Daily Readings for July 31, 2019

1st READING

The brightness of Moses’ face reflects the glory of God. His bright face needs to be covered lest it blind those who see him. This is a spectacular image! The blinding glory of God tells us of His otherness. May it remind us of the humility and depth of God’s love for us in embracing the Incarnation.

Exodus 34:29-35

29 As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the Lord. 30 When Aaron, then, and the other children of Israel saw Moses and noticed how radiant the skin of his face had become, they were afraid to come near him. 31 Only after Moses called to them did Aaron and all the rulers of the community come back to him. Moses then spoke to them. 32 Later on, all the children of Israel came up to him, and he enjoined on them all that the Lord had told him on Mount Sinai. 33 When he finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. 34 Whenever Moses entered the presence of the Lord to converse with him, he removed the veil until he came out again. On coming out, he would tell the children of Israel all that had been commanded. 35 Then the children of Israel would see that the skin of Moses’ face was radiant; so he would again put the veil over his face until he went in to converse with the Lord.

PSALM

Psalm 99:5, 6, 7, 9

R: Holy is the Lord our God.

5 Extol the Lord, our God, and worship at his footstool; holy is he! (R) 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, and Samuel, among those who called upon his name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them. (R) 7 From the pillar of cloud he spoke to them; they heard his decrees and the law he gave them. (R) 9 Extol the Lord, our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for holy is the Lord, our God. (R)

GOSPEL 

St. Ignatius of Loyola discovered a treasure as he read about the lives of the saints while recuperating from an operation. He noticed that the ardor and inspiration he felt faded slowly and lingered longer than what he felt when he read tales of chivalry and romance. He discerned the love of God was more powerful than human love and, thus, more worthy to pursue. Let us all pray that we will be motivated like St. Ignatius in our own faith walk. This set him on a path that governed his choices for the rest of his life. Let us all pray that we can be similarly motivated.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I call you my friends, says the Lord, for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.

Matthew 13:44-46

44 Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for July 30, 2019

1st READING

Was Moses in the tent for forty days and nights? Maybe “forty” is just a symbol. Whatever the case may be, it is safe to say that Moses spent a long time in the tent, long enough to replicate the stone tablets of the Law. The Law will become the basis of the Israelites’ relationship with God. This is a defining moment for the Jews.

Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5-9, 28

7 The tent, which was called the meeting tent, Moses used to pitch at some distance away, outside the camp. Anyone who wished to consult the Lord would go to this meeting tent outside the camp. 8 Whenever Moses went out to the tent, the people would all rise and stand at the entrance of their own tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. 9 As Moses entered the tent, the column of cloud would come down and stand at its entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses. 10 On seeing the column of cloud stand at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise and worship at the entrance of their own tents. 11 The Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as one man speaks to another. Moses would then return to the camp, but his young assistant, Joshua, son of Nun, would not move out of the tent. 34:5 Moses stood there with the Lord and proclaimed his name, “Lord.” 6 Thus the Lord passed before him and cried out, “The Lord, the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity, 7 continuing his kindness for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness and crime and sin; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless, but punishing children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for their fathers’ wickedness!” 8 Moses at once bowed down to the ground in worship. 9 Then he said, “If I find favor with you, O Lord, do come along in our company. This is indeed a stiff-necked people; yet pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own.” 28 So Moses stayed there with the Lord for forty days and forty nights, without eating any food or drinking any water, and he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

PSALM 

Psalm 103:6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13

R: The Lord is kind and merciful.

6 The Lord secures justice and the rights of all the oppressed. 7 He has made known his ways to Moses, and his deeds to the children of Israel. (R) 8 Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. 9 He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever. (R) 10 Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. (R) 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. (R)

GOSPEL

The separation of the weeds and the wheat is a metaphor for Judgment Day. All of us will have to endure this day. It will be a time of realization for each of us, a realization of the many missed opportunities of grace. We will see our own selfishness and self-absorption, and recognize its effects on others and us. This leads us to a deeper repentance and to accept God’s forgiveness and purification.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live forever.

Matthew 13:36-43

36 Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, 38 the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for July 29, 2019

1st READING 

Moses’ anger is a righteous one—he has the right to be disappointed with the people’s actions. Did he have to destroy the stone tablets? Probably not, but it is understandable. Moses has been leading the Israelites on a long and difficult journey through the desert. The people got upset with him and he endured numerous complaints and even some vilification.

Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34

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

PSALM

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

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

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

GOSPEL 

Martha and Mary must have been distraught at their brother’s death and equally joyous at his second chance in life when Jesus brings him back from the dead. This is the power of the Gospel at work—bringing people back from sin and death and offering them a new life.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

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

John 11:19-27 (or Luke 10:38-42 or Matthew 13:31-35)

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

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for July 28, 2019

1st READING 

Abraham bargains with God based on the moral principle that good people should not be made to suffer because of the sins of others. We can avoid punishing the innocent when meting out justice to the sinner. Sometimes this means sparing the guilty in order not to hurt the innocent. Moral rectitude is difficult but it is a sign of a mature faith when we do so in the spirit of God’s mercy and love.

Genesis 18:20-32

20 In those days, the Lord said: “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin so grave, 21 that I must go down and see whether or not their actions fully correspond to the cry against them that comes to me. I mean to find out.” 22 While Abraham’s visitors walked on farther toward Sodom, the Lord remained standing before Abraham. 23 Then Abraham drew nearer to him and said: “Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? 24 Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city; would you wipe out the place, rather than spare it for the sake of the fifty innocent people within it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to make the innocent die with the guilty, so that the innocent and the guilty would be treated alike! Should not the judge of all the world act with justice?” 26 The Lord replied, “If I find fifty innocent people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” 27 Abraham spoke up again: “See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord, though I am but dust and ashes! 28 What if there are five less than fifty innocent people? Will you destroy the whole city because of those five?” He answered, “I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there.” 29 But Abraham persisted, saying, “What if only forty are found there?” He replied, “I will forebear doing it for the sake of the forty.” 30 Then Abraham said, “Let not my Lord grow impatient if I go on. What if only thirty are found there?” He replied, “I will forebear doing it if I can find but thirty there.” 31 Still Abraham went on, “Since I have thus dared to speak to my Lord, what if there are no more than twenty?” The Lord answered, “I will not destroy it, for the sake of the twenty.” 32 But he still persisted: “Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time. What if there are at least ten there?” He replied, “For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it.”

PSALM

Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8

R: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise. 2 I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. (R) Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. 3 When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. (R) 6 The Lord is exalted, yet the lowly he sees, and the proud he knows from afar. 7 Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me; against the anger of my enemies you raise your hand. (R) Your right hand saves me. 8 The Lord will complete what he has done for me; your kindness, O Lord, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands. (R)

2nd READING

Paul reminds us that we are buried (in death) with Christ during our baptism. This means that the power of sin is removed from us and we are given the opportunity to reunite with God. Immersion in water is a sign of death for the Jewish people, and Christian baptism reflects this in the pouring of water on the head of the baptized.

Colossians 2:12-14

12 Brothers and sisters: You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And even when you were dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions; 14 obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims, which was opposed to us, he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross.

GOSPEL

Jesus reminds His followers that God has a good heart and will always do what is right by us. He may not always give us what we want, but He will be faithful to provide. Unfortunately, God’s provision does not reach those in need because greedy people get in the way. This is why working for social justice and a more equitable distribution of the world’s goods is important. God will hold the wealthy and powerful accountable for not fighting poverty and injustice. They are the ones with the means, and it is their responsibility to see to it that the resources of the world are evenly distributed.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

You have received a Spirit of adoption, through which we cry, Abba, Father.

Luke 11:1-13

1 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread 4 and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.” 5 And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ 7 and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, if he does not get up to give the visitors the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. 9 And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? 12 Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? 13 If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for July 27, 2019

1st READING

A covenant is a two-way contract. In the covenants that God made with us through the centuries, the bulk of the work is in the hands of God that leave us with only little to commit to. If it were a secular contract, one party would be eager to renegotiate the terms. As major beneficiaries, we are grateful for God’s generosity.

Exodus 24:3-8

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

PSALM

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

R: Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

1 God the Lord has spoken and summoned the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. (R) 5 “Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 6 And for 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 

Have you ever tended a garden from the sowing of a seed to the reaping of the fruit? If so, you know the fragile nature of plants that have just germinated. It is better to remove weeds so that the plant will have access to good food. However, if weeding will mean uprooting the plant, then we will have to separate the weeds from the good fruit at harvest time.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.

Matthew 13:24-30

24 Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 While everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. 26 When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. 27 The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ 28 He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. 30 Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, ‘First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for July 26, 2019

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

1st READING

Today we honor the parents of Mary. Have you ever wondered what they knew about their daughter? What were their expectations? We remember Sts. Joachim and Anne for their parental care for Mary. Devoid of any details, we can assume they did a good job because Mary was chosen to be the Mother of God.

Sirach 44:1,10-15 (or Exodus20:1-17)

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

PSALM

Psalm 132:11, 13-14, 17-18 (or Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11)

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

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

GOSPEL 

Let us always be attentive to the voice of the Lord. We do not know when He may choose to speak to us, but it would be a shame to miss His message because we are lazy to listen. The saints encourage us to also be mindful of the Holy Spirit. God moves in mysterious ways that are beyond our understanding. Let us remain alert to His presence in us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 13:16-17 (or Matthew 13:18-23)

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

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for July 25, 2019

Feast of St. James, Apostle

1st READING

Both death and Christ’s resurrection is at work in us. Christ is putting to death sin in us—we die to selfishness and self-will. At the same time, the power of the resurrection and the graces of the Holy Spirit draw us deeper into our relationship with God. Let us never be afraid to die to ourselves. Whatever Jesus resurrects from within us will be far more beautiful and full of grace.

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

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

PSALM

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

R: Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

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

GOSPEL

Four years ago, I walked the Camino de Santiago from France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It was the best month of my life! Each day had its own cross and challenge, as well as joy and blessing. Walking twenty to forty kilometers continuously per day became the metaphor of the spiritual journey. It was hard and painful at times, but very rewarding in the end. Let us not become jaded at the way we see life or disappointed by its difficulties. Let us try to see every aspect of life as an opportunity to encounter Christ more deeply.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 20:20-28

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

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for July 24, 2019

1st READING

How quickly we forget the mighty deeds the Lord has done for us; how quickly we avoid inconvenience and seek comfort instead. The people grumble against God because journeying in the desert is difficult. Do they want to return to a life of slavery in Egypt? Amazingly, this is what some yearn for and the same is true today—people yearn for a sinful life when they discover the difficulty of discipleship.

Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15

1 The children of Israel set out from Elim, and came into the desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. 2 Here in the desert the whole assembly of the children of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The children of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died at the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread! But you had to lead us into this desert to make the whole community die of famine!” 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will now rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not. 5 On the sixth day, however, when they prepare what they bring in, let it be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” 9 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the whole congregation to the children of Israel: present yourselves before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.” 10 When Aaron announced this to the whole assembly of the children of Israel, they turned toward the desert, and lo, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud! 11 The Lord spoke to Moses and said, 12 “I have heard the grumbling of the children of Israel. Tell them: in the evening twilight you shall eat flesh, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread, so that you may know that I, the Lord, am your God.” 13 In the evening, quail came up and covered the camp. In the morning, a dew lay all about the camp, 14 and when the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the desert were fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground. 15 On seeing it, the children of Israel asked one another, “What is this?” for they did not know what it was. But Moses told them, “This is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat.”

PSALM 

Psalm 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28

R: The Lord gave them bread from heaven.

18 They tempted God in their hearts by demanding the food they craved. 19 Yes, they spoke against God, saying, “Can God spread a table in the desert?” (R) 23 Yet he commanded the skies above and the doors of heaven he opened; 24 he rained manna upon them for food and gave them heavenly bread. (R) 25 Man ate the bread of angels, food he sent them in abundance. 26 He stirred up the east wind in the heavens, and by his power brought on the south wind. (R) 27 And he rained meat upon them like dust, and like the sand of the sea, winged fowl, 28 which fell in the midst of their camp round about their tents. (R)

GOSPEL

Are we deep and rich soil for the Word of God? Are we growing in our faith? These are fair questions to ask. We need to be serious about providing fertile soil for the Word and will of God, or we will become like the tree that bears no fruit—cut down and discarded to be burned in fire. Faith in Christ demands that we respond to the call to live for His Kingdom and bear lasting fruit.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.

Matthew 13:1-9

1 On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. 3 And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, 6 and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. 7 Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. 8 But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. 9 Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com

Daily Readings for July 23, 2019

1st READING 

God triumphs over the Egyptians and washes them away in the sea. This is an epic victory and the basis of the Jewish Passover celebration. It is to the Jews what the death and resurrection of Jesus is to Christians. As we reflect on God’s intervention in the lives of His people, we affirm that God acts in ours as well. When, where, and how He will act is up to Him—not us.

Exodus 14:21-15:1

21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord swept the sea with a strong east wind throughout the night and so turned it into dry land. When the water was thus divided, 22 the children of Israel marched into the midst of the sea on dry land, with the water like a wall to their right and to their left. 23 The Egyptians followed in pursuit; all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and charioteers went after them right into the midst of the sea. 24 In the night watch just before dawn the Lord cast through the column of the fiery cloud upon the Egyptian force a glance that threw it into a panic; 25 and he so clogged their chariot wheels that they could hardly drive. With that, the Egyptians sounded the retreat before Israel, because the Lord was fighting for them against the Egyptians. 26 Then the Lord told Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may flow back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and their charioteers.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea flowed back to its normal depth. The Egyptians were fleeing head on toward the sea, when the Lord hurled them into its midst. 28 As the water flowed back, it covered the chariots and the charioteers of Pharaoh’s whole army which had followed the children of Israel into the sea. Not a single one of them escaped. 29 But the children of Israel had marched on dry land through the midst of the sea, with the water like a wall to their right and to their left. 30 Thus, the Lord saved Israel on that day from the power of the Egyptians. When Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the seashore 31 and beheld the great power that the Lord had shown against the Egyptians, they feared the Lord and believed in him and in his servant Moses. 15:1 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord: I will sing to the Lord, for he is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot he has cast into the sea.

PSALM

Exodus 15:8-9, 10, 12, 17

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

8 At a breath of your anger the waters piled up, the flowing waters stood like a mound, the flood waters congealed in the midst of the sea. 9 The enemy boasted, “I will pursue and overtake them; I will divide the spoils and have my fill of them; I will draw my sword; my hand shall despoil them!” (R) 10 When your wind blew, the sea covered them; like lead they sank in the mighty waters. 12 When you stretched out your right hand, the earth swallowed them! (R) 17 And you brought them in and planted them on the mountain of your inheritance—the place where you made your seat, O Lord, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands established. (R)

GOSPEL

We are all sons and daughters of God through Jesus. Jesus expresses this in a different way in today’s Gospel. He teaches that belonging to His family is connected to our obedience to God’s will. It does not make sense to say that we belong to a family if we are not interested in doing what the family does. Being one with Christ confers infinite benefits on us and we expect that there will be some conditions.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 12:46-50

46 While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” 48 But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

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Daily Readings for July 22, 2019

1st READING 

The Song of Songs is really about the love of a young couple discovering their love for each other that is compared to God’s love for us. Poets depict a powerful image of God pursuing His beloved. To love someone means to endure in your commitment for as long as it takes. The saints are great examples of enduring love. May God give us the grace to commit to love Him and others like the saints did.

Song of Songs 3:1-4 (or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 or Exodus 14:5-18)

1 On my bed at night I sought him whom my heart loves — I sought him but I did not find him. 2 I will rise then and go about the city; in the streets and crossings I will seek him whom my heart loves. I sought him but I did not find him. 3 The watchmen came upon me as they made their rounds of the city. Have you seen him whom my heart loves? 4 I had hardly left them when I found him whom my heart loves. I took hold of him and would not let him go till I should bring him to the home of my mother, to the room of my parent.

PSALM

Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (or Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6)

R: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

2 O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. (R) 3 Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, 4 for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. (R) 5 Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. 6 As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. (R) 8 You are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. 9 My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me. (R)

GOSPEL 

Today we celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene. In today’s Gospel, she is the first to receive the news of Jesus’ resurrection. She tells the Apostles, “I have seen the Lord!” Her proclamation is one that we can make our own. We have experienced and “seen” the Lord in faith. Our relationship with Jesus grows through faith experiences and becomes the basis for our witness.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Tell us, Mary, what did you see on the way? I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb. 

John 20:1-2, 11-18 (or Matthew 12:38-42)

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

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Daily Readings for July 21, 2019

1st READING

Hospitality is an important aspect of religion. Most religions teach how to care for others regardless of their faith. Hospitality is mentioned in the Scriptures and is accompanied by a blessing for those who do it generously. The Benedictine Rule teaches hospitality as one of the most important actions of a monk. Hospitality is above all other responsibilities, as it is considered as ministering to Christ by caring for others.

Genesis 18:1-10

1 The Lord appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was growing hot. 2 Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, 3 he said: “Sir, if I may ask you this favor, please do not go on past your servant. 4 Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest yourselves under the tree. 5 Now that you have come this close to your servant, let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way.” The men replied, “Very well, do as you have said.” 6 Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah, “Quick, three measures of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls.” 7 He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer, and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it. 8 Then Abraham got some curds and milk, as well as the steer that had been prepared, and set these before them; and he waited on them under the tree while they ate. 9 They asked Abraham, “Where is your wife Sarah?” He replied, “There in the tent.” 10 One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.”

PSALM 

Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 5

R: He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

2 One who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart 3 and slanders not with his tongue. (R) Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; 4 by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the Lord. (R) 5 Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent. One who does these things shall never be disturbed. (R)

2nd READING

Accepting suffering is not an admission that it is a good thing. God can use suffering in a redemptive manner—the suffering and death of Christ being the greatest example of this. As Christians, we know our sufferings pale in comparison to that of Christ. However, our suffering may also be redemptive if we unite it to that of Jesus. Solidarity with Jesus in our suffering is a powerful witness to true love.

Colossians 1:24-28

24 Brothers and sisters: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, 25 of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, 26 the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, 27 to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. 28 It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

GOSPEL

Our first priority in discipleship is to be with Jesus and allow Him to teach and form us in His ways. Service flows from our relationship with Him. The stronger our relationship with Jesus, the more deeply embedded we become in our identity as a son or daughter of God. Martha is not wrong to serve but she has allowed her service to distract her from just being in the company of Jesus.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 10:38-42

38 Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. 39 She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. 40 Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” 41 The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. 42 There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

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Daily Readings for July 20, 2019

1st READING 

It must have been an amazing sight—600,000 men and more than a million people leaving Egypt. After 430 years, the Israelites have grown into a large nation. You may ask how Moses kept any semblance of order in the movement of such a big crowd of people. This is God’s work and He made it all possible.

Exodus 12:37-42

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

PSALM

Psalm 136:1, 23-24, 10-12, 13-15

R: His mercy endures forever.

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

GOSPEL

There are many who are hostile to the Gospel of Jesus and conspire against Him. His ministry is a difficult one. There are times when Jesus withdraws from various places where people plotted to kill Him. There are also times when He decides to move forward. As for us, there are times when prudence takes priority and there are times to be forthright, no matter what the consequence may be. Let us pray for the wisdom to know the difference.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 12:14-21

14 The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. 15 When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, 16 but he warned them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: 18 Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. 21 And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

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Daily Readings for July 19, 2019

1st READING

Pharaoh remains obstinate to the will of God. He will not let the Israelites go, as the Egyptians have become used to their free labor as slaves. This reply is unacceptable to God so He tells Moses to prepare the people to leave. God delivers the people from their oppressors. The people will know and understand that He, the Lord their God, is all-powerful.

Exodus 11:10-12:14

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

PSALM

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

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

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

GOSPEL

In today’s Gospel, let us reflect on the Lord’s words: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” When we choose to be merciful with others, we make the sacrifice of forgiving them for what they have done to us. We allow the love we have received from God to empower us to also love them in the same way. Let us be loving and merciful toward others in the same way that God never tires of loving us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 12:1-8

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

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