so much distress in my life and to listen to such insults.” On the same day, at Ecbatana in Media, it also happened that Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, was reproached by her father’s maids, because she had been given to seven husbands, and the evil demon Asmodeus had slain each of them before he had been with her as his wife. So the maids said to her, “You are the one who kills your husbands! See, you already have had seven and have had no benefit from any of them. Why do you beat us? Because your husbands are dead? Go with them! May we never see a son or daughter of yours!” On that day she was deeply grieved in spirit and wept. When she had gone up to her father’s upper room, she intended to hang herself. But she thought it over and said, “Never shall they reproach my father, saying to him, ‘You only had one beloved daughter but she hanged herself because of her distress. ’ And I shall bring his old age down in sorrow to the grave. It is better for me not to hang myself, but to pray the Lord that I may die and not listen to these reproaches any more.” At that same time, with hands outstretched towards the window, she prayed and said, “Blessed are you, O Lord, merciful God, and blessed is your holy and honoured name.” At that very moment, the prayer of both was heard in the presence of the glory of the great God. And Raphael was sent to heal the two of them.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM   Psalm 25:2-3.4-5ab.6 and 7bc.8-9 (R. 1)
R/. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

In you, O my God, I have trusted;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
Let none who hope in you be put to shame;
but shamed are those who wantonly break faith. R.

O Lord, make me know your ways.
Teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth, and teach me;
for you are the God of my salvation. R.

Remember your compassion,
O Lord, and your merciful love,
for they are from of old.
In your merciful love remember me,
because of your goodness, O Lord. R.

Good and upright is the Lord;
he shows the way to sinners.
He guides the humble in right judgement;
to the humble he teaches his way. R.

ALLELUIAL John 11:25a.26
Alleluia. I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; he who believes in me shall never die. Alleluia.

GOSPEL                             
“He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 12: 18-27)

At that time: Sadducees came to Jesus, who say that there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the wife, and raise up children for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no children; and the second took her, and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; and the seven left no children. Last of all the woman also died. In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.” Jesus said to them, “Is not this why you are wrong, that you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong.”

The Gospel of the Lord

Today’s Reflection

Overcome by grief and remorse, Tobit prays “to be delivered from such anguish.” Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away in Media, Sarah prays for deliverance from an actual devil, Asmodeus who has “killed off” her seven husbands.  God answers both prayers through the angel Raphael, who is sent to guide Tobit’s son Tobiah to Sarah.  To mock Jesus, the Sadducees, who reduced the theory of resurrection to an old wives’ tale, invent another widow with seven husbands: “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be? But the resurrection is no joke; Jesus proves it by quoting the voice in the burning bush: “I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” All three are referred to as still living.  Life in heaven is however not a continuation of life on earth; it is a life qualitatively different from life on earth.  We will be like the angels.

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