Daily Readings for November 30, 2017

Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle

1ST READING

As we celebrate the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle today, let us remember those who have given their lives in the service of the Gospel — first as martyrs and then as pastors in the Church. The Church would not be what She is today without the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the Gospel. Let us pray that more men and women will heed the call of the Lord and respond to it as generously as Andrew and so many others did.

Romans 10:9-18

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

P S A L M 

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R: The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

7 [8] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (R) 8 [9] The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. (R) 9 [10] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. (R) 10 [11] They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. (R) The call of God is often as simple as “Come, follow Me!” Andrew heard the call of Jesus and left everything to follow Him. Let us reflect on the simplicity of Andrew’s response and examine our own struggles to follow the Lord’s call. Let us try to keep things simple. It is the only way to make following Jesus possible.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 4:18-22

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

Daily Readings for November 29, 2017

1ST READING

Daniel interprets for the king and his message would have been far from welcome. Daniel knows that it is only by speaking and living the truth that he will have true freedom of heart and faith. He does not care what the king would do to him; he trusts that God will vindicate his faithfulness to Him. Let us all pray to have Daniel’s firm faith.

Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28

1 King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his lords, with whom he drank. 2 Under the influence of the wine, he ordered the gold and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar, his father, had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, to be brought in so that the king, his lords, his wives and his entertainers might drink from them. 3 When the gold and silver vessels taken from the house of God in Jerusalem had been brought in, and while the king, his lords, his wives and his entertainers were drinking 4 wine from them, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone. 5 Suddenly, opposite the lampstand, the fingers of a human hand appeared, writing on the plaster of the wall in the king’s palace. When the king saw the wrist and hand that wrote, 6 his face blanched; his thoughts terrified him, his hip joints shook, and his knees knocked. 13 Then Daniel was brought into the presence of the king. The king asked him, “Are you the Daniel, the Jewish exile, whom my father, the king, brought from Judah? 14 I have heard that the Spirit of God is in you, that you possess brilliant knowledge and extraordinary wisdom. 16 I have heard that you can interpret dreams and solve difficulties; if you are able to read the writing and tell me what it means, you shall be clothed in purple, wear a gold collar about your neck, and be third in the government of the kingdom.” 17 Daniel answered the king: “You may keep your gifts, or give your presents to someone else; but the writing I will read for you, O king, and tell you what it means. 23 You have rebelled against the Lord of heaven. You had the vessels of his temple brought before you, so that you and your nobles, your wives and your entertainers, might drink wine from them; and you praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, that neither see nor hear nor have intelligence. But the God in whose hand is your life breath and the whole course of your life, you did not glorify. 24 By him were the wrist and hand sent, and the writing set down. 25 “This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, TEKEL, and PERES. These words mean: 26 MENE, God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it; 27 TEKEL, you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting; 28 PERES, your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

P S A L M

Daniel 3:62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67

R: Give glory and eternal praise to him.

62 “Sun and moon, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.” (R) 63 “Stars of heaven, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.” (R) 64 “Every shower and dew, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.” (R) 65 “All you winds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.” (R) 66 “Fire and heat, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.” (R) 67 “Cold and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.” (R)

GOSPEL

We will never be able to escape persecution in this life. Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world today. There are even laws that discriminate against Christians in more than 100 countries. Jesus warned us about this and, thus, we should expect persecution. Even secular countries given over to materialism and hedonism are starting to make it difficult for Christians to follow their consciences, with all the “social re-engineering” going on.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 21:12-19

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

Daily Readings for November 28, 2017

1ST READING

Daniel is not afraid to speak the truth to the pagan king, Nebuchadnezzar. Why is Daniel unafraid? It’s because he trusts in the Lord’s protection, as he remembers a number of times He has protected him before. This is why remembering the things the Lord has done for us is good. It helps us to grow in faith and trust in Him for the next trial.

Daniel 2:31-45

31 Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar: “In your vision, O king, you saw a statue, very large and exceedingly bright, terrifying in appearance as it stood before you. 32 The head of the statue was pure gold, its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs bronze, 33 the legs iron, its feet partly iron and partly tile. 34 While you looked at the statue, a stone which was hewn from a mountain without a hand being put to it, struck its iron and tile feet, breaking them in pieces. 35 The iron, tile, bronze, silver, and gold all crumbled at once, fine as the chaff on the threshing floor in summer, and the wind blew them away without leaving a trace. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. 36 “This was the dream; the interpretation we shall also give in the king’s presence. 37 You, O king, are the king of kings; to you the God of heaven has given dominion and strength, power and glory; 38 men, wild beasts, and birds of the air, wherever they may dwell, he has handed over to you, making you ruler over them all; you are the head of gold. 39 Another kingdom shall take your place, inferior to yours, then a third kingdom, of bronze, which shall rule over the whole earth. 40 There shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; it shall break in pieces and subdue all these others, just as iron breaks in pieces and crushes everything else. 41 The feet and toes you saw, partly of potter’s tile and partly of iron, mean that it shall be a divided kingdom, but yet have some of the hardness of iron. As you saw the iron mixed with clay tile, 42 and the toes partly iron and partly tile, the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 The iron mixed with clay tile means that they shall seal their alliances by intermarriage, but they shall not stay united, any more than iron mixes with clay. 44 In the lifetime of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed or delivered up to another people; rather, it shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and put an end to them, and it shall stand forever. 45 That is the meaning of the stone you saw hewn from the mountain without a hand being put to it, which broke in pieces the tile, iron, bronze, silver, and gold. The great God has revealed to the king what shall be in the future; this is exactly what you dreamed, and its meaning is sure.”

P S A L M

Daniel 3:57, 58, 59, 60, 61

R: Give glory and eternal praise to him.

57 “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.” 58 “Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.” (R) 59 “You heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.” (R) 60 “All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.” (R) 61 All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.” (R)

GOSPEL

This is what the Church teaches about the end times — the end times is already upon us. It started with Jesus’ proclamation of the Gospel. Let us focus on what the Gospel demands of us in the here and now. Jesus is coming again. When? No one knows except the Father. We just have to be prepared for His coming at any time, by living the Gospel day by day.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 21:5-11

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

Daily Readings for November 27, 2017

1ST READING

God will always find a way to help those who are faithful to Him. Daniel trusts in the Lord’s goodness. He is not afraid to ask a favor and then expects God to back up the request. We should pray for this kind of faith. This is what changes earthly situations through intercession and trust in the Lord. We need more of this in the Church today.

Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came and laid siege to Jerusalem. 2 The Lord handed over to him Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and some of the vessels of the temple of God, he carried them off to the land of Shinar, and placed in the temple treasury of his god. 3 The king told Ashpenaz, his chief chamberlain, to bring in some of the children of Israel of royal blood and of the nobility, 4 young men without any defect, handsome, intelligent and wise, quick to learn, and prudent in judgment, such as could take their place in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans; 5 after three years’ training, they were to enter the king’s service. The king allotted them a daily portion of food and wine from the royal table. 6 Among these were men of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 8 But Daniel was resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine; so he begged the chief chamberlain to spare him this defilement. 9 Though God had given Daniel the favor and sympathy of the chief chamberlain, 10 he nevertheless said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king; it is he who allotted your food and drink. If he sees that you look wretched by comparison with the other young men of your age, you will endanger my life with the king.” 11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief chamberlain had put in charge of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days. Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then see how we look in comparison with the other young men who eat from the royal table, and treat your servants according to what you see.” 14 He acceded to this request, and tested them for ten days; 15 after ten days they looked healthier and better fed than any of the young men who ate from the royal table. 16 So the steward continued to take away the food and wine they were to receive, and gave them vegetables. 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and proficiency in all literature and science, and to Daniel the understanding of all visions and dreams. 18 At the end of the time, the king had specified for their preparation, the chief chamberlain brought them before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 When the king had spoken with all of them, none was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; and so they entered the king’s service. 20 In any question of wisdom or prudence which the king put to them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.

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

Today we ponder on the nature of the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ observation is almost counter-intuitive. Sometimes, we have to look at a particular situation from a different angle if we want to truly understand it. When you have a disagreement with someone, it would be good to do this so that you could better understand the other person’s position.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 21:1-4

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

Daily Readings for November 26, 2017

Solemnity of Christ the King

1ST READING

Ultimately, God will return to pasture His sheep. He will come again to lead us in the Last Days. On the Last Day, there will also be judgment. But we have no reason to fear judgment if we do our best to follow His will now. God is a merciful judge and, as St. Teresa of Avila reminds us, will look into our heart’s desires more than anything else. We will not always succeed in what we do, often because of factors beyond our control, but God knows this and will judge us accordingly.

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17

11 Thus says the Lord God: I myself will look after and tend my sheep. 12 As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark. 15 I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord God. 16 The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal but the sleek and the strong I will destroy, shepherding them rightly. 17 As for you, my sheep, says the Lord God,  I will judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats.

P S A L M

Psalm 23:1-2, 2-3, 5, 6

R: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 In verdant pastures he gives me repose. (R) Beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. (R) 5 You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. (R)

2ND READING

The promise of our resurrection gives us great hope and life. If we take the time to stop and reflect on what this promise really means, then we will be motivated to live the Gospel to the full. This might sound exaggerated, but it is not. It is the truth. Can you find any greater motivation to follow Jesus in everything we do than the promise of eternal life?

1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

20 Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, 23 but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; 24 then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 28 When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.

GOSPEL

This is a great parable, one that hardly needs explaining. Yet there seems to be so many people, Christians included, who are not aware of it. Or they may know the parable, but have not assimilated its truth in their lives and their decision-making processes. Jesus makes it clear that we have responsibilities when it comes to the Gospel, the most basic of which is to love the poor and the needy. They are least able to help themselves, so we need to do all we can to minister to them.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 25:31-46

31 Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, 32 and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ 40 And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 41 Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ 44 Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ 45 He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ 46 And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Daily Readings for November 25, 2017

1ST READING

King Antiochus is beginning to realize the evil nature of his ways. Will it lead to repentance or not? We also have had or will have this or a similar experience when we are faced with our sinfulness. We will choose whether to repent and pursue conversion or stay on the same path and ignore our conscience. The former is the right one and the far more difficult choice, but it also brings eternal rewards.

1 Maccabees 6:1-13

1 As King Antiochus was traversing the inland provinces, he heard that in Persia, there was a city called Elymais, famous for its wealth in silver and gold, 2 and that its temple was very rich, containing gold helmets, breastplates, and weapons left there by Alexander, son of Philip, king of Macedon, the first king of the Greeks. 3 He went therefore and tried to capture and pillage the city. But he could not do so, because his plan became known to the people of the city 4 who rose up in battle against him. So he retreated and in great dismay withdrew from there to return to Babylon. 5 While he was in Persia, a messenger brought him news that the armies sent into the land of Judah had been put to flight; 6 that Lysias had gone at first with a strong army and been driven back by the children of Israel; that they had grown strong by reason of the arms, men, and abundant possessions taken from the armies they had destroyed; 7 that they had pulled down the Abomination which he had built upon the altar in Jerusalem; and that they had surrounded with high walls both the sanctuary, as it had been before, and his city of Beth-zur. 8 When the king heard this news, he was struck with fear and very much shaken. Sick with grief because his designs had failed, he took to his bed. 9 There he remained many days, overwhelmed with sorrow, for he knew he was going to die. 10 So he called in all his Friends and said to them: “Sleep has departed from my eyes, for my heart is sinking with anxiety. 11 I said to myself: ‘Into what tribulation have I come, and in what floods of sorrow am I now! 12 Yet I was kindly and beloved in my rule.’ But I now recall the evils I did in Jerusalem, when I carried away all the vessels of gold and silver that were in it, and for no cause gave orders that the inhabitants of Judah be destroyed. 13 I know that this is why these evils have overtaken me; and now I am dying, in bitter grief, in a foreign land.”

P S A L M

Psalm 9:2-3, 4, 6, 16, 19

R: I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord.

1 [2] I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous deeds. 2 [3] I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, Most High. (R) 3 [4] Because my enemies are turned back, overthrown and destroyed before you. 5 [6] You rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; their name you blotted out foreverand ever. (R) 15 [16] The nations are sunk in the pit they have made; in the snare they set, their foot is caught. 18 [19] For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor shall the hope of the afflicted forever perish. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus demonstrates that it is futile to try and confuse Him. The confusion will just backfire and He will walk away unscathed. He has a simple answer for the Sadducees’ dilemma: There is no marriage in heaven, because in heaven, we will be in perfect relationship with God, and that will fulfill all our desires.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 20:27-40

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

Daily Readings for November 24, 2017

1ST READING

Judas and His followers retake Jerusalem and re-establish the sacrifices of the Temple. They rejoice because they are able to practice their religion again. Their joy will be somewhat brief as the Romans will come and occupy Jerusalem in a short time. However, Roman occupation will be a little freer. They will be able to practice their faith in between some persecution and a few other restrictions, including the hated taxes to the Empire.

1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59

36 Judas and his brothers said, “Now that our enemies have been crushed, let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it.” 37 So the whole army assembled, and went up to Mount Zion. 52 Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, that is, the month of Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-eight, 53 they arose and offered sacrifice according to the law on the new altar of burnt offerings that they had made. 54 On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled it, on that very day it was reconsecrated with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals. 55 All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven, who had given them success. 56 For eight days they celebrated the dedication of the altar and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of deliverance and praise. 57 They ornamented the facade of the temple with gold crowns and shields; they repaired the gates and the priests’ chambers and furnished them with doors. 58 There was great joy among the people now that the disgrace of the Gentiles was removed. 59 Then Judas and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the days of the dedication of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness on the anniversary every year for eight days, from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev.

P S A L M

1 Chronicles 29:10, 11, 11-12, 12

R: We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

10 “Blessed may you be, O Lord, God of Israel our father, from eternity to eternity.” (R) 11 “Yours, O Lord, are grandeur and power, majesty, splendor, and glory. For all in heaven and on earth is yours.” (R) “Yours, O Lord, is the sovereignty; you are exalted as head over all. 12 “Riches and honor are from you.” (R) “You have dominion over all. In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all.” (R)

GOSPEL

This story in the life of Jesus is an encouragement for us to give God His due, especially in setting aside time for worship and prayer. It is not possible to always mix work and prayer. We need time for prayer that’s apart from our daily work. Prayer “on the run” is not enough to sustain our faith. We should recognize that prayer is a non-negotiable part of our daily life.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 19:45-48

45 Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, 46 saying to them, “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” 47 And every day he was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, 48 but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.

Daily Readings for November 23, 2017

1ST READING

Mattathias is a righteous Jew who wants nothing of the compromising faith that the Greeks force on the people of Israel. He flees to the mountains where like-minded Jews join him to escape the persecution of the Greeks. Perhaps we are witnessing here the start of the Essenes, an ascetic Jewish community or sect who lived a spartan life in the hills outside Jerusalem. The most important part of Mattathias and his companions’ witness is their willingness to give up all for the sake of their faith.

1 Maccabees 2:15-29

15 The officers of the king in charge of enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Modein to organize the sacrifices. 16 Many of Israel joined them, but Mattathias and his sons gathered in a group apart. 17 Then the officers of the king addressed Mattathias: “You are a leader, an honorable and great man in this city, supported by sons and kin. 18 Come now, be the first to obey the king’s command, as all the Gentiles and the men of Judah and those who are left in Jerusalem have done. Then you and your sons shall be numbered among the King’s Friends, and shall be enriched with silver and gold and many gifts.” 19 But Mattathias answered in a loud voice: “Although all the Gentiles in the king’s realm obey him, so that each forsakes the religion of his fathers and consents to the king’s orders, 20 yet I and my sons and my kin will keep to the covenant of our fathers. 21 God forbid that we should forsake the law and the commandments. 22 We will not obey the words of the king nor depart from our religion in the slightest degree.” 23 As he finished saying these words, a certain Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein according to the king’s order. 24 When Mattathias saw him, he was filled with zeal; his heart was moved and his just fury was aroused; he sprang forward and killed him upon the altar. 25 At the same time, he also killed the messenger of the king who was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar. 26 Thus he showed his zeal for the law, just as Phinehas did with Zimri, son of Salu. 27 Then Mattathias went through the city shouting, “Let everyone who is zealous for the law and who stands by the covenant follow after me!” 28 Thereupon he fled to the mountains with his sons, leaving behind in the city all their possessions. 29 Many who sought to live according to righteousness and religious custom went out into the desert to settle there.

P S A L M

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

R: To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

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

Jesus laments that many do not see the truth in the Gospel. Perhaps the history of Jerusalem would have been different if the Jews accepted Him as the Messiah. That Jesus weeps indicates that there are serious consequences to this failure, which He predicts to be the destruction of Jerusalem, something that occurred around 70 CE.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 19:41-44

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

Daily Readings for November 22, 2017

1ST READING

The witness of the seven brothers and their mother is amazing. This is an example of true faithfulness. None of the eight seem to give in to their executioners. They remain firm in their faith and refuse to break the Law. As a consequence, they are executed.

2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31

1 It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God’s law. 20 Most admirable and worthy of everlasting remembrance was the mother, who saw her seven sons perish in a single day, yet bore it courageously because of her hope in the Lord. 21 Filled with a noble spirit that stirred her womanly heart with manly courage, she exhorted each of them in the language of their forefathers with these words: 22 “I do not know how you came into existence in my womb; it was not I who gave you the breath of life, nor was it I who set in order the elements of which each of you is composed. 23 Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe who shapes each man’s beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything, he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law.” 24 Antiochus, suspecting insult in her words, thought he was being ridiculed. As the youngest brother was still alive, the king appealed to him, not with mere words, but with promises on oath, to make him rich and happy if he would abandon his ancestral customs: he would make him his friend and entrust him with high office. 25 When the youth paid no attention to him at all, the king appealed to the mother, urging her to advise her boy to save his life. 26 After he had urged her for a long time, she went through the motions of persuading her son. 27 In derision of the cruel tyrant, she leaned over close to her son and said in their native language: “Son, have pity on me, who carried you in my womb for nine months, nursed you for three years, brought you up, educated and supported you to your present age. 28 I beg you, child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see all that is in them; then you will know that God did not make them out of existing things; and in the same way the human race came into existence. 29 Do not be afraid of this executioner, but be worthy of your brothers and accept death, so that in the time of mercy I may receive you again with them.” 30 She had scarcely finished speaking when the youth said: “What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king’s command. I obey the command of the law given to our fathers through Moses. 31 But you, who have contrived every kind of affliction for the Hebrews, will not escape the hands of God.

P S A L M

Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15

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

1 Hear, O Lord, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. (R) 5 My steps have been steadfast in your paths, my feet have not faltered. 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. (R) 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. 15 But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking, I shall be content in your presence. (R)

GOSPEL

The Gospel is never finished with us — we are always “on call” when it comes to our faith. We never know when we will be called again to share the Gospel with a stranger. We never know when we might get a call for help from a friend who is struggling in his faith. Will you be there for them? Similarly, we will be asked to give an account on how we have used the gifts God has given us. Let us use them well for the Kingdom of God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 19:11-28

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

Daily Readings for November 21, 2017

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1ST READING

Eleazar is already old, and prolonging his life by doing something he believes is wrong does not appeal to him. He also reasons that having given a good example to the youth for many years means that he should continue to give that example, rather than give in and eat unclean food. Let us pray to have the same commitment as Eleazar’s when we are tempted.

2 Maccabees 6:18-31

18 Eleazar, one of the foremost scribes, a man of advanced age and noble appearance, was being forced to open his mouth to eat pork. 19 But preferring a glorious death to a life of defilement, he spat out the meat, and went forward of his own accord to the instrument of torture, 20 as people ought to do who have the courage to reject the food which it is unlawful to taste even for love of life. 21 Those in charge of that unlawful ritual meal took the man aside privately, because of their long acquaintance with him, and urged him to bring meat of his own providing, such as he could legitimately eat, and to pretend to be eating some of the meat of the sacrifice prescribed by the king; 22 in this way he would escape the death penalty, and be treated kindly because of their old friendship with him. 23 But Eleazar made up his mind in a noble manner, worthy of his years, the dignity of his advanced age, the merited distinction of his gray hair, and of the admirable life he had lived from childhood; and so he declared that above all he would be loyal to the holy laws given by God. He told them to send him at once to the abode of the dead, explaining: 24 “At our age it would be unbecoming to make such a pretense; many young people would think the ninety-year-old Eleazar had gone over to an alien religion. 25 Should I thus pretend for the sake of a brief moment of life, they would be led astray by me, while I would bring shame and dishonor on my old age. 26 Even if, for the time being, I avoid the punishment of men, I shall never, whether alive or dead, escape the hands of the Almighty. 27 Therefore, by manfully giving up my life now, I will prove myself worthy of my old age, 28 and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.” Eleazar spoke thus, and went immediately to the instrument of torture. 29 Those who shortly before had been kindly disposed, now became hostile toward him because what he had said seemed to them utter madness. 30 When he was about to die under the blows, he groaned and said: “The Lord in his holy knowledge knows full well that, although I could have escaped death, I am not only enduring terrible pain in my body from this scourging, but also suffering it with joy in my soul because of my devotion to him.” 31 This is how he died, leaving in his death a model of courage and an unforgettable example of virtue not only for the young but for the whole nation.

P S A L M

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

R: The Lord upholds me.

1 [2] O Lord, how many are my adversaries! Many rise up against me! 2 [3] Many are saying of me, “There is no salvation for him in God.” (R) 3 [4] But you, O Lord, are my shield; my glory, you lift up my head! 4 [5] When I call out to the Lord, he answers me from his holy mountain. (R) 5 [6] When I lie down in sleep, I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. 6 [7] I fear not the myriads of people arrayed against me on every side. (R)

GOSPEL

Zacchaeus repents and his repentance characterizes his life more than his sin. He resolves to do all that he can to repair the wrongs of his past life. We must do the same. If it is possible to do restitution for a wrong that we have done, then we should do so. If this is not possible, then we need to do the penance the priest ascribes to us in the sacrament of reconciliation.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

God loved us, and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

Luke 19:1-10

1 At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. 2 Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, 3 was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. 5 When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 And he came down quickly and received him with joy. 7 When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

Daily Readings for November 20, 2017

1ST READING

The Greek Empire was particularly unforgiving of alternative forms of worship. One of the goals of the colonizing Greeks was a uniform society according to its own principles. Most subjugated nations and people gave in to their conquerors. As we are about to see, some of the Jews did not. This brought them into conflict with the local Greek governors who sought to enforce the practice of the Empire.

1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63

10 [From the descendants of Alexander’s officers] there sprang from these a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus, once a hostage at Rome. He became king in the year one hundred and thirty-seven of the kingdom of the Greeks. 11 In those days there appeared in Israel men who were breakers of the law, and they seduced many people, saying: “Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us; since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us.” 12 The proposal was agreeable; 13 some from among the people promptly went to the king, and he authorized them to introduce the way of living of the Gentiles. 14 Thereupon, they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to the Gentile custom. 15 They covered over the mark of their circumcision and abandoned the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold themselves to wrongdoing. 41 Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, 42 each abandoning his particular customs. All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king, 43 and many children of Israel were in favor of his religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath. 54 On the fifteenth day of the month Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-five, the king erected the horrible abomination upon the altar of burnt offerings, and in the surrounding cities of Judah they built pagan altars. 55 They also burnt incense at the doors of houses and in the streets. 56 Any scrolls of the law which they found they tore up and burnt. 57 Whoever was found with a scroll of the covenant, and whoever observed the law, was condemned to death by royal decree. 62 But many in Israel were determined and resolved in their hearts not to eat anything unclean; 63 they preferred to die rather than to be defiled with unclean food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. Terrible affliction was upon Israel.

P S A L M

Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158

R: Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.

53 Indignation seizes me because of the wicked who forsake your law. (R) 61 Though the snares of the wicked are twined about me your law I have not forgotten. (R) 134 Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may keep your precepts. (R) 150 I am attacked by malicious persecutors who are far from your law. (R) 155 Far from sinners is salvation, because they seek not your statutes. (R) 158 I beheld the apostates with loathing, because they kept not to your promise. (R)

GOSPEL

Why did the people want the blind man to keep quiet? Was it because they did not want him to be healed? Was it because they thought Jesus was not interested in his situation? The Scriptures indicate Jesus’ willingness to engage in such situations time and time again. We can be sure that God will not reject us as long as we come with a sincere heart. This is all that God really asks of us — that we do our best when it comes to responding to His call.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 18:35-43

35 As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, 36 and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” 39 The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” 40 Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” 42 Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” 43 He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

Daily Readings for November 19, 2017

1ST READING

The images used here to describe the perfect wife are derived from a culture many centuries ago. Perhaps the images appeal to you and maybe they do not. Nevertheless, it is good to reflect on what the proper traits of a wife or husband should be, and so on. The world presents us models for living that have lost the roots of the role in question. We have to make sure that our models are not contrary to the mind of God.

Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

10 When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. 11 Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. 12 She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. 13 She obtains wool and flax and works with loving hands. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle. 20 She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. 30 Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Give her a reward of her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.

P S A L M

Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

R: Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

1 Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways! 2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. (R) 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. (R) 4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. 5 The Lord bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. (R)

2ND READING

Christians should live in the light of the Gospel. There is no place for darkness of sin in our lives. Let us discern how to live according to Gospel principles. This is not the same for everyone. Each of us has a unique part to play in God’s plan of salvation, and we need to do the best we can to discern what it is and then do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

1 Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. 3 When people are saying, “Peace and security,” then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief. 5 For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. 6 Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.

GOSPEL

We reflect on a parable today that reminds us to use wisely the gifts and blessings God has been so good to give us. This is also the best way to advance the cause of the Gospel and ensure that as many people as possible will have the opportunity to respond to the Good News. We have no excuse for not doing our best. God has given us the best in His Son, Jesus. It is up to us to respond to His mercy and love.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Remain in me as I remain in you, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me bears much fruit.

Matthew 25:14-30

14 Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one — to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately 16 the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. 17 Likewise, the one who received two made another two. 18 But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. 19 After a long time, the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. 20 The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 22 Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; 25 so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ 26 His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? 28 Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken120 away. 30 And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ ”

Daily Readings for November 18, 2017

Dedication of the Churches of Sts.Peter and Paul, Apostles

1ST READING

  

God is the Master of all that He has created. This is evident in the miracles He works, both in the New and Old Testaments. God is not bound by the laws of nature, but we are. God is free to do what He wants as He is the Creator of all, but we are not. Sin is rebellion against God. When we sin, we seek to appropriate His authority and powers to ourselves. The only way to overcome this is through humility — by readily accepting that God is God and we are not.

Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9

14 When peaceful stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent, 15 Your all-powerful word, from heaven’s royal throne bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land, 16 bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree. And as he alighted, he filled every place with death; he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth. 19:6 For all creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew, serving its natural laws, that your children might be preserved unharmed. 7 The cloud overshadowed their camp; and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging: Out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road, and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood. 8 Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by your hand, after they beheld stupendous wonders. 9 For they ranged about like horses, and bounded about like lambs, praising you, O Lord! Their deliverer.

P S A L M

Psalm 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43

R: Remember the marvels the Lord has done!

2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. 3 Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! (R) 36 Then he struck every first-born throughout their land, the first fruits of all their manhood. 37 And he led them forth laden with silver and gold, with not a weakling among their tribes. (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

Sometimes, God allows us to wait a long time before answering our prayers. He knows the best timing for the answer to our prayers. He knows what we need the most. We simply have to learn to trust in His judgment and persevere in our prayers. Good things come to those who wait upon the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

God has called us through the Gospel, to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 18:1-8

1 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, 2 “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. 3 And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ 4 For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, 5 because this widow keeps bothering me, I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” 6 The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. 7 Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? 8 I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”