Daily Readings for October 31, 2017

1ST READING

We cannot prove that God exists. Our love for Him always has that aspect of hope attached to it. We need to embrace that kind of hope that has already moved beyond any doubt, because of how God’s grace worked in us. Our faith is the expression of a form of knowledge. We know God exists because faith has that experiential component to it, whereby God is more than an abstract concept — we have a personal relationship with Him.

Romans 8:18-25

18 Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. 19 For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; 20 for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; 23 and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

P S A L M

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

R: The Lord has done marvelous things for us.

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

We are the Christian leaven sent out into the world. We are called to be the witnesses of Gospel truth to the world, so that all may come to know and experience the salvation of God. We cannot accomplish this on our own, but we must be willing to do it alone. Even if no one else will support us, we will live our Christian life because we know that it is the only way to true fulfillment. Only God’s grace can convince us of this truth and enable us to live it daily.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 13:18-21

18 Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” 20 Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the  whole batch of dough was leavened.”

Daily Readings for October 30, 2017

1ST READING

We are not spiritual beings caught up in corporeal bodies from which we hope for release. We are embodied spirits. We are a unity of the spiritual and corporeal. This is why Paul tells us to live under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, being the manifestation of the love of the Father and the Son, will always lead us in that direction. We must become men and women of the Spirit, or we will fail to reach our full human potential, let alone eternal life.

Romans 8:12-17

12 Brothers and sisters: We are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

P S A L M

Psalm 68:2, 4, 6-7, 20-21

R: Our God is the God of salvation.

1 [2] God arises; his enemies are scattered, and those who hate him flee before him. 3 [4] But the just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. (R) 5 [6] The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. 6 [7] God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. (R) 19 [20] Blessed day by day be the Lord, who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation. 20 [21] God is a saving God for us; the Lord, my Lord, controls the passageways of death. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus’ argument about saving an ox on the Sabbath would have hit home hard. Let us look at our lives and remove hypocrisy in them. This is critical if we want to be effective witnesses to the Gospel. Any hint of hypocrisy will destroy this hope. The Gospel is only going to be faithfully represented when we live the truth.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.

Luke 13:10-17

10 Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. 11 And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your  infirmity.” 13 He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. 14 But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” 15 The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? 16 This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?” 17 When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.

Daily Readings for October 29, 2017

1ST READING

The Lord, through Moses, reminds us to be merciful to those who seek our assistance. The alien or refugee in our land has rights. These rights stem from our common humanity. We never know when we will be the one in need of their assistance. How can we expect help from others if we do not help those who ask it from us?

Exodus 22:20-26

20 Thus says the Lord: “You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. 21 You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. 22 If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry. 23 My wrath will flare up, and I will kill you with the sword; then your own wives will be widows, and your children orphans. 24 “If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people, you shall not act like an extortioner toward him by demanding interest from him. 25 If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, you shall return it to him before sunset; 26 for this cloak of his is the only covering he has for his body. What else has he to sleep in? If he cries out to me, I will hear him; for I am compassionate.”

P S A L M

Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51

R: I love you, Lord, my strength.

1 [2] I love you, O Lord, my strength, 2 [3] O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. (R) My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold! 3 [4] Praised be the Lord, I exclaim, and I am safe from my enemies. (R) 46 [47] The Lord lives and blessed be my Rock! Extolled be God my savior. 50 [51] You who gave great victories to your king and showed kindness to your anointed. (R)

2ND READING

Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to be model believers so that they can be examples for other communities. Let us reflect on what such an exhortation means to us. The world needs to see model Christian communities that provide an alternative to the self-centered consumerism of our age. We are called to be witnesses to the truth of life beyond the here and now. Let us give witness to the promise of heaven in the way we live now.

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

5 Brothers and sisters: You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth not only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. 9 For they themselves openly declare about us what sort of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God 10 and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.

GOSPEL

There is always a danger with summaries especially when it involves the Law. You can become a slave to the letter of the Law on one hand, and have a wishy-washy interpretation of it on the other. Neither of these responses is adequate. Let us examine the basis of a particular law and see why it was created in the first place. All laws have their basis in an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of relationships. The summary indicates this by talking about God and our neighbor. Let us observe how our actions will affect our relationships and the communities to which we belong.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 22:34-40

34 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them a scholar of the law tested him by asking, 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. 39 The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

Daily Readings for October 28, 2017

Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles

1ST READING

We celebrate two of Jesus’ Apostles today. Jude is the patron saint of hopeless cases — he was often ignored because he had the same first name as Judas Iscariot. Somehow, this unfortunate reality morphed into his becoming a favorite saint, to “get on the job” of situations that were considered hopeless or impossible.

Ephesians 2:19-22

19 Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. 21 Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; 22 in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

P S A L M

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: Their message goes out through all the earth.

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

GOSPEL

Even Jesus needed help. It was too big a job for Him to bring the Gospel to every corner of the globe. We need to take up our roles in the work of evangelization. We have to play our part and spread God’s Word to every man and woman on earth. It is a lot of work. Jesus is calling for our help. The question is, “Are we listening to His voice?” The Church lacks workers because we are not listening properly to God’s voice. We don’t hear His voice because we are too busy with other things.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 6:12-16

12 Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Daily Readings for October 27, 2017

1ST READING

Paul describes the battle in our minds when temptation arises from within. It is a struggle to overcome sin and temptation but we need to remember that Jesus has won victory for us when He defeated sin through His death and resurrection. We can be victors every time if we learn to draw on the grace that God offers us. He has conquered sin and all we have to do is claim that victory through faith.

Romans 7:18-25

18 Brothers and sisters: I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. 22 For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, 23 but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

P S A L M

Psalm 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94

R: Lord, teach me your statutes.

66 Teach me wisdom and knowledge, for in your commands I trust. (R) 68 You are good and bountiful; teach me your statutes. (R) 76 Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. (R) 77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. (R) 93 Never will I forget your precepts, for through them you give me life. (R) 94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. (R)

GOSPEL

The principles that Jesus espouses when settling quarrels make a lot of sense. Siblings destroy their relationships with each other by fighting over inheritances. In the end, they get very little, and at times, virtually nothing after the lawyers’ fees have been deducted. Compromising to resolve a dispute, as long as sin is not the result, is a much better option than a full-blown fight.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 12:54-59

54 Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain — and so it does; 55 and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot — and so it is. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 57 “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58 If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. 59 I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Daily Readings for October 26, 2017

1ST READING

The wages of sin is death. If we can imprint this truth in our minds and hearts, we will be more convinced to fight temptations when they come. The greatest threat to our humanity is our sinfulness — something that is uniquely human, with its origin in our choices. Sin threatens our existence through its destructiveness every time we succumb to it.

Romans 6:19-23

19 Brothers and sisters: I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your nature. For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness for lawlessness, so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 But what profit did you get then from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been freed from in and have become slaves of God, the benefit that you have leads to sanctification, and its end is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

P S A L M

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

R: Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

1 Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, 2 but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. (R) 3 He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers. (R) 4 Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus knows that He will suffer in order to accomplish His Father’s will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He showed abhorrence for the suffering ahead of Him. Yet, in all His dislike of what is to come, He allowed the Father’s will to be done. How do we respond to suffering as we grow in holiness? Let us have the same single-minded obedience to God, so that we do not fall short of the glory that He offers us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 12:49-53

49 Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! 50 There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53 a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Daily Readings for October 25, 2017

1ST READING

Paul speaks about the power of the sacrament of baptism to transform us. One of the mantras of sacramental theology is that “sacraments signify what they effect and effect what they signify.” It is important to understand this, as it has a bearing on how we receive the grace of the sacraments. The grace of the sacrament is always present in a validly celebrated sacrament. However, the power and effectiveness of the sacrament depends on our own faith. Let us pray for a deeper faith, so that the sacraments we receive will work powerfully in us.

Romans 6:12-18

12 Brothers and sisters: Sin must not reign over your mortal bodies so that you obey their desires. 13 And do not present the parts of your bodies to sin as weapons for wickedness, but present yourselves to God as raised from the dead to life and the parts of your bodies to God as weapons for righteousness. 14 For sin is not to have any power over you, since you are not under the law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Of course not! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, although you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 Freed from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness.

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

We need to protect our God-given gifts and graces by constantly using them to build up our faith and the faith of others. Faith is like a muscle — the more we use it, the stronger it becomes. Exercising our faith muscle is always beneficial to us. The more we deepen our faith, the more beneficial our works will be for others.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 12:39-48

39 Jesus said to his disciples: “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” 41 Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” 42 And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 then that servant’s master will come on an  unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. 47 That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; 48 and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

Daily Readings for October 24, 2017

1ST READING

In today’s reading, certain phrase, “polloi mallon” in Greek, occurs twice, contrasting the greater power that Christ has in redeeming us from the power of sin. Paul’s mind is focused not on the power of Original Sin, but on the freedom we have through the work of Christ offering His life for our salvation. Let us stop glorifying sin in any way and start focusing where the real power is — in the life of faith in Christ.

Romans 5:12, 15, 17-19, 20-21

12 Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned. 15 If by that one person’s transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many. 17 For if, by the transgression of one, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ. 18 In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one the many will be made righteous. 20 Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

P S A L M

Psalm 40:7-8, 8-9, 10, 17

R: Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

6 [7] Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not; 7 [8] then said I, “Behold I come.” (R) “In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, 8 [9] to do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!” (R) 9 [10] I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know. (R) 16 [17] May all who seek you exult and be glad in you, and may those who love your salvation say ever, “The Lord be glorified.” (R)

GOSPEL

We never know when the Lord will ask us to do something for Him. The Boy Scout motto, “Be prepared!” should be our mindset as disciples. If God asks us to do something for the work of the Gospel, we should always be ready to say yes to Him. We need to take the call to discipleship seriously and work hard to deepen our faith and grow in holiness. Then we will experience more and more the wonders that God works through His people.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 12:35-38

35 Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps 36 and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 38 And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.”

Daily Readings for October 23, 2017

1ST READING

Paul repeats his argument that Abraham is justified by faith, not works. If he cannot convince us that this is true, then his whole understanding of the dynamic of faith and salvation falls apart. Chapter 4 of his letter to the Romans is the chapter upon which his life’s work lives or dies. It has lived for nearly 2,000 years, so we can take it that Paul’s understanding of the nature of faith is correct.

Romans 4:20-25

20 Brothers and sisters: Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God 21 and was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do. 22 That is why it was credited to him as righteousness. 23 But it was not for him alone that it was written that it was credited to him; 24 it was also for us, to whom it will be credited, who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was handed over for our transgressions and was raised for our justification.

P S A L M

Luke 1:68-69, 70-72, 73-75

R: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

68 He has come to his people and set them free. 69 He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. (R) 70 Through his holy prophets he promised of old 71 that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. 72 He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. (R) 73 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, 75 holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. (R)

GOSPEL

The accumulation of wealth for the sake of having more is sickening. It is good if you are going to use your wealth for the good of others. Otherwise, wealth is a noose around your neck. It cannot make you truly happy. Only relationships can plumb the depths of our hearts and induce lasting happiness and fulfillment. Live a comfortable and enjoyable life but remember that a profligate and sumptuous life is going to be a source of temptations.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Luke 12:13-21

13 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” 14 He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” 15 Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” 16 Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. 17 He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ 18 And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods 19 and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ 21 Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

Daily Readings for October 22, 2017

1ST READING

God can use pagan rulers, hardened sinners and anyone He chooses to accomplish His plans. We should not be surprised that He often works through weak and sinful people in bringing about great blessings. He knows that it is virtually impossible for the weak to claim credit for something that is beyond their means to achieve. God knows what He is doing and we should never doubt this.

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

1 Thus says the Lord to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp, subduing nations before him, and making kings run in his service, opening doors before him and leaving the gates unbarred: 4 For the sake of Jacob, my servant, of Israel my chosen one, I have called you by your name, giving you a title, though you knew me not. 5 I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God besides me. It is I who arm you, though you know me not, 6 so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun people may know that there is none besides me. I am the Lord, there is no other.

P S A L M

Psalm 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10

R: Give the Lord glory and honor.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all you lands. 3 Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. (R) 4 For great is the Lord and highly to be praised; awesome is he, beyond all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are things of nought, but the Lord made the heavens. (R) 7 Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and praise; 8 give to the Lord the glory due his name! Bring gifts, and enter his courts. (R) 9 Worship the Lord in holy attire. Tremble before him, all the earth; 10 say among the nations: The Lord is king, he governs the peoples with equity. (R)

2ND READING

The life of faith is a “labor of love.” Paul is probably referring more to the work of proclaiming the Gospel, but we can legitimately extend it to the life of faith in general. First, it reminds us that all the choices we make in life need to be made with love in mind. Second, it reminds us that true love requires work and effort for it to endure. Too often today, people seem to expect everything to be given to them on a platter. This is not true, as when we work for something, it means so much more to us.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly 3 calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, 4 knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.

GOSPEL

Hatred and any kind of sin will not prevail against true love. Jesus demonstrates this through the witness of His life. He never showed any malice towards those seeking to discredit and even kill Him. He simply spoke the truth in love and, time after time, disarmed them in the eyes of the crowds and so increased His own standing in the eyes of everyone present. We need to learn from His example, especially when we need to confront sin.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Shine like lights in the world as you hold on to the word of life.

Matthew 22:15-21

15 The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. 16 They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status. 17 Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” 18 Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin. 20 He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” 21 They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

Daily Readings for October 21, 2017

1ST READING

Paul knows, through personal experience, the dangers of getting caught up in a legalistic mindset. Somehow, by the grace of God, he was able to overcome this hindrance and enter fully into a life of faith in Jesus. He now wants to do everything possible to convince those who follow him not to allow legalism to govern their lives. He wants us to live in the true freedom of the sons and daughters of God, so that we will experience the fullness of life that our faith offers us.

Romans 4:13, 16-18

13 Brothers and sisters: It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. 16 For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us, 17 as it is written, I have made you father of many nations. He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist. 18 He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations, according to what was said, Thus shall your descendants be.

P S A L M

Psalm 105:6-7, 8-9, 42-43

R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

6 You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He, the Lord, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. (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) 42 For he remembered his holy word to his servant Abraham. 43 And he led forth his people with joy; with shouts of joy, his chosen ones. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus speaks of our responsibility to give witness to Christ. This means that we must always be open to share the Good News with others. Peter reminds us that we have to be ready to share why we have hope and love in our lives (cf. 1Peter 3:15-16). This is giving witness to Christ. If one is finally able to forgive a person who has wronged him, it could be because he has experienced the forgiveness of Christ in his life. Therefore, he should be willing to admit that his capacity to forgive has been enhanced by his faith.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord, and you also will testify.

Luke 12:8-12

8 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. 9 But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. 10 “Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”

Daily Readings for October 20, 2017

1ST READING

Paul is adamant that it is Abraham’s faith — and not his works — that justify him. This point is critical for his argument because he wants to link the justification of the Christians to their faith, and then demonstrate that this is how God has always worked with His people. The idea is not a new one. It also places the power of salvation squarely in God’s hands, not ours. Yes, we have to accept the gift of salvation but we cannot create it or earn it.

Romans 4:1-8

1 Brothers and sisters: What can we say that Abraham found, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works, he has reason to boast; but this was not so in the sight of God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. 4 A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due. 5 But when one does not work, yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 So also David declares the blessedness of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record.

P S A L M

Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11

R: I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

1 Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R) 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the Lord,” and you took away the guilt of my sin. (R) 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart. (R)

GOSPEL

God sees everything that we do. We may be able to hide our sinfulness from one another, but God sees and knows everything. As we reflect on this, let us pray for the humility to be honest with God and to one another in order to “live in the light.” It is easier for the devil to tempt us when we  confront our struggles alone. It is much easier to combat him when we have the help of those who are journeying with us to eternal life.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us; who have put our hope in you.

Luke 12:1-7

1 At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven — that is, the hypocrisy — of the Pharisees. 2 “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 3 Therefore, whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. 4 I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. 5 I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. 7 Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

Daily Readings for October 19, 2017

1ST READING

Paul summarizes (verses 21 to 26) his understanding of the process of salvation in these six verses. They can provide an unending basis for reflection if we allow the Holy Spirit to take us deeper into their meaning. It can confront us with the areas of our lives that still need full commitment to the Lord. Let us take up this challenge and allow the Lord to bring us to a deeper conversion of heart and mind.

Romans 3:21-30

21 Brothers and sisters: Now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, though testified to by the law and the prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; 23 all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. 24 They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his Blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed, 26 through the forbearance of God — to prove his righteousness in the present time, that he might be righteous and justify the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out. On what principle, that of works? No, rather on the principle of faith. 28 For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Does God belong to Jews alone? Does he not belong to Gentiles, too? Yes, also to Gentiles, 30 for God is one and will justify the circumcised on the basis of faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

P S A L M

Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R: With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! 2 Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. (R) 3 If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? 4 But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered. (R) 5 I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word. 6 My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn. (R)

GOSPEL

Monuments, lengthy prayers and hypocrisy often go together. What matters is how much we love and how we express it in our relationship with others. Faith is never about putting on a show for others to see but being faithful to our relationship with Jesus and allowing our experience of God to transform and direct the way we relate with others. This challenges us to move beyond our own concerns and to include those of our communities. This is the nature of love.  This is the nature of life.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 11:47-54

47 The Lord said: “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. 48 Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. 49 Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ 50 in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! 52 Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” 53 When Jesus left, the scribes and  Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, 54 for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.

Daily Readings for October 18, 2017

Feast of St. Luke, evangelist

1ST READING

Paul worked with many people, including Luke, the author of one of the Gospels, in his work as a missionary. This is an important reminder to us that the work of the Gospel is a communal reality. We are sent out and we bring people into a community as we evangelize them. Paul’s success as a missionary would have been severely limited without the help of others. He may have been the frontman, but those behind the scenes, who follow up the initial work of Paul, are just as important to the process.

2 Timothy 4:10-17

10 Beloved: Demas, enamored of the present world, deserted me and went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke is the only one with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in the ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas, the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 You too be on guard against him, for he has strongly resisted our preaching. 16 At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.

P S A L M

Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18

R: Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

10 Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you. 11 Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might. (R) 12 Making known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom. 13 Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. (R) 17 The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. (R)

GOSPEL

We are all missionaries. By our baptism, we are incorporated into the Body of Christ and sent out as witnesses to the Gospel. We need to be disciples in the ways of the faith, if we are going to be effective evangelists in both word and deed. The Catholic Church has failed here in recent years. Our catechetical skills have lapsed horribly and we are now suffering the consequences, with an ill-prepared faithful for the pluralistic world.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 10:1-9

1 The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. 2 He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. 3 Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. 4 Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. 5 Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ 6 If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment. Do not move about from one house to another. 8 Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, 9 cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ 

Daily Readings for October 17, 2017

1ST READING

In his letter to the Romans, Paul outlines his understanding of the Christian faith in a systematic way, such that we have a powerful witness to how God brings the gift of salvation to us. Paul also reveals his understanding of how sin infects the world. It is worth reflecting on his understanding, as it contains some truths that are not necessarily all that palatable to us, but which we should be aware of.

Romans 1:16-25

16 Brothers and sisters: I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek. 17 For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous by faith will live.” 18 The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. 20 Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; 21 for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. 22 While claiming to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes. 24 Therefore, God handed

them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

P S A L M

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

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

GOSPEL

St. Ignatius of Antioch, whose feast we celebrate today, is a man of faith and trust in the Lord. His desire for martyrdom is the stuff which legends are made of, and his life is still an inspiration to many, more than 1,900 years after his death. His desire for martyrdom avoids any accusation of suicide, through the witness of his faith and his love for God that is evident in the letters he wrote. It is clear that he sees a martyr’s death as imitating that of Jesus and, thus, he tries to conform his life to that of his Savior’s as fully as possible.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 11:37-41

37 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. 38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 39 The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. 40 You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

Daily Readings for October 16, 2017

1ST READING

Paul did not establish the Christian community in Rome. It existed even before he came to Rome. Perhaps this is why his letter to the Romans is a fairly complete account of his theology and understanding of the Gospel. Paul wanted to impress the community so that they would support the mission he intended to launch from Rome, in the direction of Spain. It seemed that his letter was written before his arrest and his consequent journey to Rome for trial before the Emperor.

Romans 1:1-7

1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an Apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God, 2 which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, 4 but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, 6 among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; 7 to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

P S A L M

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R: The Lord has made known his salvation.

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)

GOSPEL

Jesus expresses a certain amount of frustration with the people here. They keep asking for signs, but they show no sign of responding to the truth. But God said that the only sign that He is willing to show them is that of Jonah. We know what that sign is — the need for repentance. Sin is visible to the left and to the right, and yet we seem to be making little or no effort to curtail it. God’s judgment will be merciful, but it will also be true and just.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 11:29-32

29 While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. 30 Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. 32 At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”