Daily Readings for January 31, 2016

1ST READING 

God has formed us even before we were born. By this we are certain that we are worthwhile. We can damage ourselves through sin and, thus, not fully reflect our true worth. But we can always repent and ask God to repair the wrongs we have done. Let us maximize the gifts and graces God has given us so that we will contribute all we can to the human project and hold nothing back out of selfishness or sin.

Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19

4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying: 5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you. 17 But you, gird your loins; stand up and tell them all that I command you. Be not crushed on their account, as though I would leave you crushed before them; 18 for it is I this day who have made you a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: against Judah’s kings and princes, against its priests and people. 19 They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.

P S A L M

Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17

R: I will sing of your salvation.

1 In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your justice rescue me, and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me. (R) 3 Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. (R) 5 For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. 6 On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength. (R) 15 My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (R)

2ND READING

It is by loving one another that we will discover and live the fullness of our worth. Let us receive God’s love for us so that we can share it with others. Sharing love never diminishes what we receive but always increases as God continues to fill us from His unending storehouse of love.

1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13

31 Brothers and sisters: Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way. 13:1 If I speak in human and angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all87 mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, 5 it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, 6 it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. 9 For we know partially and we prophesy partially, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. 12 At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. 13 So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

GOSPEL

Jesus affirms that He stands in the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament. If Jesus is a prophet, then we are also called to be prophets in our own lifetimes. Let us believe that our lives are meant to be a prophetic witness to the world, and in particular the moral values that matter for human life. If we Christians are not willing to stand up and be witnesses, then how will the world be called to conversion?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives.

Luke 4:21-30

21 Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” 23 He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’ ” 24 And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. 25 Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. 26 It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. 27 Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. 29 They rose up, drove him out of the88town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. 30 But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for January 30, 2016

1ST READING

Nathan’s parable is a clever way of allowing David to see the error of his ways. David then passes judgment on himself. He has convicted himself of the sin and cannot escape from it. He has to accept the consequences of his evil act and blames no one but himself. Let us always be honest with ourselves and admit our sins and faults and not escape from our responsibilities.

2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17

1 The Lord sent Nathan to David, and when he came to him, Nathan said: “Judge this case for me! In a certain town there were two men, one rich, the other poor. 2 The rich man had flocks and herds in great numbers. 3 But the poor man had nothing at all except one little ewe lamb that he had bought. He nourished her, and she grew up with him and his children. She shared the little food he had and drank from his cup and slept in his bosom. She was like a daughter to him. 4 Now, the rich man received a visitor, but he would not take from his own flocks and herds to prepare a meal for the wayfarer who had come to him. Instead he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and made a meal of it for his visitor.” 5 David grew very angry with that man and said to him: “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this merits death! 6 He shall restore the ewe lamb fourfold because he has done this and has had no pity.” 7 Then Nathan said to David: “You are the man! Thus says the Lord God of Israel: 10 ‘The sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the Lord: ‘I will bring evil upon you out of your own house. I will take your wives while you live to see it, and will give them to your neighbor. He shall lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You have done this deed in secret, but I will bring it about in the presence of all Israel, and with the sun looking down.’ ” 13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan answered David: “The Lord on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die. 14 But since you have utterly spurned the Lord by this deed, the child born to you must surely die.” 15 Then Nathan returned to his house. The Lord struck the child that the wife of Uriah had borne to David, and it became desperately ill. 16 David besought God for the child. He kept a fast, retiring for the night to lie on the ground clothed in sackcloth. 17 The elders of his house stood beside him urging him to rise from the ground; but he would not, nor would he take food with them.

P S A L M

Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R: Create a clean heart in me, O God.

10 [12] A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renewwithin me. 11 [13] Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. (R) 12 [14] Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. 13 [15] I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you. (R) 14 [16] Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God; then my tongue shall revel in your justice. 15 [17] O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus always works for the good of our faith. Do you believe this? You need to if you are going to survive as a disciple of Jesus. Time and time again, we will encounter situations that can unsettle our faith — natural disasters, car accidents, sickness and others. God will reveal Himself in the midst of it all. If you truly trust God in all things, then there is nothing that can shake your faith.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

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 January 29, 2016

1ST READING

Temptation is always near us. Even the great leaders are only one step away from grave sin. David’s biggest fault is allowing himself to become enamored by the beauty of Bathsheba. His uncontrolled desire to have Bathsheba for himself leads to murder. Let us not allow the desires of our heart to get out of control and lead us into sin.

2 Samuel 11:1-4, 5-10, 13-17

1 At the turn of the year, when kings go out on campaign, David sent out Joab along with his officers and the army of Israel, and they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. David, however, remained in Jerusalem. 2 One evening, David rose from his siesta and strolled about on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing, who was very beautiful. 3 David had inquiries made about the woman and was told, “She is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam, and wife of Joab’s armor bearer, Uriah the Hittite.” 4 Then David sent messengers and took her. When she came to him, he had relations with her. She then returned to her house. 5 But the woman had conceived, and sent the information to David, “I am with child.” 6 David therefore sent a message to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” So Joab sent Uriah to David. 7 When he came, David questioned him about Joab, the soldiers, and how the war was going, and Uriah answered that all was well. 8 David then said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and bathe your feet.” Uriah left the palace, and a portion was sent out after him from the king’s table. 9 But Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palace with the other officers of his lord, and did not go down to his own house. 10 David was told that Uriah had not gone home. On the day following, 13 David summoned him, and he ate and drank with David, who made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his bed among his lord’s servants, and did not go down to his home. 14 The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab which he sent by Uriah. 15 In it he directed: “Place Uriah up front, where the fighting is fierce. Then pull back and leave him to be struck down dead.” 16 So while Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew the defenders were strong. 17 When the men of the city made a sortie against Joab, some officers of David’s army fell, and among them Uriah the Hittite died.

P S A L M

Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 6-7, 10-11

R: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

1 [3] Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. 2 [4] Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (R) 3 [5] For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always: 4 [6] “Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight.” (R) I have done such evil in your sight that you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn. 5 [7] True, I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me. (R) 8 [10] Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; the bones you have crushed shall rejoice. 9 [11] Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus tells us in this parable that the growth of the Kingdom is ultimately the work of God. If we think we are essential to the equation of success then we are completely deluded. Let us admit that anything we achieve is purely because we have chosen to cooperate with the grace of God. This is the life of a saint who never takes credit for his successes because the success is really God’s alone.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 4: 26-34

26 Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land 27 and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28 Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” 30 He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. 32 But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. 34 Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for January 28, 2016

1ST READING

David is not upset about God’s decision to leave the building of the temple to the next king. Maybe he was even relieved to have been spared from overseeing the construction of such a grand structure. David’s obedience is a stark contrast to the disobedience that plagued Saul’s reign as king. As Samuel said, obedience is greater than sacrifice, and this is the example that David provides for his people and for us.

2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29

18 After Nathan had spoken to King David, the king went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, Lord God, and who are the members  of my house, that you have brought me to this point? 19 Yet even this you see as too little, Lord God; you have also spoken of the house of your servant for a long time to come: this too you have shown to man, Lord God! 24 “You have established for yourself your people Israel as yours forever, and you, Lord, have become their God. 25 And now, Lord God, confirm for all time the prophecy you have made concerning your servant and his house, and do as you have promised. 26 Your name will be forever great, when men say, ‘The Lord of hosts is God of Israel,’ and the house of your servant David stands firm before you. 27 It is you, Lord of hosts, God of Israel, who said in a revelation to your servant, ‘I will build a house for you.’ Therefore your servant now finds the courage to make this prayer to you. 28 And now, Lord God, you are God and your words are truth; you have made this generous promise to your servant. 29 Do, then, bless the house of your servant that it may be before you forever; for you, Lord God, have promised, and by your blessing the house of your servant shall be blessed forever.”

P S A L M

Psalm 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14

R: The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.

1 Lord, remember David and all his anxious care; 2 how he swore an oath to the Lord, vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob. (R) 3 “I will not enter the house where I live nor lie on the couch where I sleep; 4 I will give my eyes no sleep, my eyelids no rest, 5 till I find a home for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” (R) 11 The Lord swore an oath to David a firm promise from which he will not withdraw: “Your own offspring I will set upon your throne.” (R) 12 “If your sons keep my covenant and the decrees which I shall teach them, Their sons, too, forever shall sit upon your throne.” (R) 13 For the Lord has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling. 14 “Zion is my resting place forever; in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.” (R)

GOSPEL

St. Thomas Aquinas is one of the greatest intellects the Church has known. He has summarized Church doctrine in the 12th century, and his synthesis was so comprehensive it formed the basis for the Church’s teaching for the next 800 years. Today there is a wider range of knowledge available to us, but many of them still rely on Aquinas’s thought. Just as Thomas placed his intellect at the service of the Gospel and allowed his light to shine, so should we do with the gifts God has given us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

A lamp to my feet is your word, a light to my path.

Mark 4: 21-25

21 Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. 23 Anyone who has ears to hear ought to  hear.” 24 He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. 25 To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for January 27, 2016

1ST READING

Nathan stops David from building the Temple as his hands are full of the blood of war. This task will be Solomon’s, his son. Here we learn that God is not that pleased with military conquest. Even though He has led Israel to its conquests, there is something ungodly about war. It is better that a man of peace (the literal meaning of Solomon) be the one to build the Temple.

2 Samuel 7:4-17

4 That night the Lord spoke to Nathan and said: 5 “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Should you build me a house to dwell in? 6I have not dwelt in a house from the day on which I led the children of Israel out of Egypt to the present, but I have been going about in a tent under cloth. 7 In all my wanderings everywhere among the children of Israel, did I ever utter a word to any one of the judges whom I charged to tend my people Israel, to ask: Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ 8 “Now then, speak thus to my servant David, ‘The Lord of hosts has this to say: It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. 10 I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, 11 since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. 12 And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm. 13 It is he who shall build a house for my name. And I will make his royal throne firm forever. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. And if he does wrong, I will correct him with the rod of men and with human chastisements; 15 but I will not withdraw my favor from him as I withdrew it from your predecessor Saul, whom I removed from my presence. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’ ” 17 Nathan reported all these words and this entire vision to David.

P S A L M

Psalm 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30

R: Forever I will maintain my love for my servant.

3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: 4[5] I will make your dynasty stand forever and establish your throne through all ages.” (R) 26 [27] “He shall cry to me, ‘You are my father, my God, the Rock that brings me victory!’ 27 [28] I myself make him firstborn, Most High over the kings of the earth.” (R) 28 [29] “Forever I will maintain my love for him; my covenant with him stands firm. 29 [30] I will establish his dynasty forever, his throne as the days of the heavens.” (R)

GOSPEL

This parable is about discipleship. It is important that we examine our lives and ask ourselves what type of soil we are when it comes to discipleship. Too often we are all talk and no action. We need to take the risk and plunge into the waters of God’s grace, and then allow conversion to take a firm root in our lives.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live forever.

Mark 4:1-20

1 On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. 2 And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, 3 “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. 7 Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. 8 And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” 9 He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” 10 And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. 11 He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, 12 so that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.” 13 Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. 17 But they have no roots; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, 19 but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. 720 But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for January 26, 2016

Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus, bishops

1ST READING

Timothy and Titus, proteges of Paul, were given the responsibility to care for the communities in Crete and Ephesus. Paul established these  communities with the help of others and now it is time for him to move on to new grounds. He assigned Timothy and Titus to care for these communities and pastor them so that they will grow in their faith. We need mentors in our lives of faith. Let us seek the wisdom of those who have preceded us in living the Gospel.

2 Timothy 1:1-8 (or Titus 1:1-5)

1 Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God for the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 2 to Timothy, my dear child: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I am grateful to God, whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day. 4 I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, 5 as I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and that I am confident lives also in you. 6 For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.

P S A L M

Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 10

R: Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all you lands. 2 Sing to the Lord; bless his name. (R) Announce his salvation, day after day. 3 Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. (R) 7 Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and praise; 8 give to the Lord the glory due his name! (R) 10 Say among the nations: the Lord is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity. (R)

GOSPEL

Let us always respect the role of the bishops in the Church. We may not always agree with how they do things but let us try to make their job as easy as possible by working with them and not against them. God has given the Catholic Church with lines of authority that are necessary for its unity. Let us pray for those in authority that they will use it well for the benefit of the people and never for their own gain.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.

Mark 3: 31-35 (or Luke 10:1-9)

31 The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. 32 A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” 33 But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 35 For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for January 25, 2016

Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle

1ST READING

Paul shares his testimony with an unbeliever. We should take the time to reflect on our own conversion stories and be ready to share them. We need to explain the hope we carry in our hearts because of our faith. One day, someone will ask us that question. What will your answer be?

Acts 22:3-16 (or Acts 9: 1-22)

3 Paul addressed the people in these words: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city. At the feet of Gamaliel I was educated strictly in our ancestral law and was zealous for God, just as all of you are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to death, binding both men and women and delivering them to prison. 5 Even the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify on my behalf. For from them I even received letters to the brothers and set out for Damascus to bring back to Jerusalem in chains for punishment those there as well. 6 “On that journey as I drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from the sky suddenly shone around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 I replied, ‘Who are you, sir?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting.’ 9 My companions saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. 10 I asked, ‘What shall I do, sir?’ The Lord answered me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do.’ 11 Since I could see nothing because of the brightness of that light, I was led by hand by my companions and entered Damascus. 12 “A certain Ananias, a devout observer of the law, and highly spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me and stood there and said, ‘Saul, my brother, regain your sight.’ And at that very moment I regained my sight  and saw him. 14 Then he said, ‘The God of our ancestors designated youto know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of his voice; 15 for you will be his witness before all to what you have seen and heard. 16 Now, why delay? Get up and have yourself baptized and your sins washed away, calling upon his name.’”

P S A L M

Psalm 117:1, 2

R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

1 Praise the Lord, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! (R) 2 For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the Lord endures forever. (R)

GOSPEL

The Gospel needs to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. As we look at the world today, it is easy to see that this task is far from being accomplished. It is our duty to complete the work begun by Christ. Paul spent the latter half of his life preaching the Gospel that had changed his life. What is your commitment to the Gospel?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 16: 15-18

15 Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. 18 They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for January 24, 2016

1ST READING

The Jews loved the Word of God. They listened to Nehemiah as he read it and stood for hours under the hot sun. If only our love for the Word of God was this fervent. If only we are committed to daily reading of the Scriptures in order to be formed in the mind and will of God. “If only...” There is no point in wishing for the impossible. What we need to do is to love the Word of God as much as we can and allow it to form us in His ways more and more each day.

Nehemiah 8:2-4, 5-6, 8-10

2 Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. 3 Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. 4 Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. 5 He opened the scroll so that all the people might see it — for he was standing higher up than any of the people — and, as he opened it, all the people rose. 6 Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, “Amen, amen!” Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the Lord, their faces to the ground. 8 Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. 9 Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribe and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all the people:  “Today is holy to the Lord your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep,” for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the   law. 10 He said further: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our Lord. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!”

P S A L M

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

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 69them just. (R) 14 [15] Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (R)

2ND READING

St. Paul reminds us that we have to work together in proclaiming the Gospel to the world. No one possesses all the gifts and so we need to rely on others to make up for what is lacking in us. This is not easy as we will constantly let one another down. We should not allow our disappointments to govern our next response. Let us trust that we all have the goal of spreading the Gospel foremost in our hearts.

1 Corinthians 12:12-30

12 Brothers and sisters: As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are 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. 14 Now the body is not a single part, but many. 15 If a foot should say, “Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. 16 Or if an ear should say, “Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I do not need you.” 22 Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary, 23 and those parts of the body that we consider less honorable we surround with greater honor, and our less presentable parts are treated with greater propriety, 24 whereas our more presentable parts do not need this. But God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to a part that is without it, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. 28 Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then, gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

GOSPEL

Luke reminds us why the Gospels were written in the first place — that people would come to believe in Christ. It is important to remember that the Gospel, when proclaimed with even a minute ounce of faith, has an inherent 7power far greater than we can imagine. We need to trust that the power of conversion to Christ is present whenever we live and proclaim the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, and to proclaim liberty to captives.

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 3 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. 4:14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. 15 He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 16 He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read 17 and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. 20 Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. 21 He said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

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Daily Readings for January 23, 2016

1ST READING

Jonathan, the friend of David, has fallen in battle and Saul has fallen on his own sword. David mourns their loss. He does not hold grudges against Saul and moves on with faith and trust that God will show the way forward. He will soon be crowned king and reign over the kingdom for 30 years. It will be a reign of military conquest, leaving behind him a large empire that Solomon will have to administer.

2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27

1 David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag. 2 On the third day a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. Going to David, he fell to the ground in homage. 3 David asked him, “Where do you come from?” He replied, “I have escaped from the camp of the children of Israel.” 4 “Tell me what happened,” David bade him. He answered that many of the soldiers had fled the battle and that many of them had fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan. 11 David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise. 12 They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the Lord of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 19 “Alas! The glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors have fallen! 23 “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished, separated neither in life nor in death, swifter than eagles, stronger than lions! 24 Women of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and in finery, who decked your attire with ornaments of gold. 25 “How can the warriors have fallen — in the thick of the battle, slain upon your heights! 26 “I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother! Most dear have you been to me; more precious have I held love for you than love for women. 27 “How can the warriors have fallen, the weapons of war have perished!”

P S A L M

Psalm 80:2-3, 5-7

R: Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken, O guide of the flock of Joseph! From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth 3 before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Rouse your power, and come to save us. (R) 5 O Lord of hosts, how long will you burn with anger while your people pray? 6 You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in ample measure. 7 You have left us to be fought over by our neighbors, and our enemies mock us. (R)

GOSPEL

This is the shortest Gospel of the year. Many think Jesus is crazy because they are beginning to understand the consequences of what He preaches. They put things together and realize that Jesus is claiming to be greater than the prophets. The more Jesus says and does, the more they seem to be true. What are they going to do? Can Jesus really be who He says He is?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

Mark 3:20-21

20 Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. 21 When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

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Daily Readings for January 22, 2016

1ST READING

David refuses to harm the Lord’s chosen one even though he knows that Saul would have killed him given the chance. This demonstrates the integrity of David. It also shows his suitability for kingship. It is no surprise that he will be the next leader of the Jewish people. David has already developed a great following among the people — he will prove to be a great military leader.

1 Samuel 24:3-21

3 Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags. 4When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he found a cave, which he entered to relieve himself. David and his men were occupying the inmost recesses of the cave. 5 David’s servants said to him, “This is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘I will deliver your enemy into your grasp; do with him as you see fit.” So David moved up and stealthily cut off an end of Saul’s mantle. 6 Afterward, however, David regretted that he had cut off an end of Saul’s mantle. 7 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, as to lay a hand on him, for he is the Lord’s anointed.” 8 With these words David restrained his men and would not permit them to attack Saul. Saul then left the cave and went on his way. 9 David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked back, David bowed to the ground in homage 10 and asked Saul: “Why do you listen to those who say, ‘David is trying to harm you’? 11 You see for yourself today that the Lord just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave. I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead. I decided, ‘I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed and a father to me.’ 12 Look here at this end of your mantle which I hold. Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion. I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life. 13 The Lord will judge between me and you, and the Lord will exact justice from you in my case. I shall not touch you. 14 The old proverb says, ‘From the wicked comes forth wickedness.’ So I will take no action against you. 15 Against whom are you on campaign, O king of Israel? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, or a single flea! 16 The Lord will be the judge; he will decide between me and you. May he see this, and take my part, and grant me justice beyond your reach!” 17 When David finished saying these things to Saul, Saul answered, “Is that your voice, my son David?” And Saul wept aloud. 18 Saul then said to David: “You are in the right rather than I; you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm. 19 Great is the generosity you showed me today, when the Lord delivered me into your grasp and you did not kill me. 20For if a man meets his enemy, does he send him away unharmed? May the Lord reward you generously for what you have done this day. 21 And now, I know that you shall surely be king and that sovereignty over Israel shall come into your possession.”

P S A L M

Psalm 57:2, 3-4, 6, 11

R: Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.

1 [2] Have mercy on me, O God; have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. In the shadow of your wings I take refuge, till harm pass by. (R) 2 [3] I call to God the Most High, to God, my benefactor. 3[4May he send from heaven and save me; may he make those a reproach who trample upon me; may God send his mercy and his faithfulness. (R) 5 [6] Be exalted above the heavens, O God; above all the earth be your glory! 10 [11] For your mercy towers to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the skies. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus chooses 12 men to follow Him. He will work closely with them over a period of about three years, and even after that one of them will deny Him, another will betray Him, and all but one will desert Him as He hangs on the cross. These men are far from perfect disciples. Yet each of them, except John and Judas, will die a martyr’s death in the service of the Gospel. They may have been slow starters but they got there in the end. Like them, there is hope for us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

Mark 3: 13-19

13 Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. 14 He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons: 16 He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; 17 James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the  on of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, 19 and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

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Daily Readings for January 21, 2016

1ST READING

The people rejoice over David and his victory. This angers Saul and makes him jealous of David. It leads him to want to kill David. Saul may look like a great choice for a king but his character flaws are becoming a hindrance to him. We need to look at a person’s interior strengths and motivations when choosing leaders for our communities. Does the person really know the mind and ways of the Lord?

1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19: 1-7

6 When David and Saul approached (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. 7 The women played and sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” 8 Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.” 9 And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. 19:1 Saul discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, 2 told him: “My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and remain in hiding. 3 I, however, will go out and stand beside my father in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you. If I learn anything, I will let you know.” 4 Jonathan then spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him: “Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you, but has helped you very much by his deeds. 5 When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood by killing David without cause?” 6 Saul heeded Jonathan’s plea and swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed.” 7 So Jonathan summoned David and repeated the whole conversation to him. Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and David served him as before.

P S A L M

Psalm 56:2-3, 9-10, 10-12, 13-14

R: In God I trust; I shall not fear.

1 [2] Have mercy on me, O God, for men trample upon me; all the day they press their attack against me. 2 [3] My adversaries trample upon me all the day; yes, many fight against me. (R) 8 [9] My wanderings you have counted; my tears are stored in your flask; are they not recorded in your book? 9 [10] Then do my enemies turn back, when I call upon you.  (R) Now I know that God is with me. 10 [11] In God, in whose promise I glory, 11 [12] in God I trust without fear; what can flesh do against me? (R) 12 [13] I am bound, O God, by vows to you; your thank offerings I will fulfill. 13 [14] For you have rescued me from death, my feet, too, from stumbling; that I may walk before God in the light of the living. (R)

GOSPEL

The demons recognize who Jesus is. They know His true identity as the Son of God. This is why they flee from Him or be destroyed. Why does Jesus command them to be silent? Maybe it is because Jesus wants us to recognize Him in our own right. Are we courageous enough to open our eyes to see His true identity? If we recognize that we stand before the Son of God, then we must obey His will.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 3:7-12

7 Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. 8 Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. 9 He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. 10 He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. 11 And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” 12 He warned them sternly not to make him known.

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Daily Readings for January 20, 2016

1ST READING

David defeats Goliath. This event is one of the most celebrated and widely known military successes of all time. The odds are against a little shepherd boy with a slingshot fighting a giant in full battle gear, but David has faith in God. He prevails against Goliath not because he is stronger but because he is smarter. Let us consult God’s wisdom before we go into battle with the flesh and the armies in the world.


1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
32 David spoke to Saul: “Let your majesty not lose courage. I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine.” 33 But Saul answered David, “You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him, for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.” 37 David continued: “The Lord, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.” Saul answered David, “Go! The Lord will be with you.” 40 Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag. With his sling also ready to hand, he approached the Philistine. 41 With his shield bearer marching before him, the Philistine also advanced closer and closer to David. 42 When he had sized David up, and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance, the Philistine held David in contempt. 43 The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?” Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods 44 and said to him, “Come here to me, and I will leave your flesh for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field.” 45 David answered him: “You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted. 46 Today the Lord shall deliver you into my hand; I will strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will leave your corpse and the corpses of the Philistine army for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field; thus the whole land shall learn that Israel has a God. 47 All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he shall deliver you into our hands.” 48 The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters, while David ran quickly toward the battle line in the direction of the Philistine. 49 David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone, hurled it with the sling, and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone embedded itself in his brow, and he fell prostrate on the ground. 50 Thus David overcame the Philistine with sling and stone; he struck the Philistine mortally, and did it without a sword. 51 Then David ran and stood over him; with the Philistine’s own sword which he drew from its sheath he dispatched him and cut off his head.


P S A L M

Psalm 144:1, 2, 9-10

R: Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

1 Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war. (R) 2 My refuge and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust, who subdues my people under me. (R) 9 O God, I will sing a new song to you; with a ten-stringed lyre I will chant your praise, 10 You who give victory to kings, and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword. (R)


GOSPEL

Jesus shows again that healing is permissible on the Sabbath. His logic is faultless as it is the logic of love. Let us first love our neighbor rather than judge him against a set of rules. Love will help us overcome all things rather than get bogged down by legalism. Jesus always forgives the sinner before passing judgment on his actions. Let us be like Him.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

Mark 3: 1-6
1 Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. 2 They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. 3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” 4 Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. 5 Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

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Daily Readings for January 19, 2016

1ST READING

Saul resorts to consulting a witch for advice later on. Samuel writes that disobedience is a rebellion and a form of idolatry. He is now mourning the failure of Saul to be a good leader, but God tells him to snap out of it and get on with life. God has another man in mind for the role of a king. Even in the midst of human failure, God does not give up on us — He simply moves on to the next step.

1 Samuel 16:1-13

1 The Lord said to Samuel: “How long will you grieve for Saul, whom I have rejected as king of Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons.” 2 But Samuel replied: “How can I go? Saul will hear of it and kill me.” To this the Lord answered: “Take a heifer along and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I myself will tell you what to do; you are to anoint for me the one I point out to you.” 4 Samuel did as the Lord had commanded him. When he entered Bethlehem, the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and inquired, “Is your visit peaceful, O seer?” 5 He replied: “Yes! I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. So cleanse yourselves and join me today for the banquet.” He also had Jesse and his sons cleanse themselves and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 As they came, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is here before him.” 7But the Lord said to Samuel: “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him before Samuel, who said, “The Lord has not chosen him.” 9 Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 10 In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any one of these.” 11 Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.” 12 Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them. He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a splendid appearance. The Lord said, “There—anoint him, for this is he!” 13 Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and from that day on, the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David. When Samuel took his leave, he went to Ramah.

P S A L M 

Psalm 89:20, 21-22, 27-28

R: I have found David, my servant.

19 [20] Once you spoke in a vision, and to your faithful ones you said: “On a champion I have placed a crown; over the people I have set a youth.” (R) 20 [21] “I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, 21 [22] that my hand may be always with him, and that my arm may make him strong.” (R) 26 [27] “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the Rock, my savior.’ 27 [28] And I will make him the first-born, highest of the kings of the earth.” (R)

GOSPEL 

The Sabbath prohibition of work does not apply to health situations. If one’s health is going to suffer from inaction, then it is OK to break this law. Jesus is not interested in legalism for the sake of the Law. The Law should serve the people and not the other way around.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.

Mark 2:23-28

23 As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. 24 At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 25 He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? 26 How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” 27 Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. 28 That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

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