Daily Readings for July 31, 2017

Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola, priest

1ST READING

Today, we celebrate the memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. In the beginning, Ignatius struggled to bring his followers together. His perseverance bore fruit and the Jesuits are now one of the most numerous of the men’s congregations in the Church. Let us pray that the Jesuits will continue to catechize their students in the ways of the Lord.

Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34

15 Moses turned and came down the mountain with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, tablets that were written on both sides, front and back; 16 tablets that were made by God, having inscriptions on them that were engraved by God himself. 17 Now, when Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting, he said to Moses, “That sounds like a battle in the camp.” 18 But Moses answered, “It does not sound like cries of victory, nor does it sound like cries of defeat; the sounds that I hear are cries of revelry.” 19 As he drew near the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing. With that, Moses’ wrath flared up, so that he threw the tablets down and broke them on the base of the mountain. 20 Taking the calf they had made, he fused it in the fire and then ground it down to powder, which he scattered on the water and made the children of Israel drink. 21 Moses asked Aaron, “What did this people ever do to you that you should lead them into so grave a sin?” 22 Aaron replied, “Let not my lord be angry. You know well enough how prone the people are to evil. 23 They said to me, ‘Make us a god to be our leader; as for the man Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’ 24 So I told them, ‘Let anyone who has gold jewelry take it off.’ They gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and this calf came out.” 30 On the next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a grave sin. I will go up to the Lord, then; perhaps I may be able to make atonement for your sin.” 31 So Moses went back to the Lord and said, “Ah, this people has indeed committed a grave sin in making a god of gold for themselves! 32 If you would only forgive their sin! If you will not, then strike me out of the book that you have written.” 33 The Lord answered, “Him only who has sinned against me will I strike out of my book. 34 Now, go and lead the people to the place I have told you. My angel will go before you. When it is time for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.”

P S A L M

Psalm 106:19-20, 21-22, 23

R: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

19 Our fathers made a calf in Horeb and adored a molten image; 20 They exchanged their glory for the image of a grass-eating bullock. (R) 21 They forgot the God who had saved them, who had done great deeds in Egypt, 22 Wondrous deeds in the land of Ham, terrible things at the Red Sea. (R) 23 Then he spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, his chosen one, Withstood him in the breach to turn back his destructive wrath. (R)

GOSPEL

Big events always have humble beginnings. If we are faithful in small things, we will be entrusted with bigger ones. Let us not prejudge God’s plan for us. We never know what seed He is planting and how big a tree it may grow to be. Church history is filled with humble beginnings that were given beyond the expectations of their founders.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Matthew 13:31-35

31 Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. 32 It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.” 33 He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” 34 All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, 35 to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.

Daily Readings for July 30, 2017

1ST READING

Solomon was a wise man and wanted to be a good ruler of the people. Unfortunately, he was overwhelmed by power and wealth later on, and like other kings, he imposed burdensome taxes and laws that made the people resent him. Those kings cause the corruption of the monarchy.

1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

5 The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” 7 Solomon answered: O Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. 8 I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. 9 Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. 11 So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this — not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right — 12 I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.”

P S A L M

Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130

R: Lord, I love your commands.

57 I have said, O Lord, that my part is to keep your words. 72 The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. (R) 76 Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. 77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. (R) 127 For I love your commands more than gold, however fine. 128 For in all your precepts I go forward; every false way I hate. (R) 129 Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. 130 The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. (R)

2ND READING

God can bring good out of anything that happens. While trials will not immediately be seen as good, it can bring out the good in us. Jesus said that we will always have the poor with us. We will always have opportunities to show our love for one another.

Romans 8:28-30

28 Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for  those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

GOSPEL

Life is like a sieve. We always sort things out and discard what we do not want and treasure those we love. It is different with faith. God is always present and He teaches us lessons during difficult times that we will remember for the good times ahead. He ensures that every event has a redeeming value.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 13:44-52

44 Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. 47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. 48 When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. 49 Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. 51 “Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” 52 And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

Daily Readings for July 29, 2017

Memorial of St. Martha, disciple of the Lord

1ST READING

Love is expressed in many different ways. Sometimes it means listening to the other person, whether to their wisdom or their problems. At other times, love means helping people in practical ways. Let us embrace the many facets of love as we grow in discipleship.

Exodus 24:3-8

3 When Moses came to the people and related all the words and ordinances of the Lord, they all answered with one voice, “We will do everything that the Lord has told us.” 4 Moses then wrote down all the words of the Lord and, rising early the next day, he erected at the foot of the mountain an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 Then, having sent certain young men of the children of Israel to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the Lord, 6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls; the other half he splashed on the altar. 7 Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, “All that the Lord has said, we will heed and do.” 8 Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.”

P S A L M

Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15

R: Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

1 God the Lord has spoken and summoned the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. (R) 5 “Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 6 And the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is the judge. (R) 14 “Offer to God praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High; 15 Then call upon me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me.” (R)

GOSPEL

Martha proclaimed Jesus as her savior and believed in His power to bring Lazarus back to life. Her faith was not disappointed. Neither will ours be if it rests in the power of Jesus to bring us from death through the resurrection unto eternal life. Like Martha, can we answer Jesus in faith?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

John 11:19-27 (or Luke 10:38-42 or Matthew 13:24-30)

19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, 26 and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

Daily Readings for July 28, 2017

1ST READING

The commandment in today’s reading allows the making of images but forbids worshiping them as idols. This paved the way for the art and sculpture tradition in the Church. The modern art scene evolved with the support of the Church that has sponsored and helped develop art through the centuries.

Exodus 20:1-17

1 In those days: God delivered all these commandments: 2 “I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery. 3 You shall not have other gods besides me. 4 You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth; 5 you shall not bow down before them or worship them. For I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their fathers’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation; 6 but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation, on the children of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain. For the Lord will not leave unpunished him who takes his name in vain. 8 “Remember to keep holy the sabbath day. 9 Six days you may labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord, your God. No work may be done then either by you, or your son or daughter, or your male or female slave, or your beast, or by the alien who lives with you. 11 In six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. 12 “Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you. 13 “You shall not kill. 14 “You shall not commit adultery. 15 “You shall not steal. 16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or ass, nor anything else that belongs to him.”

P S A L M

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R: Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

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

As disciples, do we enhance the seed of faith that God has sown in our lives or do we neglect it and allow it to wither and die? Being a disciple means cultivating a fruitful spiritual life. Like gardening, discipleship is hard work — we need to till the earth, water the seeds and plants, and pull out the weeds. There is a need to prune the plants and even transplant them.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 13:18-23

18 Jesus said to his disciples: “Hear the parable of the sower. 19 The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. 20 The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. 21 But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. 22 The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. 23 But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

Daily Readings for July 27, 2017

1ST READING

Epiphanies or encounters with God often happen in the mountains. This is probably because a mountaintop is closer to the heavens than land. God appeared to all the people but He spoke only to Moses and commanded him to go to the top for further instructions. This led to the giving of the Ten Commandments.

Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20

1 In the third month after their departure from the land of Egypt, on its first day, the children of Israel came to the desert of Sinai. 2 After the journey from Rephidim to the desert of Sinai, they pitched camp. 9 While Israel was encamped here in front of the mountain, the Lord told Moses, “I am coming to you in a dense cloud, so that when the people hear me speaking with you, they may always have faith in you also.” When Moses, then, had reported to the Lord the response of the people, 10 the Lord added, “Go to the people and have them sanctify themselves today and tomorrow. Make them wash their garments 11 and be ready for the third day; for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai before the eyes of all the people. 16 On the morning of the third day there were peals of thunder and lightning, and a heavy cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. 17 But Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stationed themselves at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was all wrapped in smoke, for the Lord came down upon it in fire. The smoke rose from it as though from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. 19 The trumpet blast grew louder and louder, while Moses was speaking and God answering him with thunder. 20 When the Lord came down to the top of Mount Sinai, he summoned Moses to the top of the mountain.

P S A L M

Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

R: Glory and praise forever!

52 “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; and blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.” (R) 53 “Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory,  praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.” (R) 54 “Blessed are you on the throne of your Kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.” (R) 55 “Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.” (R) 56 “Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.” (R)

GOSPEL

Everything that Jesus revealed during His ministry is rooted in the Old Testament. The Gospel enhances the revelation and its basis is already known. Jesus’ ministry draws from the Old Testament and gives it a fuller meaning. For example, the Passover Feast is a celebration of deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Jesus then became the lamb that was sacrificed on the cross to deliver us from slavery to sin.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 13:10-17

10 The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to the crowds in parables?” 11 He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. 12 To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. 14 Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. 15 Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I heal them. 16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. 17 Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Daily Readings for July 26, 2017

Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Virgin Mary

1ST READING

We remember significant figures in history. Sometimes we also remember their parents like Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As parents, they had a formative role in Mary’s life. There is nothing written about them but what we know about their character through the witness of their daughter’s life.

Sirach 44:1, 10-15 (or Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15)

1 Now will I praise those godly men, our ancestors, each in his own time: 10 Yet these also were godly men whose virtues have not been forgotten; 11 their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants. 12 Through God’s covenant with them their family endures, their posterity, for their sake. 13 And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out. 14 Their bodies are peacefully laid away, but their name lives on and on. 15 At gatherings their wisdom is retold, and the assembly proclaims their praise.

P S A L M

Psalm 132: 11, 13-14, 17-18 (or Psalm 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28)

R: God will give him the throne of David, his father.

11 The Lord swore to David a firm promise from which he will not withdraw: “Your own offspring I will set upon your throne.” (R) 13 For the Lord has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling. 14 “Zion is my resting place forever; in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.” (R) 17 “In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David; I will place a lamp for my anointed. 18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon him my crown shall shine.” (R)

GOSPEL

The truly wise person can easily discern between the voices to listen to or reject. In today’s Gospel, Jesus spoke about the people who had the opportunity to hear the greatest wisdom of all. May we always listen to the wisdom of salvation and follow wherever it may lead.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

They yearned for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested upon them.

Matthew 13:16-17 (or Matthew 13:1-9)

16 Jesus said to his disciples: “Blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. 17 Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Daily Readings for July 25, 2017

Feast of St. James, Apostle

1ST READING

One thing I learned from the 800-kilometer Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is that our human bodies are both fragile — vulnerable to blisters, shin splints, sprains — and incredibly resilient. Our bodies continue to function even if every step is painful. We are fragile vessels that carry the treasure of our faith through the journey of life — a journey of joy and suffering.

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

7 Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. 15 Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

P S A L M

Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R: Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

1 When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. (R) Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. (R) 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. 5 Those that sow in tears  shall reap rejoicing. (R) 6 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (R)

GOSPEL

According to tradition, the remains of St. James were miraculously transported to Santiago sometime after his death. This became the focal point of a pilgrimage that began in the ninth century and has existed for more than a thousand years, following old Roman trade routes. The Camino de Santiago has recently regained popularity. The pilgrimage is a cathartic or emptying experience, especially when walking alone on the plains of Northern Spain.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 20:20-28

20 The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 21 He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” 22 Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” 23 He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. 26 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; 27 whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. 28 Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Daily Readings for July 24, 2017

1ST READING

Pharaoh regretted losing many slaves and went after the Israelites to bring them back. The Israelites feared the Egyptian army that followed them. But the Lord assured Moses not to fear. Let us trust that our God is a merciful God.

Exodus 14:5-18

5 When it was reported to the king of Egypt that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants changed their minds about them. They exclaimed, “What have we done? Why, we have released Israel from our service!” 6 So Pharaoh made his chariots ready and mustered his soldiers — 7 six hundred first-class chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt, with warriors on them all. 8 So obstinate had the Lord made Pharaoh that he pursued the children of Israel even while they were marching away in triumph. 9 The Egyptians, then, pursued them; Pharaoh’s whole army, his horses, chariots and charioteers, caught up with them as they lay encamped by the sea, at Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. 10 Pharaoh was already near when the children of Israel looked up and saw that the Egyptians were on the march in pursuit of them. In great fright they cried out to the Lord. 11 And they complained to Moses, “Were there no burial places in Egypt that you had to bring us out here to die in the desert? Why did you do this to us? Why did you bring us out of Egypt? 12 Did we not tell you this in Egypt, when we said, ‘Leave us alone. Let us serve the Egyptians’? Far better for us to be the slaves of the Egyptians than to die in the desert.” 13 But Moses answered the people, “Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today. These Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” 15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 16 And you, lift up your staff and, with hand outstretched over the sea, split the sea in two, that the children of Israel may pass through it on dry land. 17 But I will make the Egyptians so obstinate that they will go in after them. Then I will receive glory through Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots and charioteers. 18 The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I receive glory through Pharaoh and his chariots and charioteers.”

P S A L M

Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R: Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.

1 I will sing to the Lord, for he is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot he has cast into the sea. 2 My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. He is my God, I praise him; the God of my father, I extol him. (R) 3 The Lord is a warrior, Lord is his name! 4 Pharaoh’s chariots and army he hurled into the sea; the elite of his officers were submerged in the Red Sea. (R) 5 The flood waters covered them, they sank into the depths like a stone. 6 Your right hand, O Lord, magnificent in power, your right hand, O Lord, has shattered the enemy. (R)

GOSPEL

Those who trust in God will not only be beacons for others and examples of a disciple of Jesus, but will also be signs of judgment. This is in contrast with those who choose to remain under the powers of sin. This is why the Gospel says that Christians will stand in judgment over the lives of sinners.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 12:38-42

38 Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 40 Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. 41 At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. 42 At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

Daily Readings for July 23, 2017

1ST READING

Justice is an integral part of love, holiness and the Gospel. A Christian cannot rest in righteousness while many suffer in this world. The suffering of others must awaken our conscience to the point that we will do all that we can to relieve it. We have the power to do what we can to minister to those affected by injustice.

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

13 There is no god besides you who have the care of all, that you need show you have not unjustly condemned. 16 For your might is the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all. 17 For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved; and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity. 18 But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us; for power, whenever you will, attends you. 19 And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind; and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.

P S A L M

Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16

R: Lord, you are good and forgiving.

5 You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in kindness to all who call upon you. 6 Hearken, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my pleading. (R) 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship you, O Lord, and glorify your name. 10 For you are great, and you do wondrous deeds; you alone are God. (R) 15 You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and fidelity. 16 Turn toward me, and have pity on me; give your strength to your servant. (R)

2ND READING

We underestimate the power of intercession. We need to pray more for the projects we undertake that God’s grace may bless them. We must avail of His grace through intercession. The contemplative monasteries are sources of grace for the Church and the world. Let us be grateful for the men and women who are committed to intercede constantly for the ministry of the Church and the salvation of the world.

Romans 8:26-27

26 Brothers and sisters: The Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. 27 And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.

GOSPEL

The Scriptures use many ways to describe the nature of the Kingdom of God. Let us reflect on the images presented in today’s Gospel and ask ourselves how we can become part of the work of God’s Kingdom. As a child, I was fascinated by how yeast caused dough to rise. Our faith is like the yeast that enables us to do good works and be witnesses of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 13:24-43

24 Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. 26 When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. 27 The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ 28 He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 He replied, “No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. 30 Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.’” 31 He proposed another parable to them. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. 32 It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’” 33 He spoke to them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” 34 All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, 35 to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.” 36 Then, dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, 38 the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, andthey will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Daily Readings for July 22, 2017

Memorial of Mary Magdalene, disciple of the Lord

1ST READING

Four hundred and thirty years is a long time to stay away from home. The Egyptians were sad to lose the labor provided by the Israelites. It was time for the Israelites to return to the land given to their ancestors. The journey will be long and difficult, but their relationship with God will be restored in another 150 years under King David. We may not realize it, but God prepared a people to receive the Messiah for about 2,000 years.

Exodus 12:37-42 (or Song of Songs 3:1-4)

37 The children of Israel set out from Rameses for Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, not counting the little ones. 38 A crowd of mixed ancestry also went up with them, besides their livestock, very numerous flocks and herds. 39 Since the dough they had brought out of Egypt was not leavened, they baked it into unleavened loaves. They had been rushed out of Egypt and had no opportunity even to prepare food for the journey. 40 The time the children of Israel had stayed in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. 41 At the end of four hundred and thirty years, all the hosts of the Lord left the land of Egypt on this very date. 42 This was a night of vigil for the Lord, as he led them out of the land of Egypt; so on this same night all the children of Israel must keep a vigil for the Lord throughout their generations.

P S A L M

Psalm 136:1, 23-24, 10-12, 13-15 (or Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9)

R: His mercy endures forever.

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever; 23 Who remembered us in our abjection, for his mercy endures forever; 24 And freed us from our foes, for his mercy endures forever. (R) 10 Who smote the Egyptians in their first-born, for his mercy endures forever; 11 and brought out Israel from their midst, for his mercy endures forever; 12 with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, for his mercy endures forever. (R) 13 Who split the Red Sea in twain, for his mercy endures forever; 14 And led Israel through its midst, for his mercy endures forever; 15 But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, for his mercy endures forever. (R)

GOSPEL

Today is the Feast of Mary Magdalene, one of the first, if not the first, to see the Risen Lord. It is somewhat appropriate that such a great sinner was given this privilege. But then, this is hardly unusual with Jesus who often turns our expectations upside down with His mercy and love. Pope Francis does the same — refusing dinners with politicians and the wealthy, and choosing to eat with those in the homeless shelters and streets. This is the kind of Church that we are supposed to develop.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

John 20:1-2, 11-18 (or Matthew 12:14-21)

1 On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” 11 Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. 13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. 17 Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her.

Daily Readings for July 21, 2017

1ST READING

In today’s reading, Pharaoh refused to let go of the Israelites. God gave instructions for the first Passover. The Passover is an imagery for the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross where our sins are forgiven. Freedom from slavery in Egypt became freedom from the slavery to sin.

Exodus 11:10-12:14

10 Although Moses and Aaron performed various wonders in Pharaoh’s presence, the Lord made Pharaoh obstinate, and he would not let the children of Israel leave his land. 12:1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 2 “This month shall stand at the head of your calendar; you shall reckon it the first month of the year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel: On the tenth of this month every one of your families must procure for itself a lamb, one apiece for each household. 4 If a family is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join the nearest household in procuring one and shall share in the lamb in proportion to the number of persons who partake of it. 5 The lamb must be a year-old male and without blemish. You may take it from either the sheep or the goats. 6 You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, and then, with the whole assembly of Israel present, it shall be slaughtered during the evening twilight. 7 They shall take some of its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel of every house in which they partake of the lamb. 8 That same night they shall eat its roasted flesh with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 It shall not be eaten raw or boiled, but roasted whole, with its head and shanks and inner organs. 10 None of it must be kept beyond the next morning; whatever is left over in the morning shall be burned up. 11 “This is how you are to eat it with your loins girt, sandals on your feet and your staff in hand, you shall eat like those who are in flight. It is the Passover of the Lord. 12 For on this same night I will go through Egypt, striking down every first born of the land, both man and beast, and executing judgment on all the gods of Egypt — I, the Lord! 13 But the blood will mark the houses where you are. Seeing the blood, I will pass over you; thus, when I strike the land of Egypt, no destructive blow will come upon you. 14 “This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the Lord, as a perpetual institution.”

P S A L M

Psalm 116:12-13, 15, 16, 17-18

R: I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.

12 How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? 13 The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. (R) 15 Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. 16 I am your servant, the son of your handmaid; you have loosed my bonds. (R) 17 To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. 18 My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all his people. (R)

GOSPEL

The Gospel can be summarized in the words of Jesus: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Jesus wants us to focus on loving relationships with God and one another, and not on obedience to the written letter of the Law. The Law will help and guide us in loving one another. But we need to develop a merciful heart that we may show mercy to one another. Our first step is to receive God’s mercy for our sins.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 12:1-8

1 Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” 3 He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, 4 how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? 5 Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? 6 I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”

Daily Readings for July 20, 2017

1ST READING

We do not know what name God revealed to Moses. All we know is that it is a form of the verb “to be.” The Hebrew alphabet does not have vowels. The Jews will not pronounce the holy name of God out of reverence and will substitute “ha Adonai” (the Lord) for whenever the “name” appears.

Exodus 3:13-20

13 Moses, hearing the voice of the Lord from the burning bush, said to him, “When I go to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ if they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what am I to tell them?” 14 God replied, “I am who am.” Then he added, “This is what you shall tell the children of Israel: I AM sent me to you.” 15 God spoke further to Moses, “Thus shall you say to the children of Israel: The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. “This is my name forever; this is my title for all generations. 16 “Go and assemble the elders of Israel, and tell them: The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has appeared to me and said: I am concerned about you and about the way you are being treated in Egypt; 17 so I have decided to lead you up out of the misery of Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey. 18 “Thus they will heed your message. Then you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him: The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent us word. Permit us, then, to go a three days’ journey in the desert, that we may offer sacrifice to the Lord, our God. 19 “Yet I know that the king of Egypt will not allow you to go unless he is forced. 20 I will stretch out my hand, therefore, and smite Egypt by doing all kinds of wondrous deeds there. After that he will send you away.”

P S A L M

Psalm 105:1, 5, 8-9, 24-25, 26-27

R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

1 Give thanks to the Lord, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. 5 Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered. (R) 8 He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations — 9 which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. (R) 24 He greatly increased his people and made them stronger than their foes, 25 whose hearts he changed, so that they hated his people, and dealt deceitfully with his servants. (R) 26 He sent Moses his servant; Aaron, whom he had chosen. 27 They wrought his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. (R)

GOSPEL

The image of a yoke is often used to describe the Law of Moses. With this image, Jesus assures us that the yoke of the Gospel is a yoke of love and mercy. It will always be easy to bear than the letter of the Law.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

Matthew 11:28-30

28 Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Daily Readings for July 19, 2017

1ST READING

Moses was tending to his father-in-law’s flock when God appeared to him in the form of a burning bush. Fire is the symbol of purification. Just as Isaiah purified his lips by touching them to coal, perhaps God showed His holiness through the burning bush to encourage Moses to accept His plan.

Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12

1 Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. Leading the flock across the desert, he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There an angel of the Lord appeared to him in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. 3 So Moses decided, “I must go over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw him coming over to look at it more closely, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses! Moses!” He answered, “Here I am.” 5 God said, “Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father,” he continued, “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.” 9 The cry of the children of Israel has reached me, and I have truly noted that the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 Come, now! I will send you to Pharaoh to lead my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He answered, “I will be with you; and this shall be your proof that it is I who have sent you: when you bring my people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this very mountain.”

P S A L M

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7

R: The Lord is kind and merciful.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (R) 3 He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills. 4 He redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion. (R) 6 The Lord secures justice and the rights of all the oppressed. 7 He has made known his ways to Moses, and his deeds to the children of Israel. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus rejoiced in the simple and childlike who responded to the Gospel. No questions about theology or the law stopped them from embracing His Word. Let us place our faith and trust in Jesus and then seek to understand the Gospel to deepen our conversion.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 11:25-27

25 At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, 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. 26 Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Daily Readings for July 18, 2017

1ST READING

The hand of God was seen in the life of Moses. God protected Moses as a child and made a way for him to be raised by his true mother. Moses was brought up as an Israelite and was angered by the injustices done to his people. He left Egypt when he killed an Egyptian who assaulted an Israelite. But God sought Moses in Midian and called him to be one of the greatest leaders of the Old Testament.

Exodus 2:1-15

1 A certain man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 who conceived and bore a son. Seeing that he was a godly child, she hid him for three months. 3 When she could hide him no longer, she took a papyrus basket, daubed it with bitumen and pitch, and putting the child in it, placed it among the reeds on the river bank. 4 His sister stationed herself at a distance to find out what would happen to him. 5 Pharaoh’s daughter came down to the river to bathe, while her maids walked along the river bank. Noticing the basket among the reeds, she sent her handmaid to fetch it. 6 On opening it, she looked, and lo, there was a baby boy, crying! She was moved with pity for him and said, “It is one of the Hebrews’ children.” 7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” 8 “Yes, do so,” she answered. So the maiden went and called the child’s own mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will repay you.” The woman therefore took the child and nursed it. 10 When the child grew, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her son and called him Moses; for she said, “I drew him out of the water.” 11 On one occasion, after Moses had grown up, when he visited his kinsmen and witnessed their forced labor, he saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, one of his own kinsmen. 12 Looking about and seeing no one, he slew the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 The next day he went out again, and now two Hebrews were fighting! So he asked the culprit, “Why are you striking your fellow Hebrew?” 14 But the culprit replied, “Who has appointed you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses became afraid and thought, “The affair must certainly be known.” 15 Pharaoh, too, heard of the affair and sought to put Moses to death. But Moses fled from him and stayed in the land of Midian.

P S A L M

Psalm 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34

R: Turn to the Lord in your need and you will live.

2 [3] I am sunk in the abysmal swamp where there is no foothold; I have reached the watery depths; the flood overwhelms me. (R) 13 [14] But I pray to you, O Lord, for the time of your favor, O God! In your great kindness answer me with your constant help. (R) 29 [30] But I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me. 30 [31] I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving. (R) 32 [33] “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive! 33 [34] For the Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.” (R)

GOSPEL

God always gives us opportunities to repent. Let us not prolong living in sin and go back to Him through the sacrament of reconciliation. The joys and pleasures of living the Gospel is fulfilling, and its joys outweigh the pleasures of sin.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 11:20-24

20 Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. 21 “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 in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And as for you, Capernaum: Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld. For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.

Daily Readings for July 17, 2017

1ST READING

Egypt’s new king did not know Joseph — these were ominous words. The Israelites will face a tough life. They will be enslaved and harshly treated to break their will. Their baby boys will be thrown into the river to ensure that they cannot rise up in rebellion. But it is during these hard times that they will once again see the hand of God at work.

Exodus 1:8-14, 22

8 A new king, who knew nothing of Joseph, came to power in Egypt. 9 He said to his subjects, “Look how numerous and powerful the people of the children of Israel are growing, more so than we ourselves! 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them to stop their increase; otherwise, in time of war they too may join our enemies to fight against us, and so leave our country.” 11 Accordingly, taskmasters were set over the children of Israel to oppress them with forced labor. Thus they had to build for Pharaoh the supply cities of Pithom and Raamses. 12 Yet the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread. The Egyptians, then, dreaded the children of Israel 13 and reduced them to cruel slavery, 14 making life bitter for them with hard work in mortar and brick and all kinds of field work — the whole cruel fate of slaves. 22 Pharaoh then commanded all his subjects, “Throw into the river every boy that is born to the Hebrews, but you may let all the girls live.”

P S A L M

Psalm 124:1-3, 4-6, 7-8

R: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

1 Had not the Lord been with us — let Israel say, 2 had not the Lord been with us — when men rose up against us, 3 then would they have swallowed us alive, When their fury was inflamed against us. (R) 4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us; the torrent would have swept over us; 5 over us then would have swept the raging waters. 6 Blessed be the Lord, who did not leave us a prey to their teeth. (R) 7 We were rescued like a bird from the fowlers’ snare; broken was the snare, and we were freed. 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (R)

GOSPEL

The nature of the Gospel is that it calls forth our allegiance in one way or the other. There will be times when we have to make choices that will not please everybody. We will disagree with friends and even family members that might cause strain to our relationships. However, we cannot deny the truth as we see it when we are disciples of Jesus even when it brings us into conflict with loved ones.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 10:34-11:1

34 Jesus said to his Apostles: “Do not think that I have come to bring  peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and one’s enemies will be those of his household. 37 “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. 41 Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple — amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” 11:1 When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.