FIRST READING
I went to physicians, but they did not help me.
A reading from the Book of Tobit (Tobit 2:9-14)

On [Pentecost] night I, Tobit, returned from burying the dead, I went into my courtyard and slept by the wall of the courtyard, and my face was uncovered because of the heat. I did not know that there were sparrows on the wall and their fresh droppings fell into my open eyes and white films formed on my eyes. I went to physicians to be healed, but the more they treated me with ointments, the more my vision was obscured by the white films, until I became completely blind. For four years I remained unable to see. All my kindred were sorry for me, and Ahikar took care of me for two years until he went to Elymais. Then my wife Anna earned money at women’s work. She used to send the product to the owners, and they paid her wages. One day, the seventh of Dystrus, when she cut off a piece she had woven and sent it to the owners, they paid her full wages and they also gave her a kid. When she returned to me it began to bleat.  So I called her and said to her, “Where did you get the kid? It is not stolen, is it? Return it to the owners; for it is not right to eat what is stolen.” And she said, “It was given to me as a gift in addition to my wages.” But I did not believe her, and told her to return it to the owners; and I blushed for her. Then she replied to me, “Where are your charities and your righteous deeds? You seem to know everything!”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM  Psalm 112:1b-2.7-8.9 (R. see 7b)
R/. With a firm heart, the just man trusts in the Lord.
Or:   Alleluia.

Blessed the man who fears the Lord,
who takes great delight in his commandments.
His descendants shall be powerful on earth;
the generation of the upright will be blest. R.

He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart, he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes. R.

Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm forever.
His might shall be exalted in glory. R.

ALLELUIA Ephesians 1:17-18
Alleluia. May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we might know what is the hope to which he has called us. Alleluia.

GOSPEL               
“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar s’, and to God the things that are God’s.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 12: 13-17)

At that time: They sent to Jesus some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to entrap him in his talk. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a coin, and let me look at it.” And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

To give Caesar what belongs to Caesar does not advise us to separate our political and civic life from our faith.  Our civic responsibilities and religious obligations are not intrinsically opposed to each other.  Our Christian faith must permeate everything we do, including our lives and duties as citizens.  Our faith requires that we be responsible citizens.  The Lord is reminding us that we do have civil obligations. And we must perform them with the same care that we give to our religious duties.  How we serve the state is a way of witnessing to the kingdom.

FIRST READING
“To him who gives me wisdom I will give glory. ”
A reading from the Book of Sirach (Sirach 51 : 12c-20b)    

I will give thanks to you and praise you, and I will bless the name of the Lord. While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her to the last. From blossom to ripening grape my heart delighted in her; my foot entered upon the straight path; from my youth I followed her steps. I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found for myself much instruction. I made progress therein; to him who gives me wisdom I will give glory. For I resolved to live according to wisdom, and I was zealous for the good; and I shall never be put to shame. My soul grappled with wisdom, and in my conduct I was strict; I spread out my hands to the heavens, and lamented my ignorance of her. I directed my soul to her, and through purification I found her.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL  PSALM Psalm 19: 19:5.9.10.11 (R. 9ab)
R/. The precepts of the Lord are right; they gladden the heart.

The law of the Lord is perfect; it revives the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are steadfast;
they give wisdom to the simple. R.

The precepts of the Lord are right;
they gladden the heart.
The command of the Lord is clear;
it gives light to the eyes. R.

The fear of the Lord is pure, abiding forever.
The judgements of the Lord are true;
they are, all of them, just. R.

They are more to be desired than gold,
than quantities of gold.
And sweeter are they than honey,
than honey flowing from the comb. R.

ALLELUIA Colossians 3: 16a.17c
Alleluia. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“By what authority are you doing these things?”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 11:27-33)

At that time: Jesus and the disciples came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave  you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you a question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me.” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven, ’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From men’?” — they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

“What authority have you for action like this? Who gave you authority to do these things?” Divine authority originates in the Triune God, the Source and Summit of all created realities. In Jesus authority is shown the power of God to command action, obedience or compliance. This authority is intermingled with charism. Jesus’ authority reveals the nature of God as one, while charism reveals the efficacious working of the gifts of God’s Spirit in the world as manifested in creation, redemption and sanctification.  Wherever He goes, Jesus does the will of His Father and is not ready to make any compromise or accept any intimidation.  This is the example shown us by Jesus: that we must never for any reason give up on God.  Teach us to do Your will, O God!

FIRST READING                              
Our forefathers are men of mercy, and their name lives on from generation to generation.
A reading from the Book of Sirach (Sirach 44:1.9-13)

Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their generations. There are some who have no memorial, who have perished as though they had not lived; they have become as though they had not been born, and so have their children after them. But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgot- ten; their prosperity will remain with their descendants, and their inheritance to their children’s children. Their descendants stand by the covenants; their children also, for their sake. Their posterity will continue for ever, and their glory will not be blotted out.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 149:lb-2.3-4.5-6a  and 9b (R. 4a)
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
Or:  Alleluia.

Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker;
let Sion’s children exult in their king. R.

Let them praise his name with dancing,
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lone takes delight in his people;
he crowns the poor with salvation. R.

Let the faithful exult in glory,
and rejoice as they take their rest.
Let the praise of God be in their mouths.
This is an honour for all his faithful. R.

ALLELUIA  John 15: 16
Alleluia. I chose you from the world that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord. Alleluia.

GOSPEL         
“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations. Have faith in God. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 11 : 11-25)

Jesus entered Jerusalem [amid acclamations from the crowd,] and went into the temple; and when he had looked round at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves,  for it was  not the  season for figs. And he  said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons; and he would not allow any one to carry anything through the temple. And he taught, and said to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and sought a way to destroy him; for they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching. And when evening came they went out of the city. As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, “Master, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea, ’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, what- ever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

It is divine providence that, in every age, God raises up distinguished men and women with talents and efforts suited to the times and their exigencies.  These people walked the sands of time and contributed tremendously to the history of man’s existence and salvation.  It is in this light that the first reading praises these illustrious people, our ancestors, in their successive generations; those whose good works will never be forgotten.  As a matter of fact, as stated by the psalmist, the Lord takes delight in His people. God created us for Himself and made us stewards of His creations.  An account of our stewardship and how well we used our talents will be demanded of us at the end.  Forgive our transgressions, O Lord, and increase Your faith in us.

FIRST READING
“The work of the Lord is full of his glory. ”
A reading from the Book of Sirach (Sirach 42 : 15-25)

I will now call to mind the works of the Lord, and will declare what I have seen. By the words of the Lord his works are done, and in his will, justice is carried out. The sun looks down on everything with its light, and the work of the Lord is full of his glory. The Lord has not enabled his holy ones to recount all his marvellous works, which the Lord the Almighty has established that the universe may stand firm in his glory. He searches out the abyss, and the hearts of men, and considers their crafty devices. For the Most High knows all that may be known, and he looks into the signs of the age. He declares what has been and what is to be, and he reveals the tracks of hidden things. No thought escapes him, and not one word is hidden from him. He has ordained the splendours of his wisdom, and he is from everlasting and to everlasting. Nothing can be added or taken away, and he needs no one to be his counsellor. How greatly to be desired are all his works, and how sparkling they are to see! All these things live and remain for ever for every need, and are all obedient. All things are twofold, one opposite the other, and he has made nothing incomplete. One confirms the good things of the other, and who can have enough of beholding his glory?

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 33:2-3.4-5.6-7.8-9 (R. 6a)
R/. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp;
with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs.
O sing him a song that is new;
play skilfully, with shouts of joy. R.

For the word of the Lord is faithful,
and all his works to be trusted.
The Lord loves justice and right,
and his merciful love fills the earth. R.

By the word of the Loan the heavens were made,
by the breath of his mouth all their host.
As in a flask, he collects the waves of the ocean;
he stores up the depths of the sea. R.

Let all the earth fear the Lord,
all who live in the world revere him.
He spoke, and it came to be.
He commanded; it stood in place. R.

ALLELUIA John 8: 12
Alleluia. I am the light of the world, says the Lord; he who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia.

GOSPEL               
“Master let me receive my sight. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 10:46-52)

At that time: As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

God’s creation was a marvelous work and His redemption was even more wonderful. In the first reading, Ben Sirach praises the magnificent works of God.  The world in all its reality, in all its modality, and all its being began to exist by an act of free and gratuitous love of the Omnipotent Will of God.  The world is totally dependent of Him, sustained and directed by His Goodness and Providence.  “By the words of the Lord His works came into being.” Jesus is the eternal Word of God and by His incarnation, He became flesh and dwelt amongst us.  He heals our diseases and bears our sicknesses.  Today Jesus restores sight to Bartimaeus.  May He grant us the gift of faith and bring us health of mind and body!

FIRST READING
Let them know that there is no God but you.
A reading from the Book of Sirach (Sirach 36:1-2.5-6a.I 1-17)

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, the God of all, and look upon us, and show us the light of your mercy; send fear of you upon the nations, and let them know you, as we have known that there is no God but you, O Lord. Show signs anew, and work further wonders. Gather all the tribes of Jacob, and give them their inheritance, as at the beginning. Have mercy, O Lord, upon the people called by your name, upon Israel, whom you have likened to a first-born son. Have pity on the city of your sanctuary, Jerusalem, the place of your rest. Fill Zion with the celebration of your wondrous deeds, and your temple with your glory. Bear witness to those whom you created in the beginning, and fulfil the prophecies spoken in your name. Reward those who wait for you, and let your prophets be found trustworthy. Listen, O Lord, to the prayer of your servants, according to the blessing of Aaron for your people, and direct us in the way of righteousness, that all who are on the earth will know that you are the Lone, the God of the ages.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSAL M     Psalm 79:8.9.11. 13 (R. Sirach 36: I b)
R/. Show us, O Lord, the light of your mercy.

Do not remember against
us the guilt of former times.
Let your compassion hasten to meet us;
for we have been brought very low. R.

Help us, O God our saviour,
for the sake of the glory of your name.
Free us and forgive us our sins, because of your name. R.

Let the groans of the prisoners come before you,
your strong arm reprieve those condemned to die. R.

Then we, your people, the flock of your pasture,
will give you thanks forever and ever.
From age to age we will recount your praise. R.

ALLELUIA Mark 10:45
Alleluia. The Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Alleluia.

GOSPEL               
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man will be delivered. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark l 0:32-43)

At that time: The disciples were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the Twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the chalice that I drink, or to be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptised?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptised, you will be baptised; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the Ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

According to the historical, social or cultural context, prayers, be they in words, gestures, melody or iconography, outlive those who made them.  Prayer outlives generations remaining he key to all the treasure of this life and the hereafter.. The first reading, a prayer of fervent souls, acknowledges the unfathomable mercy of God.  “Have mercy, Lord, on the people who invoke Your name…” In the same vein, the psalmist appeals to God for mercy and trust in His compassionate love.  The merciful God answers all who call upon Him Jesus crystallizes this fact by telling His disciples that He came “not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. “May You, O Lord, have mercy on us and grant us Your salvation.

FIRST READING       
He who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
A reading from the Book of Sirach (Sirach 35: 1-12)

He who keeps the law makes many offerings; he who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. He who returns a kind- ness offers fine flour, and he who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering. To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Loco, and to forsake unrighteousness is atonement. Do not appear before the Loco empty-handed, for all these things are to be done because of the commandment. The offering of a righteous man anoints the altar, and its pleasing odour rises before the Most High. The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable, and the memory of it will not be forgotten. Glorify the Loan generously, and do not stint the first fruits of your hands. With every gift show a cheerful face, and dedicate your tithe with gladness. Give to the Most High as he has given and as generously as your hand has found. For the Loco is the one who repays, and he will repay you sevenfold. Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it; and do not trust to an unrighteous sacrifice; for the Loco is the judge, and with him is no partiality.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 50:5-€›.7-8.14 and 23 (R. 23bc)
R/. To one whose way is blameless,
     I will show the salvation of God.

“Gather my holy ones to me,
who made covenant with me by sacrifice.”
The heavens proclaim his justice,
for he, God, is the judge. R.

“Listen, my people, I will speak; Israel,
I will testify against you, for I am God, your God.
I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices;
your offerings are always before me.” R.

“Give your praise as a sacrifice to God,
and fulfil your vows to the Most High.
A sacrifice of praise gives me honour,
and to one whose way is blameless,
I will show the salvation of God.” R.

ALLELUIA Matthew 11:25
Alleluia. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia.

GOSPEL         
You will receive a hundredfold now in this time with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 10:28-31)

At that time: Peter began to say to Jesus, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you; there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

Following Jesus entails complete detachment from worldly attraction and their glory.  It is an invitation to a life of total commitment; an intimate relationship of love for God, obedience to Christ and holiness of life.  The first reading presents us with the lifestyle of a virtuous man.  His offering graces the alter of the Most High and his sacrifices are acceptable to God.  In the Gospel, Peter asks the Lord: “What about us? We have left everything and followed You.” Jesus in response reveals to His disciple – priests and religious included – the plans of God for those who truly follow Him wholeheartedly, without any reservation.”  …You will be repaid a hundred times over in this present age and, in the world to come, eternal life.”  May we who have followed You, O Lord, never be disappointed.