This site is intended for mature visitors.  Some of the content of this site may offend certain people.  You must be 18yrs and older only, please.

All links to the right open up in a new window.  There are no pop-up ads here on this site.

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, December 28, 2008:   (HOLY FAMILY) Readings for today:  Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3 / Hebrews 11:8, 11-2, 17-19 / Luke 2:22-40

Reading I - A reading from the book of Genesis (Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3):

1

The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Fear not, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great."

2

But Abram said, "O Lord GOD, what good will your gifts be, if I keep on being childless and have as my heir the steward of my house, Eliezer?"

3

Abram continued, "See, you have given me no offspring, and so one of my servants will be my heir."

4

Then the word of the LORD came to him: "No, that one shall not be your heir; your own issue shall be your heir."

5

He took him outside and said: "Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so," he added, "shall your descendants be."

6

¹ Abram put his faith in the LORD, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.

Chapter 21

1

The LORD took note of Sarah as he had said he would; he did for her as he had promised.

2

Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time that God had stated.

3

Abraham gave the name Isaac to this son of his whom Sarah bore him.

 

Responsorial Psalm - "Blest Are Those Who Love You" - Marty Haugen:

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Hebrews (Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19):

Brothers and sisters:

8

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go.

11

By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age--and Sarah herself was sterile--for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.

12

So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore.

17

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son,

18

of whom it was said, "Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name."

19

⁶ He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 2:22-40):

22

⁸ When the days were completed for their purification ⁹ according to the law of Moses, they took him 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, ¹⁰ 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 Messiah 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) ¹¹ 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 worshiped 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.

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, December 28, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - Holy Family - “Whatever you do,” says St. Paul to the Colossians, “. . . do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through Him.” And so it is that we offer our gifts in the Eucharist “through Him, with Him, and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.”

______________________________________________________________

Thursday, December 25, 2008:   (SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD - CHRISTMAS MASS AT MIDNIGHT) Readings for today:  Isaiah 9:1-6 / Titus 2:11-14 / Luke 2:1-14

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:1-6):

1

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.

2

You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils.

3

For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.

4

For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames.

5

¹ For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

6

His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, From David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

Responsorial Psalm - (Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13):

R. (Lk 2:11) Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Sing to the LORD a new song;
   sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
   let the sea and what fills it resound;
   let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;
   for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
   and the peoples with his constancy.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to Titus (Titus 2:11-14):

Beloved:

11

² The grace of God has appeared, saving all

12

and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,

13

as we await the blessed hope, the appearance ³ of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ,

14

who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 2:1-14):

1

¹ In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus ² that the whole world should be enrolled.

2

This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3

So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.

4

And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,

5

to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

6

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child,

7

and she gave birth to her firstborn son. ³ She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8

⁴ Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.

9

The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.

10

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

11

⁵ For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.

12

And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."

13

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

14

⁶ "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Thursday, December 25, 2008 (link, pgs 2 & 3 in respective sections of December 21 bulletin):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - Christmas ~ The shepherds who heard the joyous news from the angels on that first Christmas night and then hurried to find the infant Savior must surely have been changed by that experience. How has His coming changed my life?

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, December 21, 2008:   (FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT) Readings for today:  2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 / Romans 16:25-27 / Luke 1:26-38

Reading I - A reading from the second book of Samuel (2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16):

1

When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,

2

he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!"

3

Nathan answered the king, "Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you."

4

But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:

5

"Go, tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in?

8

¹ 'It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel.

9

I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.

10

I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,

11

since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you.

12

And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm.

14

I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.

16

Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.'"

Responsorial Psalm - (Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29):

R. (2a) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

The promises of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations.”

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.’
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,
and my covenant with him stands firm.”

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 16:25-27):

Brothers and sisters:

25

¹¹ To him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages ¹²

26

but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith,

27

to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 1:26-38):

26

¹⁰ The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

27

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.

28

And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you."

29

But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

30

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.

32

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, ¹¹ and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

33

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

34

But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" ¹²

35

And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

36

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived ¹³ a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

37

for nothing will be impossible for God."

38

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

---------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, December 21, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” Fourth Sunday of Advent ~ In the first reading, God promises King David that his house and his kingdom will endure forever. It is through Mary’s “Yes” — “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say.” — that the promise finds fulfillment.

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, December 14, 2008:   (THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT) Readings for today:  Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 / 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 / John 1:6-8, 19-28

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11):

1

¹ The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners,

2

To announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God.

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.

Responsorial Psalm - (Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54):

R. (Is 61:10b) My soul rejoices in my God.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked upon his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:

R. My soul rejoices in my God.

the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.

R. My soul rejoices in my God.

He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

R. My soul rejoices in my God.

Reading II - A reading from a letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24):

Brothers and sisters:

16

Rejoice always.

17

Pray without ceasing.

18

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

19

³ Do not quench the Spirit.

20

Do not despise prophetic utterances.

21

Test everything; retain what is good.

22

Refrain from every kind of evil.

23

⁴ May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (John 1:6-9, 19-28):

6

⁵ A man named John was sent from God.

7

He came for testimony, ⁶ to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.

8

He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

19

^{13 14} And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites (to him) to ask him, "Who are you?"

20

¹⁵ he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, "I am not the Messiah."

21

So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" ¹⁶ And he said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."

22

So they said to him, "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?"

23

He said: "I am 'the voice of one crying out in the desert, "Make straight the way of the Lord,"' ¹⁷ as Isaiah the prophet said."

24

Some Pharisees ¹⁸ were also sent.

25

They asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?"

26

John answered them, "I baptize with water; ¹⁹ but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,

27

the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."

28

This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, ²⁰ where John was baptizing.

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, December 14, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - Third Sunday of Advent All of the people in today’s readings — the prophet Isaiah, the Virgin Mary, St. Paul, St. John the Baptist — seemed to understand clearly and rejoice in what God was calling them to be and to do. Do I?

______________________________________________________________

Monday, December 08, 2008:   (SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY) Readings for today:  Genesis 3:9-15, 20 / Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 / Luke 1:26-38

Reading I - A reading from the book of Genesis (Genesis 3:9-15, 20):

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree,

9

The LORD God then 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, 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

³ 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."

20

⁴ The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

Responsorial Psalm - (Psalm 98:1,2-3ab, 3cd-4):

R. (1) Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.

R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.

R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.

R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12):

Brothers and sisters:

3

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, ⁴

4

as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love

5

he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will,

6

for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.

11

In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,

12

so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped ⁶ in Christ.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 1:26-38):

26

¹⁰ The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

27

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.

28

And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you."

29

But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

30

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.

32

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, ¹¹ and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

33

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

34

But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" ¹²

35

And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

36

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived ¹³ a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

37

for nothing will be impossible for God."

38

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, December 07, 2008:   (SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT) Readings for today:  Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 / 2 Peter 3:8-14 / Mark 1:1-8

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11):

1

Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.

2

¹ Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; Indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.

3

² A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!

4

Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; The rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley.

5

Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all mankind shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

9

Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; Cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God!

10

Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by his strong arm; Here is his reward with him, his recompense before him.

11

Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, Carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.

Responsorial Psalm - (Psalm 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14):

R. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD—for he proclaims peace to his people.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Reading II - A reading from the second letter of St. Peter (2 Peter 3:8-14):

8

^{6 7} Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day.

9

The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard "delay," but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

10

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, ⁸ and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.

11

⁹ Since everything is to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought (you) to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion,

12

¹⁰ waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire.

13

But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth ¹¹ in which righteousness dwells.

14

Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 1:1-8):

1

^{1 2} The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ (the Son of God).

2

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: ³ "Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.

3

A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'"

4

John (the) Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5

People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.

6

John was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. ⁴ He fed on locusts and wild honey.

7

And this is what he proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.

8

⁵ I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit."

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, December 7, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - Second Sunday of Advent ~ John the Baptist’s call to repentance is echoed in the U.S. bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship: “Christians must beg God for the grace of conversion: the grace to know who they are, to whom they belong, how they are to live — the grace to repent and change and grow, the grace to become good disciples and stewards.”

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, November 30, 2008:   (FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT) Readings for today:  Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7 / 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 / Mark 13:33-37

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7):

16

You, LORD, are our father, our redeemer you are named forever.

17

Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways, and harden our hearts so that we fear you not? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your heritage.

19

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, with the mountains quaking before you,

2

while you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for,

3

such as they had not heard of from of old. No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you doing such deeds for those who wait for him.

4

Would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways! Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful;

5

all of us have become like unclean men, all our good deeds are like polluted rags; We have all withered like leaves, and our guilt carries us away like the wind.

6

There is none who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to cling to you; For you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us up to our guilt.

7

Yet, O LORD, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.

Responsorial Psalm - (Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19):

R. (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power,
and come to save us.

R. (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

R. (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.

R. (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Reading II - A reading from a letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:3-9):

Brothers and sisters:

3

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4

I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,

5

that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge,

6

as the testimony ³ to Christ was confirmed among you,

7

so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

8

He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus (Christ).

9

God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 13:33-37):

Jesus said to his disciples:

33

Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.

34

It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.

35

Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning.

36

May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.

37

What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'"

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, November 30, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - We are the servants of God, each with his or her own task. We will be judged good stewards if, at His coming, He finds us ready and conscientiously pursuing the tasks to which we have been called.

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, November 23, 2008:   (LAST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - CHRIST THE KING) Readings for today:  Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 / 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 / Matthew 25:31-46

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17):

11

Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.

12

As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark.

15

I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD.

16

The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal (but the sleek and the strong I will destroy), shepherding them rightly.

17

As for you, my sheep, says the Lord GOD, I will judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats.

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 23 ("Shepherd Me, Oh God" by Marty Haugen):

Re: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

1. God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want, I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love, I walk by the quiet waters of peace.

Re: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

2. Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul, you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth, my spirit shall sing the music of your Name.

Re: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

3. Though I should wander the valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are at my side, your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope.

Re: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

4. You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred, crowning me with love beyond my power to hold.

Re: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

5. Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore.

Re: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

Reading II - A reading from a letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28):

Brothers and sisters:

20

^{7 8} Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

21

⁹ For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being.

22

For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,

23

but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;

24

then comes the end, ¹⁰ when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power.

25

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.

26

¹¹ The last enemy to be destroyed is death,

28

When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will (also) be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Matthew 25:31-46):

Jesus said to his disciples:

31

¹⁴ "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne,

32

and all the nations ¹⁵ will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

33

He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34

Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

35

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,

36

naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'

37

Then the righteous ¹⁶ will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

38

When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?

39

When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'

40

And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41

¹⁷ Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

42

For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,

43

a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.'

44

¹⁸ Then they will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?'

45

He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.'

46

And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, November 23, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS...WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: "I BELIEVE." - (Christ the King)  When the Son of Man comes in glory, may we be among those who have fed the hungry, welcomed the stranger, and clothed the naked.  For Jesus tells us clearly that it is those who have demonstrated good stewardship by sharing their gifts with the less fortunate who will receive God's blessing and inherit the kingdom.

Weekly Reflection ~ It may feel comforting to "know" we are good Christians because we follow all the rules and go to church.  But if you listen to what Jesus has told us, you know that following rules is not the key.  Care for others, loving our neighbor is what really matters.  There is no virtue in praying when someone is in need of help that you could give.  The rules are there to help us become more open to the needs of others, to see and respond as Jesus would have done.  What are you doing to help others?

As often as you did it for the least of my brothers, you did it for me.    Matthew 25:40"]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

--------------------

On a personal note, I want to thank God for an excellent past week, getting invited to see Metallica in concert the other night, less than 3 feet from the barricade to the stage which was circular and had like 8 different mics for the singer, guitarist, and bassist to visit as they play, and being less than 10 feet from the performers when they came to the mic.  Thanks for letting me catch a guitar pick at the end of the concert, thanks for letting K and J also acquire guitar picks, thanks for letting me hit 2 of the huge Metallica beach balls that rained down on the audience, especially those near the stage, and thanks for a good evening yesterday and a good night's rest, and getting my truck back undamaged, and for not letting the car I was driving get damaged.  Thank you, in the name of Jesus!

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, November 16, 2008:   (THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 / 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 / Matthew 25:14-30

Reading I - A reading from the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31):

10

When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls.

11

Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize.

12

¹ She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.

13

She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands.

19

She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle.

20

She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy.

30

⁵ Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31

Give her a reward of her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.

Responsorial Psalm - (Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5):

R. (cf. 1a) Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Reading II - A reading from a letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6):

1

Concerning times and seasons, brothers, you have no need for anything to be written to you.

2

For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night.

3

When people are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,and they will not escape.

4

But you, brothers, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.

5

For all of you are children of the light ¹ and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.

6

Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Matthew 25:14-30):

Jesus told his disciples this parable:

14

⁶ "A man who going on a journey ⁷ called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.

15

To one he gave five talents; ⁸ to another, two; to a third, one--to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately

16

the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five.

17

Likewise, the one who received two made another two.

18

⁹ But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money.

19

After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.

20

The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. ¹⁰ He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.'

21

His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'

22

(Then) the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.'

23

His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'

24

Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter;

25

so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.'

26

His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant! ¹¹ So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter?

27

Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?

28

Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.

29

¹² For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

30

¹³ And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, November 16, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - The “worthy wife” described in today’s first reading is a perfect example of active stewardship, reaching out her hands to the poor and extending her arms to the needy.

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, November 9, 2008:   (DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA IN ROME) Readings for today:  Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 / 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17 / John 2:13-22

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12):

1

¹ The angel brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the facade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar.

2

He led me outside by the north gate, and around to the outer gate facing the east, where I saw water trickling from the southern side.

8

He said to me, "This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah, and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh.

9

Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh.

12

Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary. Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine."

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9:

R. (5) The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shaken
and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.

R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God,
the holy dwelling of the Most High.
God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;
God will help it at the break of dawn.

R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

The LORD of hosts is with us;
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Come! behold the deeds of the LORD,
the astounding things he has wrought on earth.

 R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
 

Reading II - A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17):

Brothers and sisters:

9

You are God's building.

10

⁶ According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it,

11

for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.

16

Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

17

If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. ⁹

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (John 2:13-22):

13

^{10 11} Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

14

¹² He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, ¹³ as well as the money-changers seated there.

15

He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables,

16

and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace."

17

¹⁴ His disciples recalled the words of scripture, "Zeal for your house will consume me."

18

At this the Jews answered and said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?"

19

Jesus answered and said to them, ¹⁵ "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."

20

The Jews said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, ¹⁶ and you will raise it up in three days?"

21

But he was speaking about the temple of his body.

22

Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.

--------------------

(NOTE:  The stuff below doesn't seem to follow today's scripture readings, so what I take from the readings is this:  Remember that all of us are the temple of God, because He dwells in us, around us, and everywhere.  The temple of God is not just a building in which a community of faith gathers.  So, keep this in mind always, and treat others with the reverence, respect, and love that you would show in a building in which a community of faith  gathers.)

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, November 9, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - As we pray today for an increase of spiritual gifts, we are reminded by the bishops’ pastoral on stewardship that good stewardship of the Church “means cherishing and fostering the gifts of all, while using one’s own gifts to serve the community of faith.”

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, November 2, 2008:   (THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (ALL SOULS DAY)) Readings for today:  Wisdom 3:1-9 / Romans 6:3-9 / John 6:37-40

Reading I - A reading from the book of Wisdom (Wisdom 3:1-9):

1

¹ 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

² As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.

7

³ 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.

Responsorial Psalm - "Shepherd me oh God" by Marty Haugen:

R: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

1. God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want, I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love, I walk by the quiet waters of peace.

R: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

2. Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul, you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth, my spirit shall sing the music of your Name,

R: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

3. Though I should wander the valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are at my side, your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope.

R: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

4. You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred, crowning me with love beyond my power to hold.

R: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

5. Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore.

R: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 6:3-9):

Brothers and sisters:

3

Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

4

We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.

5

For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.

6

We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin.

7

For a dead person has been absolved from sin.

8

If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.

9

We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (John 6:37-40):

Jesus said to the crowds:

37

Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,

38

because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me.

39

And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it (on) the last day.

40

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him (on) the last day."

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, November 2, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - All Saints (November 1) - Today’s psalm makes clear that we and everything we think we own actually belong to God instead: “The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it.” We are stewards, not owners, of our lives and all we possess!

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, October 26, 2008:   (THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Exodus 22:20-26 / 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10 / Matthew 22:34-40

Reading I - A reading from the book of Exodus (Exodus 22:20-26):

Thus says the LORD:

20

"You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.

21

You shall not wrong any widow or orphan.

22

If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry.

23

My wrath will flare up, and I will kill you with the sword; then your own wives will be widows, and your children orphans.

24

"If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people, you shall not act like an extortioner toward him by demanding interest from him.

25

If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge, you shall return it to him before sunset;

26

for this cloak of his is the only covering he has for his body. What else has he to sleep in? If he cries out to me, I will hear him; for I am compassionate.

Responsorial Psalm - (Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51):

R. (2) I love you, Lord, my strength.

I love you, O LORD, my strength,
O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.

R. I love you, Lord, my strength.

My God, my rock of refuge,
my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!
Praised be the LORD, I exclaim,
and I am safe from my enemies.

R. I love you, Lord, my strength.

The LORD lives and blessed be my rock!
Extolled be God my savior.
You who gave great victories to your king
and showed kindness to your anointed.

R. I love you, Lord, my strength.

 

Reading II - A reading from a letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10):

Brothers and sisters:

5

You know what sort of people we were (among) you for your sake.

6

And you became imitators ³ of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the holy Spirit,

7

so that you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

8

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth not only in Macedonia and (in) Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.

9

For they themselves openly declare about us what sort of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

10

and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from (the) dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 22:34-40):

34

¹⁹ When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together,

35

and one of them [a scholar of the law] ²⁰ tested him by asking,

36

"Teacher, ²¹ which commandment in the law is the greatest?"

37

He said to him, ²² "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

38

This is the greatest and the first commandment.

39

The second is like it: ²³ You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

40

²⁴ The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

 

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, October 26, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - We fulfill the commandment to love our neighbor when we exercise good stewardship — joyfully sharing our gifts of life, abilities, and resources to meet our neighbor’s need.

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, October 19, 2008:   (TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 / 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b / Matthew 22:15-21

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 45:1, 4-6):

1

¹ Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp, Subduing nations before him, and making kings run in his service, Opening doors before him and leaving the gates unbarred:

4

For the sake of Jacob, my servant, of Israel my chosen one, I have called you by your name, giving you a title, though you knew me not.

5

I am the LORD and there is no other, there is no God besides me. It is I who arm you, though you know me not,

6

³ so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun men may know that there is none besides me. I am the LORD, there is no other.

Responsorial Psalm - (Psalm 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10):

R. (7b) Give the Lord glory and honor.  Give the Lord glory and honor.

Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R. Give the Lord glory and honor.  Give the Lord glory and honor.

For great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
awesome is he, beyond all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are things of nought,
but the LORD made the heavens.

R. Give the Lord glory and honor.  Give the Lord glory and honor.

Give to the LORD, you families of nations,
give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name!
Bring gifts, and enter his courts.

R. Give the Lord glory and honor.  Give the Lord glory and honor.

Worship the LORD, in holy attire;
tremble before him, all the earth;
say among the nations: The LORD is king,
he governs the peoples with equity.

R. Give the Lord glory and honor.  Give the Lord glory and honor.

 

Reading II - A reading from a letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b):

1

¹ Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace.

2

We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly

3

calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope ² of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father,

4

knowing, brothers loved by God, how you were chosen.

5

For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the holy Spirit and (with) much conviction.

 

 Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Matthew 22:15-21):

15

⁸ Then the Pharisees ⁹ went off and plotted how they might entrap him in speech.

16

They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, ¹⁰ saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status.

17

¹¹ Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"

18

Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?

19

¹² Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin.

20

He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?"

21

They replied, "Caesar's." ¹³ At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, October 19, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - The bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship reminds us, “Jesus not only calls people to him but also forms them and sends them out in his service. Being sent on a mission is a consequence of being a disciple.”  In today’s second reading, St. Paul thanks the Thessalonians for being willing to share in his hardships and promises that God, in turn, will fully supply all their needs. Our God truly cannot be outdone in generosity!

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, October 12, 2008:   (TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Isaiah 25:6-10a / Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 / Matthew 22:1-14

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 25:6-10a):

6

² On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.

7

On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations;

8

he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; The reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.

9

On that day it will be said: "Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!"

10

³ For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.

Responsorial Psalm - "Shepherd me, O God" (Psalm 23) by Marty Haugen (link):

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20):

Brothers and sisters:

12

I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.

13

I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.

14

Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

19

My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

20

To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Matthew 22:1-14):

1

¹ Jesus again in reply spoke to them in parables, saying,

2

"The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast ² for his son.

3

³ He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.

4

A second time he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast."'

5

Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business.

6

The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.

7

⁴ The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

8

Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come.

9

Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.'

10

The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, ⁵ and the hall was filled with guests.

11

⁶ But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.

12

He said to him, 'My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence.

13

⁷ Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'

14

Many are invited, but few are chosen."

---------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, October 12, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” ~ In today’s second reading, St. Paul thanks the Philippians for being willing to share in his hardships and promises that God, in turn, will fully supply all their needs. Our God truly cannot be outdone in generosity!

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, October 5, 2008:   (TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Isaiah 5:1-7 / Philippians 4:6-9 / Matthew 21:33-43

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 5:1-7):

1

¹ Let me now sing of my friend, my friend's song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside;

2

He spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; Within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes.

3

Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard:

4

What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes?

5

Now, I will let you know what I mean to do to my vineyard: Take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled!

6

Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it.

7

² The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his cherished plant; He looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry!

Responsorial Psalm - Ps 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20:

R. (Is 5:7a) The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

A vine from Egypt you transplanted;
you drove away the nations and planted it.
It put forth its foliage to the Sea,
its shoots as far as the River.

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Why have you broken down its walls,
so that every passer-by plucks its fruit,
The boar from the forest lays it waste,
and the beasts of the field feed upon it?

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
O LORD, God of hosts, restore us;
if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved.

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (Philippians 4:6-9):

Brothers and sisters:

6

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

7

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁶

9

Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. ⁷

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Matthew 21:33-43):

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:

33

²⁶ "Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, ²⁷ put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.

34

When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants ²⁸ to the tenants to obtain his produce.

35

But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned.

36

Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way.

37

Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.'

38

²⁹ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.'

39

³⁰ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.

40

What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?"

41

They answered ³¹ him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times."

42

³² Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes'?

43

³³ Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, October 5, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” ~ In the Gospel today, the owner of the vineyard sent messengers to collect his share of the harvest from the tenant farmers, but there was not a single good steward on the property! God is the owner, we are the tenants. What sort of stewards are we?

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, September 28, 2008:   (TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Ezekiel 18:25-28 / Philippians 2:1-11 / Matthew 21:28-32

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 18:25-28):

25

You say, "The LORD'S way is not fair!" Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?

26

When a virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.

27

But if a wicked man, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life;

28

since he has turned away from all the sins which he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

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

R. (6a) Remember your mercies, O Lord.

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.

R. Remember your mercies, O Lord.

Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not;
in your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.

R. Remember your mercies, O Lord.

Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
and teaches the humble his way.

R. Remember your mercies, O Lord.
 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (Philippians 2:1-11):

Brothers and sisters:

1

¹ If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy,

2

complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.

3

Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,

4

each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others.

5

Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, ²

6

Who, ³ though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. ⁴

7

Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; ⁵ and found human in appearance,

8

he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. ⁶

9

Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name ⁷ that is above every name,

10

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, ⁸ of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, ⁹ to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Matthew 21:28-32):

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people:

28

²³ "What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.'

29

He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went.

30

The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.

31

²⁴ Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.

32

²⁵ When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, September 28, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” ~ The first son in today’s Gospel said he would do his father’s bidding, but did not. The second son balked at first, but then repented and did as he was asked. What service is God calling me to do? Which son am I more like?

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, September 21, 2008:   (TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Isaiah 55:6-9 / Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a / Matthew 20:1-16a

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 55:6-9):

6

Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near.

7

Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked man his thoughts; Let him turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving.

8

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.

9

As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.

 

Responsorial Psalm - Ps 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18

R. (18a) The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.

R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.

R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.

R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.
 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (Phil 1:20c-24, 27a):

Brothers and sisters:

20

Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

21

For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.

22

If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose.

23

I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, (for) that is far better.

24

Yet that I remain (in) the flesh is more necessary for your benefit.

 

27

¹² Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Matthew 20:1-16a):

Jesus told his disciples this parable:

1

¹ "The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.

2

After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.

3

Going out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

4

² and he said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.'

5

So they went off. (And) he went out again around noon, and around three o'clock, and did likewise.

6

Going out about five o'clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?'

7

They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.'

8

³ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.'

9

When those who had started about five o'clock came, each received the usual daily wage.

10

So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.

11

And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner,

12

saying, 'These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day's burden and the heat.'

13

He said to one of them in reply, 'My friend, I am not cheating you. ⁴ Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?

14

⁵ Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?

15

(Or) am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?'

16

⁶ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, September 14, 2008:   (FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS) Readings for today:  Numbers 21:4b-9 / Philippians 2:6-11 / John 3:13-17

Reading I - A reading from the book of Numbers (Numbers 21:4b-9):

4

With their patience worn out by the journey,

5

³ the people complained against God and Moses, "Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!"

6

⁴ In punishment the LORD sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died.

7

Then the people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you. Pray the LORD to take the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people,

8

⁵ and the LORD said to Moses, "Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if anyone who has been bitten looks at it, he will recover."

9

⁶ Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he recovered.

(Look familiar?)

Responsorial Psalm - Ps 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38:

R. (see 7b) Do not forget the works of the Lord!

Hearken, my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable,
I will utter mysteries from of old.

R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

While he slew them they sought him
and inquired after God again,
Remembering that God was their rock
and the Most High God, their redeemer.

R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

But they flattered him with their mouths
and lied to him with their tongues,
Though their hearts were not steadfast toward him,
nor were they faithful to his covenant.

R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

But he, being merciful, forgave their sin
and destroyed them not;
Often he turned back his anger
and let none of his wrath be roused.

R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (Phil 2:6-11):

Brothers and sisters:

6

Christ Jesus, ³ though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. ⁴

7

Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; ⁵ and found human in appearance,

8

he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. ⁶

9

Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name ⁷ that is above every name,

10

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, ⁸ of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, ⁹ to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (John 3:13-17):

Jesus said to Nicodemus:

13

No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.

14

And just as Moses lifted up ⁵ the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

15

⁶ so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."

16

For God so loved the world that he gave ⁷ his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

17

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn ⁸ the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

---------------

This is a skit from Mad TV called "Dot - Good News Forum".  This made me laugh.  Hope you laugh too.  Dot's school picture develops with an image of Jesus.  Dot's parents are atheists and don't believe in ghosts or spirits.  They are on a TV talk show discussing the debate over the photo.  Enjoy!

---------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, September 14, 2008 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” ~ Exaltation of the Cross - Even though the Lord led them out of Egypt and provided for their every need, the people in today’s first reading were complaining and ungrateful. Does my stewardship of God’s gifts show that I know from Whom they came and am grateful?

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, September 7, 2008:   (TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Ezekiel 33:7-9 / Romans 13:8-10 / Matthew 18:15-20

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 33:7-9):

Thus says the LORD:

7

You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me.

8

If I tell the wicked man that he shall surely die, and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked man from his way, he (the wicked man) shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.

9

But if you warn the wicked man, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 95 ("If Today You Hear His Voice" by David Haas):

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 13:8-10):

Brothers and sisters:

8

² Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

9

The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, (namely) "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

10

Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

Gospel - A proclamation from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Matthew 18:15-20):

Jesus said to his disciples:

15

¹¹ "If your brother ¹² sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.

16

¹³ If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.'

17

If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. ¹⁴ If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

18

¹⁵ Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

19

¹⁶ Again, (amen,) I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.

20

¹⁷ For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN for Sunday, 09/07/08 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - Am I my brother’s keeper? All three readings today suggest that for the Christians steward the answer is “Yes!”

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, August 31, 2008:   (TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Jeremiah 20:7-9 / Romans 12:1-2 / Matthew 16:21-27

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:7-9):

7

⁴ You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me.

8

Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; The word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day.

9

I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.

(Makes me think of the scene in the first The Matrix, when Cypher takes over the ship while everyone's in the Matrix, and he tells Trinity that Morpheus tricked them, and wasn't completely forthcoming with what life was like outside of the Matrix)

Responsorial Psalm - ("Your love is finer than life -Psalm 63" by Marty Haugen):

R: Oh God, I seek You. My soul thirsts for You. Your love is finer than life.

1. As a dry and weary desert land, so my soul is thirsting for my God, and my flesh is faint for the God I seek, for Your love is more than life.

R: Oh God, I seek You. My soul thirsts for You. Your love is finer than life.

2. I think of You when at night I rest. I reflect upon Your steadfast love. I will cling to You, Oh Lord my God. In the shadow of Your wings I sing.

R: Oh God, I seek You. My soul thirsts for You. Your love is finer than life.

3. I will bless Your name all the days I live. I raise my hands and call on You. My joyful lips shall sing your praise. You alone have filled my hungry soul.

To hear the music (without words), go to St. John Vianney sound clips. and click on "Ps 63 3 Your Love is Finer Than Life Haugen."

 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 12:1-2):

1

^{1 2} I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.

2

Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

Gospel - A proclamation from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Matthew 16:21-27):

21

¹⁶ Jesus began to show his disciples that he ¹⁷ must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.

22

¹⁸ Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, "God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you."

23

He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."

24

¹⁹ Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, ²⁰ take up his cross, and follow me.

25

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ²¹

26

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?

27

²² For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct.

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, 08/31/08 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - In today’s second reading, St. Paul exhorts the Romans to total stewardship. Brothers and sisters, he urges, “. . . offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, August 24, 2008:   (TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Isaiah 22:19-23 / Romans 11:33-36 / Matthew 16:13-20

Reading I - A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 22:19-23):

Thus says the LORD to Shebna, master of the palace:

19

I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station.

20

⁵ On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah;

21

I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.

22

⁶ I will place the key of the House of David on his shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open.

23

I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family.

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

R. (8bc) Lord, when I cried out, you answered, and strengthened the spirit within me.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple.

R. (8bc) Lord, when I cried out, you answered, and strengthened the spirit within me.

I will give thanks to your name,
because of your kindness and your truth:
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.

R. (8bc) Lord, when I cried out, you answered, and strengthened the spirit within me.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.

R. (8bc) Lord, when I cried out, you answered, and strengthened the spirit within me.
 

 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 11:33-36):

33

⁶ Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!

34

"For who has known the mind of the Lord ⁷ or who has been his counselor?"

35

⁸ "Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid?"

36

For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 16:13-20):

13

⁸ Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi ⁹ and he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"

14

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, ¹⁰ others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

15

He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

16

¹¹ Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

17

Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood ¹² has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

18

And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, ¹³ and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

19

I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. ¹⁴ Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

20

¹⁵ Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah.

---------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS Parish Bulletin for Sunday 08/24/08 (link):

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, August 17, 2008:   (TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 / Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 / Matthew 15:21-28

Reading I - A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 56:1, 6-7):

1

¹ Thus says the LORD: Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed.

6

The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, ministering to him, Loving the name of the LORD, and becoming his servants-- All who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant,

7

Them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer; Their holocausts and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8):

R. (4) O God, let all the nations praise you!

May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 11:13-15, 29-32):

Brothers and sisters:

13

I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry

14

in order to make my race jealous and thus save some of them.

15

For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

29

For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.

30

⁵ Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience,

31

so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may (now) receive mercy.

32

For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 15:21-28):

21

⁹ At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

22

And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon."

23

But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us."

24

¹⁰ He said in reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

25

But the woman came and did him homage, saying, "Lord, help me."

26

He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children ¹¹ and throw it to the dogs."

27

She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters."

28

Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! ¹² Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed from that hour.

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN FOR 08/17/08 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS ...WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: "I BELIEVE." - In today's second reading, St. Paul tells the Romans, "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable."  To what is God calling me today?  What gifts are mine to share?

Weekly Reflections - Today's Gospel recounts the story of a Canaanite woman who asks Jesus to help her daughter who was possessed by a demon.  Although Jesus ignores her, she keeps after him and in the end her faith is rewarded.  It is easy to think of our own community and ignore the needs of others.  But that is not what discipleship is about.  We are called to serve others according to the talents and resources we have.  It is not required that we even like those who need help.  It is not our place to judge their "worthiness."  We are simply to do what we can to help others.

Thus says the Lord: Observe what is right, do what is just.  Isaiah 56:1"]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

----------------------

-A note on the Weekly Reflections section above:  In the homily today, the priest said something to clarify the social norms in today's Gospel reading at the time of Jesus, when the woman called out to him in public.  A woman wouldn't call out to a man in public like that.  She was breaking social boundaries and rules.  This is partly why Jesus didn't answer at first (there are proper ways to ask for things, plus she was a Gentile (a non-Jew), which carried the additional burden of the possibility of defilement on the man if he answered the woman's call or something like that).  But he ends up answering her.  The lesson?  Our duty as disciples is to reach out to everyone who calls on us, even the undesirable ones...not to be selective to whom we respond. 

______________________________________________________________

Friday, August 15, 2008:   (Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) Readings for today:  Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab / 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 / Luke 1:39-56

Reading I - A reading from the book of Revelation (Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab):

19

God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.

1

¹ A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman ² clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

2

She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. ³

3

Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon, ⁴ with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems.

4

Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth.

5

She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. ⁵ Her child was caught up to God and his throne.

6

The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God.

10

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have salvation and power come, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed One.

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16:

R. (10bc) The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

The queen takes her place at your right hand in gold of Ophir.

R. The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear,
forget your people and your father’s house.

R. The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

So shall the king desire your beauty;
for he is your lord.

R. The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

They are borne in with gladness and joy;
they enter the palace of the king.

R. The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.
 

Reading II - A reading from a letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 15:20-27):

Brothers and sisters:

20

^{7 8} Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

21

⁹ For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being.

22

For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,

23

but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;

24

then comes the end, ¹⁰ when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power.

25

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.

26

¹¹ The last enemy to be destroyed is death,

27

¹² for "he subjected everything under his feet." But when it says that everything has been subjected, it is clear that it excludes the one who subjected everything to him.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 1:39-56):

39

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah,

40

where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

41

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,

42

cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

43

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord ¹⁴ should come to me?

44

For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.

45

Blessed are you who believed ¹⁵ that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

46

And Mary said: ¹⁶ "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;

47

my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

48

For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.

49

The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

50

His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.

51

He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.

52

He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.

53

The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.

54

He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,

55

according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

56

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, August 10, 2008:   (NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a / Romans 9:1-5 / Matthew 14:22-33

Reading I - A reading from the first book of Kings (1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a):

9

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter.

11

¹ Then the LORD said, "Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by." A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD--but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake--but the LORD was not in the earthquake.

12

After the earthquake there was fire--but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.

13

When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14:

R. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD — for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 9:1-5):

Brothers and sisters:

1

^{1 2} I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the holy Spirit in bearing me witness

2

that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart.

3

For I could wish that I myself were accursed and separated from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kin according to the flesh.

4

They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises;

5

theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah. God who is over all ³ be blessed forever. Amen.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 14:22-33):

22

⁷ After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

23

After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.

24

Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.

25

During the fourth watch of the night, ⁸ he came toward them, walking on the sea.

26

When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear.

27

At once (Jesus) spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; ⁹ do not be afraid."

28

Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."

29

He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.

30

But when he saw how (strong) the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

31

Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, ¹⁰ why did you doubt?"

32

After they got into the boat, the wind died down.

33

¹¹ Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

--------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS PARISH BULLETIN FOR 08/10/08 (link):

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - Elijah recognized the voice of God not in the strong and heavy wind, not in the earthquake, and not in the fire, but in a tiny whispering sound. May we find enough quiet in our clamorous world to hear His voice and discern what He is calling us to do and be.

--------------------

I'd like to share an example of how God has been making His presence known to me lately: 

Almost 2 weeks ago, I was wondering if I'd ever see the old Houston Wrestling with Paul Boesch I used to see when I was a kid...wondering if they'd ever put it out on dvd or if the programs would be made available in the future or anything like that.  A few days later, I'm watching channel 39 KHCW TV and catch a promotion for the station's website, and out of the corner of my eye, I could swear I saw Paul Boesch and Houston Wrestling in one of the frames of the on-air promotion.

So, I jump online and go to their website and look for archives page and scroll down the video list to find Tribute to Paul Boesch Ch 39 Wrestling and get to see a 5 and a half minute montage of interviews and action shots and famous matches.  It was great!  One of the wrestlers was on Bloodsport with Jean Claude Van Damme.  I remembered a lot of those wrestlers (Junkyard Dog, Hacksaw Jim Dougan, Ted Debiase, etc), and how long some stores have been around (I.W. Marks Jewellers and Mattress Mac doing live commercials for Gallery Furniture with Paul Boesch at the interview area near ringside).

It was a great gift to me, for which I thank God.  It's those types of experiences that let me know God is near me, thereby making me feel closer to God, closer to Jesus and that feels good...the type of good that can't be bought or sold but is a free gift from God.  Thank you, Almighty Father, and thank you Jesus!

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, August 3, 2008:   (EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  Isaiah 55:1-3 / Romans 8:35, 37-39 / Matthew 14:13-21

Reading I - A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 55:1-3):

Thus says the LORD:

1

¹ All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk!

2

Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy? Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare.

3

Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life. I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 145:1-4 (David Haas, borrowed from this website: http://www.theinterpretersfriend.com/songs/i-l-praz-yr-nam.html)

Antiphon: ||: I will praise your name, my King and my God.  I will praise your name, my King and my God. :||

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 8:35, 37-39):

Brothers and sisters:

35

What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?

37

No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.

38

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, ⁹ nor future things, nor powers,

39

nor height, nor depth, ¹⁰ nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 14:13-21):

13

⁴ When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.

14

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.

15

When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves."

16

(Jesus) said to them, "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves."

17

But they said to him, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have here."

18

Then he said, "Bring them here to me,"

19

and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking ⁵ the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.

20

They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over ⁶ --twelve wicker baskets full.

21

Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

---------------------

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[FROM THE SFDS Parish Bulletin for Sunday 08/03/08 (link)

"STEWARDSHIP IS …WHAT I DO AFTER I SAY: “I BELIEVE.” - In today’s Gospel, Jesus feeds the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. The message of stewardship is that God’s gifts, shared, will always be more than enough. Adorer’s Corner: Psalm 27:04*

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, July 27, 2008:   (SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readings for today:  1 Kings 3:5, 7-12 / Romans 8:28-30 / Matthew 13:44-52

Reading I - A reading from the first book of Kings (1 Kings 3:5, 7-12):

5

The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, "Ask something of me and I will give it to you."

Solomon answered:

7

O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.

8

I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.

9

Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?"

10

The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.

11

So God said to him: "Because you have asked for this--not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right--

12

I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.

Responsorial Psalm  (always sung)- Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130

R. (97a) Lord, I love your commands.

I have said, O LORD, that my part
is to keep your words.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

For I love your command
more than gold, however fine.
For in all your precepts I go forward;
every false way I hate.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

Wonderful are your decrees;
therefore I observe them.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple.

R. Lord, I love your commands.
 

Reading II - A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 8:28-30):

Brothers and sisters:

28

⁵ We know that all things work for good for those who love God, ⁶ who are called according to his purpose.

29

⁷ For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

30

And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

Gospel - A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 13:44-52):

Jesus said to his disciples:

44

²³ "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, ²⁴ which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.

46

When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.

47

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.

48

When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.

49

Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous

50

and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.

51

"Do you understand ²⁵ all these things?" They answered, "Yes."

52

²⁶ And he replied, "Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old."