Daily Readings for August 31, 2018

1st READING

The Gospel message is filled with paradoxes. For example, our salvation is won for us through the death of the Son of God. Another is that in our weaknesses, we are strong. Do these make sense? God provides what is lacking as we do His will. His grace is sufficient for us. We may not completely understand God’s wisdom but we can trust it will lead us to Him.

1 Corinthians 1:17-25

17 Brothers and sisters: Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning. 18 The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the learning of the learned I will set aside. 20 Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

P S A L M 

Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11

R: The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

1 Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting. 2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten- stringed lyre chant his praises. (R) 4 For upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 10 The Lord brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples. 11 But the plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of his heart through all generations. (R)

GOSPEL 

To be spiritually prepared is a challenge. We do not know what the future holds, but we can prepare as best as we can. Let us hold on to God’s promises — He is faithful to complete what He began in us. We just need to do our best and let God do the rest.  

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 25:1-13

1 Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, 4 but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. 11 Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ 12 But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Daily Readings for August 30, 2018

1st READING

We have been sanctified in Christ through baptism. This is the basis of our relationship with God – He made us His people, as commemorated in the sacrament of baptism. As we enter the life of the Church through this sacrament, let us remember our covenant with God. We are responsible for maintaining the relationship, just as God is. Let us be committed to the call of discipleship and walk daily with Jesus. He will do the rest.

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

1 Paul, called to be an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 to the Church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, 6 as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

P S A L M 

Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: I will praise your name forever, Lord.

2 Every day will I bless you and I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. (R) 4 Generation after generation praises your works and proclaims your might. 5 They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty and tell of your wondrous works. (R) 6 They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds and declare your greatness. 7 They publish the fame of your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your justice. (R)

GOSPEL 

Spiritual preparation requires us to avail of God’s gifts and grace. As His disciples, we accept and obey His perfect will for us. We surrender to God and allow Him to form us in the image of Jesus and the saints, and empower us with the Holy Spirit to work in the mission field of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 24:42-51

42 Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 43 Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. 44 So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. 45 Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. 47 Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, 50 the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour 51 and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

Daily Readings for August 29, 2018

1st READING

The last line in today’s reading is the most important. The enemy’s power is arrayed against the faithful. Satan is waging a battle but he will not prevail. This is the battle we face as disciples of Jesus. He has won the victory for us. Let us remember to live in the victory of Christ on the cross. Satan will attempt to steal this from us, but if we persevere in the truth, he will fail.

Jeremiah 1:17-19 (or 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18)

17 The word of the Lord came to me thus: Gird your loins; stand up and tell them all that I command you. Be not crushed on their account, as though I would leave you crushed before them. 18 For it is I this day who have made you a forti ed city, a pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: against Judah’s kings and princes, against its priests and people. 19 They will ght against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.

Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15, 17 (or Psalm 128: 1-2, 4-5)

R: I will sing your salvation.

1 In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your justice rescue me, and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me. (R) 3 Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. (R) 5 For you are my hope O Lord, my trust, O God, from my youth. 6 On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength. (R) 15 My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (R)

John the Baptist pays with his life for standing up for the truth. Did death and evil prevail? John is reborn into eternal life, and so life wins in the end. His time on earth ends and he dies in the glory of martyrdom. The truth prevails and John is vindicated, not Herod, Salome, her mother, or the murderers.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 6:17-29 (or Matthew 23:27-32)

17 Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. 18 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 20 Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. 21 She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military of cers, and the leading men of Galilee. 22 Herodias’s own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” 23 He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 26 The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. 27 So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. 28 He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Daily Readings for August 28, 2018

1st READING

Paul exhorts once again the Thessalonian community to stand firm in the face of attacks from the world. Today’s social engineers are unhappy with Catholic moral teaching and attempt to break it down at every opportunity. Let us trust in the Holy Spirit and on His strength to withstand adversity, and present what we believe and why we believe it.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17

1 We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, 2 not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. 14 To this end he has also called you through our Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.

P S A L M

Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13

R: The Lord comes to judge the earth.

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

GOSPEL

Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Augustine, one of the giants of the Church — a giant in intellect (the most quoted source in the Catechism of the Catholic Church) and a giant in pastoral works. His Confessions is the first known autobiography, an extraordinary revelation of the inner life of a man who began as a heretic and ended up as one of the Church’s outstanding bishops and theologians.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 23:23-26

23 Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. 24 Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel! 25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”

Daily Readings for August 27, 2018

1st READING

In today’s reading, Paul first mentions that he is always praying for the Thessalonian community. Intercession — praying for others or for a particular outcome to an event — is important. Through intercession, we can present to God our concerns. Sometimes we set aside prayer because we think He is too busy, or we think our issue is not important enough for His attention. Remember that God wants to be involved in our lives. Second, Paul mentions enduring persecution. Let us pray for the grace to endure the inevitable persecutions that we will face as Christians.

2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the Church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, as is fitting, because your faith  flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater. 4 Accordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God regarding your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure. 5 This is evidence of the just judgment of God, so that you may be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God for which you are suffering. 11 We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.

P S A L M 

Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 4-5

R: Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all you lands. 2 Sing to the Lord; bless his name. (R) Announce his salvation, day after day. 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)

GOSPEL 

To avoid the condemnations of Jesus, we must follow the Gospel faithfully. Let us strive to remain faithful to His teachings and live them daily. Christians are persecuted more and more in the world today. The way we can withstand the battering is by coming together — in unity and strength.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 23:13-22

13 Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter. [14] 14 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves. 16 Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If one swears by the temple, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.’ 17 Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’ 19 You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; 21 one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it; 22 one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it.”

Daily Readings for August 26, 2018

1st READING

Who will you serve? What will you focus on? How will you use the blessings God has given you? Joshua asks the people these questions in today’s reading. He wants them to make a choice. He wants to know if the people are with him and not just concerned about their own welfare.

Joshua 24:1-2, 15-17, 18

1 Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders, their judges and their officers. When they stood in ranks before God, 2 Joshua addressed all the people: 15 “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 16 But the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord for the service of other gods. 17 For it was the Lord, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 18 Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”

P S A L M

Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21

R: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

1 [2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 2 [3] Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 15 [16] The Lord has eyes for the just, and ears for their cry. 16 [17] The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. (R) 17 [18] When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. 18 [19] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. (R) 19 [20] Many are the troubles of the just one, but out of them all, the Lord delivers him; 20 [21] he watches over all his bones; not one of them shall be broken. (R)

2nd READING 

Household order is a relevant topic in today’s world of equal rights. We must avoid the belief that everyone has the same right to every position, role, or ministry. There are differences between men and women that make them complementary to each other (see Genesis 1:26-31). Gender differences are the basis for marriage and procreation. Let us celebrate how God created us — as men and women in His image and likeness.

Ephesians 5:21-32 (or Ephesians 5:2, 25-32)

21 Brothers and sisters: Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church; he himself the savior of the body. 24 As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her 26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, 27 that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and [his] mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.

GOSPEL 

As Christians, we need to be ready to see people walk away from us when the going gets tough. We need to accept that we will be persecuted for our convictions that are contrary to the social agenda of the world. Let us stand firm and defend the teachings of the Church on the dignity of life, especially when we are attacked by the opposition.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

John 6:60-69

60 Many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” 61 Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? 62 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” 66 As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. 67 Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

Daily Readings for August 25, 2018

1st READING

The Old Testament temple and today’s Christian churches symbolize men and women of faith. It is in the people of God that His glory dwells. Let us take hold of this truth and allow the Lord to shine forth from within us. May we be witnesses to God’s presence among His people.

Ezekiel 43:1-7

1 The Angel led me to the gate which faces the east, 2 and there I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. I heard a sound like the roaring of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. 3 The vision was like that which I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and like that which I had seen by the river Chebar. I fell prone 4 as the glory of the Lord entered the temple by way of the gate which faces the east, 5 but the spirit lifted me up and brought me to the inner court. And I saw that the temple was filled with the glory of the Lord. 6 Then I heard someone speaking to me from the temple, while the man stood beside me. 7 The voice said to me: Son of man, this is where my throne shall be, this is where I will set the soles of my feet; here I will dwell among the children of Israel forever.

P S A L M 

Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

R: The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.

8 [9] I will hear what God proclaims. The Lord — for he proclaims peace. 9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 10 [11] Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13] The Lord himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14] Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps. (R)

GOSPEL

God’s intellectual knowledge is available to everyone, even to people who have little or no faith. But to live as His disciple demands sacrifice and obedience that only a few can commit to. This challenge of faith is our goal as Christians and this will become the foundation for evangelization and making new disciples.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

You have but one Father in heaven; you have but one master, the Christ. 

Matthew 23:1-12

1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Daily Readings for August 24, 2018

Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle 

1st READING

A reward received in this life is of little value compared to one received in eternal life. A reward on earth lasts only as long as we live, but a heavenly reward lasts for eternity. We need to consider this as we make life choices. As disciples, let us remember that to refuse passing pleasures is worth gaining eternal joy.

Revelation 21:9-14

9 The angel spoke to me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. 13 There were three gates facing east, three north, three south, and three west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

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 

It is difficult to have a relationship with a two-faced person. You never know who you are dealing with, and where you stand with him. Let us be straightforward with our friends and colleagues, so that they know we are true to them.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.

John 1:45-51

45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” 46 But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Daily Readings for August 23, 2018

1st READING

God has set us apart as His chosen people. This opportunity is open to all. However, it is up to the individual to accept God’s plan for his life. Salvation is God’s gift and we are free to receive it or not. Let us be true witnesses of God’s love to others. This is the most effective way to evangelize.

Ezekiel 36:23-28

23 Thus says the Lord: I will prove the holiness of my great name, profaned among the nations, in whose midst you have profaned it. Thus the nations shall know that I am the Lord, says the Lord God, when in their sight I prove my holiness through you. 24 For I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from all the foreign lands, and bring you back to your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts. 27 I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statutes, careful to observe my decrees. 28 You shall live in the land I gave your ancestors; you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

P S A L M 

Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

R: I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

10 [12] A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 11 [13] Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. (R) 12 [14] Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. 13 [15] I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you. (R) 16 [18] For you are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it. 17 [19] My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. (R)

GOSPEL 

It is ironic that many of those invited do not attend the feast and celebration of the king. They do some other businesses or tasks that they believe are more important and beneficial for them. This may be a good short-term decision. But in today’s Gospel, what the king — Jesus — is offering is the gift of eternal life. Let us be mindful of our choices that may have eternal consequences.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 22:1-14

1 Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables, saying, 2 “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. 3 He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. 4 A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.’” 5 Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. 6 The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8 Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. 9 Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ 10 The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. 11 But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. 12 He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. 13 Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ 14 Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Daily Readings for August 22, 2018

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1st READING

Ezekiel speaks about the shortcomings of the Jewish leaders and priests in caring for the people. God takes back the responsibility for His flock because of the leaders’ neglect. Pastoral care is important. Caring for and mentoring the flock helps the Church grow and empowers it to evangelize and transform the world.

Ezekiel 34:1-11 (or Judges 6:11-24)

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, in these words prophesy to them: Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves! Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep? 3 You have fed off their milk, worn their wool, and slaughtered the fatlings, but the sheep you have not pastured. 4 You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind up the injured. You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost, but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered 6 and wandered over all the mountains and high hills; my sheep were scattered over the whole earth, with no one to look after them or to search for them. 7 Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 As I live, says the Lord God, because my sheep have been given over to pillage, and because my sheep have become food for every wild beast, for lack of a shepherd; because my shepherds did not look after my sheep, but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep; 9 because of this, shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 10 Thus says the Lord God: I swear I am coming against these shepherds. I will claim my sheep from them and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep so that they may no longer pasture themselves. I will save my sheep, that they may no longer be food for their mouths. 11 For thus says the Lord God: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.

P S A L M 

Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 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; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. (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)

GOSPEL 

God is pleased when we use the gifts He has given us. The Scriptures teach us that the more faithful we are with His blessings, the more He will bless us. Those who are faithful in little things will be faithful in big things — better than those who are lazy to use God’s gifts. May we appreciate the gifts He has given us and use these for His glory.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 20:1-16 (or Matthew 19:23-30)

1 Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ 5 So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. 6 Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ 8 When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ 9 When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. 10 So when the  first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ 13 He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14 Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?15 Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ 16 Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Daily Readings for August 21, 2018

1st READING

A disciple of Jesus is submissive to the will of God. Sin fosters in us an unhealthy kind of independence from God. He created and loves us. Through His Son, God has redeemed and empowered us with the Holy Spirit. Why, then, do we distance ourselves from such a generous God? But for some unknown reason, we let sin drive a wedge between Him and us. Let us pray for the grace to remain close to God.

Ezekiel 28:1-10

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre: Thus says the Lord God: Because you are haughty of heart, you say, “A god am I! I occupy a godly throne in the heart of the sea!” And yet you are a man, and not a god, however you may think yourself like a god. 3 Oh yes, you are wiser than Daniel and there is no secret that is beyond you. 4 By your wisdom and your intelligence you have made riches for yourself; you have put gold and silver into your treasuries. 5 By your great wisdom applied to your trading you have heaped up your riches; your heart has grown haughty from your riches — 6 therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have thought yourself to have the mind of a god, 7 therefore I will bring against you foreigners, the most barbarous of nations. They shall draw their swords against your beauteous wisdom. They shall run them through your splendid apparel. 8 They shall thrust you down to the pit, there to die a bloodied corpse, in the heart of the sea. 9 Will you then say, “I am a god!” when you face your murderers? No, you are a man, not a god, handed over to those who will slay you. 10 You shall die the death of the uncircumcised at the hands of foreigners, for I have spoken, says the Lord God.

P S A L M 

Deuteronomy 32:26-27, 27-28, 30, 35-36

R: It is I who deal death and give life.

26 “I would have said, ‘I will make an end of them and blot out their name from men’s memories.’ 27 Had I not feared the insolence of their enemies, feared that these foes would mistakenly boast.” (R) “Our own hand won the victory; the Lord had nothing to do with it.’” 28 For they are a people devoid of reason, having no understanding. (R) 30 “How could one man rout a thousand, or two men put ten thousand to flight, unless it was because their Rock sold them and the Lord delivered them up?” (R) 35 Close at hand is the day of their disaster and their doom is rushing upon them! 36 Surely, the Lord shall do justice for his people; on his servants he shall have pity. (R) 

GOSPEL

What are riches for the Lord? Riches are nothing compared to eternal life. What should our attitude toward riches be? We should accept the wealth that comes our way and use it for everyone’s benefit, especially the poor. Riches beget selfishness; the more we have, the more we are prone to selfishness. Riches are a sacred trust given to us by the Lord for the building of His Church.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Matthew 19:23-30

23 Jesus said to his disciples, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Daily Readings for August 20, 2018

1st READING

We celebrate today the feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the driving force behind the expansion of the Cistercian Order (a 12th century reform of the Benedictine Order). St. Bernard’s preaching was so powerful that women would often lock up their menfolk for fear that he would convince them to follow him back to the monastery. May we have more preachers with this power of persuasion today. Let us pray that the Lord anoint our priests with the gift of preaching.

Ezekiel 24:15-23

15 The word of the Lord came to me: 16 Son of man, by a sudden blow I am taking away from you the delight of your eyes, but do not mourn or weep or shed any tears. 17 Groan in silence, make no lament for the dead, bind on your turban, put your sandals on your feet, do not cover your beard, and do not eat the customary bread. 18 That evening my wife died, and the next morning I did as I had been commanded. 19 Then the people asked me, “Will you not tell us what all these things that you are doing mean for us?” I therefore spoke to the people that morning, 20 saying to them: Thus the word of the Lord came to me: 21 Say to the house of Israel: Thus says the Lord God: I will now desecrate my sanctuary, the stronghold of your pride, the delight of your eyes, the desire of your soul. The sons and daughters you left behind shall fall by the sword. 22 [24] Ezekiel shall be a sign for you: all that he did you shall do when it happens. Thus you shall know that I am the Lord. 23 [22] You shall do as I have done, not covering your beards nor eating the customary bread. 24 [23] Your turbans shall remain on your heads, your sandals on your feet. You shall not mourn or weep, but you shall rot away because of your sins and groan one to another.

P S A L M 

Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21

R: You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

18 You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you. You forgot the God who gave you birth. 19 When the Lord saw this, he was filled with loathing and anger toward his sons and daughters. (R) 20 “I will hide my face from them,” he said, “and see what will then become of them. What a fickle race they are, sons with no loyalty in them!” (R) 21 “Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’ and angered me with their vain idols, I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’; with a foolish nation I will anger them.” (R) 

GOSPEL  

We need to take the call of discipleship seriously. It is a decision to be formed and shaped by the will of God. A disciple’s first priority is obeying God’s will. Through obedience, the grace of the Gospel will be activated in us. This is a challenge, since there will always be many ideas competing for our attention.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 19:16-22

16 A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” 17 He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; 19 honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Daily Readings for August 19, 2018

1st READING

There comes a time when we have to put our childlike ways behind us and embrace our adulthood. Sadly, the youth is enamored by materialism. They find it hard to grow up and take responsibility for themselves. The problem, especially for women, is that if they want to have children, they need to work with the natural rhythms of their bodies. The best time to have children is from 25 to 35 years old. If women wait longer, then the possibility of having children diminishes.

Proverbs 9:1-6

1 Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her seven columns; 2 she has dressed her meat, mixed her wine, yes, she has spread her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens; she calls from the heights out over the city: 4 “Let whoever is simple turn in here; to the one who lacks understanding, I say, 5 Come, eat of my food, and drink of the wine I have mixed! 6 Forsake foolishness that you may live; advance in the way of understanding.”

P S A L M 

Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

1 [2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 2 [3] Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 3 [4] Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. 4 [5] I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (R) 5 [6] Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. 6 [7] When the poor one called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (R)

2nd READING

God’s will brings us the greatest fulfillment and satisfaction, not the empty promises of the world. The world will distract us with promises of pleasure, but most of the time these will leave us unsatisfied. Today, Paul exhorts us to follow God’s will and to forsake a life of licentiousness. Let us live in holiness and follow the ways of the Gospel.

Ephesians 5:15-20

15 Brothers and sisters: Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, 16 making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord. 18 And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

GOSPEL 

Jesus proclaims that the food He offers endures to eternal life. Let us remember this when we partake of Holy Communion — the bread Jesus refers to in today’s Gospel. This also refers to reading and meditating on the Scriptures that provide food for our spiritual lives.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him, says the Lord.

John 6:51-58

51 Jesus said to the crowds: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” 52 The Jews quarrelled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the esh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. 55 For my  flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

Daily Readings for August 18, 2018

1st READING

Ezekiel presents a set of choices to describe the life of faith in a simple way. This is the moral life — we are given numerous choices every day that we must act on. Our choices will show whether or not we are obeying God’s will. We need to live in a holy way to remain one with God. To live against His will brings problems and difficulties.

Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32

1 The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, 2 what is the meaning of this proverb that you recite in the land of Israel: “Fathers have eaten green grapes, thus their children’s teeth are on edge”? 3 As I live, says the Lord God, I swear that there shall no longer be anyone among you who will repeat this proverb in Israel. 4 For all lives are mine; the life of the father is like the life of the son, both are mine; only the one who sins shall die. 5 If a man is virtuous, if he does what is right and just, 6 if he does not eat on the mountains, nor raise his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel; if he does not defile his neighbor’s wife, nor have relations with a woman in her menstrual period; 7 if he oppresses no one, gives back the pledge received for a debt, commits no robbery; if he gives food to the hungry and clothes the naked; 8 if he does not lend at interest nor exact usury; if he holds off from evildoing, judges fairly between a man and his opponent; 9 if he lives by my statutes and is careful to observe my ordinances, that man is virtuous — he shall surely live, says the Lord God. 10 But if he begets a son who is a thief, a murderer, 13 or lends at interest and exacts usury — this son certainly shall not live. Because he practiced all these abominations, he shall surely die; his death shall be his own fault. 30 Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, each one according to his ways, says the Lord God. Turn and be converted from all your crimes, that they may be no cause of guilt for you. 31 Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, says the Lord God. Return and live!

P S A L M 

Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

R: Create a clean heart in me, O God.

10 [12] A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 11 [13] Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. (R) 12 [14] Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. 13 [15] I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you. (R) 16 [18] For you are not pleased with sacrifices. Should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it. 17 [19] My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus welcomes children because He loves them. This is also an opportunity for Him to teach us about discipleship and what it means to follow Him. Children have an innate trust in their parents. Jesus invites us to trust in Him and the Father, like children trust their parents. We are children of the Father, trusting Him in all things and following where He leads.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 19:13-15

13 Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 After he placed his hands on them, he went away.