Daily Readings for September 30, 2016

Memorial of St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

1ST READING

Job’s meditations are profound but are tied up by a few simple principles. One of these is to trust in God, even if we do not fully understand what or why He is doing it. Job suffered greatly at the hands of Satan, yet he refused to curse God or his luck. He chose the path of patient suffering, trusting that God would vindicate him in the end.

Job 38:1, 12-21; 40: 3-5 (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

1 The Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said: 12 Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning and shown the dawn its place 13 for taking hold of the ends of the earth, till the wicked are shaken from its surface? 14 The earth is changed as is clay by the seal, and dyed as though it were a garment; 15 but from the wicked the light is withheld, and the arm of pride is shattered. 16 Have you entered into the sources of the sea, or walked about in the depths of the abyss? 17 Have the gates of death been shown to you, or have you seen the gates of darkness? 18 Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell me, if you know all: 19 which is the way to the dwelling place of light, and where is the abode of darkness, 20 that you may take them to their boundaries and set them on their homeward paths? 21 You know, because you were born before them, and the number of your years is great! 40:3 Then Job answered the Lord and said: 4 Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you? I put my hand over my mouth. 5 Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again; though twice, I will do so no more.

P S A L M

Psalm 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14

R: Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

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) 7 Where can I go from your spirit? From your presence where can I flee? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I sink to the nether world, you are present there. (R) 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall guide me, and your right hand hold me fast. (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)

GOSPEL

The Word of God is available to us in the Scriptures. Ignorance of Christ is an inexcusable sin. St. Jerome, whose feast we celebrate today, was a great lover and interpreter of the Word of God. His love for the Scriptures is unparalleled in the Church and he spent most of his life translating and commenting on them. Let us pray for a deeper love of the Word of God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 10:13-16 (or Matthew 13:47-52)

13 Jesus said to them, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’” 16 Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”

Daily Readings for September 29, 2016

Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

1ST READING

The existence of angels is difficult to understand. They are incorporeal — they have no bodies and are purely spiritual. They have also  definitively made their choice for or against God. They no longer act with pure freedom. A good angel, like the archangels we celebrate today, will never turn his back on us. Let us understand the role of the messengers of God who accompany us on our faith journey.

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 (or Revelation 12:7-12)

9 As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. 10 A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. 13 As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; when he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, 14 He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.

P S A L M

Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5

R: In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; 2 I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. (R) Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. 3 When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. (R) 4 All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O Lord, when  they hear the words of your mouth; 5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord: “Great is the glory of the Lord.” (R)

GOSPEL

Angels can be trusted to be true to whatever God commands them. We  should seek to be like them — trustworthy and holy messengers of the Good News. Let us pray that we will be faithful to our calling and in serving the Kingdom. Let us ask the help of the angels. May we entrust our lives to their care knowing that they will lead us to the right way to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.

John 1:47-51

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Daily Readings for September 28, 2016

1ST READING

The three friends of Job want him to curse God and turn away from his faith and trust in God. Job refuses to do this. He refuses even to question what God is doing. He acknowledges that God can do whatever He wants and we have no right to complain.

Job 9:1-12, 14-16

1 Job answered his friend and said: 2 I know well that it is so; but how can a man be justified before God? 3 Should one wish to contend with him, he could not answer him once in a thousand times. 4 God is wise in heart and mighty in strength; who has withstood him and remained unscathed? 5 He removes the mountains before they know it; he overturns them in his anger. 6 He shakes the earth out of its place, and the pillars beneath it tremble. 7 He commands the sun, and it rises not; he seals up the stars. 8 He alone stretches out the heavens and treads upon the crests of the sea. 9 He made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south; 10 he does great things past finding out, marvelous things beyond reckoning. 11 Should he come near me, I see him not; should he pass by, I am not aware of him; 12 should he seize me forcibly, who can say him nay? Who can say to him, “What are you doing?” 14 How much less shall I give him any answer, or choose out arguments against him! 15 Even though I were right, I could not answer him, but should rather beg for what was due me. 16 If I appealed to him and he answered my call, I could not believe that he would hearken to my words.

P S A L M

Psalm 88:10-11, 12-13, 14-15

R: Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

9 [10] Daily I call upon you, O Lord; to you I stretch out my hands. 10 [11] Will you work wonders for the dead? Will the shades arise to give you thanks? (R) 11 [12] Do they declare your mercy in the grave, your faithfulness among those who have perished? 12 [13] Are your wonders made known in the darkness, or your justice in the land of oblivion? (R) 13 [14] But I, O Lord, cry out to you; with my morning prayer I wait upon you. 14 [15] Why, O Lord, do you reject me; why hide from me your face? (R)

GOSPEL

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. This is the life of a disciple of Jesus. What are you going to do with your life? This is a decision that only you can make. People can give you suggestions. They can counsel you but only you can decide. When we follow Jesus there is no turning back. Once we have given ourselves in the service of the Gospel, we cannot change our minds. We simply move forward.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.

Luke 9:57-62

57 As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus 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 Jesus answered him, “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 September 27, 2016

1ST READING

Job experiences suffering and rues the day he was born. We can relate to his sentiment as it seems to point to a certain capriciousness at work in the universe, a capriciousness that does not acknowledge God as Lord of all. Even all the wisdom of the world is not able to shed light on this mystery.

Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23

1 Job opened his mouth and cursed his day. 2 Job spoke out and said: 3 Perish the day on which I was born, the night when they said, “The child is a boy!” 11 Why did I not perish at birth, come forth from the womb and expire? 12 [16] Or why was I not buried away like an untimely birth, like babes that have never seen the light? 13 [12] Wherefore did the knees receive me? Or why did I suck at the breasts? 14 [13] For then I should have lain down and been tranquil; had I slept, I should then have been at rest 15 [14] with kings and counselors of the earth who built where now there are ruins 16 [15] or with princes who had gold and filled their houses with silver. 17 There the wicked cease from troubling, there the weary are at rest. 20 Why is light given to the toilers, and life to the bitter in spirit? 21 They wait for death and it comes not; they search for it rather than for hidden treasures, 22 rejoice in it exultingly, and are glad when they reach the grave: 23 Those whose path is hidden from them, and whom God has hemmed in!

P S A L M

Psalm 88:2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8

R: Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

1 [2] O Lord, my God, by day I cry out; at night I clamor in your presence. 2 [3] Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my call for help. (R) 3 [4] For my soul is surfeited with troubles and my life draws near to the nether world. 4 [5] I am numbered with those who go down into the pit; I am a man without strength. (R) 5 [6] My couch is among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no longer and who are cut off from your care. (R) 6 [7] You have plunged me into the bottom of the pit, into the dark abyss. 7 [8] Upon me your wrath lies heavy, and with all your billows you overwhelm me. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus knows that He will die in Jerusalem. His journey to Jerusalem marks a turning point in the Gospel. He faces the full consequences of our sins and this will happen in the place where most of the other prophets were persecuted. How do we face the difficult moments of our lives? Do we turn and run? Or do we “gird our loins” and get on with it? A disciple will face persecution. He knows that the Gospel cannot be taken from them and that with it eternal life is assured.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 9:51-56

51 When the days for Jesus to be 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, 56 and they journeyed to another village.

Daily Readings for September 26, 2016

1ST READING

Satan challenges God about Job. Job has never faced suffering and difficulties. This book addresses the age-old question of the problem of evil — its nature and its origins. Through Job’s story, we realize that we cannot fully understand evil. The best we can do is to trust that everything is in God’s hands.

Job 1:6-22

6 One day, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan also came among them. 7 And the Lord said to Satan, “Whence do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming the earth and patrolling it.” 8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job, and that there is no one on earth like him, blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil?” 9 But Satan answered the Lord and said, “Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing? 10 Have you not surrounded him and his family and all that he has with your protection? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock are spread over the land. 11 But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has, and surely he will blaspheme you to your face.” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand upon his person.” So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. 13 And so one day, while his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the asses grazing beside them, 15 and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid. They put the herdsmen to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was yet speaking, another came and said, “Lightning has fallen from heaven and struck the sheep and their shepherds and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was yet speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three columns, seized the camels, carried them off, and put those tending them to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was yet speaking, another came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, 19 when suddenly a great wind came across the desert and smote the four corners of the house. It fell upon the young people and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 20 Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair. He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, 21 and said, “Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” 22 In all this Job did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.

P S A L M

Psalm 17:1, 2-3, 6-7

R: Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

1 Hear, O Lord, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. (R) 2 From you let my judgment come; your eyes behold what is right. 3 Though you test my heart, searching it in the night, though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me. (R) 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. 7 Show your wondrous mercies, O savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand. (R)

GOSPEL

The Kingdom of God is about obedience to God’s will and faith and trust in  Him. The image of a little child is a good example of the disposition of a person who wants to enter the Kingdom of God. Let us develop a faith that trusts in and acknowledges the mercy of God in all things.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 9:46-50

46 An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. 47 Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” 49 Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Daily Readings for September 25, 2016

1ST READING

 

Amos warns the people that the wealthy and powerful of their society will soon be exiled. They bring this upon themselves because of corruption, immorality and sin. The same is happening today. There are countries ruled by oligarchies. It is not enough to apologize for rampant corruption and plunder. Reparation must be made if the repentance is authentic, just as what Zacchaeus did.

Amos 6:1, 4-7

1 Thus says the Lord the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion! 4 Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall! 5 Improvising to the music of the harp, like David, they devise their own accompaniment. 6 They drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the best oils; yet they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph! 7 Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

R: Praise the Lord, my soul!

7 Blessed is he who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets captives free. (R) 8 The Lord gives sight to the blind; the Lord raises up those who were bowed down. The Lord loves the just; 9 the Lord protects strangers. (R) The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. 10 The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia. (R)

 

2ND READING

 

Paul reminds Timothy to hold the vision of eternal life before our eyes and mind to inspire us in making the difficult decisions of leading a community well. If we are worried about the opinion of others, we will compromise the truth. If we worry about living a comfortable life, we will be in danger of compromising our beliefs. If we seek the Kingdom of God, we will never stray far from the right path.

 

1 Timothy 6:11-16

11 But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. 12 Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession, 14 to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ 15 that the blessed and only ruler will make manifest at the proper time, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

 

GOSPEL

 

Always live out the Gospel in the things that you do. This rich man failed to see the chance to help the poor at his doorstep. His callousness comes back to haunt him as he misses the opportunity for eternal life. We never know when the next opportunity to serve someone will come. So take the ones you get and obey God’s will. This is the only path to heaven — the narrow gate of righteous living.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

 

Luke 16:19-31

19 Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. 20 And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. 22 When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ 25 Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. 26 Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ 27 He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ 30 He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’”

Daily Readings for September 24, 2016

1ST READING

Our youth is a time when we prepare for the rest of our lives. For most of us, the youthful years fade away and we lament the “what ifs” and regrets. Let us not waste our time on foolish pleasures and lay a foundation that will enable us to build our lives well.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8

9 Rejoice, O young man, while you are young and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart, the vision of your eyes; yet understand that as regards all this God will bring you to judgment. 10 Ward off grief from your heart and put away trouble from your presence, though the dawn of youth is fleeting. 12:1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years approach of which you will say, I have no pleasure in them; 2 Before the sun is darkened. and the light, and the moon, and the stars, while the clouds return after the rain; 3 when the guardians of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders are idle because they are few, and they who look through the windows grow blind; 4 when the doors to the street are shut, and the sound of the mill is low; when one waits for the chirp of a bird, but all the daughters of song are suppressed; 5 and one fears heights, and perils in the street; when the almond tree blooms, and the locust grows sluggish and the caper berry is without effect, because man goes to his lasting home, and mourners go about the streets; 6 Before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is broken, and the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the broken pulley falls into the well, 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life breath returns to God who gave it. 8 Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, all things are vanity!

P S A L M

Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17

R: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

3 You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. (R) 5 You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, 6 which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. (R) 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. 13 Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! (R) 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy 8 and gladness all our days. 17 And may the gracious care of the Lordour God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus speaks once again about His death. He does this a number of timesin the hope that the disciples will understand when it finally comes to pass. But it is difficult for the disciples to understand the fact that Jesus would die and rise again for the forgiveness of sins.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 9:43-45

43 While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, 44 “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Daily Readings for September 23, 2016

Memorial of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

1ST READING

When we are in a rush, we miss the important sign that points us in a different direction. Today we are reminded that there is a time for all things. It may not be now, but there is a time for all good things. Let us be patient and trust that, as we walk with Jesus, He will reveal to us what we need to know at the proper time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

1 There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every things under the heavens. 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. 6 A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 9 What advantage has the worker from his toil? 10 I have considered the task that God has appointed for the sons of men to be busied about. 11 He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without man’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.

P S A L M

Psalm 144:1, 2, 3-4

R: Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

1 Blessed be the Lord, my rock, 2 my mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield, in whom I trust. (R)  Lord, what is man, that you notice him; the son of man, that you take thought of him? 4 Man is like a breath; his days, like a passing shadow. (R)

GOSPEL

Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah. Then Jesus asks the disciples to keep quiet about it in the meantime. He takes the opportunity to reveal to them why He must suffer and die for their sins. The disciples found this impossible to accept. Nothing could have prepared them for such a radical ending to the ministry of Jesus. However, Jesus also tells them that He will be raised from the dead.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 9:18-22

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.”

Daily Readings for September 22, 2016

1ST READING

We spend a lot of time and effort on things that do not really matter. The problem is we neglect the things that do matter. We must discern our choices well so that we do not waste our time, energy and resources doing useless things.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11

2 Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! 3 What profit has man from all the labor which he toils at under the sun? 4 One generation passes and another comes, but the world forever stays. 5 The sun rises and the sun goes down; then it presses on to the place where it rises. 6 Blowing now toward the south, then toward the north, the wind turns again and again, resuming its rounds. 7 All rivers go to the sea, yet never does the sea become full. To the place where they go, the rivers keep on going. 8 All speech is labored; there is nothing one can say. The eye is not satisfied with seeing nor is the ear filled with hearing. 9 What has been, that will be; what has been done, that will be done. Nothing is new under the sun. 10 Even the thing of which we say, “See, this is new!” has already existed in the ages that preced ed us. 11 There is no remembrance of the men of old; nor of those to come will there be any remembrance among those who come after them.

P S A L M

Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17

R: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

3 You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. (R) 5 You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, 6 which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. (R) 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. 13 Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! (R) 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 17 Prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! (R)

GOSPEL

The preaching of Jesus is effective, and news has reached Herod who is troubled by it. It reminded Herod about John the Baptist. However, there is something in it that is difficult to pin down. This was my experience of the Gospel in action when I joined a parish youth group more than 30 years ago. There was something there that was different. It turned out to be the lived proclamation of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 9:7-9

7 Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; 8 others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” 9 But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

Daily Readings for September 21, 2016

Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist

1ST READING

  

At the heart of Christianity is an inherent sense of honor. This is based on faithfulness to the Gospel and we are hypocrites if we fail to live out discipleship in our lives. There is no gain in proclaiming the Gospel and not living it out. St. Matthew provides us with an account of Jesus’ life that helps us to know what it means to be a follower of Jesus. May we meditate on it and form our minds in the ways of God.

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

1 Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, 3 striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: 4 one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 11 And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.

P S A L M

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: Their message goes out through all the earth.

1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus chose Matthew from among one of the most despised groups in the society of his day — the tax collectors. They betrayed the Jewish people as they cooperated with the Romans. What is Jesus doing? He is telling us that no one is excluded from the offer of salvation. We should evangelize those who most need the call to conversion.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

Matthew 9:9-13

9 As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 10 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. 11 The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. 13 Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Daily Readings for September 20, 2016

1ST READING

Haughtiness and pride will never be good servants. They are aspects of our temperament that need to be controlled, or they can wreak havoc in our relationships. We are exhorted to listen to the cry of the poor. We should treat others how we want to be treated, with a particular concern for the less fortunate.

Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13

1 Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the Lord; wherever it pleases him, he directs it. 2 All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the Lord who proves hearts. 3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart — the tillage of the wicked is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty. 6 Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares. 10 The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes. 11 When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. 12 The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin. 13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.

P S A L M

Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44

R: Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

1 Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. (R) 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds. (R) 30 The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me. (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) 44 And I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus is more interested in our response to the Gospel than our family background. The Gospel is for all men and women, regardless of our ancestry. The Gospel cuts across the boundaries of race and nation. This means that we should not discriminate about who we witness to — we simply proclaim the Gospel every chance we get.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

Luke 8:19-21

19 The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. 20 He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” 21 He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

Daily Readings for September 19, 2016

1ST READING

  

We should always be ready to do what is right. We should never hold back what is due to those in need. These are exhortations about right living in the court of a king. The Book of Proverbs is a collection of sayings on how to live successfully in the court of a king.

Proverbs 3:27-34

28 [27] Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him. 29 [28] Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once. 30 [29] Plot no evil against your neighbor, against one who lives at peace with you. 31 [30] Quarrel not with a man without cause, with one who has done you no harm. 32 [31] Envy not the lawless man and choose none of his ways: 33 [32] To the Lord the perverse one is an abomination, but with the upright is his friendship. 34 [33] The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but the dwelling of the just he blesses; 35 [34] when dealing with the arrogant, he is stern, but to the humble he shows kindness.

P S A L M

Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 5

R: The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

2 He who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart 3 and slanders not with his tongue. (R) Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; 4 by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the Lord. (R) 5 Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be disturbed. (R)

GOSPEL

We should be proud of everything we receive from God, especially the gift of salvation. The world may mock us but the future is bright for us who have submitted our lives to the Gospel. Jesus wants us to be fearless in sharing the Gospel with others. It is His responsibility to bring the promise of the Gospel to fruition. We merely have to proclaim it and let the Holy Spirit take over.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Luke 8:16-18

16 Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

Daily Readings for September 18, 2016

1ST READING

Since the olden days, the rich have been taking advantage of the poor, and it is no different today. This is indefensible. The same is true of systemic tax evasion. We have a responsibility to pay the right taxes for the common good of society. If politicians steal money through their corrupt practices, then let them be accountable to God. This is the nature of the call to holiness — making the hard decisions but the right ones. Let us not allow temptation to get the better of us.

Amos 8:4-7

4 Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land! 5“When will the new moon be over,” you ask, “that we may sell our grain, and the sabbath, that we may display the wheat? We will diminish the ephah, add to the shekel, and fix our scales for cheating! 6 We will buy the lowly for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals; even the refuse of the wheat we will sell!” 7 The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Never will I forget a thing they have done!

P S A L M

Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8

R: Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.

1 Praise, you servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. (R) 4 High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens is his glory. 5 Who is like the Lord, our God, who is enthroned on high 6 and looks upon the heavens and the earth below? (R) 7 He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor 8 to seat them with princes, with the princes of his own people. (R)

2ND READING

Accepting Jesus as our Savior and Lord is the most important thing we need to do. Living this truth as a witness to the Gospel is the second. Paul exhorts Timothy to stand as a living testimony to the power of the Gospel to transform lives. They both experienced this and now it is their duty to give witness to it.

1 Timothy 2:1-8

1 Beloved: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, 2 for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. 3 This is good and pleasing to God our savior, 4 who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as ransom for all. This was the testimony at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed preacher and apostle — I am speaking the truth, I am not lying — teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.

GOSPEL

In a relationship, trust can grow or can be destroyed by betrayal. Today’s parable ends with the affirmation that God’s trust in us grows when we are faithful in using the gifts and talents He has given us. If we cannot be faithful in small matters, then we will find it hard to be faithful in big ones.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 16:1-13

1 Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. 2 He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ 3 The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ 5 He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ 7 Then to another the steward said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred kors of wheat.’ The steward said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ 8 And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. 9 I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 10 The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. 11 If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? 12 If you are not trustworthy with what  belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? 13 No servant 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.”

Daily Readings for September 17, 2016

1ST READING

In the resurrection, God will give us a new and imperishable body. We will be united with God in all His glory. Paul wants the Corinthians to stop arguing about things that do not matter and get on with the proclamation of the Gospel. What matters is that the Good News of Salvation reaches the ends of the earth.

1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49

35 Brothers and sisters: Someone may say, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come back?” 36 You fool! What you sow is not brought to life unless it dies. 37 And what you sow is not the body that is to be but a bare kernel of wheat, perhaps, or of some other kind. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible. 43 It is sown dishonorable; it is raised glorious. It is sown weak; it is raised powerful. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one. 45 So, too, it is written, The first man, Adam, became a living being, the last Adam a life-giving spirit. 46 But the spiritual was not first; rather the natural and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, earthly; the second man, from heaven. 48 As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly, and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.

P S A L M

Psalm 56:10-12, 13-14

R: I will walk in the presence of God, in the light of the living.

9 [10] Now I know that God is with me. 10 [11] In God, in whose promise I glory, 11 [12] in God I trust without fear; what can flesh do against me? (R) 12 [13] I am bound, O God, by vows to you; your thank offerings I will fulfill. 13 [14] For you have rescued me from death, my feet, too, from stumbling; that I may walk before God in the light of the living. (R)

GOSPEL

Just as there are many varieties of land in the world, there are many different “soils” in people’s lives where the Word of God has been planted. Some people bear no fruit for the Kingdom of God. Others bear a little while others bear a lot of fruit. Are we good soil in which the Word of God can be planted and nurtured?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Luke 8:4-15

4 When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. 6 Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. 7 Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8 And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” 9 Then his disciples asked him what the meaning of this parable might be. 10 He answered, “Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand. 11 This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. 12 Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation. 14 As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit. 15 But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.”

Daily Readings for September 16, 2016

1ST READING

The Gospel draws its power from the resurrection of Jesus. His death on the cross brings forgiveness of sins but it is through His resurrection that new life springs forth. Jesus’ victory over death affirms the complete Lordship of Jesus over life.

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

12 Brothers and sisters: If Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then empty too is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. 15 Then we are also false witnesses to God, because we testified against God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised, 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

P S A L M

Psalm 17:1, 6-7, 8, 15

R: Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

1 Hear, O Lord, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. (R) 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. 7 Show your wondrous mercies, O savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand. (R) 8 Hide me in the shadow of your wings, 15 But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking, I shall be content in your presence. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus travels and brings His ministry to many places. It is impossible for one person to bring the Good News to everyone. This is why we need to work together as a community — as a Church — to bring the Gospel to all men and women. We need each other’s support. We also need to share the gifts we have been given and present the Gospel as creatively as we can.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 8:1-3

1 Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve 2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.