Daily Readings for May 31, 2016

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1ST READING

Mary never places herself first. She always thinks of the needs of those around her. This is why we celebrate her visit to the elderly yet pregnant Elizabeth. Mary knows that her cousin needs help. We should place others’ needs before our own. This is one of the fundamental aspects of the cross that we have to bear — to help those more needy than us. This is what true love demands from us.

Zephaniah 3:14-18 (or Romans 12:9-16)

14 Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. 16 On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! 17 The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, 18 as one sings at festivals.

P S A L M

Isaiah 12: 2-3, 4, 5-6

R: Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

2 God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. 3 With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. (R) 4 Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. 6 Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! (R)

GOSPEL

It is amazing that John the Baptist could recognize the presence of Jesus, the Son of God, while both were still in their mothers’ wombs. This is a manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of those disposed to His will. This is how we must become — directed and inclined to the will of God through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Let us allow the Spirit of God to do His work in our lives.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

Luke 1:39-56

39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 46 And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 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. 50 He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. 51 He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. 52 He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, 55 the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” 56 Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Daily Readings for May 30, 2016

1ST READING

 

Living a virtuous life is hard work. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that we should work hard to attain it. God’s grace is available for us to grow in virtue, just like everything else in our spiritual life. However, the life of virtue, and in particular the cardinal virtues, require consistent effort on our part as they are the primary means by which we engage a world that wants things done on its own terms and not ours.

2 Peter 1:2-7

2 Beloved: May grace and peace be yours in abundance through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and power. 4 Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, 6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, 7 devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 91:1-2, 14-15, 15-16

R: In you, my God, I place my trust.

1 You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 Say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (R) 14 Because he clings to me, I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he acknowledges my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in distress. (R) I will deliver him and glorify him; 16 with length of days I will gratify him and will show him my salvation. (R)

 

 

GOSPEL

 

God has given us many gifts that we will be called to account for. This is of no consequence if we are faithful to our Christian calling on a daily basis. If we constantly surrender our lives to the Lord, then we will develop the gifts He has given us. The problems arise when we start to live for ourselves outside of God’s call.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead; you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your Blood.

Mark 12:1-12

1 Jesus began to speak to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and left on a journey. 2 At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants to obtain from them some of the produce of the vineyard. 3 But they seized him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent them another servant. And that one they beat over the head and treated shamefully. 5 He sent yet another whom they killed. So, too, many others; some they beat, others they killed. 6 He had one other to send, a beloved son. He sent him to them last of all, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they seized him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come, put the tenants to death, and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture passage: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 11 by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?” 12 They were seeking to arrest him, but they feared the crowd, for they realized that he had addressed theparable to them. So they left him and went away.

Daily Readings for May 29, 2016

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

1ST READING

 

The practice of tithing is found in the Old Testament. Giving 10 percent of the fruits of our labors to God and the work of His Kingdom was seen as a necessary part of one’s faith. Personally, I believe we should listen carefully to how the Spirit of God wants us to support the work of the Kingdom today. Some may be led to give less than 10 percent. However, for others it will perhaps be more, and at times considerably more.

Genesis 14:18-20

18 In those days, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: 19 “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

R: You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek.

1 The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool.” (R) 2 The scepter of your power the Lord will stretch forth from Zion: “Rule in the midst of your enemies.” (R) 3 “Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor; before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you.” (R) 4 The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent: “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” (R)

 

2ND READING

We are called to drink of the cup of Christ in the Eucharist. More than receiving the Lord into our lives, we must be able to accept the crosses as disciples of Jesus, follow where He leads us, and do what He asks of us. There is no such thing as comfortable Christianity. The Holy Spirit always leads us into a deeper expression of our faith — deeper into the mysteries of God that we show to the world today.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

23 Brothers and sisters: I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, 24 and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

GOSPEL

The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand is the same as the pattern of action in the Eucharist. Jesus takes, blesses, breaks and gives. This is also how the Spirit works in our lives — He takes us for the work of the Kingdom of God and blesses us in this purpose. He breaks our self-sufficiency so we can be fully and freely given for God’s work. Let us live according to the pattern of the Eucharist.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever.

Luke 9:11-17

11 Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. 12 As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” 13 He said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” They replied, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people.” 14 Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty.” 15 They did so and made them all sit down. 16 Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

Daily Readings for May 28, 2016

1ST READING

We must learn how to pray in the Holy Spirit. This is the prayer that always comes to the attention of God because the Holy Spirit is the one whotakes it to Him. Praying under the guidance of the Holy Spirit leads us to obey the will of God for our lives. We can know for sure that God will answer these prayers because they are His will for us.

Jude 17, 20-25

17 Beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 20 Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 On those who waver, have mercy; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear, abhorring even the outer garment stained by the flesh. 24 To the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished and exultant, in the presence of his glory, 25 to the only God, our savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, power, and authority from ages past, now, and for ages to come. Amen.

P S A L M

Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6

R: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

1 [2] O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. (R) 2 [3] Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, 3 [4] for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. (R) 4 [5] Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. 5 [6] As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. (R)

GOSPEL 

Jesus does not enter into an argument that has no clear solution. So He poses a challenging question that “takes the wind out of the sails” of His opponents. Sometimes it is better to walk away from an argument if there is no proper engagement in dialogue. Many people want the debate to be on their terms and are not willing to concede to the logical argument. Having this sort of an argument is a waste of time.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 11:27-33

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

Daily Readings for May 27, 2016

1ST READING

We are never alone in our battle against sin. We can call on the angels and saints for help. We are part of a battle that is being waged across the heavenly sphere as well as the earthly one. This Armageddon should not be taken lightly as, like all wars, it is about life and death — though here we are speaking of life and death from an eternal perspective.

1 Peter 4:7-13

7 Beloved: The end of all things is at hand. Therefore be serious and sober-minded so that you will be able to pray. 8 Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 11 Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.

P S A L M

Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13

R: The Lord comes to judge the earth.

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) 11 Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; 12 let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult. (R) 13 Before the Lord, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. (R)

GOSPEL

Let us try to recognize the sacred nature of some of the religious spaces. For example, adoration chapels are meant to be silent so that anyone who wants to pray can come and meditate there. Our churches are both places for prayer and meetings. We need to find the right balance of noisiness and quiet. Let us respect that some people are trying to pray and so move our chatter outside.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 11:11-25

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

Daily Readings for May 26, 2016

1ST READING

Peter writes again about the influences of the world and how it is a constant battle to remain faithful to God and the call of holiness. This letter seems to be calling us to battle against the powers of sin. We know we are already victors in this battle through the resurrection of Jesus. This letter may be an ancient baptismal exhortation or instruction. It is appropriate to understand it as a call to battle against the tendencies of the flesh in following our Christian calling.

1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12

2 Beloved: Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation, 3 for you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, 5 and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were no people but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and sojourners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul. 12 Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that if they speak of you as evildoers, they may observe your good works and glorify God on the day of visitation.

P S A L M

Psalm 100:2, 3, 4, 5

R: Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.

1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; 2 serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song. (R) 3 Know that the Lord is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. (R) 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise; give thanks to him; bless his name. (R) 5 The Lord is good: his kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus has a heart for the poor and marginalized, the sick and the suffering. Let us pray for hearts that reach out to these little ones as well. St. Philip Neri, whose feast we celebrate today, was known to have a heart full of love that it expanded and cracked some of his ribs. This teaches us something of the mind and heart of God, His magnanimity and desire to love us unconditionally.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 10:46-52

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

Daily Readings for May 25, 2016

1ST READING

The blood of Jesus is an important reality in the Christian life. It is through the shedding of the blood of Jesus that our sins are forgiven. This is why the Temple sacrifices played such a big part in the faith life of the Jews, and when the Temple was destroyed it was a huge problem for them. And so the Law took on greater significance for their life as it could not be taken from them as the Temple had been.

1 Peter 1:18-25

18 Beloved: Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold 19 but with the precious Blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished Lamb. 20 He was known before the foundation of the world but revealed in the final time for you, 21 who through him believe in God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love, love one another intensely from a pure heart. 23 You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and abiding word of God, 24 for: “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers, and the flower wilts; 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” This is the word that has been proclaimed to you.

P S A L M

Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R: Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

12 Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. 13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. (R) 14 He has granted peace in your borders; with the best of wheat he fills you. 15 He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word! (R) 19 He has proclaimed his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel. 20 He has not done thus for any other nation; his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia. (R)     

GOSPEL

James and John are seeking places of honor. The only honor that matters is when we make it to the eternal banquet. God has all of that well in hand. We worry about many things that matter little or even not at all. This is a waste of time and energy. Let us focus on the things that matter so that we can use our energies well.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 10:32-45

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

Daily Readings for May 24, 2016

1ST READING

 

The Christian life is a battle for our minds. Do we allow our minds to be conformed to Christ or do we surrender to the thinking of the world? This is the choice that we face every day. The world is a relentless reality. We must surrender our minds to the grace of the Holy Spirit in order to counteract the inevitable forces of the world around us.

 

1 Peter 1:10-16

10 Beloved: Concerning this salvation of your souls the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and investigated it, 11 investigating the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to follow them. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the Good News to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look. 13 Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance 15 but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, 16 for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R: The Lord has made known his salvation.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus teaches us that the rewards of eternal life surpass any recompense we can gain in this life. One test is to examine our relationship with money and material things. If you think more about them than about the promise of heaven, then you are probably still attached to the things of this world.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

 

Mark 10:28-31

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

Daily Readings for May 23, 2016

1ST READING

Peter describes how faith is essential to the Christian life. We do not have the privilege of seeing Jesus in the flesh as the Apostles and many others did. We rely on the Scriptures and the lives of the saints for our knowledge about Jesus. This is often not as comforting as we might like it to be, but nevertheless we persevere in our belief in God and follow where He leads us.

1 Peter 1:3-9

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you 5 who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. 6In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.

P S A L M

Psalm 111:1-2, 5-6, 9, 10

R: The Lord will remember his covenant forever.

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) 5 He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant. 6 He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations. (R) 9 He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. 10 His praise endures forever. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus turns the Jewish understanding of wealth upside down. Wealth was considered to be an unequivocal sign of God’s blessing upon a person. Now Jesus is saying that it is dangerous and virtually impossible to enter heaven with it. This means that the danger with wealth is its power to distract people from doing God’s will. Wealth has a way of making itself the center of attention. The rich will enter heaven but only if they are disinterested in their wealth and use it to help others.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 10:17-27

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

Daily Readings for May 22, 2016

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

1ST READING

We underestimate the power of the wisdom of God. If we are foolish enough to think we can do without the wisdom of God in the Scriptures and through the teachings of the Church, then we are headed for a fall. God provides us with the wisdom of His Word so that we can share in the life of the Holy Trinity. Let us be guided by His wisdom and love.

Proverbs 8:22-31

22 Thus says the wisdom of God: “The Lord possessed me, the beginning of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; 23 from of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; 25 before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 while as yet the earth and the fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world. 27 When the Lord established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; 28 when he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; 29 when he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; 30 then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, playing before him all the while, 31 playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the human race.”

P S A L M

Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

3 [4] When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place — 4 [5] what is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? (R) 5 [6] You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 [7] You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet. (R) 7 [8] All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field, 8 [9] the birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, and whatever swims the paths of the seas. (R)

2ND READING

Faith in Christ transforms our perspective in life. Suffering can become the source of a deeper and more fulfilling faith. It can teach us to see the work that God is doing in our lives. This in turn creates greater endurance. Our role is to remain open to His grace and mercy so that the Spirit can do His work and bring us to a deeper faith conversion.

Romans 5:1-5

1 Brothers and sisters: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

GOSPEL

The Father is the mastermind behind all creation. Early after my conversion experience as an 18-year-old, I read a book entitled, My Father Is the Gardener by Colin Urquhart. The image of the Father weeding and pruning, tending to the plants in His garden, is one that is rarely far from my reflections. There are many ways to garden depending on the result you want. This means God will have a specific plan for each of us so that we will bloom and contribute to the garden He envisions.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

John 16:12-15

12 Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

Daily Readings for May 21, 2016

1ST READING

We should pray for the sick to be healed. However, this does not mean that we should stop consulting doctors and going to hospitals. These are gifts from God to address our health needs. It is important that we use the wisdom God has inspired and is present in the various technologies of our time. We should always be grateful for what God has given us.

James 5:13-20

13 Beloved: Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing a song of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. 17 Elijah was a man like us; yet he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain upon the land. 18 Then Elijah prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the earth produced its fruit. 19 My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, 20 he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

P S A L M

Psalm 141:1-2, 3, 8

R: Let my prayer come like incense before you.

1 O Lord, to you I call; hasten to me; hearken to my voice when I call upon you. 2 Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice. (R) 3 O Lord, set a watch before my mouth, a guard at the door of my lips. 8 For toward you, O God, my Lord, my eyes are turned; in you I take refuge; strip me not of life. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus wants us to become like little children in trusting God. The implicit and unconditional trust that children have for their parents is a beautiful witness of love. It is also a fragile reality that can be damaged by a harsh word or neglect. We need to relate with one another in a way that build each other up and so grow in the ways of Christ.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 10:13-16

13 People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” 16 Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

Daily Readings for May 20, 2016

1ST READING

 

Internal grumblings within a community, if unchecked, will lead to division. The nature of sin is to divide and conquer, and it often starts with something as small as a few complaints that are allowed to fester and grow into a big sore. James tells us to give them up and get on with doing what we are supposed to be doing. The challenge is to be faithful to what we are called to do.

 

James 5:9-12

9 Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. 10 Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 12 But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No,” that you may not incur condemnation.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12

R: The Lord is kind and merciful.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (R) 3 He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills. 4 He redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion. (R) 8 Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. 9 He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever. (R) 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

 

The family is the basic unit of society. It needs stability and strength as the foundation on which to raise children. This is why the institution of marriage needs to be protected for exclusivity and longevity. Without these, the family will lack unconditional love necessary for the healthy rearing of children. Parents have a responsibility to make their relationship work. If they do not work through their difficulties, they should wait until they are mature enough to commit before they enter into marriage and family.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

 

Mark 10:1-12

1 Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. 2 The Pharisees approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. 3 He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” 5 But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” 10 In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. 11 He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Daily Readings for May 19, 2016

1ST READING

 

Perhaps the wealthy should meditate on this text every morning when they wake up to remind them to incorporate works of mercy into their day. The responsibilities of wealth are enormous, just are those of any form of giftedness. All that we have is a gift from God — some innate, while others are fruits of our hard work. However, without God, none of them would be ours. This is why we must place all that we have in the service of the Kingdom of God.

 

James 5:1-6

1 Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. 2 Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, 3 your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire. You have stored up treasure for the last days. 4 Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 49:14-15, 15-16, 17-18, 19-20

R: Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

13 [14] This is the way of those whose trust is folly, the end of those contented with their lot: 14 [15] like sheep they are herded into the nether world; death is their shepherd, and the upright rule over them. (R) Quickly their form is consumed; the nether world is their palace. 15 [16] But God will redeem me from the power of the nether world by receiving me. (R) 16 [17] Fear not when a man grows rich, when the wealth of his house becomes great, 17 [18] for when he dies, he shall take none of it; his wealth shall not follow him down. (R) 18 [19] Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed, “They will praise you for doing well for yourself,” 19 [20] He shall join the circle of his forebears who shall never more see light. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

 

It is one thing to commit sin; it is far worse to lead others to sin. In other words, let us do everything to avoid being the cause of others’ sins. Jesus makes it clear in today’s Gospel that those who cause others, in particular the little ones of this world, to sin, would be better off drowning themselves in the lake. Being a good example to others is an important part of discipleship. Let us make sure we are attentive to this principle at all times.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.

 

Mark 9:41-50

41 Jesus said to his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. 42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. [44] 44 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. [46] 46 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, 48 where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. 49 “Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”

Daily Readings for May 18, 2016

1ST READING

 

 

My mother was a great advocate of this: If you do not have anything nice to say about someone, keep quiet. This is difficult to follow because we do exactly the opposite. Let us pray for the grace to be people who build others up, not tear them down. It is easy to tear a building down; it is much more difficult to build it. The same is true of relationships.

 

James 4:13-17

13 Beloved: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit. 14 You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. 15Instead you should say, “If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.” 16 But now you are boasting in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11

R: Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!

1 [2] Hear this, all you peoples; hearken, all who dwell in the world, 2 [3] of lowly birth or high degree, rich and poor alike. (R) 5 [6] Why should I fear in evil days when my wicked ensnarers ring me round? 6 [7] They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast. (R) 7 [8] Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God; 8 [9] too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough 9 [10] to remain alive always and not see destruction. (R) 10 [11] For he can see that wise men die, and likewise the senseless and the stupid pass away, leaving to others their wealth. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Unity is essential to the successful proclamation of the Gospel. Unless all Christian groups around the world work together, the final consummation of the Gospel will not be achieved. The only way we can be united is by focusing on the things and beliefs we have in common. If we focus on our differences, we will only widen the divisions that already exist.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

 

Mark 9:38-40

38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” 39 Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us.”