Daily Readings for June 10, 2018

1st READING

Today’s reading is about original sin – a reflection on the ingratitude of the human spirit. Sin enters humanity by rejecting God’s authority over us. He created us and gave us free will, but we fail to honor and respect Him. The consequences of sin are death and estrangement from God, from one another, and from the rest of creation, just like what happened to Adam and Eve.

Genesis 3:9-15

9 After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the Lord God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” 11 Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” 12 The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me — she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” 13 The Lord God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” 14 Then the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; on your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”

P S A L M

Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R: With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! 2 Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. (R) 3 If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? 4 But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered. (R) 5 I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word. 6 More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord. (R) 7 For with the Lord is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption; 8 and he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities. (R)

2ND READING

Our struggles and sufferings are nothing compared to the glories and joys of heaven. This hope, placed in our hearts through the preaching of the Gospel, strengthens us to persevere when trials come. Let us embrace the difficulties of life as opportunities for God’s grace to triumph.

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1

13 Brothers and sisters: Since 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 Everythingindeedisforyou,sothatthegracebestowedinabundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to over ow for the glory of God. 16 Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this momentary light af iction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal. 5:1 For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.

GOSPEL 

What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? This is when we deny the fact that God has the power to save us. St. Francis says that it is jealousy — refusing to rejoice in the gifts that God has given others.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Now the ruler of this world will be driven out, says the Lord; and when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.

Mark 3:20-35

20 Jesus came home with his disciples. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. 21 When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” 22 The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” 23 Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. 27 But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he rst ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.

28 Amen,Isaytoyou,allsinsandallblasphemiesthatpeopleutter will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” 30 For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” 31 His mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him. 32 A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outsideaskingforyou.” 33Buthesaidtotheminreply,“Whoaremymother and my brothers?” 34 And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 35 For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Daily Readings for June 9, 2018

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1st READING 

We cannot question God’s will. He has the power to do what He wants. However, He gives us the freedom to cooperate with His will. As we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, let us ponder on Mary in whom God found a heart and mind that are one with His. Let us pray for an obedient heart and mind just like Mary’s, so that we do what God asks of us.

Isaiah 61:9-11 (or 2 Timothy 4:1-8)

9 Thus says the Lord: Their descendants shall be renowned among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them as a race the Lord has blessed. 10 I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. 11 As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.

P S A L M 

1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8 (or Psalm 71:8-9, 14-15, 16-17, 22)

R: My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

1 “My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.” (R) 4 “The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. 5 The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.” (R) 6 “The Lord puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. 7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.” (R) 8 “He raises the needy from the dust; from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, to seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.” (R)

GOSPEL

One of the biblical images of the heart is that it is the place where we store good things. The problem is that we also allow regrets, resentments, and hurts to dwell there . Jesus wants us to let go of our hurts and allow His love to heal us. He wants us to let go of resentments and let His mercy transform us. Do we welcome God into our lives as Mary did with her “yes”?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed is the Virgin Mary who kept the word of God and pondered it in her heart. 

Luke 2:41-51 (or Mark 12:38-44)

41 Each year Jesus’parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, 42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. 43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

Daily Readings for June 8, 2018

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

1st READING

God wants to forgive us our sins, and does so by choice. He is merciful and will never be angry or vengeful towards our sinfulness. He wants to draw us back into His presence and minister to our hearts with His forgiving love. Let us draw near to God and ask Him to forgive our sins.

Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9

1 Thus says the Lord: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. 3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; 4 I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer. 8 My heart is overwhelmed; my pity is stirred. 9 I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you. I will not let the flames consume you.

P S A L M 

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

R: You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

2 God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. 3 With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. (R) 4 Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. 6 Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! (R)

2ND READING

We will never fully know how much God loves us. We have sinned and this caused us to be separated from Him. Let us continue to approach Him and repent of our sins. May we see that He is compassionate, forgiving, merciful, and kind. He is always pleased when we seek His guidance.

Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19

8 Brothers and sisters: To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things, 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith in him. 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

GOSPEL 

To contemplate Jesus on the cross is a way to face the horror of sin and the wonders of the love of a God who desires to heal and transform. As we celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us pray that we will enter into the mystery and beauty of God’s love for us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord; and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.

John 19:31-37

31 Since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, 34 but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. 36 For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: Not a bone of it will be broken. 37 And again another passage says: They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

Daily Readings for June 7, 2018

1st READING

God is faithful in fulfilling His promises. True faith in God sets our lives on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. We stand on shaky ground if we fail to let His grace work within us. Let us open our hearts to the revelation of God’s will and share the Good News to the world.

2 Timothy 2:8-15

8 Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my Gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; 12 if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. 13 If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. 14 Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. 15 Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.

P S A L M 

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

R: Teach me your ways, O Lord.

4 Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) 8 Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R) 10 All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. 14 The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. (R)

GOSPEL 

Loving God with all our heart paves the way for discipleship. As disciples, our hearts and minds are focused on the Good News, the promise of salvation — we breathe, live, and move the Gospel. Let us open our hearts to the work of conversion. Then, it is easier to follow Jesus.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Mark 12:28-34

28 One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” 29 Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. 33 And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Daily Readings for June 6, 2018

1st READING

Intercession usually involves sacrifice. In today’s reading, Paul tells Timothy that he remembers Timothy in his prayers. Maybe Paul rises at night to pray and intercede for others. He sacrifices having a restful sleep to pray for those who need his prayers. Let us also make sacrifices as we intercede for others.

2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12

1 Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God for the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 2 to Timothy, my dear child: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I am grateful to God, whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day. 6 For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God. 9 He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel, 11 for which I was appointed preacher and Apostle and teacher. 12 On this account I am suffering these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know him in whom I have believed and am confi dent that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.

P S A L M 

Psalm 123:1-2, 2

R: To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.

1 To you I lift up my eyes who are enthroned in heaven. 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters. (R) As the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes on the Lord, our God, till he shows pity on us. (R)

GOSPEL 

Jesus always has an answer to questions, even the tricky ones. The Sadducees attempt to confuse Jesus but to no avail. Let us choose the battles we need to fight and not get distracted by details of an event. Let us focus our time and energy on being fruitful and productive in doing our mission.  

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the resurrection and the life; says the Lord; whoever believes in me will never die.

Mark 12:18-27

18 Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and put this question to him, 19 saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. 20 Now there were seven brothers. The first married a woman and died, leaving no descendants. 21 So the second married her and died, leaving no descendants, and the third likewise. 22 And the seven left no descendants. Last of all, the woman also died. 23 At the resurrection when they arise whose wife will she be? For all seven had been married to her.” 24 Jesus said to them, “Are you not misled because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25 When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. 26 As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? 27 He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled.”