1ST READING
Once settled in the Promised Land, the trust of the people in God seemed to diminish. The constant threat and danger of life in the desert was over. The people became complacent about their faith as they increased in wealth and comfort. It will be the same story again and again, following renewals in the life of the Church. We see it today as more people give in to materialism and forsake their faith in exchange for earthly pleasure.
Judges 2:11-19
11 The children of Israel offended the Lord by serving the Baals. 12 Abandoning the Lord, the God of their fathers, who led them out of the land of Egypt, they followed the other gods of the various nations around them, and by their worship of these gods provoked the Lord. 13 Because they had thus abandoned him and served Baal and the Ashtaroth, 14 the anger of the Lord flared up against Israel, and he delivered them over to plunderers who despoiled them. He allowed them to fall into the power of their enemies round about whom they were no longer able to withstand. 15 Whatever they undertook, the Lord turned into disaster for them, as in his warning he had sworn he would do, till they were in great distress. 16 Even when the Lord raised up judges to deliver them from the power of their despoilers, 17 they did not listen to their judges, but abandoned themselves to the worship of other gods. They were quick to stray from the way their fathers had taken, and did not follow their example of obedience to the commandments of the Lord. 18 Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, he would be with the judge and save them from the power of their enemies as long as the judge lived; it was thus the Lord took pity on their distressful cries of affliction under their oppressors. 19 But when the judge died, they would relapse and do worse than their ancestors, following other gods in service and worship, relinquishing none of their evil practices or stubborn conduct.
P S A L M
Psalm 106:34-35, 36-37, 39-40, 43-44
R: Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
34 They did not exterminate the peoples, as the Lord had commanded them, 35 but mingled with the nations and learned their works. (R) 36 They served their idols, which became a snare for them. 37 They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. (R) 39 They became defiled by their works, and wanton in their crimes. 40 And the Lord grew angry with his people, and abhorred his inheritance. (R) 43 Many times did he rescue them, but they embittered him with their counsels. 44 Yet he had regard for their affliction when he heard their cry. (R)
GOSPEL
Goodness is the basis of human flourishing. Friendship, for example — where would we be without friendship? It is at the heart of our humanity as we are fundamentally communal creatures. We cannot reach our full potential if we are isolated from others. You might like to consider the good things in life: friendship with God, beauty, play, knowledge, life and practical reason.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:16-22
16 A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” 17 He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; 19 honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
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