Daily Readings for November 30, 2016

Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle

1ST READING

Confession of our faith is not only about knowing and understanding the truths of the creed. It also means being ready to share the Good News of salvation, particularly to those who have never heard the Gospel. We should be prepared to share how God has touched our lives. This is part of having an active faith in Jesus our Savior and Lord.

Romans 10:9-18

9 Brothers and sisters: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11 The scripture says, No one who believes in him will be put to shame. 12 There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 14 But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? 15 And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news! 16 But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us? 17 Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. 18 But I ask, did they not hear? Certainly they did; for Their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

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

Jesus has a plan for each of us. In the Gospel, we read about how Jesus chose His disciples and what this meant for them. The world is very different today, so following Jesus takes on many different shapes and forms. The bottomline of the calling is always the choice to follow. We will not grow in our faith without choosing to follow Jesus and committing to His call.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 4:18-22

18 As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. 19 He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

Daily Readings for November 29, 2016

1ST READING

We receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of confirmation. During confirmation, we affirm our baptismal promises in a sacramental setting and place our lives under the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. Is this the deepest desire of your heart? If not, then pray that this desire grows deeper each day.

Isaiah 11:1-10

1 On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. 2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, 3 and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, 4 but he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. 5 Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. 6 Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. 7 The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. 8 The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. 9 There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord, as water covers the sea. 10 On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.

P S A L M

Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

R: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.

1 O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; 2 He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. (R) 7 Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. 8 May he rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. (R) 12 He shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. 13 He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. (R) 17 May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness. (R)

GOSPEL

We will be persecuted for our faith. The persecution may not be overt but can be one that affects our subconscious, such as doing something sinful to please our friends. This subtle undermining of our friendship is dangerous and can ruin relationships. We must be alert to the tactics of the devil and fight temptation.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.

Luke 10:21-24

21 Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” 23 Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

Daily Readings for November 28, 2016

1ST READING

When we repent of our sins, God promises that He will cleanse us. We need to ask His forgiveness before He gives us the fullness of His blessings. God and sin cannot mix. We need to be purified of our sins and be reconciled with Him before we can receive the gift of eternal life.

Isaiah 4:2-6

2 On that day, the branch of the Lord will be luster and glory, and the fruit of the earth will be honor and splendor for the survivors of Israel. 3 He who remains in Zion and he who is left in Jerusalem will be called holy: every one marked down for life in Jerusalem. 4 When the Lord washes away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purges Jerusalem’s blood from her midst with a blast of searing judgment, 5 then will the Lord create, over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her place of assembly, a smoking cloud by day and a light of flaming fire by night. 6 For over all, the Lord’s glory will be shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain.

P S A L M

Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

1 I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the Lord.” 2 And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. (R) 3 Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. 4 To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. (R) According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. (R) 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May those who love you prosper! 7 May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your buildings. (R) 8 Because of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you!” 9 Because of the house of the Lord, our God, I will pray for your good. (R)

GOSPEL

The Holy Spirit teaches us about the true authority of God’s Word. Whatever God says is true. He will accomplish His promises. Whatever God teaches us will be for our benefit and our growth as disciples. We need to trust His Word and become the disciples He calls us to be.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Come and save us, Lord our God; let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

Matthew 8:5-11

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.”

Daily Readings for November 27, 2016

First Sunday of Advent

1ST READING

Faith is a journey with the Lord. In our journey we will encounter obstacles and difficulties. There will be moments when we will go downhill. It is part of following Jesus. Are we growing in our faith or not? If there is growth, then we must be doing something right.

Isaiah 2:1-5

1 This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 In days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; 3 many peoples shall come and say: “Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. 5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

P S A L M

Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

1 I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the Lord.” 2 And now we have set foot within your gates, O  Jerusalem. (R) 3 Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. 4 To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. (R) According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. (R) 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May those who love you prosper! 7 May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your buildings. (R) 8 Because of my brothers and friends I will say, “Peace be within you!” 9 Because of the house of the Lord, our God, I will pray for your good. (R)

2ND READING

For Paul, the community has no excuse for being ignorant about the demands of their faith. He tells them to wake up and take responsibility for their growth as Christians. There comes a time in our faith journey when we will no longer be spoon-fed. We are responsible for our growth.

Romans 13:11-14

11 Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

GOSPEL

We live in the midst of the world. Matthew gives here a very comprehensive description of economics at work in the world, including the ideas of work, consumption, trade or exchange and interpersonal relationships. Our lives are made up of different proportions of these actions. But above all these is the call to holiness. God calls us to holiness and we need to see all our other activities in relation to this call.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Show us, Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation.

Matthew 24:37-44

37 Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. 39 They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 43 Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. 44 So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Daily Readings for November 26, 2016

1ST READING

God surpasses all our expectations. He is generous with His grace and blessings. He elevates the level of His promises than simply keeping them as spoken.

Revelation 22:1-7

1 John said: An angel showed me the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the street. On either side of the river grew the tree of life that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month; the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations. 3 Nothing accursed will be found anymore. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. 6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits, sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.” 7 “Behold, I am coming soon.” Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.

P S A L M

Psalm 95:1-2, 3-5, 6-7

R: Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

1 Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to him. (R) 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great king above all gods; 4 in his hands are the depths of the earth, and the tops of the mountains are his. 5 His is the sea, for he has made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed. (R) 6 Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us. 7 For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus reminds us to be alert about the grace that He freely gives us, and the wiles and schemes of the evil one. It is our choice to keep the enemy at a distance. It is also our choice to remain close to God. He will not abandon us, no matter how sinful we may be. The devil will pursue us so we have to be wary of him and fight him.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

Luke 21:34-36

34 Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise 35 like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. 36 Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Daily Readings for November 25, 2016

1ST READING

Most of the Fathers of the Church wrote about the New Jerusalem. They probably wanted to describe eternal life, our source of hope, especially in times of struggle. The Book of Revelation is a source of hope and inspiration for those being persecuted for their Christian faith.

Revelation 20:1-4, 11 – 21:2

1 I, John, saw an angel come down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a heavy chain. 2 He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent, which is the Devil or Satan, and tied it up for a thousand years 3 and threw it into the abyss, which he locked over it and sealed, so that it could no longer lead the nations astray until the thousand years are completed. After this, it is to be released for a short time. 4 Then I saw thrones; those who sat on them were entrusted with judgment. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshipped the beast or its image nor had accepted its mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 11 Next I saw a large white throne and the one who was sitting on it. The earth and the sky fled from his presence and there was no place for them. 12 I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, by what was written in the scrolls. 13 The sea gave up its dead; then Death and Hades gave up their dead. All the dead were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire. (This pool of fire is the second death.) 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire. 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

P S A L M

Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6, 8

R: Here God lives among his people.

2 [3] My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (R) 3 [4] Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young — your altars, O Lord of hosts, my king and my God! (R) 4 [5]Blessed they who dwell in your house! Continually they praise you. 5 [6] Blessed the men whose strength you are! 7 [8] They go from strength to strength. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus promises us that His Word will never pass away. If we hold on to His promises, we will never be disappointed. Jesus will not let us down if we remain faithful to His calling. The lives of the saints are testimonies to the faithfulness of God. Let us get to know them so that our faith will be strengthened by their example.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

Luke 21:29-33

29 Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. 30 When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; 31 in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. 32 Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Daily Readings for November 24, 2016

1ST READING

Armageddon will come. In a sense, it has already arrived. Our birth is a sign that our final battle has begun. We are in a life-and-death struggle with sin for our eternal salvation. But the evil one has a way of persevering even when defeated. We must overcome our fears and temptations.

Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9

1 I, John, saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth became illumined by his splendor. 2 He cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great. She has become a haunt for demons. She is a cage for every unclean spirit, a cage for every unclean bird, a cage for every unclean and disgusting beast. 21 A mighty angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone and threw it into the sea and said: “With such force will Babylon the great city be thrown down, and will never be found again. 22 No melodies of harpists and musicians, flutists and trumpeters, will ever be heard in you again. No craftsmen in any trade will ever be found in you again. No sound of the millstone will ever be heard in you again. 23 No light from a lamp will ever be seen in you again. No voices of bride and groom will ever be heard in you again. Because your merchants were the great ones of the world, all nations were led astray by your magic potion.” 19:1 After this I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying: “Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God, 2 for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her harlotry. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3 They said a second time: “Alleluia! Smoke will rise from her forever and ever.” 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”

P S A L M

Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 4, 5

R: Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

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

GOSPEL 

We will experience being surrounded by the enemy. Temptation is around us, and the holier we grow, the more the devil will cause us to fall. We must open our hearts and mind to the truth, and believe the promises God has made to us. This will help us endure to the end. Jesus taught us that when we focus on God’s will, His strength will sustain us and the Father will vindicate us. That is good enough for me.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

Luke 21:20-28

20 Jesus said to his disciples: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, 22 for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled. 23 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

Daily Readings for November 23, 2016

1ST READING

We can never have enough of the glory of the Lord because we are reminded about who we are and keep us humble. Only the humble will be able to surrender everything to the grace of salvation. The proud and resistant of heart will never see God because they do not want to admit that they need Him to save them.

Revelation 15:1-4

1 I, John, saw in heaven another sign, great and awe-inspiring: seven angels with the seven last plagues, for through them God’s fury is accomplished. 2 Then I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire. On the sea of glass were standing those who had won the victory over the beast and its image and the number that signified its name. They were holding God’s harps, 3 and they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty. Just and true are your ways, O king of the nations. 4 Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

P S A L M

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 7-8, 9

R: Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) 7 Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy. (R) 9 Before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity. (R)

GOSPEL

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Columban, one of the Irish saints who evangelized Europe after the Dark Ages under the barbarian tribes. These men and women traveled the length and breadth of Europe establishing monasteries that would later become places of learning, and eventually the universities we know today. We should thank St. Columban for keeping the values of Western society alive. He and the other saints are the foundation upon which Europe rebuilt itself.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Luke 21:12-19

12 Jesus said to the crowd: “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. 13 It will lead to your giving testimony. 14 Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, 15 for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. 16 You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name, 18 but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. 19 By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Daily Readings for November 22, 2016

1ST READING

Judgment Day will be an awful experience for those who will not be saved. Jesus offers everyone the gift of salvation. Should a person refuse that gift, then it is his choice and not because God has judged him unworthy. We pass judgment on ourselves by the choices we make. Let us grow in holiness and discern what it is that God wants us to do.

Revelation 14:14-19

14 I, John, looked and there was a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud one who looked like a son of man, with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 Another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud, “Use your sickle and reap the harvest, for the time to reap has come, because the earth’s harvest is fully ripe.” 16 So the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. 17 Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven who also had a sharp sickle. 18 Then another angel came from the altar, who was in charge of the fire, and cried out in a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Use your sharp sickle and cut the clusters from the earth’s vines, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and cut the earth’s vintage. He threw it into the great wine press of God’s fury.

P S A L M

Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13

R: The Lord comes to judge the earth.

10 Say among the nations: The Lord is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity. (R) 11 Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; 12 let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult. (R) 13 Before the Lord, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. (R)

GOSPEL

According to the Church, the end times began when Jesus proclaimed the Gospel. There are many Christians who look for the signs of Jesus’ second coming and they miss to respond to the call of holiness and discipleship. These must remain our priorities because no one knows when He will come again except the Father.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.   

Luke 21:5-11

5 While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, 6 “All that you see here — the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” 7 Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” 8 He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! 9 When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

Daily Readings for November 21, 2016

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1ST READING

The “Lamb of God” gives us life and we follow Him wherever He goes. This is what discipleship is all about — discovering the path to eternal life, ensuring that we stay on it. Let us set our eyes on the path that leads to the person of Jesus. Let us become His disciple in both word and deed.

Revelation 14:1-3, 4-5 (or Zechariah 2:14-17)

1 I, John, looked and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 I heard a sound from heaven like the sound of rushing water or a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. 3 They were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne, before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn this hymn except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been ransomed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been ransomed as the first fruits of the human race for God and the Lamb. 5 On their lips no deceit has been found; they are unblemished.

P S A L M

Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 (or Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55)

R: Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

1 The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. 2 For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (R) 3 Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. (R) 5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior. 6 Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (R)

GOSPEL

To be generous means to do beyond what is expected. What is God asking from us? Time, talent and treasure? Respond to His call. The Holy Spirit will stretch us even in our giving. This is what being generous is all about.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.

Luke 21:1-4 (or Matthew 12:46-50)

1 When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury 2 and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. 3 He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; 4 for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

Daily Readings for November 20, 2016

Solemnity of Christ the King

1ST READING

The tribes of Israel go to David and tell him that they want him as their king. He has demonstrated incredible leadership in the military but how will he fare in governance roles? David will show that he is skilled in both military and civilian leadership. He is willing to learn and his humility is one of his strong points. He will sin grievously but will repent and reform as his conscience prods him.

2 Samuel 5:1-3

1 In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said: “Here we are, your bone and your flesh. 2 In days past, when Saul was our king, it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.’” 3 When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron, King David made an agreement with them there before the Lord, and they anointed him king of Israel.

P S A L M

Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5

R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

1 I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the Lord.” 2 And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. (R) 3 Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. 4 To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. (R) According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. (R)

2nd READING

Jesus is preeminent in all things. We should give Him the highest priority and decide what we focus on. Work and family will have to be a priority but we should not lose sight of the Gospel in our everyday life. We need to live and proclaim it in order to grow in our faith.

Colossians 1:12-20

12 Brothers and sisters: Let us give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. 13 He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile all things for him,  making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

GOSPEL

Christ as King of our lives and all creation is a good point for reflection as we strive to become more like Him. Have we grown in our faith? If not, then it is time to reflect on our priorities and see what we need to do in order to rectify this situation.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!

Luke 23:35-43

35 The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” 36 Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine 37 they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” 39 Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” 40 The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? 41 And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Daily Readings for November 19, 2016

1ST READING

Olive trees and lampstands are probably symbols of the Scriptures and the Church, as both will endure all things. The Gospel is indestructible and will endure for generations to come.

Revelation 11:4-12

4 I, John, heard a voice from heaven speak to me: Here are my two witnesses: These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 If anyone wants to harm them, fire comes out of their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone wanting to harm them is sure to be slain. 6 They have the power to close up the sky so that no rain can fall during the time of their prophesying. They also have power to turn water into blood and to afflict the earth with any plague as often as they wish. 7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the abyss will wage war against them and conquer them and kill them. 8 Their corpses will lie in the main street of the great city, which has the symbolic names “Sodom” and “Egypt,” where indeed their Lord was crucified. 9 Those from every people, tribe, tongue, and nation will gaze on their corpses for three and a half days, and they will not allow their corpses to be buried. 10 The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and be glad and exchange gifts because these two prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth. 11 But after the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them. When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, “Come up here.” So they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on.

P S A L M

Psalm 144:1, 2, 9-10

R: Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

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

GOSPEL

The state of a resurrected person is not the same as his earthly one. It is wrong to think that our resurrected lives will be the same when we were still sinners. We cannot tell God how heaven is going to be. Let us be open to whatever He has planned for us in eternity.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 20:27-40

27 Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, 28 saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. 30 Then the second 31 and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” 34 Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; 35 but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. 37 That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called ‘Lord’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; 38 and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” 39 Some of the scribes said in reply, “Teacher, you have answered well.” 40 And they no longer dared to ask him anything.

Daily Readings for November 18, 2016

Dedication of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

1ST READING

Today’s new feast balances the feasts of two other great basilicas of Rome, Mary Major and John Lateran. Peter and Paul are venerated as founders of the Church in Rome but it is evident from Paul’s letters that there was a community of Christians in Rome before he ever visited.

Acts 28:11-16, 30-31 (or Revelation 10:8-11)

11 After three months we set sail on a ship that had wintered at the island [of Malta]. It was an Alexandrian ship with the Dioscuri as its figurehead. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days, 13 and from there we sailed round the coast and arrived at Rhegium. After a day, a south wind came up and in two days we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and were urged to stay with them for seven days. And thus we came to Rome. 15 The brothers from there heard about us and came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul gave thanks to God and took courage. 16 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 30 He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, 31 and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

P S A L M

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 (or Psalm 119:14, 24,72,103, 111

R: The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (R)

GOSPEL

Peter is the leader of the Apostles and it is only right that Rome honors St. Peter’s Basilica among all Christian churches. Leadership is a service to be rendered and not a power to be exercised. This truth is important for us leaders, as it will protect us from many mistakes. Let us pray for all leaders in the Church that they will prioritize service for God and His people.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 14:22-33 (or Luke 19:45-48)

22 After the crowd had eaten their fill, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. 25 During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. 27 At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 After they got into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

Daily Readings for November 17, 2016

1ST READING

Who is worthy to open the scroll and read it? Only Jesus is worthy. Apart from being sinless, He has been perfectly obedient to His Father’s will. Where we rebel against His will in the Garden of Eden, Jesus submits His will to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Revelation 5:1-10

1 I, John, saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who sat on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. 2 Then I saw a mighty angel who proclaimed in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to examine it. 4 I shed many tears because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to examine it. 5 One of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. The lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed, enabling him to open the scroll with its seven seals.” 6 Then I saw standing in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures and the elders, a Lamb that seemed to have been slain. He had seven horns and seven eyes; these are the seven spirits of God sent out into the whole world. 7 He came and received the scroll from the right hand of the one who sat on the throne. 8 When he took it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones. 9 They sang a new hymn: “Worthy are you to receive the scroll and to break open its seals, for you were slain and with your Blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation. 10 You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth.”

P S A L M

Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9

R: The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful. 2 Let Israel be glad in their maker, let the children of Zion rejoice in their king. (R) 3 Let them praise his name in the festive dance, let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. 4 For the Lord loves his people, and he adorns the lowly with victory. (R) 5 Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches; 6 let the high praises of God be in their throats. 9 This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus weeps over the sins of the people of Jerusalem because He can see how it causes suffering and trials. If only the people will return to Him and repent then their lives would be transformed and their city would be returned to its former glory. Sin, once entrenched in a society, is very difficult to remove. We must heed the call to conversion of faith and growth in holiness. Only then will the power of the Holy Spirit be free to work miracles in our lives.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 19:41-44

41 As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. 44 They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

Daily Readings for November 16, 2016

1ST READING

The four creatures in this text are the images we ascribe to the four Gospels: The eagle is John, the ox is Mark, the man is Matthew, and the lion is Luke. The Gospels always give praise and glory to God. These reveal God to us through the image of His Son. We should have reverence and awe for the Gospels that reveal God’s plan of salvation.

Revelation 4:1-11

1 I, John, had a vision of an open door to heaven, and I heard the trumpet-like voice that had spoken to me before, saying, “Come up here and I will show you what must happen afterwards.” 2 At once I was caught up in spirit. A throne was there in heaven, and on the throne sat 3 one whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian. Around the throne was a halo as brilliant as an emerald. 4 Surrounding the throne I saw twenty-four other thrones on which twenty-four elders sat, dressed in white garments and with gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. 6 In front of the throne was something that resembled a sea of glass like crystal. In the center and around the throne, there were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back. 7 The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf, the third had a face like that of a man, and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight. 8 The four living creatures, each of them with six wings, were covered with eyes inside and out. Day and night they do not stop exclaiming: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.” 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne and worship him, who lives forever and ever. They throw down their crowns before the throne, exclaiming: 11 “Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created.”

P S A L M

Psalm 150:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R: Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!

1 Praise the Lord in his sanctuary, praise him in the firmament of his strength. 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds. Praise him for his sovereign majesty. (R) 3 Praise him with the blast of the trumpet, praise him with lyre and harp, 4 praise him with timbrel and dance, praise him with strings and pipe. (R) 5 Praise him with sounding cymbals, praise him with clanging cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Alleluia. (R)

GOSPEL

We are given gifts and talents to use in building the Kingdom of God. Let us use these for His glory. Many fall into the trap of keeping the glory for themselves that leads to pride and arrogance. Intelligent people refuse to believe in God because they cannot verify His existence through scientific observation.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 19:11-28

11 While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately. 12 So he said, “A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. 13 He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’ 14 His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.’ 15 But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. 16 The first came forward and said, ‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’ 17 He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’ 18 Then the second came and reported, ‘Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.’ 19 And to this servant too he said, ‘You, take charge of five cities.’ 20 Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’ 22 He said to him, ‘With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a  demanding person, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant. 23 Why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’ 24 And to those standing by he said, ‘Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.’ 25 But they said to him, ‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’ 26 He replied, ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.’” 28 After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.