Daily Readings for June 30, 2015

1ST READING

Did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? No. The people tried to make sense of the great destruction and loss of life by putting the blame on the sinfulness of the inhabitants. God will not deliberately destroy His creation. He is a God of love who forgives our sins and constantly gives us a second, third and endless chances. Natural disasters occur and it is difficult to make sense of them. However, they are not God’s judgment upon a sinful people.

Genesis 19:15-29

15 As dawn was breaking, the angels urged Lot on, saying, “On your way! Take with you your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of Sodom.” 16 When he hesitated, the men, by the Lord’s mercy, seized his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters and led them to safety outside the city. 17 As soon as they had been brought outside, he was told: “Flee for your life! Don’t look back or stop anywhere on the Plain. Get off to the hills at once, or you will be swept away.” 18 “Oh, no, my lord!” Lot replied, 19 “You have already thought enough of your servant to do me the great kindness of intervening to save my life. But I cannot flee to the hills to keep the disaster from overtaking me, and so I shall die. 20 Look, this town ahead is near enough to escape to. It’s only a small place. Let me flee there — it’s a small place, is it not? — that my life may be saved.” 21 “Well, then,” he replied, “I will also grant you the favor you now ask. I will not overthrow the town you speak of. 22 Hurry, escape there! I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” That is why the town is called Zoar. 23 The sun was just rising over the earth as Lot arrived in Zoar; 24 at the same time the Lord rained down sulfurous fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah from the Lord out of heaven. 25 He overthrew those cities and the whole Plain, together with the inhabitants of the cities and the produce of the soil. 26 But Lot’s wife looked back, and she was turned into a pillar of salt. 27 Early the next morning Abraham went to the place where he had stood in the Lord’s presence. 28 As he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and the whole region of the Plain, he saw dense smoke over the land rising like fumes from a furnace. 29 Thus it came to pass: when God destroyed the Cities of the Plain, he was mindful of Abraham by sending Lot away from the upheaval by which God overthrew the cities where Lot had been living.

P S A L M

Psalm 26:2-3, 9-10, 11-12

R: O Lord, your mercy is before my eyes.

2 Search me, O Lord, and try me; test my soul and my heart. 3 For your mercy is before my eyes, and I walk in your truth. (R) 8 9 Gather not my soul with those of sinners, nor with men of blood my life. 10 On their hands are crimes, and their right hands are full of bribes. (R) 11 But I walk in integrity; redeem me, and have mercy on me. 12 My foot stands on level ground; in the assemblies I will bless the Lord. (R)

GOSPEL

We will always be safe with God. With His help, we will endure any trial or tribulation that we face. What a great God we have! He owes us nothing, yet He has given us everything. Let us show our gratitude by serving the Kingdom of God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word.

Matthew 8:23-27

23 As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. 25 They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” 26 He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. 27 The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 29, 2015

Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles

Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, pray for us.

1ST READING

Peter was the first to minister to the Gentiles. Why? Luke wanted such a ministry to be endorsed by the accepted overall authority in the Early Church — Peter. Once Peter has sanctioned this ministry, then Paul will be able to continue it in the manner with which we are familiar. Luke wanted the developments in the ministry of the Church and its life to have a legitimate basis. Peter’s participation established this.

Acts 12:1-11

1In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the church to harm them. 2He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. — It was the feast of Unleavened Bread. — 4He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. He intended to bring him before the people after Passover. 5Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the church was fervently being made to God on his behalf. 6On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. 7Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. 8The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” 9So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him. 11Then Peter recovered his senses and said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.

P S A L M

Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

1 [2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 2 [3] Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 3 [4] Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. 4 [5] I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (R) 5 [6] Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. 6 [7] When the poor one called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (R) 7 [8] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 [9] Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (R)

2ND READING

Paul gives his entire life to the service of the Gospel. Let us do the same. Let us never tire of serving and persevere in the face of difficulties and trials. Let us stand by the truth of God’s love for all people and bring this truth to all men and women through the witness of our lives.

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

6 I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. 17 The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL

The Church was built upon Peter’s imperfect faith. While Jesus is the foundation of the Church, it is through faith that we contribute to the work of the Church. We have our faults and failures, just like Peter did. However, God chose us, imperfect though we are, to manifest the truth of salvation to the world. Let us obey His will as best as we can.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:13-19

13 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. 18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 28, 2015

1ST READING

 

God is not the author of death. He uses our mortality to make us choose between eternal life and death through the use of our faith. Sin is the enemy of life and the author of destruction and death. Through grace, we overcome the powers of sin. Through faith, we receive the gift of new life offered to us in the person of Jesus.

 

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

13 God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. 14 For he fashioned all things that they might have being; and the creatures of the world are wholesome, and there is not a destructive drug among them nor any domain of the netherworld on earth, 15 for justice is undying. 2:23 For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him. 24 But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong to his company experience it.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13

R: I will praise you, Lord, for your have rescued me.

1 [2] I will extol you, O Lord, for you drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me. 3 [4] O Lord, you brought me up from the netherworld; you preserved me from among those going down into the pit. (R) 4 [5] Sing praise to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. 5 [6] For his anger lasts but a moment; a lifetime, his good will. At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, rejoicing. (R) 10 [11] Hear, O Lord, and have pity on me; O Lord, be my helper.” 11 [12] You changed my mourning into dancing; 12 [13] O Lord, my God, forever will I give you thanks. (R)

 

2ND READING

 

Paul seemed to have favorites among the communities he worked with. Corinth and its people enamored him. It was cosmopolitan and an exciting place to live and minister in. My experience of the life of faith and discipleship is one  of excitement and new experiences. It has been anything but boring!

 

2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15

7 Brothers and sisters: As you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also. 9 For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 13 Not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their needs, so that their abundance may alsosupply your needs, that there may be equality. 15 As it is written: Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less.

 

GOSPEL

 

Faith and miracles are like an unending cycle. Faith is necessary for miracles to occur. If we do not believe that God can work miracles, then we are not going to see any. To experience miracles is to help build our faith. It is a “joyous cycle” because the end result is more of both good things. 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

 

Mark 5:21-43

21 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. 22 One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet 23 and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” 24 He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him. 25 There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. 26 She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. 28 She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” 29 Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30 Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” 31 But his disciples said to Jesus, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” 35 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” 36 Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” 37 He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. 41 He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” 42 The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. 43 He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 27, 2015

1ST READING

Sarah doubted that she was going to give birth to a son. After all, she was beyond childbearing years. This was not a problem for God. Many of our problems are problems because we refuse to surrender them to the Lord. If we trust in the love of God, we will easily discover the solution to our difficulties. The problem will remain, but we will see how God wants us to address it.

Genesis 18:1-15

1 The Lord appeared to Abraham by the Terebinth of Mamre, as Abraham sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was growing hot. 2 Looking up, he saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, 3 he said: “Sir, if I may ask you this favor, please do not go on past your servant. 4 Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest yourselves under the tree. 5 Now that you have come this close to your servant, let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way.” The men replied “Very well, do as you have said.” 6 Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah, “Quick, three measure of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls.” 7 He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer, and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it. 8 Then Abraham got some curds and milk, as well as the steer that had been prepared, and set these before them; and he waited on them under the tree while they ate. 9 They asked him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” He replied, “There in the tent.” 10 One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.” Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent, just behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years, and Sarah had stopped having her womanly periods. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself and said, “Now that I am so withered and my husband is so old, am I still to have sexual pleasure?” 13 But the Lord said to Abraham: “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I really bear a child, old as I am?’ 14 Is anything too marvelous for the Lord to do? At the appointed time, about this time next year, I will return to you, and Sarah will have a son.” 15 Because she was afraid, Sarah dissembled, saying, “I didn’t laugh.” But he replied, “Yes you did.”

P S A L M

Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50, 53, 54-55

R: The Lord has remembered his mercy.

46 “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (R) 48 “For he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: 49 the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.” (R) 50 “He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” (R) 54 “He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, 55 the promise he had made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” (R)

GOSPEL

None of us are worthy to stand in the presence of God on our own merits. We all stand under His judgment because of our sin. But God continued to love us and sent Jesus as our Redeemer and Savior. Unworthy as we are, God embraces us and calls us to Him so that He can heal and love us. Are we faithful to this calling?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Matthew 8:5-17

5 When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” 7 He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” 8 The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven, 12 but the children of the Kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” 13 And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour his servant was healed. 14 Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him. 16 When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick, 17to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet: He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 26, 2015

1ST READING

The covenants that have preceded the one God made with Abraham were more implicit than explicit. God made it clear that there are demands on both sides of the covenant. He was faithful to His promises to Abraham as He led him away from his homeland. God wanted to show Abraham that He provides everything he needs as he leaves his comfortable life behind.

Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22

1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said: “I am God the Almighty. Walk in my presence and be blameless. 9 God also said to Abraham: “On your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant throughout the ages. 10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you that you must keep: every male among you shall be circumcised.” 15 God further said to Abraham: “As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai; her name shall be Sarah. 16 I will bless her, and I will give you a son by her. Him also will I bless; he shall give rise to nations, and rulers of peoples shall issue from him.” 17 Abraham prostrated himself and laughed as he said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Or can Sarah give birth at ninety?” 18 Then Abraham said to God, “Let but Ishmael live on by your favor!” 19 God replied: “Nevertheless, your wife Sarah is to bear you a son, and you shall call him Isaac. I will maintain my covenant with him as an everlasting pact, to be his God and the God of his descendants after him. 20 As for Ishmael, I am heeding you: I hereby bless him. I will make him fertile and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve chieftains, and I will make of him a great nation. 21 But my covenant I will maintain with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you by this time next year.” 22 When he had finished speaking with him, God departed from Abraham.

P S A L M

Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

R: See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

1 Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways! 2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. (R) 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. (R) 4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. 5 The Lord bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. (R)

GOSPEL

Leprosy was a scourge in the time of Jesus. A person with leprosy was ostracized from society to prevent the disease from spreading to others. Leprosy is a great image for sin — we are all lepers because we have sinned and been separated from God. Jesus heals us from this leprosy, and so we are able to approach the Father again. Let us use the grace that God gives and set our lives right with Him.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Matthew 8:1-4

1 When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2 And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” 3 He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 25, 2015

1ST READING

To have a child through the maid of his wife was not part of God’s plan. Even Abraham did not trust God completely. He did as his wife had suggested. Is this an echo of the temptation in the Garden of Eden, where Adam gives in to the suggestion of Eve? God demonstrated His absolute power and brought forth a child from the barren womb of Sarah. This miracle encourages us to trust in God’s fidelity to His promises.

Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16

1 Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children. She had, however, an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. 2 Sarai said to Abram: “The Lord has kept me from bearing children. Have intercourse, then, with my maid; perhaps I shall have sons through her.” Abram heeded Sarai’s request. 3 Thus, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, his wife Sarai took her maid, Hagar the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his concubine. 4 He had intercourse with her, and she became pregnant. When she became aware of her pregnancy, she looked on her mistress with disdain. 5 So Sarai said to Abram: “You are responsible for this outrage against me. I myself gave my maid to your embrace; but ever since she became aware of her pregnancy, she has been looking on me with disdain.  May the Lord decide between you and me!” 6 Abram told Sarai: “Your maid is in your power. Do to her whatever you please.” Sarai then abused her so much that Hagar ran away from her. 7 The Lord’s messenger found her by a spring in the wilderness, the spring on the road to Shur, 8 and he asked, “Hagar maid of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She answered, “I am running away from my mistress, Sarai.” 9 But the Lord’s messenger told her: “Go back to your mistress and submit to her abusive treatment. 10 I will make your descendants so numerous,” added the Lord’s messenger, “that they will be too many to count. 11 Besides,” the Lord’s messenger said to her: “You are now pregnant and shall bear a son; you shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard you, God has answered you. 12 This one shall be a wild ass of a man, his hand against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; in opposition to all his kin shall he encamp.” 15 Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram named the son whom Hagar bore him Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.

P S A L M

Psalm 106:1-2, 3-4, 4-5

R: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. 2 Who can tell the mighty deeds of the Lord, or proclaim all his praises? (R) 3 Blessed are they who observe what is right, who do always what is just. 4 Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people. (R) Visit me with your saving help, 5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones, rejoice in the joy of your people, and glory with your inheritance. (R)

GOSPEL

What matters most is the witness of our lives. The words that we speak will have no meaning unless we live them out. Jesus is not interested in those who might call Him “Lord.” He is very interested in those who live the Gospel truths. These are the people He can nurture as saints and messengers of the Good News of salvation. Let us embrace the Gospel as fully as possible.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.

Matthew 7:21-29

21 Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ 24 “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. 26 And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” 28 When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 24, 2015

Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

1ST READING

John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus. This is also our task. We are called to prepare those who do not know God to receive Him in faith. We may not be able to quantify what we do; our list of achievements may look short. However, we trust that the Holy Spirit is at work and will use us as instruments of His grace.

Isaiah 49:1-6

1 Hear me, O coastlands, listen, O distant peoples. The Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. 2 He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me. 3 You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory. 4 Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God. 5 For now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength! 6 It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

P S A L M

Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 14-15

R: I praise you for I am wonderfully made.

1 O Lord, you have probed me and you know me; 2 you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. 3 My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar. (R) 13 Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. 14 I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works. (R) My soul also you knew full well; 15 nor was my frame unknown to you when I was made in secret, when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth. (R)

2ND READING

The birth of John the Baptist was a miracle in more ways than one. Any birth is a miracle of the gift of life. John’s birth was miraculous due to the barrenness and advanced age of his mother, Elizabeth. When God intervenes in the life of a barren woman, the child will have an extraordinary life like John’s.

Acts 13:22-26

22 In those days, Paul said: God raised up David as their king; of him he testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.’ 23 From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. 24 John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; 25 and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’ 26 “My brothers, children of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent.”

GOSPEL

The new covenant is suffused with the grace and works of the Holy Spirit. As disciples of Jesus, we cannot live without the grace of the Holy Spirit. We are powerless without Him. Let us beg Him to lead and guide us in the ways of the Gospel, so that we can fulfill God’s plan for us just as John the Baptist did more than 2,000 years ago.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.

Luke 1:57-66, 80

57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. 80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 23, 2015

1ST READING

God repeats His promises to Abraham because it is beginning to look as though they will not be fulfilled. Abraham continues to trust God, and rightly so, as He will be faithful to all that He has promised. We must trust the Lord and His will for our lives, just like Abraham did. We may look foolish but it is better to look foolish and to obey God than to disobey Him and lose the gift of eternal life.

Genesis 13:2, 5-18

2 Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. 5 Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, 6 so that the land could not support them if they stayed together; their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. 7 There were quarrels between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and those of Lot’s. (At this time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were occupying the land.) 8 So Abram said to Lot: “Let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are kinsmen. 9 Is not the whole land at your disposal? Please separate from me. If you prefer the left, I will go to the right; if you prefer the right, I will go to the left.” 10 Lot looked about and saw how well watered the whole Jordan Plain was as far as Zoar, like the Lord’s own garden, or like Egypt. (This was before the Lord had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 Lot, therefore, chose for himself the whole Jordan Plain and set out eastward. Thus they separated from each other; 12 Abram stayed in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the Plain, pitching his tents near Sodom. 13 Now the inhabitants of Sodom were very wicked in the sins they committed against the Lord. 14 After Lot had left, the Lord said to Abram: “Look about you, and from where you are, gaze to the north and south, east and west; 15 all the land that you see I will give to you and your descendants forever. 16 I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth; if anyone could count the dust of the earth, your descendants too might be counted. 17 Set forth and walk about in the land, through its length and breadth, for to you I will give it.” 18 Abram moved his tents and went on to settle near the terebinth of Mamre, which is at Hebron. There he built an altar to the Lord.

P S A L M

Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 5

R: He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

2 He who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart 3 and slanders not with his tongue. (R) Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; 4 by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the Lord. (R) 5 Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be disturbed. (R)

GOSPEL

Preachers tell us the path to heaven is wide. It is not — it is narrow and difficult. We do not serve anyone well when we do not speak the truth. Numbers at a rally matter far less than the content of the preaching. If the preaching is not true, then anyone who is there will be misled. Let us work for quality in our lives and fidelity to the truth so that we will lead people in the path of salvation.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 7:6, 12-14

6 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. 12 “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. 13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. 14 How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 22, 2015

1ST READING

For Paul, Abraham is the example of a man of great faith. Abraham believed that whatever God wants for his life is the best thing for him to do. When he left Ur for the Promised Land, he exchanged a life of wealth and comfort for one that is uncertain. God promised much to Abraham, but isn’t it more sensible to take the path that is sure and proven?

Genesis 12:1-9

1 The Lord said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. 2 “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.” 4 Abram went as the Lord directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 5 Abram took his wife Sarai, his brother’s son Lot, all the possessions that they had accumulated, and the persons they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land as far as the sacred place at Shechem, by the terebinth of Moreh. (The Canaanites were then in the land.) 7 The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” So Abram built an altar there to the Lord who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved on to the hill country east of Bethel, pitching his tent with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. He built an altar there to the Lord and invoked the Lord by name. 9 Then Abram journeyed on by stages to the Negeb.

P S A L M

Psalm 33:12-13, 18-19, 20, 22

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

12 Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. 13 From heaven the Lord looks down; he sees all mankind. (R) 18 See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. (R) 20 Our 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)

GOSPEL

Hypocrisy is the death of religion and faith. One of the greatest hindrances to the proclamation of the Gospel today are priests who have lost their faith, those who simply “go through the motions” to get the job done. Serving God, whether as a priest or a lay person, is a privilege and an honor. It is a grace we must treasure more than any other we receive.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Matthew 7:1-5

1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. 2 For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. 3 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? 5 You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 21, 2015

1ST READING

Job is reminded that pride hinders him from understanding the work of God in his life. God is in control — He will guide us by His grace in the perfect life He desires for us. Discipleship is about surrendering our lives to the will of God. This is the only way to true happiness and peace.

Job 38:1, 8-11

1 The Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said: 8 Who shut within doors the sea, when it burst forth from the womb; 9 when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling bands? 10 When I set limits for it and fastened the bar of its door, 11 and said: Thus far shall you come but no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stilled!

P S A L M

Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31

R: Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting.

23 They who sailed the sea in ships, trading on the deep waters, 24 these saw the works of the Lord and his wonders in the abyss. (R) 25 His command raised up a storm wind which tossed its waves on high. 26 They mounted up to heaven; they sank to the depths; their hearts melted away in their plight. (R) 28 They cried to the Lord in their distress; from their straits he rescued them, 29 he hushed the storm to a gentle breeze, and the billows of the sea were stilled. (R) 30 They rejoiced that they were calmed, and he brought them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his kindness and his wondrous deeds to the children of men. (R)

2ND READING

God gave more grace to the new creation than the old creation. The advent of the ministry of Jesus — His life, death and resurrection — added a new dimension to our relationship with God. The power of victory over sin is now in our own hands. What a pity it will be if, after having been given the key to the gift of new life, we choose to wallow in the depravity of our sins.

2 Corinthians 5:14-17

14 Brothers and sisters: The love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; therefore, all have died. 15 He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh; even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him so no longer. 17 So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.

GOSPEL

Jesus commands the elemental forces of nature. His power is complete. Because He gave us free will, the only power He lacks is control over the way we act and live. Free will is the freedom to reject God or embrace the call of faith and surrender our lives to Him. Let us pray for the grace to use the gift of our free will for good.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

A great prophet has arisen in our midst. God has visited his people.

Mark 4:35-41

35 On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. 38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” 41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 20, 2015

1ST READING

Paul does not want people to see him as strong, as this would be a hindrance to the proclamation of the Gospel. If we see that Paul is weak, incapable of living the Gospel by his own strength, then when we see the effect of his preaching and example. The power of Paul’s witness is seen through his weakness, according to the grace of God at work in him.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

1 Brothers and sisters: I must boast; not that it is profitable, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows), was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know that this man (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard ineffable things, which no one may utter. 5 About this man I will boast, but about myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. 6 Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me 7 because of the abundance of the revelations. Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. 10 Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

P S A L M

Psalm 34:8-9, 10-11, 12-13

R: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

7 [8] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 [9] Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (R) 9 [10] Fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for nought is lacking to those who fear him. 10 [11] The great grow poor and hungry; but those who seek the Lord want for no good thing. (R) 11 [12] Come, children, hear me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 [13] Which of you desires life, and takes delight in prosperous days? (R)

GOSPEL

The things that truly matter are related to eternal life, not this passing reality in the world. St. Francis of Assisi took the call of detachment very seriously. Some say that he took it to the extreme. Sometimes, what the world needs is a witness who shakes up society’s value system and gets people to think about other things. Our lives should be signs of contradiction today, but always within the perspective that it is eternal life that really matters.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 6:24-34

24 Jesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? 27 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? 28 Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. 29 But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. 30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ 32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. 34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 19, 2015

1ST READING

Paul’s experience of suffering is impressive. Should we compete with him on this? Of course not! Paul is Paul and we have our own lives to live. Let us encourage the world to embrace the Gospel and heed its call to love. The Church has seemingly lost sight of the simplicity of the Gospel message. Let us return to it, embrace it, and bring it to the world.

2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30

18 Brothers and sisters: Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 21 To my shame I say that we were too weak! But what anyone dares to boast of (I am speaking in foolishness) I also dare. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they children of Israel? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I am talking like an insane person.) I am still more, with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, far worse beatings, and numerous brushes with death. 24 Five times at the hands of the Jews I received forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I passed a night and a day on the deep; 26 on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own race, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, through hunger and thirst, through frequent fasting, through cold and exposure. 28 And apart from these things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

P S A L M

Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: From all their distress God rescues the just.

1 [2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 2 [3] Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 3 [4] Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. 4 [5] I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (R) 5 [6] Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. 6 [7] When the poor one called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (R)

GOSPEL

People today are too busy storing up wealth for themselves. For those who believe in the afterlife, we do not take anything with us. For those who do not believe, would you want to die with a wealth of possessions that mean absolutely nothing to you when you are dead and buried? The world is overcome by greed and the pursuit of pleasure because it has lost sight of the right perspective on life. We are here for a very short time, so let us make what we do count.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 6:19-23

19 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for June 18, 2015

1ST READING

Paul would have been fed up with the materialism and self-centeredness of modern-day society. He was frustrated with the Corinthians and they were not as materialistic as we are today. In order to embrace the Gospel fully, we must stop asking, “What’s in it for me?” and instead focus on what God wants us to do.

2 Corinthians 11:1-11

1 Brothers and sisters: If only you would put up with a little foolishness from me! Please put up with me. 2 For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God, since I betrothed you to one husband to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts may be corrupted from a sincere and pure commitment to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough. 5 For I think that I am not in any way inferior to these “super apostles.” 6 Even if I am untrained in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; in every way we have made this plain to you in all things. 7 Did I make a mistake when I humbled myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge? 8 I plundered other churches by accepting from them in order to minister to you. 9 And when I was with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10 By the truth of Christ in me, this boast of mine shall not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

P S A L M

Psalm 111:1-2, 3-4, 7-8

R: Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.

1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, exquisite in all their delights. (R) 3 Majesty and glory are his work, and his justice endures forever. 4 He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the Lord. (R) 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; sure are all his precepts, 8 reliable forever and ever, wrought in truth and equity. (R)

GOSPEL

Prayer is about the attitude of heart with which we speak them. St. Teresa of Avila focused on increasing her nuns’ desire for God. Desire for God helps us persevere through the difficult roads in our path to holiness. The desire of a person’s heart is strong enough to conquer floods, deserts, mountains and any other obstacle. As a priest friend of mine says, “Never give up!”

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!

Matthew 6:7-15

7 Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 “This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread; 12 and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; 13 and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ 14 “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com