4th Sunday of Lent

Date: March 15, 2026

New American Bible readings

First reading (1 Samuel 16: 1b, 6–7, and 10–13a)

A reading from the first book of Samuel.

The LORD said to Samuel: “Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons.” As Jesse and his sons came to the sacrifice, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is here before him.” But the LORD said to Samuel: “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any one of these.” Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.” Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them. He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a splendid appearance. The LORD said, “There—anoint him, for this is the one!” Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed David in the presence of his brothers; and from that day on, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David.

Second reading (Ephesians 5: 8–14)

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians.

Brothers and sisters: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

Gospel (John 9: 1–41)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him. We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” —which means Sent—. So he went and washed, and came back able to see. His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said, "It is," but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.” So they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” He replied, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went there and washed and was able to see.” And they said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I don’t know.” They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath. So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.” So some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them. So they said to the blind man again, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” Now the Jews did not believe that he had been blind and gained his sight until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight. They asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How does he now see?” His parents answered and said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. We do not know how he sees now, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him, he is of age; he can speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone acknowledged him as the Christ, he would be expelled from the synagogue. For this reason his parents said, “He is of age; question him.” So a second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give God the praise! We know that this man is a sinner.” He replied, “If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” So they said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” They ridiculed him and said, “You are that man’s disciple; we are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this one is from.” The man answered and said to them, “This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.” They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out. When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him. Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.” Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.

Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings

First reading (1 Samuel 16: 1b, 6–7, and 10–13a)

A reading from the first book of Samuel.

The Lord asked Samuel, "Fill your horn with oil and be on your way to Jesse that Bethlehemite for I have chosen my king from among his sons." As they came, Samuel looked at Eliab the older and thought, "This must be the Lord's anointed." But the Lord told Samuel, "Do not judge by his looks or his stature for I have rejected him. The Lord does not judge as man judges; humans see with the eyes; the Lord sees the heart." Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel who stated, "The Lord has chosen none of them. But are all your sons here?" Jesse replied, "There is still the youngest, tending the flock just now." Samuel stated to him, "Send for him and bring him to me; we shall not sit down to eat until he arrives." So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him to Samuel. He was a handsome lad with ruddy complexion and beautiful eyes. And the Lord stated, "Go, anoint him for he is the one." Samuel then took the horn of oil and anointed him in his brother's presence.

Second reading (Ephesians 5: 8–14)

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians.

Brothers and sisters: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Behave as children of light; the fruits of light are kindness, justice and truth in every form. You yourselves search out what pleases the Lord, and take no part in works of darkness that are of no benefit; expose them instead. Indeed it is a shame even to speak of what those people do in secret, but as soon as it is exposed to the light, everything becomes clear. And what has become clear becomes light. Therefore it is stated: "Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead that the light of Christ may shine on you."

Gospel (John 9: 1–41)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Master, was he born blind because of a sin of his, or of his parents?" Jesus answered, "Neither was it for his own sin nor for his parents. He was born blind so that God's power might be shown in him. While it is day we must do the work of the One who sent me; for the night will come when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As Jesus stated this, he made paste with spittle and clay and rubbed it on the eyes of the blind man. Then he stated, "Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam." (This name means sent.) So he went and washed and came back able to see. His neighbors and all the people who used to see him begging, wondered. They stated, "Is this not the beggar who used to sit here?" Some stated, "It is the one." Others stated, "No, but he looks like him." But the man himself stated, "I am the one." Then they asked, "How is it that your eyes were opened?" And he answered, "The man called Jesus made a mud paste, put it on my eyes and stated to me: 'Go to Siloam and wash.' So I went, and washed, and I could see." They asked, "Where is he?" and the man answered, "I do not know." The people brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made mud paste and opened his eyes. The Pharisees asked him again, "How did you recover your sight?" And he stated, "He put paste on my eyes, and I washed, and now I see." Some of the Pharisees stated, "This man is not from God, for he works on the sabbath;" but others wondered, "How can a sinner perform such miraculous signs?" They were divided and they questioned the blind man again, "What do you think of this man who opened your eyes?" And he answered, "He is a prophet." After all this, the Jews refused to believe that the man had been blind and had recovered his sight; so they called his parents and asked them, "Is this your son? You say that he was born blind, how is it that he now sees?" The parents answered, "He really is our son and he was born blind; but how it is that he now sees, we do not know, neither do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him, he is old enough. Let him speak for himself." The parents stated this because they feared the Jews who had already agreed that whoever confessed Jesus to be the Christ was to be expelled. Because of this his parents stated, "He is old enough, ask him." So a second time the Pharisees called the man who had been blind, and they stated to him, "Tell us the truth; we know that this man is a sinner." He replied, "I do not know whether he is a sinner or not; I only know that I was blind and now I see." They stated to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He replied, "I have told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?" Then they started to insult him. "Become his disciple yourself! We are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man we do not know where he comes from." The man replied, "It is amazing that you do not know where the man comes from, and yet he opened my eyes! We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone honors God and does his will, God listens to him. Never, since the world began, has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person who was born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born a sinner and now you teach us!" And they expelled him. Jesus heard that they had expelled him. He found him and stated, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" He answered, "Who is he, that I may believe in him?" Jesus stated, "You have seen him and he is speaking to you." He stated, "Lord, I believe;" and he worshiped him. Jesus stated, "I came into this world to carry out a judgment: Those who do not see shall see, and those who see shall become blind." Some Pharisees stood by and asked him, "So we are blind?" And Jesus answered, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty. Now you say: 'We see'; this is the proof of your sin."

3rd Sunday of Lent

Date: March 8, 2026

New American Bible readings

First reading (Exodus 17: 3–7)

A reading from the book of Exodus.

In those days, in their thirst for water, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “Why did you ever make us leave Egypt? Was it just to have us die here of thirst with our children and our livestock?” So Moses cried out to the LORD, “What shall I do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!” The LORD answered Moses, “Go over there in front of the people, along with some of the elders of Israel, holding in your hand, as you go, the staff with which you struck the river. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock in Horeb. Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink.” This Moses did, in the presence of the elders of Israel. The place was called Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled there and tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD in our midst or not?”

Second reading (Romans 5: 1–2 and 5–8)

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.

Brothers and sisters: Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Gospel (John 4: 5–42)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” — For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans. — Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” Jesus said to her, “Go call your husband and come back.” The woman answered and said to him, “I do not have a husband.” Jesus answered her, “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’ For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one speaking with you.” At that moment his disciples returned, and were amazed that he was talking with a woman, but still no one said, “What are you looking for?” or “Why are you talking with her?” The woman left her water jar and went into the town and said to the people, “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Christ?” They went out of the town and came to him. Meanwhile, the disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” So the disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, ‘In four months the harvest will be here’? I tell you, look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest. The reaper is already receiving payment and gathering crops for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together. For here the saying is verified that ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the work, and you are sharing the fruits of their work.” Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me everything I have done.” When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, “We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.”

Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings

First reading (Exodus 17: 3–7)

A reading from the book of Exodus.

The people thirsted for water there and grumbled against Moses, "Why did you make us leave Egypt to have us die of thirst with our children and our cattle?" So Moses stated to the Lord, "What shall I do with the people? They are almost ready to stone me!" The Lord stated to Moses, "Go ahead of the people and take with you the elders of Israel. Take with you the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you on the rock of Horeb. You will strike the rock and water will flow from it and the people will drink." Moses did this in the presence of the elders of Israel. The place was called Massah and Meribah because of the complaints of the Israelites, who tested the Lord stating, "Is the Lord with us or not?"

Second reading (Romans 5: 1–2 and 5–8)

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.

Brothers and sisters: By faith, we have received true righteousness, and we are at peace with God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Through him, we obtain this favor in which we remain and we even boast to expect the Glory of God. Hope does not disappoint us because the Holy Spirit has been given to us, pouring into our hearts the love of God. Consider, moreover, the time that Christ died for us: when we were still sinners and unable to do anything. Few would accept to die for an upright person, perhaps someone would dare to die. But see how God manifested his love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ has died for us.

Gospel (John 4: 5–42)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus came to a Samaritan town called Sychar, near the land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well is there. Tired from his journey, Jesus sat down by the well; it was about noon. Now a Samaritan woman came to draw water and Jesus stated to her, "Give me a drink." His disciples had just gone into town to buy some food. The Samaritan woman stated to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan and a woman, for a drink?" (For Jews, in fact, have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus replied, "If you only knew the Gift of God! If you knew who it is that asks you for a drink, you yourself would have asked me and I would have given you living water." The woman answered, "Sir, you have no bucket and this well is deep; where is your living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well after he drank from it himself, together with his sons and his cattle?" Jesus stated to her, "Those who drink of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I shall give will never be thirsty; for the water that I shall give will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman stated to him, "Give me this water, that I may never be thirsty and never have to come here to draw water." Jesus stated, "Go, call your husband and come back here." The woman answered, "I have no husband." And Jesus replied, "You are right to say: 'I have no husband': for you have had five husbands and the one you have now is not your husband. What you stated is true." The woman then stated to him, "I see you are a prophet; tell me this: Our fathers used to come to this mountain to worship God; but you Jews, do you not claim that Jerusalem is the only place to worship God?" Jesus stated to her, "Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you shall worship the Father, but that will not be on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship without knowledge, while we Jews worship with knowledge, for salvation comes from the Jews. But the hour is coming and is even now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for that is the kind of worshipers the Father wants. God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." The woman stated to him, "I know that the Messiah, that is the Christ, is coming; when he comes, he will tell us everything." And Jesus stated, "I am he who is talking to you." At this point the disciples returned and were surprised that Jesus was speaking with a woman; however, no one stated, "What do you want?" or: "Why are you talking with her?" So the woman left her water jar and ran to the town. There she stated to the people, "Come and see a man who told me everything I did! Could he not be the Christ?" So they left the town and went to meet him. In the meantime, the disciples urged Jesus, "Master, eat." But he stated to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." And the disciples wondered, "Has anyone brought him food?" Jesus stated to them, "My food is to do the will of the One who sent me and to carry out his work. You say that in four more months it will be the harvest; now, I say to you, look up and see the fields white and ready for harvesting. People who reap the harvest are paid for their work and the fruit is gathered for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. Indeed the saying holds true: 'One sow and another reaps.' I sent you to reap where you did not work or suffer: others have worked and you are now sharing in their labors." In that town, many Samaritans believed in him when they heard the woman who declared, "He told me everything I did." So, when they came to him, they asked him to stay with them and Jesus stayed there for two days. After that many more believed because of his own words and they stated to the woman, "We no longer believe because of what you told us; for we have heard for ourselves and we know that this is the Savior of the world."

2nd Sunday of Lent

Date: March 1, 2026

New American Bible readings

First reading (Genesis 12: 1–4a)

A reading from the book of Genesis.

The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.” Abram went as the LORD directed him.

Second reading (2 Timothy 1: 8b–10)

A reading from the second letter of Saint Paul to Timothy.

Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Gospel (Matthew 17: 1–9)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings

First reading (Genesis 12: 1–4a)

A reading from the book of Genesis.

The Lord stated to Abram, "Leave your country, your family and your father's house, for the land I will show you. I will make you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse, and in you all peoples of the earth will be blessed." So Abram went as the Lord had told him.

Second reading (2 Timothy 1: 8b–10)

A reading from the second letter of Saint Paul to Timothy.

Beloved: Do your share in laboring for the Gospel with the strength of God. He saved us and called us — a calling which proceeds from his holiness. This did not depend on our merits, but on his generosity and his own initiative. This calling given to us from all time in Christ Jesus has just been manifested with the glorious appearance of Christ Jesus, our Lord, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light in his Gospel.

Gospel (Matthew 17: 1–9)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone. Jesus' appearance was changed before them: his face shone like the sun and his clothes become bright as light. Just then Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Peter spoke and stated to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here. If you so wish, I will make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Peter was still speaking when a bright cloud covered them in its shadow, and a voice from the cloud stated, "This is my Son, the Beloved, my Chosen One. Listen to him." On hearing the voice, the disciples fell to the ground, full of fear. But Jesus came, touched them and stated, "Stand up, do not be afraid." When they raised their eyes, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus. And as they came down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what they had just seen, until the Son of Man be raised from the dead.

1st Sunday of Lent

Date: February 22, 2026

New American Bible readings

First reading (Genesis 2: 7–9 and 3: 1–7)

A reading from the book of Genesis.

The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being. Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and placed there the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the LORD God made various trees grow that were delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the animals that the LORD God had made. The serpent asked the woman, “Did God really tell you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?” The woman answered the serpent: “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, ‘You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die! No, God knows well that the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is evil.” The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

Second reading (Romans 5: 12–19)

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.

Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned—for up to the time of the law, sin was in the world, though sin is not accounted when there is no law. But death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin after the pattern of the trespass of Adam, who is the type of the one who was to come. But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one, the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many. And the gift is not like the result of the one who sinned. For after one sin there was the judgment that brought condemnation; but the gift, after many transgressions, brought acquittal. For if, by the transgression of the one, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ. In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous act, acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one, the many will be made righteous.

Gospel (Matthew 4: 1–11)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” He said in reply, “It is written: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'” Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.

Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings

First reading (Genesis 2: 7–9 and 3: 1–7)

A reading from the book of Genesis.

The Lord God formed Man, dust is drawn from the clay, and breathed into his nostrils a breath of life and Man became alive with breath. God planted a garden in Eden in the east and there he placed Man whom he had created. The Lord God caused to grow from the ground every kind of tree that is pleasing to see and good to eat, also the tree of Life in the middle of the garden and the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Now the serpent was the most crafty of all the wild creatures that the Lord God had made. He stated to the woman, "Did God really say: You must not eat from any tree in the garden?" The woman stated to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees in the garden, but of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden God stated: You must not eat, and you must not touch it or you will die." The serpent stated to the woman, "You will not die, but God knows that the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, knowing good and evil." The woman saw that the fruit was good to eat, and pleasant to the eyes, and ideal for gaining knowledge. She took its fruit and ate it and gave some to her husband who was with her. He ate it. Then their eyes were opened and both of them knew they were naked. So they sewed leaves of a fig tree together and made themselves loincloths.

Second reading (Romans 5: 12–19)

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.

Brothers and sisters: Now, sin entered the world through one man and through sin, death, and later on death spread to all humankind, because all sinned. As long as there was no law, they could not speak of disobedience, but sin was already in the world. This is why from Adam to Moses death reigned among them, although their sin was not disobedience as in Adam's case – this was not the true Adam, but foretold the other who was to come. Such has been the fall, but God's gift goes far beyond. Multitudes die because of the fault of one man, but how much more does the grace of God spread when the gift he granted reaches the multitudes, from this unique man Jesus Christ. The gift of God more than compensated for sin. The disobedience that brought condemnation was of one sinner, whereas the grace of God brings forgiveness to a world of sinners. If death reigned through the disobedience of one and only one person, how much more will there be the grace and the gift of true righteousness through the one person, Jesus Christ. Just as one transgression brought the sentence of death to all, so, too, one rehabilitation brought pardon and life to all; and as the disobedience of only one made many sinners, so the obedience of one person allowed a multitude to be made just and holy.

Gospel (Matthew 4: 1–11)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

The Spirit led Jesus into the desert that he be put to the test by the devil. After spending forty days and nights without food, Jesus was hungry. Then the devil came to him and stated, "If you are the Son of God, order these stones to transform into bread." But Jesus answered, "Scripture states: One does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Then the devil took Jesus to the holy city, set him on the highest wall of the temple, and stated to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for scripture states, God has given orders to his angels about you. Their hands will hold you up lest you hurt your foot against a stone." Jesus answered, "But Scripture also states: You shall not put to the test the Lord your God." Then the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the nations of the world in all their greatness and splendor. And he stated, "All this I will give you if you kneel and worship me." Then Jesus answered, "Be off, Satan! Scripture states: Worship the Lord your God and serve him alone." Then the devil left him, and angels came to serve him.

Ash Wednesday

Date: February 18, 2026

New American Bible readings

First reading (Joel 2: 12–18)

A reading from the book of Joel.

Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind him a blessing, offerings and libations for the LORD, your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly. Gather the people, notify the congregation; assemble the elders, gather the children and the infants at the breast; Let the bridegroom quit his room and the bride her chamber. Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep, and say, “Spare, O LORD, your people, and make not your heritage a reproach, with the nations ruling over them! Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land and took pity on his people.

Second reading (2 Corinthians 5:20 – 6:2)

A reading from the second letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.

Brothers and sisters: We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake, he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says: In an acceptable time, I heard you, and on the day of salvation, I helped you. Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 6: 1–6 and 16–18)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus said to his disciples: "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."

Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings

First reading (Joel 2: 12–18)

A reading from the book of Joel.

The Lord says, "Yet even now, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning. Rend your heart, not your garment. Return to the Lord, your God — gracious and compassionate." The Lord is slow to anger, full of kindness and he repents of having punished. Who knows? Probably he will relent once more and spare some part of the harvest from which we may bring sacred offerings to the Lord, your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion, proclaim a sacred fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the people, sanctify the community, bring together the elders, even the children and infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his bed, and the bride her room. Between the vestibule and the altar, let the priests, the Lord's ministers, weep and say: Spare your people, O Lord. Do not humble them or make them an object of scorn among the nations. Why should it be stated among the peoples: Where is their God? Yahweh has become jealous for his land; he has had pity on his people.

Second reading (2 Corinthians 5:20 – 6:2)

A reading from the second letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.

Brothers and sisters: So we present ourselves as ambassadors in the name of Christ, as if God himself makes an appeal to you; through us. Let God reconcile you, this we ask you in the name of Christ. He had no sin, but God made him bear our sin, so that in him we might share the holiness of God. Being God's helpers we implore you, let it not be in vain that you received this grace of God. For the Scripture says: At the favorable time I listened to you, on the day of salvation I helped you. This is the favorable time and this is the day of salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 6: 1–6 and 16–18)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus states this by teaching his disciples up on the mountain: "Be careful not to make a show of your righteousness before people. If you do so, you will not gain anything from your Father in heaven. When you give something to the poor, do not have it trumpeted before you, as do those who want to be seen in the synagogues and in the streets in order to be praised by the people. I assure you, they have been already paid in full. If you give something to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your gift remains really secret. Your Father who sees what is kept confidential, shall reward you. When you pray, do not be like those who want to be seen. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues or on street corners to be seen by everyone. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is with you in secret; and your Father who sees what is kept confidential, shall reward you. When you fast, do not put on a miserable face as what the hypocrites do. They put on a gloomy face, so people can see that they are fasting. I tell you this: they have been paid in full already. When you fast, wash your face and make yourself look cheerful, because you are not fasting for appearances or for people, but for your Father who sees beyond appearances. And your Father, who sees what is kept confidential, shall reward you."

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: February 15, 2026

New American Bible readings

First reading (Sirach 15: 15–20)

A reading from the book of Sirach.

If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you; if you trust in God, you too shall live; he has set before you fire and water to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand. Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him. Immense is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power, and all-seeing. The eyes of God are on those who fear him; he understands man’s every deed. No one does he command to act unjustly, to none does he give license to sin.

Second reading (1 Corinthians 2: 6–10)

A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.

Brothers and sisters: We speak a wisdom to those who are mature, not a wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away. Rather, we speak God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory, and which none of the rulers of this age knew; for, if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him, this God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.

Gospel (Matthew 5: 17–37)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny. “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna. “It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.' But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife — unless the marriage is unlawful — causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. “Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,' and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.”

Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings

First reading (Sirach 15: 15–20)

A reading from the book of Sirach.

If you wish, you can keep the commandments and it is in your power to remain faithful. He has set fire and water before you; you stretch out your hand to whichever you prefer. Life and death are set before man: whichever a man prefers will be given him. How magnificent is the wisdom of the Lord! He is powerful and all-seeing. His eyes are on those who fear him. He knows all the works of man. He has commanded no one to be godless and has given no one permission to sin.

Second reading (1 Corinthians 2: 6–10)

A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.

Brothers and sisters: We do speak of wisdom to the mature in faith, although it is not a wisdom of his world or of its rulers, who, by the way, come to nothing. We teach the mystery and secret plan of divine wisdom, which God destined from the beginning to bring us to Glory. No ruler of this world ever knew this; otherwise, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. But as Scripture states: Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it dawned on the mind what God has prepared for those who love him. God has revealed it to us, through his Spirit, because the Spirit probes everything, even the depth of God.

Gospel (Matthew 5: 17–37)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus continued to teach the crowd while his disciples gathered around him. Jesus stated: "Do not think that I have come to remove the Law and the Prophets. I have not come to remove but to fulfill them. I tell you this: as long as heaven and earth last, not the smallest letter or stroke of the Law will change until all is fulfilled. So then, whoever breaks the least important of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be the least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys them and teaches other to do the same will be great in the kingdom of heaven. I tell you, then, that if you are not righteous in a much broader way than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was stated to our people in the past: Do not commit murder; anyone who does kill will have to face trial. But now I tell you: whoever gets angry with a brother or sister will have to face trial. Whoever insults a brother or sister deserves to be brought before the council; whoever humiliates a brother or sister deserves to be thrown into the fire of hell. So, if you are about to offer your gift at the altar and you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with him, and then come back and offer your gift to God. Do not forget this: be reconciled with your opponent quickly when you are together on the way to court. Otherwise, he will turn you over to the judge, who will hand you over to the police, who will put you in jail. There you will stay until you have paid the last penny. You have heard that it was stated: Do not commit adultery. But I tell you this: anyone who looks at a woman to satisfy his lust has in fact already committed adultery with her in his heart. So, if your right eye causes you to sin, pull it out and throw it away! It is much better for you to lose a part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell. If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away! It is better for you to lose a part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell. It was also stated: anyone who divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce. But what I tell you is this: If a man divorces his wife except in the case of an unlawful union, he causes her to commit adultery. And the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. You have also heard that people were told in the past: Do not break your oath; an oath sworn to the Lord must be kept. But I tell you this: do not take oaths. Do not swear by the heavens, for they are God's throne, nor by the earth, because it is his footstool, nor be Jerusalem because it is the city of the great king. Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. Say yes when you mean yes and say no when you mean no. Anything else you say comes from the devil."

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: February 8, 2026

New American Bible readings

First reading (Isaiah 58: 7–10)

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

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

Second reading (1 Corinthians 2: 1–5)

A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.

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

Gospel (Matthew 5: 13–16)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

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

Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings

First reading (Isaiah 58: 7–10)

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

Fast by sharing your food with the hungry, bring to your house the homeless, clothe the one you see naked and do not turn away from your own kin. Then will your light will break forth as the dawn and your healing come in a flash. Your righteousness will be your vanguard, the Glory of the Lord you rearguard. Then you will call and the Lord will answer, you will cry and he will say, 'I am here.' If you removed from your midst the yoke, the clenched fist and the wicked word, if you share your food with the hungry and give relief to the oppressed, then your light will rise in the dark, your night will be like noon.

Second reading (1 Corinthians 2: 1–5)

A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.

Brothers and sisters: When I came to reveal to you the mystery of God's plan I did not count on eloquence or on a show of learning. I was determined not to know anything among you but Jesus, the Messiah, and a crucified Messiah. I myself came weak, fearful and trembling; my words and preaching were not brilliant or clever to win listeners. It was, rather, a demonstration of spirit and power, so that your faith might be a matter, not of human wisdom, but of God's power.

Gospel (Matthew 5: 13–16)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus continued to teach the crowd while his disciples gathered around him. Jesus stated: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt has lost its strength, how can it be made salty again? It has become useless. It can only be thrown away and people will trample on it. You are the light of the world. A city built on a mountain cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead, it is put on a lampstand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do and praise your Father in heaven."