Daily Readings for June 16, 2017

1ST READING

One of the great mysteries of the Gospel is that God would choose to use us to spread the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. We have demonstrated our sinfulness and unworthiness to do this task and yet God still chooses to make us conduits of the Good News of salvation. Perhaps He does so to remind us of our fragility – that we hold such a beautiful and life-giving message in fragile hands. Whatever His reason is, it is certainly a humbling experience.

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.

P S A L M

Psalm 116:10-11, 15-16, 17-18

R: To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.

10 I believed, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”; 11 I said in my alarm, “No man is dependable.” (R) 15 Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. 16 O Lord, I am your servant; 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

Controlling our desires is essential to our holiness. Our refusal to dwell in sinful desires is so important in overcoming the work of sin in our lives. If we allow disordered desires to control our minds, we are opening our hearts to sin. If we cannot control our thoughts, we are going to find it impossible to control our actions as well. Let us keep this in mind whenever we are tempted by a disordered or unholy thought.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 5:27-32

27 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. 28 But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna. 31 “It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. 32 But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Daily Readings for June 15, 2017

1ST READING

Paul spoke about a veil that lay over the eyes of the Jews that has been lifted by the Gospel of Christ. A Jew by birth, Paul lived the Jewish way of life. His insight helps us to realize that we have been called into a covenant of love. This is different from that of the Jews, even though it is founded on a covenant relationship with God. Let us be grateful for the faithfulness of the Jews. Let us be grateful to Christ for the gift of faith that has brought us the fullness of revelation in and through Him.

2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1, 3-6

15 Brothers and sisters: To this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, 16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit. 4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we are not discouraged. 3 And even though our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled for those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus. 6 For God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ.

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 to his people. 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

True righteousness is about how we love God and our neighbor. Christ emphasized the two-fold nature of the Law in the way it identifies our relationships with God and others. These relationships are rooted in love, in the decision to forgive the faults of others. We realize our full potential when we combine the Law with merciful love.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.

Matthew 5:20-26

20 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. 21 “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. 22 But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. 23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and  you will be thrown into prison. 26 Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Daily Readings for June 14, 2017

1ST READING

We give glory to God when we follow His will. Christian deeds remain in the memory of those who witness them. A Christian gives all the glory to God through his acts of faith and humility. This is our challenge because the world influences us to claim glory for ourselves. However, a Christian believes he is able to do good works only by God’s grace.

2 Corinthians 3:4-11

4 Brothers and sisters: Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God, 6 who has indeed qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter brings death, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, was so glorious that the children of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of its glory that was going to fade, 8 how much more will the ministry of the Spirit be glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, the ministry of righteousness will abound much more in glory. 10 Indeed, what was endowed with glory has come to have no glory in this respect because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was going to fade was glorious, how much more will what endures be glorious.

P S A L M

Psalm 99:5, 6, 7, 8, 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) 8 O Lord, our God, you answered them; a forgiving God you were to them, though requiting their misdeeds. (R) 9 Extol the Lord, our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for holy is the Lord, our God. (R)

GOSPEL

The Gospel speaks about merciful forgiveness and unconditional love as the corrective to the interpretation of the Law of Moses. We will see our Christian calling and our relationship with others through the eyes of Christ. As Christians, we have to see God’s commandments to love Him and one another the way Christ does.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Teach me your paths, my God, and guide me in your truth.

Matthew 5:17-19

17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Daily Readings for June 13, 2017

1ST READING

Paul reminded the Corinthians of his God-given mandate to proclaim the Gospel. He expected the Corinthians to respect him as founder of their community. Paul is not after praise and honor — he just wanted the people of Corinth to listen to God’s wisdom. Paul tried to form them as disciples of Jesus and requested them to listen with their mind and heart to his words. We need people to lead us in our faith. Let us listen to the wisdom of others every chance we get.

2 Corinthians 1:18-22

18 Brothers and sisters: As God is faithful, our word to you is not “yes” and “no.” 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us, Silvanus and Timothy and me, was not “yes” and “no,” but “yes” has been in him. 20 For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him; therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory. 21 But the one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; 22 he has also put his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

P S A L M

Psalm 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135

R: Lord, let your face shine on me.

129 Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. (R) 130 The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. (R) 131 I gasp with open mouth in my yearning for your commands. (R) 132 Turn to me in pity as you turn to those who love your name. (R) 133 Steady my footsteps according to your promise, and let no iniquity rule over me. (R) 135 Let your countenance shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. (R)

GOSPEL

We Christians stand out in a crowd because we are witnesses of the Gospel. But non-Christians can do everything a Christian can do. However, it is how we do things that make others take notice. Christians will always act with love and mercy – virtues at the heart of the Gospel message.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:13-16

13 Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. 16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Daily Readings for June 12, 2017

1ST READING

Paul wrote to the Corinthian community to encourage them in their faith. These greetings set the tone for his letter that reminds leaders to encourage their flock to grow in faith and obedience to Christ. Leadership is not about sitting in places of honor, but about laying down one’s life in service to the people that God has given to our care. Let us pray for our leaders that they may seek to serve and not to be served.

2 Corinthians 1:1-7

1 Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the Church of God that is at Corinth, with all the holy ones throughout Achaia: 2 grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all encouragement, 4 who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. 5 For as Christ’s sufferings over flow to us, so through Christ does our encouragement also overflow. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your encouragement and salvation; if we are encouraged, it is for your encouragement, which enables you to endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is firm, for we know that as you share in the sufferings, you also share in the encouragement.

P S A L M

Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

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)  7 [8] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 [9] Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (R)

GOSPEL

The Fathers of the Church refer to the Beatitudes as the New Law. The Beatitudes add what is lacking in the Mosaic Law. Obedience to Christ is about the development of a character of love, mercy and humility. We don’t just obey a set of commandments – what matters is how we obey  Christ’s call. Our motivations are important.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Rejoice and be glad; for your reward will be great in heaven.

Matthew 5:1-12

1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. 6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”