Daily Readings for May 31, 2015

1ST READING

There is nothing more magnificent than God’s Word. Any experience in life will pale in comparison with knowing and following the Lord. As we celebratethe Solemnity of the Holy Trinity today, we reflect on the mysterious ways of God. Just as we cannot fully explain the nature of the Trinity — three persons in One God — so, too, we have difficulty finding God in some events of our lives. He is there, but His wisdom remains hidden from us due to our sin.

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

32 Moses said the people: “Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of? 33 Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live? 34 Or did any god venture to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by testing, by signs and wonders, by war, with his strong hand and outstretched arm, and by great terrors, all of which the Lord, your God, did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? 39 This is why you must now know, and fix in your heart, that the Lord is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other. 40 You must keep his statutes and commandments that I enjoin on you today, that you and your children after you may prosper, and that you may have long life on the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you forever.”

P S A L M

Psalm 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22

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

4Upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 6By the word of the Lord the heavens were made; by the breath of his mouth all their host. 9For he spoke, and it was made; he commanded, and it stood forth. (R) See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. 18Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him, upon those who count on his mercy, 19to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive through famine. (R) 20Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield. 22 May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you. (R)

2ND READING

We are children of the Father through the salvation won for us by Jesus. All that He receives from the Father also comes to us who are co-heirs with Him. Like Jesus, we are witnesses of God’s grace. If we live by the grace of God, others will see and come to know what is offered to them as well.

Romans 8:14-17

14 Brothers and sisters: Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

GOSPEL

Jesus gives authority to His Apostles to proclaim the Good News of salvation. We are all called to the same task, but first we must choose to live it. Otherwise, people will never believe what we proclaim. Our lives must bear witness to the words we speak, or these remain empty of the promises of God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come.

Matthew 28:16-20

16 The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. 17 When they all saw him, they worshipped, but they doubted. 18 Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for May 30, 2015

1ST READING

Let us search for the good and true in our lives. Our search will continue to the day we die and we will be amazed at the new ways that God reaches out to us. But we will never discover new and wonderful revelations of His love if we do not seek Him. Faith is a journey of discovery, an adventure that we embark on.

Sirach 51:12-20

12 I thank the Lord and I praise him; I bless the name of the Lord. 13 When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. 14 I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her until the end, 15 and she flourished as a grape soon ripe. My heart delighted in her, my feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her. 16 In the short time I paid heed, I met with great instruction. 17 Since in this way I have profited, I will give my teacher grateful praise. 18 I became resolutely devoted to her — the good I persistently strove for. 19 My soul was tormented in seeking her. My hand opened her gate and I came to know her secrets. 20 I directed my soul to her, and in cleanness I attained to her.

P S A L M

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R: The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

7 [8] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (R) 8 [9] The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. (R) 9 [10] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. (R) 10 [11] They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. (R)

GOSPEL

The people ask Jesus a provocative question and find fault with whatever answer He gives. He replies in turn with a question that confuses them. We should not question God’s authority. We exist purely as an act of His love and continue to exist through His mercy. Let us give Him authority over our lives.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Mark 11:27-33

27 Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the eldersapproached him 28 and said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” 31 They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?” — they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. 33 So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for May 29, 2015

1ST READING

We are convinced of the existence of God and His work in and through His people when we study the history of the Christian faith. It is impossible to prove scientifically that He exists. However, the possibilities throughout history point towards the existence of God. There is more evidence of the existence of Jesus than there is for Socrates or Plato. Why is there doubt about Jesus’ existence of Jesus? Is it because the message of the Gospel makes us sinners uncomfortable?

Sirach 44:1, 9-13

1 Now will I praise those godly men, our ancestors, each in his own time. 9 But of others there is no memory, for when they ceased, they ceased. And they are as though they had not lived, they and their children after them. 10 Yet these also were godly men whose virtues have not been forgotten; 11 their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants; 12 through God’s covenant with them their family endures, their posterity, for their sake. 13 And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out.

P S A L M

Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9

R: The Lord takes delight in his people.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful. 2 Let Israel be glad in their maker, let the children of Zion rejoice in their king. (R) 3 Let them praise his name in the festive dance, let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. 4 For the Lord loves his people, and he adorns the lowly with victory. (R) 5 Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches; 6 let the high praises of God be in their throats. 9 This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. (R)

GOSPEL

Religion has become a business for some leaders — and a very profitable one at that. Jesus was disgusted by this attitude. Faith is given freely to us and Jesus abhorred those who made money out of faith. Today, there are many sects put up for the purpose of tax-free privileges. This practice ought to be banished as it distorts the true meaning of faith and love.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.

Mark 11:11-25

11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area. He lookedaround at everything and, since it was already late, went out to Bethany with the Twelve. 12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. 13 Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. 14 And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it. 15 They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. 16 He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area. 17 Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples? But you have made it a den of thieves.” 18 The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they feared him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 When evening came, they went out of the city. 20 Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. 23 Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. 25 When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”

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Daily Readings for May 28, 2015

1ST READING

Memory is a very powerful tool in the arsenal of a faithful person. Remembering how God has worked with His people in the past gives us hope in what He can do for us now and in the future. Socrates encourages us to reflect on our lives. Reflection empowers us to believe; it gives us hope and direction for the future. It is important to know our faith and how God has worked in the lives of His people over the years.

Sirach 42:15-25

15 Now will I recall God’s works; what I have seen, I will describe. At God’s word were his works brought into being; they do his will as he has ordained for them. 16 As the rising sun is clear to all, so the glory of the Lord fills all his works; 17 yet even God’s holy ones must fail in recounting the wonders of the Lord, though God has given these, his hosts, the strength to stand firm before his glory. 18 He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart; their innermost being he understands. The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come: 19 He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets. 20 No understanding does he lack; no single thing escapes him. 21 Perennial is his almighty wisdom; he is from all eternity one and the same, 22 with nothing added, nothing taken away; no need of a counselor for him! 23 How beautiful are all his works! Even to the spark and the fleeting vision! 24 The universe lives and abides forever; to meet each need, each creature is preserved. 25 All of them differ, one from another, yet none of them has he made in vain, for each in turn, as it comes, is good; can one ever see enough of their splendor?

P S A L M

Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. 3 Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness. (R) 4 For upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made; by the breath of his mouth all their host. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea as in a flask; in cellars he confines the deep. (R) 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all who dwell in the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it was made; he commanded, and it stood forth. (R)

GOSPEL

Bartimaeus called out to the Lord in desperation (of his blindness) and in prayer (he knew Jesus can help him). Is our conviction and faith the same as Bartimaeus’? If not, then we need to grow in faith. There are risks in our faith walk. We need to step out and follow God’s will. This is how we grow in faith – by letting God’s power manifest in our lives.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

Mark 10:46-52

46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside

begging. 47 On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” 50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for  you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” 52 Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for May 27, 2015

1ST READING

We must entrust our lives to God. He is the one who provides for our needs and who will protect us from our enemies. In His mercy, He forgives our sins and draws us into a community of faith so that we can support each other.

Sirach 36:1, 4-5, 10-17

1 Come to our aid, O God of the universe, look upon us, show us the light of your mercies, and put all the nations in dread of you! 4 Thus they will know, as we know, that there is no God but you, O Lord. 5 Give new signs and work new wonders. 10 Gather all the tribes of Jacob, that they may inherit the land as of old, 11 show mercy to the people called by your name; Israel, whom you named your first-born. 12 Take pity on your holy city, Jerusalem, your dwelling place. 13 Fill Zion with your majesty, your temple with your glory. 14 Give evidence of your deeds of old; fulfill the prophecies spoken in your name, 15 reward those who have hoped in you, and let your prophets be proved true. 16 Hear the prayer of your servants, for you are ever gracious to your people; and lead us in the way of justice. 17 Thus it will be known to the very ends of the earth that you are the eternal God.

P S A L M

Psalm 79:8, 9, 11, 13

R: Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.

8 Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low. (R) 9 Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake. (R) 11 Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you; with your great power free those doomed to death. 13 Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; through all generations we will declare your praise. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus teaches us that a disciple’s only ambition is to deepen his faith. Desiring seats of glory in heaven is a waste of time — the Father has already apportioned these. Glory in the eyes of the world will pass away. Accumulating possessions and the latest gadgets is useless, as none of them will be necessary in heaven. In fact, these worldly things may even lead us away from heaven.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Son of Man came to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:32-45

32 The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. 33 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles 34 who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” 37 They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. 42 Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. 43 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; 44 whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many .”

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Daily Readings for May 26, 2015

1ST READING

A truly repentant sinner avoids committing sin. The sinner resolves to change and live a new life. One of the best ways to avoid sin is to resist temptation. It is important to cultivate wholesome relationships in the communities we are part of. Let us encourage one another to grow in holiness and help each other avoid sin.

Sirach 35:1-12

1 To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. 2 In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. 3 To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. 4 Appear not before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. 5 The just one’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. 6 The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. 7 In generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, be not sparing of freewill gifts. 8 With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. 9 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. 10 For the Lord is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. 11 But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion. 12 For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.

P S A L M

Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14, 23

R: To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

5 “Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 6 And the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is the judge. (R) 7 “Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you; God, your God, am I. 8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offerings are before me always. (R) 14 “Offer to God praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High. 23 He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (R)

GOSPEL

St. Philip Neri, whose feast day we celebrate today, is known as one of the Apostles of Rome. He was known for his great love for God. Legend has it that his love enlarged his heart and fractured his ribs.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Mark 10:28-31

28 Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. 31 But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

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Daily Readings for May 25, 2015

1ST READING

God is merciful, always ready to forgive those who repent. Let us fully embrace His love and mercy. Let us also show the same mercy towards those who have sinned against us. This is the nature of forgiveness from the spiritual point of view. We cannot have God’s forgiveness of our sins, without forgiving those who sin against us.

Sirach 17:20-24

20 To the penitent God provides a way back, he encourages those who are losing hope and has chosen for them the lot of truth. Return to him and give up sin, pray to the Lord and make your offenses few. 21 Turn again to the Most High and away from your sin, hate intensely what he loathes, and know the justice and judgments of God, stand firm in the way set before you, in prayer to the Most High God. 22 Who in the nether world can glorify the Most High in place of the living who offer their praise? Dwell no longer in the error of the ungodly, but offer your praise before death. 23 No more can the dead give praise than those who have never lived; you who are alive and well shall praise and glorify God in his mercies. 24 How great the mercy of the Lord, his forgiveness of those who return to him!

P S A L M

Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7

R: Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

1 Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R) 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the Lord,” and you took away the guilt of my sin. (R) 6 For this shall every faithful man pray to you in time of stress. Though deep waters overflow, they shall not reach him. (R) 7 You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me; with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round. (R)

GOSPEL

The story of the rich young man is relevant to our time. We are becoming enslaved by the world in which we live — unable to put down our cell phones for a few minutes, beholden to their sound and vibration. To obtain eternal life, we must give God our attention, instead of our cell phones and other gadgets.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Mark 10:17-27

17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

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Daily Readings for May 24, 2015

Solemnity of the Pentecost

1ST READING

The grace of receiving the Holy Spirit is the same for all baptized men and women. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live as disciples of Jesus. We receive the same Spirit as the Apostles did in their time. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can also do today what the Apostles did before.

Acts 2:1-11

1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

P S A L M

Psalm 104:1, 24, 31, 34, 29-30

R: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! 24 How manifold are your works, O Lord! The earth is full of your creatures. (R) 31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord be glad in his works! 34 Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the Lord. (R) 29 If you take away their breath, they perish and return to their dust. 30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. (R)

2ND READING

Paul knew the power of the Spirit at work within him. He experienced a dramatic conversion that turned his life around. He surrendered to God’s grace and became one of the most effective evangelists of the Church. Surrendering to the grace of the Spirit requires much humility, as it means allowing the grace of God to guide our choices in life.

1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 (or Galatians 5:16-25)

3 Brothers and sisters: No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord; 6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 12 As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, is one body, so also Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

GOSPEL

We are sons and daughters of God by the grace of the Holy Spirit. God adopted us and what He desires for His own Son, Jesus, He also bestows on us. Let us obey and surrender to His will so that the Holy Spirit is free to direct our actions. This is what it means to embrace the life of a disciple of Jesus.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

John 20:19-23 (or John 15:26-27; 16:12-15)

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

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Daily Readings for May 23, 2015

1ST READING

Paul proclaimed the Gospel for two years while under house arrest in Rome. He continued to meet with visitors and evangelize his guards. Traditionally, we believe that he was beheaded and his head bounced on the ground three times. And each time, a fountain of water flowed forth. It is now known as the Tre Fontane or Three Fountains.

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

16 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them, “My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. 20 This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.” [29] 29 30 He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, 31 and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

P S A L M

Psalm 11:4, 5, 7

R: The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his searching glance is on mankind. (R) 5 The Lord searches the just and the wicked; the lover of violence he hates. 7 For the Lord is just, he loves just deeds; the upright shall see his face. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus determines the path we will travel as we follow Him. We must discern and surrender to His will, aided by the grace of the Holy Spirit. As we grow in discipleship, let us remember to thank God for calling us to follow Him, no matter how difficult life may be.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth.

John 21:20-25

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” 23 So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” 24 It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

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Daily Readings for May 22, 2015

1ST READING

Paul, being a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar about the judgment of his case. He did this so he could go to Rome and proclaim the Gospel there. He only intended to pass by Rome on his way to Spain, but everything changed when he was arrested. Paul did not despair. He made the best of a bad situation and continued to take every opportunity to share the Gospel with his captors.

Acts 25:13-21

13 King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea on a visit to Festus. 14 Since they spent several days there, Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There is a man here left in custody by Felix. 15 When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation. 16 I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay; the next day I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. 19 Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. 20 Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and to stand trial there on these charges. 21 And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

P S A L M

Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20

R: The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (R) 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. (R) 19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, all you his angels, you mighty in strength, who do his bidding. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus commissioned Peter to take care of the faithful. Jesus affirmed that this will be a heavy burden for him, but will become light with the grace of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our faith life can also be a light load if we heed the voice and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us be sensible and accept the grace Jesus offers us to follow His will.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.

John 21:15-19

15 After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

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Daily Readings for May 21, 2015

1ST READING

Paul set the Pharisees and Sadducees against one another by raising the issue of the resurrection. This diverted their attention from his case. We should do whatever is necessary to further the work of the Kingdom of God, even to the extent of creating confusion in the ranks of those who oppose us.

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11

30 Wishing to determine the truth about why Paul was being accused by the Jews, the commander freed him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene. Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them. 23:6 Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees, so he called out before the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the group became divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge all three. 9 A great uproar occurred, and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party stood up and sharply argued, “We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute was so serious that the commander, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midst and take him into the compound. 11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome.”

P S A L M

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

R: Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

1 Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; 2 I say to the Lord, “My Lord are you.” 5 O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. (R) 7 I bless the Lord who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. 8 I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. (R) 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; 10 Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. (R) 11 You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus prays for His disciples and us — His followers — in the millennia to come. It is comforting to know that Jesus has been praying for us long before we were even born. For me, this shows God’s commitment to the work of the Gospel and our salvation. It also shows that being a disciple of Jesus is not easy. Let us draw strength from Jesus who prays that we may persevere in our faith.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

May they all be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you that the world may believe that you sent me, says the Lord.

John 17:20-26

20 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. 26 I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

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Daily Readings for May 20, 2015

1ST READING

Paul spent three years building the community in Ephesus. Committing three years to establish a community of faith is not an easy task. Faith is about perseverance — that is, showing to God that you want a particular grace to build His kingdom.

Acts 20:28-38

28 At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus: “Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the church of God that he acquired with his own Blood. 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock. 30 And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them. 31 So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day, I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated. 33 I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You know well that these very hands have served my needs and my companions. 35 In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 36 When he had finished speaking he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 They were all weeping loudly as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him, 38 for they were deeply distressed that he had said that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

P S A L M

Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35, 35-36

R: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

28 [29] Show forth, O God, your power, the power, O God, with which you took our part; 29 [30] For your temple in Jerusalem let the kings bring you gifts. (R) 32 [33] You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God, chant praise to the Lord 33 [34] who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens. Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power: 34 [35] “Confess the power of God!” (R) Over Israel in his majesty; his power is in the skies. 35 [36] Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel; he gives power and strength to his people. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus protected His disciples from the world as He walked with them. Now He prays that they will be sanctified in the truth. It shows how much importance Jesus places in the truth, as the greatest protector of the work of the Gospel. We should take a moment to reflect on this sentiment of Jesus to internalize the importance of knowing and living the truth.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.

John 17:11-19

11 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. 12 When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. 14 I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. 16 They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. 17 Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. 19 And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

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Daily Readings for May 19, 2015

1ST READING

Paul’s ministry is of good faith and he has not forced himself upon any of his listeners. The individual must accept the Gospel if it is to mean anything for him. For example, it is a parent’s prerogative to baptize his or her child, but the effect of the sacrament will come only when the child is old enough to personally appropriate the grace of baptism.

Acts 20:17-27

17 From Miletus Paul had the presbyters of the church at Ephesus summoned. 18 When they came to him, he addressed them, “You know how I lived among you the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with all humility and with the tears and trials that came to me because of the plots of the Jews, 20 and I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public or in your homes. 21 I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus. 22 But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there I do not know, 23 except that in one city after another the Holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me. 24 Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace. 25 “But now I know that none of you to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels will ever see my face again. 26 And so I solemnly declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, 27 for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God.”

P S A L M

Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21

R: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

9 [10] A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance; you restored the land when it languished; 10 [11] Your flock settled in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy. (R) 19 [20] Blessed day by day be the Lord, who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation. 20 [21] God is a saving God for us; the Lord, my Lord, controls the passageways of death. (R)

GOSPEL

You can hear the satisfaction in Jesus’ words as He announces that He has accomplished all that His Father has asked Him to do. His passion will soon be in the hands of others as the work of salvation comes to its completion. Jesus prays for His disciples for strength and grace to persevere in their call. He prays for them and sends them the Holy Spirit as He reunites with His Father.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.

John 17:1-11

1 Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, 2 just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. 3 Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began. 6 “I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, 8 because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, 10 and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11 And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.”

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Daily Readings for May 18, 2015

1ST READING

We can work together in proclaiming the Gospel in new places and build on one another’s work. The Gospel is about discovering the will of God for our lives and being faithful to it. It is He who works on our conversion. We are merely instruments of His will.

Acts 19:1-8

1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. 2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 He said, “How were you baptized?” They replied, “With the baptism of John.” 4 Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 Altogether there were about twelve men. 8 He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the kingdom of God.

P S A L M

Psalm 68:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

1 [2] God arises; his enemies are scattered, and those who hate him flee before him. 2 [3] As smoke is driven away, so are they driven; as wax melts before the fire. (R) 3 [4] But the just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. 4 [5] Sing to God, chant praise to his name, whose name is the Lord. (R) 5 [6] The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. 6 [7] God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus told His disciples that they will undergo suffering and difficulties. For the moment, the focus is on Jesus, but when He returns to the Father, the focus will shift to them as the key strengths of the fledgling Christians that will rise with the resurrection of Jesus. All the Apostles, except John, will be martyred for their faith! Thousands will follow in their footsteps before the nascent Church becomes fully established.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

John 16:29-33

29 The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. 30 Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? 32 Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

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