Daily Readings for February 5, 2017

1ST READING

Isaiah is calling for justice in society. What is justice? There are many answers to this question. One aspect of justice that is often overlooked is the common good, particularly that for which the government is responsible. All members of society, rich or poor, should be provided with basic utilities such as transportation, water, electricity and others.

Isaiah 58:7-10

7 Thus says the Lord: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am! If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; 10 if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

P S A L M

Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.

4 Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. 5 Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. (R) 6 He shall never be moved; the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7 An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. (R) 8 His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear. 9 Lavishly he gives to the poor; his justice shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory. (R)

2ND READING

The power of the Gospel is inherent in its nature as truth. The Gospel will cut through the lies of the world. Paul celebrates this power when he said that he does not need to be an eloquent speaker as the truth has the power to convince the unbeliever. Jesus knew this and He often spoke in parables – stories that illuminate the truth in the common language. Like Jesus and Paul, we need not worry about what we say but to allow the truth of the Gospel of Salvation to speak for itself.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, 4 and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of Spirit and power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

GOSPEL

Why does the Gospel have power? Why does the witness of Christians have power? Because the Gospel is true and there lies its power. I discovered in my faith walk that the more I trust in the truth of the Gospel, the more it is manifested in my life and the lives of those I minister to. This is the faithfulness of God at work.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

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 February 4, 2017

1ST READING

As I walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain, I learned anew what it means to offer sacrifices to the Lord. The pain in my feet was bearable and it gained a new meaning when I offered the trek as a sacrifice to God for the intentions of those I pray for. We can channel pain and suffering to good purposes, one of which is the power of intercessory sacrifice.

Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21

15 Brothers and sisters: Through Jesus, let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind. 17 Obey your leaders and defer to them, for they keep watch over you and will have to give an account, that they may fulfill their task with joy and not with sorrow, for that would be of no advantage to you. 20 May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the Blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, 21 furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will. May he carry out in you what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

P S A L M

Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6

R: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. (R) 5 You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. (R)

GOSPEL

It is important that we go on a retreat and reflect on our life. By reflecting, we can make sense of our experiences. It is ideal to make time for this on a regular basis no matter what our calling may be. Spending time for reflection to improve our character is a sign of our commitment to and love for others. This will always bear good fruit.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. 88 think: Jesus invites us, “Come away and rest awhile.” Do you accept His invitation and spend quiet time in His presence?

Mark 6:30-34

30 The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. 32 So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 33 People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. 34 When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Daily Readings for February 3, 2017

1ST READING

Hospitality expresses our openness to others as well as our care and love for them. As I write this, Pope Francis calls for a spirit of hospitality for the many refugees around the world. This is a good thing, but we must also know why there are so many refugees. No matter how difficult, love also calls us to address the root causes of the problems of the world.

Hebrews 13:1-8

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. 3 Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the immoral and adulterers. 5 Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never forsake you or abandon you. 6 Thus we may say with confidence: The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me? 7 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

P S A L M

Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8-9

R: The Lord is my light and my salvation.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (R) 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust. (R) 5 For he will hide me in his abode in the day of trouble; He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent, he will set me high upon a rock. (R) 8 Your presence, O Lord, I seek. 9 Hide not your face from me; do not in anger repel your servant. You are my helper: cast me not off. (R)

GOSPEL

Herod knew that John the Baptist spoke the truth but he was weak and did not stand by John. This happens to us – we are not willing to face the truth because speaking out will cause us problems. We must bring the truth to the light so that those who cannot see it will come to know it by our witness.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 6:14-29

14 King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” 17 Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. 18 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 20 Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. 21 Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. 22 His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” 23 He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 26 The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. 27 So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. 28 He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Daily Readings for February 2, 2017

Solemnity of the Presentation of the Child Jesus

1ST READING

Today is the day we celebrate consecrated life in the Church. We pray for men and women in the religious vocation that they will be faithful to their calling and charisms in the way they live. God uses everyone in a unique way to promote the Gospel. May we never lose sight of what God is calling us to do.

Malachi 3:1-4

1 Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. 3 He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord. 4 Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord, as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

P S A L M

Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10

R: Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!

7 Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! (R) 8 Who is this king of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. (R) 9 Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! (R) 10 Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts; he is the king of glory. (R)

2ND READING

The Incarnation of Jesus enabled Him to be our Savior. He became human to redeem us. Only He, who is also God, can redeem humanity from sin. Sinis an affront to the goodness and mercy of God and requires God Himself to overcome it. Some people do not yet realize that Jesus is the Son of God, just as it has taken some time for us to embrace this truth. May our witness help others to realize that Jesus truly is the Son of God who is also human.

Hebrews 2:14-18

14 Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. 16 Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; 17 therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

GOSPEL

Mary and Joseph did what the law required of couples with a newborn child. Let us reflect on the words of Simeon who has waited for the Messiah for many years. Let us pray for the grace we need to persevere in our faith and to transform our life. Like Simeon, let us patiently wait for God’s answer to our prayers.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

A light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.

Luke 2:22-40

22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, 24 and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 — and you yourself a sword will pierce — so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of  Jerusalem. 39 When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Daily Readings for February 1, 2017

1ST READING

We need discipline to follow the Lord and become His disciples. Today’s reading reminds us that to follow Jesus means we will be chastised and will experience suffering. Let us pray and think about our response to Jesus’ call to become His disciples.

Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15

4 Brothers and sisters: In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood. 5 You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; 6 for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges. 7 Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as his sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? 11 At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. 12 So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. 13 Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled.

P S A L M

Psalm 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18

R: The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

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) 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him, 14 For he knows how we are formed; he remembers that we are dust. (R) 17 But the kindness of the Lord is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear him, and his justice toward children’s children 18 among those who keep his covenant. (R)

GOSPEL

Let us be open to God’s surprises. Let us appreciate what God has given to others and not focus on what we perceive are their limitations. He calls us to work together in the proclamation of the Gospel. He can do more than what we could imagine when we respond to His call.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 6:1-6

1 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! 3 Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” 5 So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.