Daily Readings for March 13, 2017

1ST READING

We need to repent of our sins. God’s mercy is always available to us if we humbly ask for His forgiveness. The most difficult part is humbly admitting our sins. Let us pray for the grace and humility to come before God in repentance.

Daniel 9:4-10

4 “Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments! 5 We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws. 6 We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land. 7 Justice, O Lord, is on your side; we are shamefaced even to this day: we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel, near and far, in all the countries to which you have scattered them because of their treachery toward you. 8 O Lord, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes,  and our fathers, for having sinned against you. 9 But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness! Yet we rebelled against you 10 and paid no heed to your command, O Lord, our God, to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets.”

P S A L M

Psalm 79:8, 9, 11, 13

R: Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.

8 Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low. (R) 9 Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake. (R) 11 Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you; with your great power free those doomed to death. 13 Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; through all generations we will declare your praise. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus commands us to be holy just as our Father in heaven is holy. Is it possible for us to attain holiness? It is, because what Jesus proclaims comes to pass. Sadly, we allow sin in our life. Sin prevents us from becoming holy like the heavenly Father. Let us take heart and work at growing in virtue, and pray that God’s grace will work powerfully in us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life. 

Luke 6:36-38

36 Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. 38 Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”