Daily Readings for November 17, 2017

1ST READING

One can have faith in God simply by appreciating the beauty of creation and attributing it to the Creator. It is important to recognize that some of the dynamics of faith are rooted in the natural capacities of the human person, and as such, do not depend on one’s hearing of the Gospel. This is why Paul is able to say in his letter to the Romans that people can know God through the experience of His creation.

Wisdom 13:1-9

1 All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God, and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing him who is, and from studying the works did not discern the artisan; 2 but either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circuit of the stars, or the mighty water, or the luminaries of heaven, the governors of the world, they considered gods. 3 Now if out of joy in their beauty they thought them gods, let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these; for the original source of beauty fashioned them. 4 Or if they were struck by their might and energy, let them from these things realize how much more powerful is he who made them. 5 For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen. 6 But yet, for these the blame is less; for they indeed have gone astray perhaps, though they seek God and wish to find him. 7 For they search busily among his works, but are distracted by what they see, because the things seen are fair. 8 But again, not even these are pardonable. 9 For if they so far succeeded in knowledge that they could speculate about the world, how did they not more quickly find its Lord?

P S A L M

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R)

GOSPEL

Human history is full of examples where sin has resulted in tragedies and disaster. Reflect on the wars and violence that we hear of every day. The chaos of sin is something we Christians need to work on. Through our mercy and love, we bring order to human relationships. We need this today, so let us commit to live the Gospel to the full.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

Luke 17:26-37

26 Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; 27 they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; 29 on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all. 30 So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, someone who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise one in the field must not return to what was left behind. 32 Remember the wife of Lot. 33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. 34 I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. 35 And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left.” 36-37 They said to him in reply, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.”

Daily Readings for November 16, 2017

1ST READING

Wisdom is beautiful because it reveals to us the truth of God’s love for us, and so many other wonderful things. Let us be humble to sit at the feet of the wise in our community and listen to their wisdom. Let us pray that one day, the younger generations will sit at our feet and listen to the wisdom we have accumulated over the years.

Wisdom 7:22-8:1

22 In Wisdom is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, agile, clear, unstained, certain, not baneful, loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, 23 kindly, firm, secure, tranquil, all-powerful, all-seeing, and pervading all spirits, though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle. 24 For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion, and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity. 25 For she is an aura of the might of God and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nought that is sullied enters into her. 26 For she is the refulgence of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of his goodness. 27 And she, who is one, can do all things, and renews everything while herself perduring; and passing into holy souls from age to age, she produces friends of God and prophets. 28 For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom.  29 For she is fairer than the sun and surpasses every constellation of the stars. Compared to light, she takes precedence; 30 for that, indeed, night supplants, but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom. 8:1 Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well.

P S A L M

Psalm 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175

R: Your word is forever, O Lord.

89 Your word, O Lord, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens. (R) 90 Through all generations your truth endures; you have established the earth, and it stands firm. (R) 91 According to your ordinances they still stand firm: all things serve you. (R) 130 The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. (R) 135 Let your countenance shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. (R) 175 Let my soul live to praise you, and may your ordinances help me. (R)

GOSPEL

The Kingdom of God is within us. It is more about the state of our faith than anything else. We participate in the Kingdom of God to the degree that our faith is deep enough to lead us there.  Looking for external signs of the Kingdom is a waste of time because if we are not prepared, if we lack faith, we will not be able to participate in it when the end of time comes.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord: whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.

Luke 17:20-25

20 Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, 21 and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” 22 Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. 23 There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. 24 For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”

Daily Readings for November 15, 2017

1ST READING

The Book of Wisdom instructs us to seek and desire the Word of God because in it we will discover the wisdom of God — a wisdom that is different from what the world tells us. Many will attempt to guide our choices, but the most effective and beneficial will be the Word of God. Let us read and study the Scriptures through which God speaks to us daily.

Wisdom 6:1-11

1 Hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you magistrates of the earth’s expanse! 2 Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude and lord it over throngs of peoples! 3 Because authority was given to you by the Lord and sovereignty by the Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels! 4 Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom, you judged not rightly, and did not keep the law, nor walk according to the will of God, 5 terribly and swiftly shall he come against you, because judgment is stern for the exalted — 6 for the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test. 7 For the Lord of all shows no partiality, nor does he fear greatness, because he himself made the great as well as the small, and he provides for all alike; 8 but for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends. 9 To you, therefore, O princes, are my words addressed that you may learn wisdom and that you may not sin. 10 For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed shall be found holy, and those learned in them will have ready a response. 11 Desire therefore my words; long for them and you shall be instructed.

P S A L M

Psalm 82:3-4, 6-7

R: Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.

3 Defend the lowly and the fatherless; render justice to the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the lowly and the poor; from the hand of the wicked deliver them. (R) 6 I said: “You are gods, all of you sons of the Most High; 7 yet like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” (R)

GOSPEL

How often do we take time to give thanks to God for our many blessings? It is important that we express our gratitude to God for His goodness. I remember my mother reminding me as a child to write letters of thanks to my grandparents for the gifts I received on my birthday and at Christmas. Let us do the same to God, our generous Giver.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Luke 17:11-19

11 As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him 13 and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” 14 And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; 16 and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? 18 Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” 19 Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” 

Daily Readings for November 14, 2017

1ST READING

If we are at peace in our relationship with God, we will not fear death. Death is merely a passage from our mortal lives to an eternity with God. Our relationship with God is worth cultivating deeply to set our lives at peace with Him. Let us repent of our sins and live the Gospel way of life.

Wisdom 2:23-3:9

23 God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made them. 24 But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world, and they who are in his possession experience it. 3:1 But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. 2 They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction 3 and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. 4 For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; 5 Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. 6 As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. 7 In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; 8 they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. 9 Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.

P S A L M

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

R: I will bless the Lord at all times.

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)

GOSPEL

We have responsibilities as Christians and members of the human race. We should not seek to be praised for the things that fall into this category. One of them is the duty to share the Gospel when the opportunity arises. We have received freely the gift of salvation; we should also share it with others without charge. This will help spread the Gospel to all people. NOVEMBER

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 17:7-10

7 Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? 8 Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’ ”

Daily Readings for November 13, 2017

1ST READING

God is always looking at the integrity of our heart’s response to Him. We say that we believe in God, but our actions should reflect our words. Jesus complains that the Pharisees and the leaders of the Jewish people lack integrity in their actions. They say one thing, but do not reflect this in the way they live. It was similar with many of the prophets. They prophesied against the way the Jewish people were failing to live their covenant with God.

Wisdom 1:1-7

1 Love justice, you who judge the earth; think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in integrity of heart; 2 Because he is found by those who test him not, and he manifests himself to those who do not disbelieve him. 3 For perverse counsels separate a man from God, and his power, put to the proof, rebukes the foolhardy; 4 because into a soul that plots evil wisdom enters not, nor dwells she in a body under debt of sin. 5 For the Holy Spirit of discipline flees deceit and withdraws from senseless counsels; and when injustice occurs it is rebuked. 6 For wisdom is a kindly spirit, yet she acquits not the blasphemer of his guilty lips; because God is the witness of his inmost self and the sure observer of his heart and the listener to his tongue. 7 For the Spirit of the Lord fills the world, is all-embracing, and knows what man says.

P S A L M

Psalm 139:1-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-10

R: Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

1 O Lord, you have probed me and you know me; 2 you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. 3 My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar. (R) 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know the whole of it. 5 Behind me and before, you hem me in and rest your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; too lofty for me to attain. (R) 7 Where can I go from your spirit? From your presence where can I flee? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I sink to the nether world, you are present there. (R) 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall guide me, and your right hand hold me fast. (R)

GOSPEL

The only thing worse than personal sin is if we cause another person to sin, particularly if that person is an innocent bystander to our actions. Jesus speaks clearly about this, reminding us to avoid becoming the cause of another person’s sins. If I am the cause of another’s sin, then I need to take responsibility for their sin. Unfortunately, I cannot take to myself the effects of that sin. Thus, an innocent person suffers.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 17:1-6

1 Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.” 5 And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”