Daily Readings for May 17, 2016

1ST READING

War and dissension are rooted in selfishness. In fact, selfishness is the root of all sin. In the spirit of St. Ignatius, let us serve more and move in the opposite spirit of sin. Let us be aware of the machinations of self-interest at work in our minds and hearts so that we can put a stop to them rearing their ugly heads.

James 4:1-10

1 Beloved: Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? 2 You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. 3 You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 Adulterers! Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a lover of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose that the Scripture speaks without meaning when it says, The spirit that he has made to dwell in us tends toward jealousy”? 6 But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 7 So submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. 9 Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.

P S A L M

Psalm 55:7-8, 9-10, 10-11, 23

R: Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

6 [7] And I say, “Had I but wings like a dove, I would fly away and be at rest. 7 [8] Far away I would flee; I would lodge in the wilderness.” (R) 8 [9] “I would wait for him who saves me from the violent storm and the tempest.” 9 [10] Engulf them, O Lord; divide their counsels. (R) In the city I see violence and strife; 10 [11] day and night they prowl about upon its walls. (R) 22 [23] Cast your care upon the Lord, and he will support you; never will he permit the just man to be disturbed. (R)

GOSPEL

Discussions about who among the disciples is the greatest are a complete waste of time. The grace to live the Christian life comes from God and the only one who ought to be praised is God Himself. If we want our ministries to flourish, the glory must be directed to God, or else we will run the risk of thinking too much of ourselves and too little of Him. This is the beginning of the end. The grace comes from God so to Him belongs the glory.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.

Mark 9:30-37

30 Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. 31 He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. 33 They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. 35 Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” 36 Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the one who sent me.”

Daily Readings for May 16, 2016

1ST READING

 

James teaches that believing in and following the Gospel is more than an intellectual exercise. The Gospel must be lived and the fruits must become evident in the lives of all disciples of Jesus. This is a good point for reflection because many people think holiness is seen in terms of the time spent in prayer. The Gospel must be evident in our relationships and in everything we do or say.

 

James 3:13-18

13 Beloved: Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.

 

P S A L M 1

 

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R: The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

7 [8] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (R) 8 [9] The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. (R) 9 [10] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. (R) 14 [15] Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (R)

 

GOSPEL12

 

Jesus says that prayer and fasting are the means by which He casts out the evil spirit that had possessed the young man. We should take note of this if we want to avail of the power of God in proclaiming the Gospel. We must surrender our ministry to the Lord and one way of doing this is through prayer and fasting. Let us pray for the grace to be great intercessors for the world.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

 

Mark 9:14-29

14 As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. 15 Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. 16 He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. 18 Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” 19 He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” 20 They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. 21 Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. 22 It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him: “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” 24 Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” 25 Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” 26 Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. 28 When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” 29 He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

Daily Readings for May 15, 2016

Solemnity of the Pentecost

1ST READING

The Holy Spirit brings unity to the Church. Let us be open to the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to partner with Christians of other denominations in the work of evangelization. Let us not limit the scope of the work of the Holy Spirit as we may miss out on the miracles that He wishes to do in and through us.

Acts 2:1-11

1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

P S A L M

Psalm 104:1, 24, 31, 34, 29-30

R: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! 24 How manifold are your works, O Lord! The earth is full of your creatures. (R) 31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord be glad in his works! 34 Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the Lord. (R) 29 If you take away their breath, they perish and return to their dust. 30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. (R)

2ND READING

We live by the power of the Spirit. We are used to trusting our own capacities and strengths. This is not enough to overcome sin. The grace and power of the Holy Spirit will set us free. Will you choose the way of the Holy Spirit — a risky and dangerous path but one full of potential and excitement? Or will you settle for mediocrity?

1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 (or Romans 8:8-17)

3 Brothers and sisters: No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord; 6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 12 As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

GOSPEL

Love is the basis of the Law. The only way we are able to live according to the mind and will of God is through the power of His love, freely given to all who want to receive it. Let us not limit the transforming power of God’s grace and love. The Holy Spirit will open our minds and hearts to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

John 20:19-23 (or John 14:15-16, 23-26)

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Daily Readings for May 14, 2016

Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle

1ST READING

St. Matthias replaces Judas to complete the number of Apostles. Why did the Apostles cast lots in choosing Matthias? Perhaps it was to affirm that it is God who calls and commissions His disciples. We must trust the work of the Holy Spirit in our faith communities to prevent rivalry and factions. Disunity among Christians is a scandal and we are responsible to mend what is broken.

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

15 Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, 16 “My brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 Judas was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. 20 For it is written in the Book of Psalms: Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it. And: May another take his office. 21 Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” 26 Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.

P S A L M

Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R: The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.

1 Praise, you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. (R) 3 From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised. 4 High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens is his glory. (R) 5 Who is like the Lord, our God, who is enthroned on high 6 and looks upon the heavens and the earth below? (R) 7 He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor 8 to seat them with princes, with the princes of his own people. (R)

GOSPEL

Unconditional love is the most powerful sign of unity. This is our duty and privilege as followers of Christ — to take the unconditional love we have received from Christ and share it with others. We must open our hearts to the love of God, receive it more fully and love our neighbor.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

John 15:9-17

9 Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This I command you: love one another.”

Daily Readings for May 13, 2016

1ST READING

 

Paul used delaying tactics when he appealed to Caesar about his case. He knows that his death is inevitable because he has upset many people. He delayed things so that he had more time to proclaim the Gospel to his captors. He also took time to write and encourage the communities he will leave behind.

 

Acts 25:13-21

13 King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea on a visit to Festus. 14 Since they spent several days there, Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There is a man here left in custody by Felix. 15 When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation. 16 I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay; the next day I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. 19 Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. 20 Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges. 21 And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20

R: The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (R) 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. (R) 19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, all you his angels, you mighty in strength who do his bidding. (R)

 

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus asks Peter three times to affirm his commitment to care for His Church. Is this a way to repent for his threefold denial of Jesus only a couple of months earlier? Jesus makes sure that Peter knows He is serious in giving him this responsibility. Peter takes on an enormous pastoral responsibility by doing what Jesus asks of him. It is important that we realize the responsibilities when we accept any ministry. We should be committed to complete a task no matter what the cost.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.

 

John 21:15-19

15 After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”