Daily Readings for June 30, 2016

1ST READING

Amos speaks the truth fearlessly and makes many enemies in Bethel. We need more Amoses in society today — men and women who will fearlessly go after corruption, destroy it, and replace it with just and holy living. This is the call of the Gospel. Let us be beacons of just living and righteousness for the world to see.

Amos 7:10-17

10 Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam, king of Israel: “Amos has conspired against you here within Israel; the country cannot endure all his words. 11 For this is what Amos says: Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land.” 12 To Amos, Amaziah said: “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” 14 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ 16 Now hear the word of the Lord!” You say: prophesy not against Israel, preach not against the house of Isaac. 17 Now thus says the Lord: your wife shall be made a harlot in the city, and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword; Your land shall be divided by measuring line, and you yourself shall die in an unclean land; Israel shall be exiled far from its land.

P S A L M

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R: The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

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 them just. (R) 10 [11] They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. (R)

GOSPEL

With what authority does Jesus minister? This is a pressing question for the Jewish authorities. Will they endorse Jesus’ ministry or declare Him as an impostor? His claim to be able to forgive sins is untestable. There is no way of proving that one has the authority to do this, particularly when it is believed that only God has such authority. Yet Jesus claims this authority and proves this by healing the paralytic man. 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 9: 1-8

1 After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. 2 And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” 3 At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? 5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” 7 He rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Daily Readings for June 29, 2016

Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles

1ST READING

After they were miraculously freed from their shackles, the Apostles continued to do what they were doing when they were arrested and put into prison.  You might think they would lay low for a while, but not the Apostles. They have been commissioned by Jesus and nothing is going to stop them from going about the business of the Kingdom of God.

Acts 12:1-11

1 In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, 3 and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. It was the feast of Unleavened Bread. 4 He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. He intended to bring him before the people after Passover. 5 Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the church was fervently being made to God on his behalf. 6 On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. 7 Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. 8 The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” 9 So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter recovered his senses and said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

P S A L M

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

R: The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

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

2ND READING

Paul is not going to be outdone by Peter. Paul is sure that his life, being poured out as a libation in the service of the Gospel, is not wasted. Indeed, it is the best way to live. Let us pray that our hearts and minds can throw off the shackles of the world so that we can be fully given to the values and reality of the Kingdom of God.

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

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

GOSPEL

Jesus makes Peter the head of the Apostles. Does this make Peter better than the rest? No. However, it gives him extraordinary power and responsibility in administering the work of the Church. Let us pray that our Church leaders do well the tasks given to them. Let us support our leaders in every way so they can faithfully proclaim the Gospel to the world.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 16:13-19

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

Daily Readings for June 28, 2016

1ST READING

Amos describes his marching orders from the Lord. He is a poor provincial boy who was called by God to go to the big city of Bethel to preach repentance to the elite of society. It is amazing that they do not throw him out of the city sooner. Perhaps it is because the truth he speaks pricks their consciences and causes them to ponder their ways. When it comes to sin and corruption, we need action. If people refuse to repent and change their ways, they are on the path to hell.

Amos 3:1-8; 4: 11-12

1 Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the Lord pronounces over you, over the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt: 2 You alone have I favored, more than all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your crimes. 3 Do two walk together unless they have agreed? 4 Does a lion roar in the forest when it has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from its den unless it has seized something? 5 Is a bird brought to earth by a snare when there is no lure for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground without catching anything? 6 If the trumpet sounds in a city, will the people not be frightened? If evil befalls a city, has not the Lord caused it? 7 Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants, the prophets. 8 The lion roars — who will not be afraid! The Lord God speaks — who will not prophesy! 4:11 I brought upon you such upheaval as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah: you were like a brand plucked from the fire; yet you returned not to me, says the Lord. 12 So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel! and since I will deal thus with you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel.

P S A L M

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

R: Lead me in your justice, Lord.

3 [4] At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you. 4 [5] For you, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with you; 5 [6] the arrogant may not stand in your sight. (R) You hate all evildoers; 6 [7] you destroy all who speak falsehood. The bloodthirsty and the deceitful the Lord abhors. (R) 7 [8] But I, because of your abundant mercy, will enter your house; I will worship at your holy temple in fear of you, O Lord. (R)

GOSPEL

The disciples are afraid; Jesus is not. The disciples are panicking; Jesus calms the winds and the seas. Our faith should bring us peace and calm the storms in our lives so that we can follow Jesus. If our lives are always stormy and chaotic, we will be unable to follow Him.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 8:23-27

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

Daily Readings for June 27, 2016

1ST READING

Amos prophesies against the corrupt business practices of the wealthy and elite in Jewish society. Things have not changed that much in the last 2,000 years because the same practices are still being done today. Sin is unchanging — it always targets the weaknesses of human and exploits them. We must take a stand against corruption, particularly when it is blatant and unapologetic.

Amos 2:6-10, 13-16

6 Thus says the Lord: For three crimes of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke my word; Because they sell the just man for silver, and the poor man for a pair of sandals. 7 They trample the heads of the weak into the dust of the earth, and force the lowly out of the way. Son and father go to the same prostitute, profaning my holy name. 8 Upon garments taken in pledge they recline beside any altar; And the wine of those who have been fined they drink in the house of their god. 9 Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorites before them, who were as tall as the cedars, and as strong as the oak trees. I destroyed their fruit above, and their roots beneath. 10 It was I who brought you up from the land of Egypt, and who led you through the desert for forty years, to occupy the land of the Amorites. 13 Beware I will crush you into the ground as a wagon crushes when laden with sheaves. 14 Flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong man shall not retain his strength; The warrior shall not save his life, 15 nor the bowman stand his ground; the swift of foot shall not escape, nor the horseman save his life. 16 And the most stouthearted of warriors shall flee naked on that day, says the Lord.

P S A L M

Psalm 50:16-17, 18-19, 20-21, 22-23

R: Remember this, you who never think of God.

16 “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, 17 though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” (R) 18 “When you see a thief, you keep pace with him, and with adulterers you throw in your lot. 19 To your mouth you give free rein for evil, you harness your tongue to deceit.” (R) 20 “You sit speaking against your brother; against your mother’s son you spread rumors. 21 When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself? I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.” (R) 22 “Consider this, you who forget God, lest I rend you and there be no one to rescue you. 23 He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (R)

GOSPEL

Discipleship is all about the decision to follow Jesus. The destination and path are no longer elements of discussion. A disciple is committed to go wherever the Master leads. It is like giving Jesus a blank check for our future. We do not look back. We don’t question His wisdom. We do not allow the concerns of the world to distract us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Matthew 8:18-22

18 When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. 19 A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” 21 Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

Daily Readings for June 26, 2016

1ST READING

Elijah anoints Elisha and turns over his ministry by placing a cloak over him as a sign of blessing. Elisha slaughters the oxen as a sign of his total commitment to his new way of life as a prophet. Are we as committed as Elisha to embrace God’s call to us?

1 Kings 19:16, 19-21
16 The Lord said to Elijah: “You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, as prophet to succeed you. 19 Elijah set out, and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. 20 Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother good-bye, and I will follow you.” Elijah answered, “Go back! Have I done anything to you?” 21 Elisha left him and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.


P S A L M

Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R: You are my inheritance, O Lord.

1 Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; 2 I say to the Lord, “My Lord are you. 5 O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.” (R) 7 I bless the Lord who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. 8 I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. (R) 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; 10because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. (R) 11 You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. (R)


2ND READING

We must use our freedom to love one another and to do whatever love demands of us. It is not easy to love because it is always focused on the needs of others and not on our own. How often have you put others first?

Galatians 5:1, 13-18
1 Brothers and sisters: For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. 13 For you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. 14 For2 the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. 16 I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.


GOSPEL

This is the turning point in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus sets His mind on what lies ahead of Him in Jerusalem. He knows that He will suffer there. How do you respond to the knowledge of inevitable suffering? Jesus embraces the fullness of the reality of suffering as He turns to Jerusalem. Let us have this steadfastness of Jesus in the face of our own difficulties.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening; you have the words of everlasting life.

Luke 9:51-62
51 When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, 52 and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, 53 but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” 55 Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56and they journeyed to another village. 57 As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” 59 And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” 60 But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” 62 To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Daily Readings for June 25, 2016

1ST READING

This book laments the sins of the people. We do not want to wallow in our sinfulness, but it is a healthy thing to acknowledge the gravity of sin for us to feel sorrow and to desire our transformation. This is what holiness is all about — getting rid of the bad and embracing all that is good that comes from God.

Lamentation 2:2, 10-14, 18-19

2 The Lord has consumed without pity all the dwellings of Jacob; He has torn down in his anger the fortresses of daughter Judah; He has brought to the ground in dishonor her king and her princes. 10 On the ground in silence sit the old men of daughter Zion; they strew dust on their heads and gird themselves with sackcloth; The maidens of Jerusalem bow their heads to the ground. 11 Worn out from weeping are my eyes, within me all is in ferment; my gall is poured out on the ground because of the downfall of the daughter of my people, as child and infant faint away in the open spaces of the town. 12 In vain they ask their mothers, “Where is the grain?” As they faint away like the wounded in the streets of the city, and breathe their last in their mothers’ arms. 13 To what can I liken or compare you, O daughter Jerusalem? What example can I show you for your comfort, virgin daughter Zion? For great as the sea is your downfall; who can heal you? 14 Your prophets had for you false and specious visions; they did not lay bare your guilt, to avert your fate; They beheld for you in vision false and misleading portents. 18 Cry out to the Lord; moan, O daughter Zion! Let your tears flow like a torrent day and night; let there be no respite for you, no repose for your eyes. 19 Rise up, shrill in the night, at the beginning of every watch; Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord; Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your little ones who faint from hunger at the corner of every street.

P S A L M 15

Psalm 74:1-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21

R: Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.

1 Why, O God, have you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? 2 Remember your flock which you built up of old, the tribe you redeemed as your inheritance, Mount Zion, where you took up your abode. (R) 3 Turn your steps toward the utter ruins; toward all the damage the enemy has done in the sanctuary. 4 Your foes roar triumphantly in your shrine; they have set up their tokens of victory. 5 They are like men coming up with axes to a clump of trees. (R) 6 With chisel and hammer they hack at all its paneling of the sanctuary. 7 They set your sanctuary on fire; the place where your name abides they have razed and profaned. (R) 20 Look to your covenant, for the hiding places in the land and the plains are full of violence. 21 May the humble not retire in confusion; may the afflicted and the poor praise your name. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus can heal a person from afar. This is because His Father in heaven gives Him full authority. We share in this authority because Jesus, in turn, has given it to us in baptism. If there is a lack of miracles in our community, then maybe we do not pray for them. We must exercise the authority God has given us for it to grow in effectiveness and power.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Matthew 8:5-17

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

Daily Readings for June 24, 2016

Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

1ST READING

 John the Baptist is sent to prepare the way for the coming of Christ. We are supposed to follow in his footsteps and introduce Christ to those whom we meet, particularly those who have never met or heard of Jesus. This is great responsibility and also a great privilege. We should not underestimate the joy we will gain from doing our part in bringing the Good News to others.

Isaiah 49:1-6

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

P S A L M

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

R: I praise you for I am wonderfully made.

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

2ND READING

The Scriptures present Jesus as belonging to the bloodline of King David. This weaves Him into human history in a tangible and indisputable way. Jesus is truly one of us — a human being, born of flesh and blood by Mary into the world but without any taint of sin. As one of us, Jesus redeems us from within our own life experiences and not just as an outsider who declares us free of our sins.

Acts 13:22-26

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

GOSPEL

John the Baptist, a miracle conception to a barren Elizabeth, a man who takes a name from outside his forebears’ usual names, is one like us — a human being but also one set apart for a particular and important ministry. We can see that his extraordinary beginnings mark him out as someone special within the plan of God for humanity. Let us not be afraid to acknowledge John. At the same time, let us never doubt that God can also use us in extraordinary ways for His Kingdom.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 1:57-66, 80

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

Daily Readings for June 23, 2016

1ST READING

The Book of Kings seems to be a litany of the faults of the kings. As we grow as disciples of Jesus, let us open our hearts to the transforming love of God which helps us to realize that true fulfillment is found in righteous and holy relationships.

2 Kings 24:8-17

8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta, daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. 9 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, just as his forebears had done. 10 At that time the officials of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, attacked Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. 11 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, himself arrived at the city while his servants were besieging it. 12 Then Jehoiachin, king of Judah, together with his mother, his ministers, officers, and functionaries, surrendered to the king of Babylon, who, in the eighth year of his reign, took him captive. 13 And he carried off all the treasures of the temple of the Lord and those of the palace, and broke up all the gold utensils that Solomon, king of Israel, had provided in the temple of the Lord, as the Lord had foretold. 14 He deported all Jerusalem: all the officers and men of the army, ten thousand in number, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None were left among the people of the land except the poor. 15 He deported Jehoiachin to Babylon, and also led captive from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother and wives, his functionaries, and the chief men of the land. 16 The king of Babylon also led captive to Babylon all seven thousand men of the army, and a thousand craftsmen and smiths, all of them trained soldiers. 17 In place of Jehoiachin, the king of Babylon appointed his uncle Mattaniah king, and changed his name to Zedekiah.

P S A L M

Psalm 79:1-2, 3-5, 8, 9

R: For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

1 O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. 2 They have given the corpses of your servants as food to the birds of heaven, the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the earth. (R) 3 They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury them. 4 We have become the reproach of our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us. 5 O Lord, how long? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire? (R) 8 Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low. (R) 9 Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name. Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake. (R)

GOSPEL

The Church needs men and women of action. Words are easy to say but the actions that back them up are more costly and more important to holiness. Not that everyone has to preach in the market square or minister to the sick and dying. Some might be called to a ministry of intercession. This is just as important because without prayer, the so-called “frontline ministries” will lack power.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 7:21-29

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

Daily Readings for June 22, 2016

1ST READING

Corruption seeps into every level of leadership. Once it is rooted in the structures, corruption becomes endemic and difficult to eliminate. We must never get involved in corruption but always be a part of the solution to it. Even when it is difficult, we should continue to stand for what is right and never give in to sin and corruption.

2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3

8 The high priest Hilkiah informed the scribe Shaphan, “I have found the book of the law in the temple of the Lord.” Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. 9 Then the scribe Shaphan went to the king and reported, “Your servants have smelted down the metals available in the temple and have consigned them to the master workmen in the temple of the Lord.” 10 The scribe Shaphan also informed the king that the priest Hilkiah had given him a book, and then read it aloud to the king. 11 When the king heard the contents of the book of the law, he tore his garments 12 and issued this command to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, son of Shaphan, Achbor, son of Micaiah, the scribe Shaphan, and the king’s servant Asaiah: 13 “Go, consult the Lord for me, for the people, for all Judah, about the stipulations of this book that has been found, for the anger of the Lord has been set furiously ablaze against us, because our fathers did not obey the stipulations of this book, nor fulfill our written obligations.” 23:1 The king then had all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem summoned together before him. 2 The king went up to the temple of the Lord with all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: priests, prophets, and all the people, small and great. He had the entire contents of the book of the covenant that had been found in the temple of the Lord, read out to them. 3 Standing by the column, the king made a covenant before the Lord that they would follow him and observe his ordinances, statutes and decrees with their whole hearts and souls, thus reviving the terms of the covenant which were written in this book. And all the people stood as participants in the covenant.

P S A L M

Psalm 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40

R: Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.

33 Instruct me, O Lord, in the way of your statutes, that I may exactly observe them. (R 34 Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart. (R) 35 Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight. (R) 36 Incline my heart to  your decrees and not to gain. (R) 37 Turn away my eyes from seeing what is vain: by your way give me life. (R) 40 Behold, I long for your precepts; n your justice give me life. (R)

GOSPEL

One way of discerning if someone is a false prophet is by the fruit that his life bears. Sometimes the fruit can be good, but Satan can imitate many of the things the Holy Spirit does except for humility. If there is a lack of humility in a person or ministry, then be warned.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.

Matthew 7:15-20

15 Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So by their fruits you will know them.”

Daily Readings for June 21, 2016

1ST READING

 

 

The kings displeased God because they often placed their trust in alliances with neighboring powers rather than in Him. This was foreseen by Nathan and Samuel and constantly raised as an issue time and time again by later prophets. Today we place our trust in science, economic theory and the power of money. These are false gods, too.

 

2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-35, 36

9 Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent envoys to Hezekiah with this message: 10 “Thus shall you say to Hezekiah, king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God on whom you rely deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria. 11 You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all other countries: they doomed them! Will you, then, be saved?’” 14 Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; then he went up to the temple of the Lord, and spreading it out before him, 15 he prayed in the Lord’s presence: “O Lord, God of Israel, enthroned upon the cherubim! You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made the heavens and the earth. 16 Incline your ear, O Lord, and listen! Open your eyes, O Lord, and see! Hear the words of Sennacherib which he sent to taunt the living God. 17 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, 18 and cast their gods into the fire; they destroyed them because they were not gods, but the work of human hands, wood and stone. 19 Therefore, O Lord, our God, save us from the power of this man, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God.” 20 Then Isaiah, son of Amoz, sent this message to Hezekiah: “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib, king of Assyria: I have listened! 21 This is the word the Lord has spoken concerning him: “ ‘She despises you, laughs you to scorn, the virgin daughter Zion! Behind you she wags her head, daughter Jerusalem. 31 For out of Jerusalem shall come a remnant, and from Mount Zion, survivors. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.’ 32 Therefore, thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not reach this city, nor shoot an arrow at it, nor come before it with a shield, nor cast up siege-works against it. 33 He shall return by the same way he came, without entering the city, says the Lord. 34 I will shield and save this city for my own sake, and for the sake of my servant David.’” 35 That night the angel of the Lord went forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. 36 So Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, broke camp,  and went back home to Nineveh.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 48:2-3, 3-4, 10-11

R: God upholds his city for ever.

1 [2] Great is the Lord and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, 2 [3] fairest of heights, is the joy of all the earth. (R) Mount Zion, “the recesses of the North,” is the city of the great King. 3 [4] God is with her castles; renowned is he as a stronghold. (R) 9 [10] O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple. 10 [11] As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Of justice your right hand is full. (R)

 

 

GOSPEL

 

This is an important teaching of Jesus: enter by the narrow gate. This tells us at least two things about the path to salvation. First, the way is not easy and it means eliminating the options that will lead us astray. Second, the idea of passing through a gate tells us that there will be situations in our lives when we will need to persevere. It is not enough to encounter them — you have to pass through them to get to the other side, just as you have to pass through a gate to get beyond the fence.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

 

Matthew 7:6, 12-14

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

Daily Readings for June 20, 2016

1ST READING

The Books of Kings have a distinctly anti-monarchical theme. The kings never seem to do anything right. The kings after Solomon were as corrupt as the leaders of the countries surrounding Israel. There were a couple of reforming kings but two in a period of 500 years is a poor number.

2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18

5 Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, occupied the whole land and attacked Samaria, which he besieged for three years. 6 In the ninth year of Hoshea, king of Israel, the king of Assyria took Samaria, and deported the children of Israel to Assyria, settling them in Halah, at the Habor, a river of Gozan, and the cities of the Medes. 7 This came about because the children of Israel sinned against the Lord, their God, who had brought them up from the land of Egypt, from under the domination of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and because they venerated other gods. 8 They followed the rites of the nations whom the Lord had cleared out of the way of the children of Israel and the kings of Israel whom they set up. 13 And though the Lord warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and seer, “Give up your evil ways and keep my commandments and statutes, in accordance with the entire law which I enjoined on your fathers and which I sent you by my servants the prophets,” 14 they did not listen, but were as stiff-necked as their fathers, who had not believed in the Lord, their God. 15 They rejected his statutes, the covenant which he had made with their fathers, and the warnings which he had given them, 18 till, in his great anger against Israel, the Lord put them away out of his sight. Only the tribe of Judah was left.

P S A L M

Psalm 60:3, 4-5, 12-13

R: Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.

1 [3] O God, you have rejected us and broken our defenses; you have been angry; rally us! (R) 2 [4] You have rocked the country and split it open; repair the cracks in it, for it is tottering. 3 [5] You have made your people feel hardships; you have given us stupefying wine. (R) 10 [12] Have not you, O God, rejected us, so that you go not forth, O God, with our armies? 11 [13] Give us aid against the foe, for worthless is the help of men. (R)

GOSPEL

When we judge others, it is likely that we are guilty of the same sin. No one stands in a position of righteousness. We are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. We should grow in holiness and the only judging that we do must come from the holiness of our lives. We do not need to judge at all even if our personal holiness is beyond question.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 7:1-5

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

Daily Readings for June 19, 2016

1ST READING

There are a number of messianic allusions in Zechariah’s prophecy. It is close to a description of the Passion of Jesus. In human history, there are people who will remind us of the selflessness of Christ. Let us be inspired and encouraged by them so that we may mirror Christ’s life and values to the world.

Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1

10 Thus says the Lord: I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and petition; and they shall look on him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for an only son, and they shall grieve over him as one grieves over a first-born. 11 On that day the mourning in Jerusalem shall be as great as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo. 13:1 On that day there shall be open to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness.

P S A L M

Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

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) 7 [8] You are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. 8 [9] My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me. (R)

2ND READING

The important words here are “through faith.” Salvation is not something we can earn — we receive it through faith in Christ. Through the seal of baptism, we belong to Christ. Jesus is our Master and Lord, albeit a good and merciful master.

Galatians 3:26-29

26 Brothers and sisters: Through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.

GOSPEL

Today’s Gospel challenges us to answer for ourselves who Christ is. Our answer will set us on a particular path for the rest of our lives if we are faithful to it. Acknowledging who Jesus is will mold our identity in the world where we live. Are you ready to answer this question?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

Luke 9:18-24

18 Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” 21 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” 23 Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

Daily Readings for June 18, 2016

1ST READING

The constant message of the prophets to the kings of Israel is summed up in one word — repentance. They constantly call for  transformation of lives so that the rulers will focus on the people and not the perpetuation of their wealth and power.

2 Chronicles 24:17-25

17 After the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and paid homage to King Joash, and the king then listened to them. 18 They forsook the temple of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols; and because of this crime of theirs, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem. 19 Although prophets were sent to them to convert them to the Lord, the people would not listen to their warnings. 20 Then the Spirit of God possessed Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest. He took his stand above the people and said to them: “God says, ‘Why are you transgressing the Lord’s commands, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned the Lord, he has abandoned you.’” 21 But they conspired against him, and at the king’s order they stoned him to death in the court of the Lord’s temple. 22 Thus King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown him by Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, and slew his son. And as Zechariah was dying, he said, “May the Lord see and avenge.” 23 At the turn of the year a force of Arameans came up against Joash. They invaded Judah and Jerusalem, did away with all the princes of the people, and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. 24 Though the Aramean force came with few men, the Lord surrendered a very large force into their power, because Judah had abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers. So punishment was meted out to Joash. 25 After the Arameans had departed from him, leaving him in grievous suffering, his servants conspired against him because of the murder of the son of Jehoiada the priest. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

P S A L M

Psalm 89:4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34

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] Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” (R) 28 [29] Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm. 29 [30] I will make his posterity endure forever and his throne as the days of heaven.” (R) 30 [31] “If his sons forsake my law and walk not according to my ordinances, 31 [32] If they violate my statutes and keep not my commands.” (R) 32 [33] “I will punish their crime with a rod and their guilt with stripes. 33 [34] Yet my mercy I will not take from him, nor will I belie my faithfulness.” (R)

GOSPEL

Trusting in the providence of God requires great faith. St. Francis of Assisi trusted God and it has transformed the Church’s spirituality. I remember a time in my formation when we were sent out in twos with nothing but a change of clothes. It was frightening at first — we wondered where we would sleep and what we would eat for the next 10 days. However, on returning home and sharing our stories with the other pairs, it turned out to be a great faith-strengthening experience.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 6:24-34

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