Daily Readings for September 13, 2015

1ST READING

The suffering of the prophets of the Lord is well documented. Like Jesus’ Apostles, the prophets suffered greatly at the hands of men during their ministries. Following a life of faith will put one in conflict with the world at one time or another, and often this can lead to martyrdom. Isaiah’s four Servant Songs, of which this is the second, clearly describe a life of suffering for the servants of God.

Isaiah 50:5-9

5 The Lord God opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. 6 I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. 7 The Lord God is my help therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. 8 He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let that man confront me. 9 See, the Lord God is my help; who will prove me wrong?

P S A L M

Psalm 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R: I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

1 I love the Lord because he has heard my voice in supplication, 2 because he has inclined his ear to me the day I called. (R) 3 The cords of death encompassed me; the snares of the netherworld seized upon me; I fell into distress and sorrow, 4 and I called upon the name of the Lord, “O Lord, save my life!” (R) 5 Gracious is the Lord and just; yes, our God is merciful. 6 The Lord keeps the little ones; I was brought low, and he saved me. (R) 8 For he has freed my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. 9 I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living. (R)

2ND READING

Faith must be accompanied by action. Good thoughts and well wishes will not comfort those in need. If possible, we must do more than that. Faith has always had a social dimension — that is, we are members of a faith community and should support one another. Let us know our community well so that we can support all our members.

James 2:14-18

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? 17 So also faith of itself, if itdoes not have works, is dead. 18 Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my  works.

GOSPEL

Renouncing one’s life is hard. We must ensure that we place the Kingdom of God at the forefront of our minds and hearts, as we discern God’s will for our lives. Jesus talks about this in terms of taking up our own crosses and following in His footsteps. As we understand Jesus’ call for our lives, let us respond generously to the grace He gives us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.

Mark 8:27-35

27 Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.” 30 Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. 31 He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. 32 He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” 34 He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”

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