Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Date: December 30, 2011

First Reading (Sirach 3: 2–6 and 12–14)
A reading from the book of Sirach.
The Lord established that children should respect their father; he confirmed the right of the mother over her children. Whoever honors his father atones for his sins; he who gives glory to his mother prepares a treasure for himself. Whoever honors his father will receive joy from his own children and will be heard when he prays. Whoever glorifies his father will have a long life. Whoever obeys the Lord gives comfort to his mother. My child, take care of your father in his old age, do not cause him sorrow as long has he lives. Even if he has lost his mind, have patience; do not be disrespectful to him while you are in full health. For kindness done to one's father will never be forgotten, it will serve as reparation for your sins.

Second Reading (Colossians 3: 12–21)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians.
Clothe yourselves, then, as is fitting for God's chosen people, holy and beloved of him. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience to bear with one another and forgive whenever there is any occasion to do so. As the Lord has forgiven you, forgive one another. When you have put on all these, take love as your belt so that the dress be perfect. May the peace of Christ overflow in your hearts; for this end you were called to be one body. And be thankful. Let the word of God dwell in you in all its richness. Teach and admonish one another with words of wisdom. With thankful hearts sing to God psalms, hymns and spontaneous praise. And whatever you do or say, do it in the Name of Jesus, the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as you should do in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not get angry with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, because that pleases the Lord. Parents, do not be too demanding of your children, lest they become discouraged.

Gospel (Luke 2: 22–40)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
When the day came for the purification according to the law of Moses, they brought the baby up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to God. And they offered a sacrifice as order in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. There lived in Jerusalem at this time a very upright and devout man named Simeon; the Holy Spirit was in him. He looked forward to the time when the Lord would comfort Israel, and he had been assured by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah of the Lord. So he was led into the Temple by the Holy Spirit at the time the parents brought the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law. Simeon took the child in his arms and blessed God, stating, "Now, O Lord, you may dismiss your servant in peace, for you have fulfilled your word and my eyes have seen your salvation, which you display for all the people to see. Here is the light you will reveal to the nations and the glory of your people Israel." His father and mother wondered at what was stated about the child. Simeon blessed them and stated to Mary, his mother, "See him; he will be for the rise or fall of the multitudes of Israel. He shall stand as a sign of contradiction, while a sword will pierce your own soul. Then the secret thoughts of many may be brought to light." There was also a prophetess named Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. After leaving her father's home, she had been seven years with her husband, and since then she had been continually about the Temple, serving God as a widow night and day in fasting and prayer. She was now eighty-four. Coming up at that time, she gave praise to God and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. When the parents had fulfilled all that was required by the law of the Lord, they returned to their town, Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew in stature and strength and was filled with wisdom: the grace of God was upon him.

The Nativity of our Lord; Christmas Day

Date: December 25, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 62: 11-12)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
For the Lord proclaims to the ends of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, here comes your salvation! The Lord brings the reward of his victory, his booty is carried before him. They shall be called the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called The Sought After, a city no longer abandoned.

Second Reading (Titus 3: 4-7)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to Titus.
Beloved: God our Savior revealed his eminent goodness and love for humankind and saved us, not because of good deeds we may have done but for the sake of his own mercy. He gave us rebirth in baptism and renewed us by the Holy Spirit poured over us through Christ Jesus our Savior. By the grace of God we were made holy and now we hope for everlasting life, our inheritance.

Gospel (Luke 2: 15-20)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
When the angel had left them and gone back to heaven, the shepherds stated to one another, "Let us go as far as Bethlehem and see what the Lord has made known to us." So they came hurriedly and found Mary and Joseph with the baby lying in the manger. On seeing this they related what they had been told about the child, and all were astonished on hearing the shepherds. As for Mary, she treasured all these messages and continually pondered over them. The shepherds then returned giving glory and praise to God for all they had heard and seen, just as the angels had told them.

The Nativity of our Lord; Christmas Eve

Date: December 24, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 9: 1-6)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. A light has dawned on those who live in the land of the shadow of death. You have enlarged the nation; you have increased their joy. They rejoice before you, as people rejoice at harvest time as they rejoice in dividing the spoil. For the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors, you have broken it as on the day of Midian. Every warrior's boot that tramped in war, every cloak rolled in blood, will be thrown out for burning, will serve as fuel for the fire. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; the royal ornament is laid upon his shoulder, and his name is proclaimed: "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." To the increase of his powerful rule in peace, there will be no end. Vast will be his dominion, he will reign on David's throne and over all his kingdom, to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forever. The zealous love of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Second Reading (Titus 2: 11-14)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to Titus.
Beloved: For God Savior has revealed his loving plan to all, teaching us to reject an irreligious way of life and worldly greed, and to live in this world as responsible persons, upright and serving God, while we await our blessed hope — the glorious manifestation of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus. He gave himself for us, to redeem us from every evil and to purify a people he wanted to be his own and dedicated to what is good.

Gospel (Luke 2: 1-14)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
At that time the emperor, Caesar Augustus, issued a decree for a census of the whole empire to be taken. This first census was taken while Quirinus was governor of Syria. Everyone had to be registered in his own town. So everyone set out for his own city; Joseph too set out from Nazareth of Galilee. As he belonged to the family of David, being a descendant of his, he went to Judea to David's town of Bethlehem to be registered with Mary, his wife, who was with child. They were in Bethlehem when the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger, because there was no place for them in the living room. There were shepherds camping in the countryside, taking turns to watch over their flocks by night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them, with the Glory of the Lord shining around them. As they were terrified, the angel stated to them, "Do not be afraid; I am here to give you good news, great joy for all the people. Today a Savior has been born to you in David's town; he is the Messiah and the Lord. Let this be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." Suddenly the angel was surrounded by many more heavenly spirits, praising God and stating, "Glory to God in the highest; peace on earth for God is blessing humankind."

4th Sunday of Advent

Date: December 18, 2011

First Reading (2 Samuel 7: 1–5, 8–12, 14, and 16)
A reading from the second book of Samuel.
When the king had settled in his palace and the Lord had rid him of all his surrounding enemies, he stated to Nathan the prophet, "Look, I live in a house cedar but the ark of God is housed in a tent." Nathan replied, "Do as it seems fit to you for the Lord is with you." But that very night, the Lord's word came to Nathan, "Go and tell my servant David, this is what the Lord states: Are you able to build a house for me to live in? Now you will tell my servant David, this is what the Lord of hosts states: I took you from the pasture, from tending the sheep, to make you commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went, cutting down all your enemies before you. Now I will make your name great as the name of the great ones on earth. I will provide a place for my people Israel and plant them that they may live there in peace. They shall no longer be harassed, nor shall wicked men oppress them as before. From the time when I appointed judges over me people Israel it is only to you that I have given rest for all your enemies. The Lord also tells you that he will build you a house. When the time comes for you to rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your son after you, the one born of you and I will make his reign secure. I will be a father to him and he shall be my son. If he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod, as men do. Your house and your reign shall last forever before me, and your throne shall be forever firm."

Second Reading (Romans 16: 25–27)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: He is able to give you strength, according to the Good News I proclaim, announcing Christ Jesus. Now is revealed the mysterious plan kept hidden for long ages in the past. By the will of the eternal God it is brought to light, through the prophetic books, and all nations shall believe the faith proclaim to them. Glory to God, who alone is wise, through Christ Jesus, forever! Amen.

Gospel (Luke 1: 26–38)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent to a young virgin who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. The angel came to her and stated, "Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you." Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean. But the angel stated, "Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a son and you shall call him Jesus. He will be great and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever and his reign shall have no end." Then Mary stated to the angel, "How can this be if I am a virgin?" And the angel stated to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born shall be called Son of God. Even your relative Elizabeth is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child, and she is now in her sixth month. With God nothing is impossible." Then Mary stated, "I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have stated." And the angel left her.

3rd Sunday of Advent

Date: December 11, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 61: 1–2 and 10–11)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up broken hearts, to proclaim liberty to the captives, freedom to those languishing in prison; to announce the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to give comfort to all who grieve. I rejoice greatly in the Lord, my soul exults for joy in my God, for he has clothed me in the garments of his salvation, he has covered me with the robe of his righteousness, like a bridegroom wearing a garland, like a bride adorned with jewels. For as the earth brings forth its growth, and as a garden makes seeds spring up, so will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up in the sight of all nations.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5: 16–24)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians.
Brothers and sisters: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks to God at every moment. This is the will of God, your vocation as Christians. Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise the prophets' warnings. Put everything to the test and hold fast to what is good. Avoid evil, wherever it may be. May the God of Peace make you holy and bring you to perfection. May you be completely blameless, in spirit, soul, and body, till the coming of Christ Jesus, our Lord; he who called you is faithful and will do it.

Gospel (John 1: 6–8 and 19–28)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
A man came, sent by God; his name was John. He came to bear witness, as a witness to introduce the Light so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light but a witness to introduce the Light. This was the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him, "Who are you?" John recognized the truth and did not deny it. He stated, "I am not the Messiah." And they asked him, "Then who are you? Elijah?" He answered, "I am not." They asked, "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." Then they stated to him, "Tell us who you are, so that we can give some answer to those who sent us. How do you see yourself?" And John stated, quoting the prophet Isaiah, "I am the voice crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord." Those who had been sent were Pharisees; so they put a further question to John: "Then why are you baptizing if you are not the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?" John answered, "I baptize you with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know; although he comes after me, I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal." This happened in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

2nd Sunday of Advent

Date: December 4, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 40: 1–5 and 9–11)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Be comforted, my people, be strengthened, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, proclaim to her that her time of bondage is at an end, that her guilt has been paid for, that from the hand of the Lord she has received double punishment for all her iniquity. A voice cries, "In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley will be raised up; every mountain and hill will be laid low. The stumbling blocks shall become level and the rugged places smooth. The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mortals together will see it; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Go up onto the high mountain, messenger of Zion, lift up your voice with strength, fear not to cry aloud when you tell Jerusalem and announce to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes your God with might; his strong arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and here before him is his booty. Like a shepherd he tends his flock: he gathers the lambs in his arms, he carries them in his bosom, gently leading those that are with young."

Second Reading (2 Peter 3: 8–14)
A reading from the second letter of Saint Peter.
Do not forget, beloved, that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. The Lord does not delay in fulfilling his promise, though some speak of delay; rather he gives you time because he does not want anyone to perish, but that all may come to conversion. The Day of the Lord is to come like a thief. Then the heavens will dissolve with a great noise; the elements will melt away by fire, and the earth with all that is on it will be burned up. Since all things are to vanish, how holy and religious your way of life must be, as you wait for the Day of God and long for its coming, when the heavens will dissolve in fire and the elements melt away in the heat. We wait for a new heaven and a new earth in which justice reigns, according to God's promise. Therefore, beloved, as you wait in expectation of this, strive that God may find you rooted in peace, without blemish or fault.

Gospel (Mark 1: 1–8)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
This is the beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in the book of Isaiah, the prophet, "I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare your way. Let the people hear the voice calling in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, level his paths." So John began to baptize in the desert; he preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All Judea and all the people from the city of Jerusalem went out to John to confess their sins and be baptized by him in the river Jordan. John was clothed in camel's hair and wore a leather garment around his waist. His food was locusts and honey. He preached to the people stating, "After me comes one who is more powerful than I am; I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit. As for me, I am not worthy to bend down and untie his sandals."

1st Sunday of Advent

Date: November 27, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 63: 16–17 and 19; and 64: 1–7)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
You are our Father, whereas Abraham does not know us nor has Israel any knowledge of us. But you, O Lord, are our Father, from the beginning, you are our redeemer: this is your name. Why have you made us stray from your ways? Why have you let our heart become hard so that we do not fear you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your inheritance. For too long we have become like those you do not rule, like those who do not bear your name. Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down! The mountains would quake at your presence. As when fire sets brushwood ablaze and causes water to boil, make the nations know your name, and your enemies tremble. Let them witness your stunning deeds. No one has ever heard or perceived, no eye has ever seen a God besides you who works for those who trust in him. You have confounded those who acted righteously and who joyfully kept your ways in mind. You are angry with our sins, yet conceal them and we shall be saved. All of us have become like the unclean; all our good deeds are like polluted garments; we have all withered like leaves, blown away by our iniquities. There is no one who calls upon your name, no one who rouses himself to lay hold of you. For you have hidden your face, you have given us up to the power of our evil acts. And yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay and you are our potter; we are the work of your hand.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1: 3–9)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Brothers and sisters: Receive grace and peace from God our Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord. I give thanks constantly to my God for you and for the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus. For you have been fully enriched in him with words as well as with knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you. You do not lack any spiritual gift and only await the glorious coming of Christ Jesus, our Lord. He will keep you steadfast to the end, and you will be without reproach on the day of the coming of our Lord Jesus. The faithful God will not fail you after calling you to this fellowship with his Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Gospel (Mark 13: 33–37)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
Jesus told this to Peter, James, John, and Andrew, his disciples: "Be alert and watch, for you do not know when the time will come. When a man goes abroad and leaves him home, he puts his servants in charge, giving to each one some responsibility; and he orders the doorkeeper to stay awake. So stay awake, for you do not know when the Lord of the house will come, in the evening or at midnight, when the cock crows or before dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him catch you asleep. And what I say to you, I say to all: watch."

Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Date: November 20, 2011

First Reading (Ezekiel 34: 11–12 and 15–17)
A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel.
Indeed the Lord states this: "I myself will care for my sheep and watch over them. As the shepherd looks after his flock when he finds them scattered, so will I watch over my sheep and gather them from all the places where they were scattered in a time of cloud and fog. I myself will tend my sheep and let them rest, the word of the Lord. I will search for the lost and lead back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the fat and strong will be eliminated. I will shepherd my flock with justice. As for you, my flock — says the Lord — I will distinguish between one sheep and another, and set apart rams and goats.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15: 20–26 and 28)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Christ has been raise from the dead and he comes before all those who have fallen asleep. A human being brought death; a human being also brings resurrection of the dead. All die for being Adam's, and in Christ all will receive life. However, each one in his own time: first Christ, then Christ's people, when he visits them. Then the end will come, when Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father, after having destroyed every rule, authority, and power, for he must reign and put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed will be death. When the Father has subjected everything to him, the Son will place himself under the One who subjected everything to him. From then on, God will be all in all.

Gospel (Matthew 25: 31–46)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus stated this to his disciples: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all his angels, he will sit on the throne of his Glory. All the nations will be brought before him, and as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, so will he do with them, placing the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. The King will say to those on his right: 'Come, blessed of my Father! Take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me into your house. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to see me.' Then the good people will ask him: 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food; thirsty and give you drink, or a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to see you?' The King will answer, 'Truly, I say to you: whenever you did this to these little ones who are my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.' Then he will state to those on his left: 'Go, cursed people, out of my sight into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels! For I was hungry and you did not give me anything to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink; I was a stranger and you did not welcome me into your house; I was naked and you did not clothe me; I was sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' They, too, will ask: 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, naked or a stranger, sick or in prison, and did not help you?' The King will answer them: 'Truly, I say to you: whatever you did not do for one of these little ones, you did not do for me.' And these will go into eternal punishment, but the just to eternal life."

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: November 13, 2011

First Reading (Proverbs 31: 10–13, 19–20, and 30–31)
A reading from the book of Proverbs.
The woman of character, where is she to be found? She is more precious than any jewel. Her husband has complete confidence in her; she will be of great benefit to him. She brings him only good and not evil, all the days of her life. She has obtained wool and flax, and works them with skillful hands. She puts her hand to the distaff and her fingers hold the spindle. She reaches out her hand to the helpless and gives to the poor. Charm is deceptive and beauty useless; the woman who is wise is the one to praise. May she enjoy the fruits of her labor and may all praise her for her works.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5: 1–6)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians.
Brothers and sisters: You do not need anyone to write to you about the delay and the appointed time for these events. You know that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When people feel secure and at peace, the disaster will suddenly come upon them as the birth pangs of a woman in labor, and they will not escape. But you, beloved, are not in darkness; so that day will not surprise you like a thief. All of you are citizens of the light and the day; we do not belong to night and darkness. Let us not, therefore, sleep as others do, but remain alert and sober.

Gospel (Matthew 25: 14–30)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus stated this parable to his disciples: "Imagine someone, who, before going abroad, summoned his servants to entrust his property to them. He gave five talents of silver to one, then two to another, and one to a third, each one according to his ability; and he went away. He who receive five talents went at once to do business with the money and gained another five. The one who received two did the same and gained another two. But the one with one talent dug a hole and hid his master's money. After a long time, the master of those servants returned and asked for a reckoning. The one who received five talents came with another five talents, stating: 'Lord, you entrusted me with five talents, but see I have gained five more with them.' The master answered: 'Very well, good and faithful servant, since you have been faithful in a few things, I will entrust you with much more. Come and share the joy of your master.' Then the one who had two talents came and stated: 'Lord, you entrusted me with two talents; I have two more which I gained with them.' The master stated: 'Well, good and faithful servant, since you have been faithful in little things, I will entrust you with much more. Come and share the joy of your master.' Finally, the one who had received a talent came and stated: 'Master, I know that you are an exacting man. You reap what you have not sown and gather what you have not invested. I was afraid, so I hid your money in the ground. Here, take what is yours.' But his master replied: 'Wicked and worthless servant, you know that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not invested. Then you should have deposited my money in the bank, and you would have given it back to me with interest on my return. Therefore, take the talent from him, and give it to the one who has ten. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who are unproductive, even what they have will be taken from them. As for that useless servant, throw him out into the dark where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: November 6, 2011

First Reading (Wisdom 6: 12-16)
A reading from the book of Wisdom.
Wisdom is luminous and never tarnished; she willingly lets herself be seen by those who love her, and known by those who look for her. She hastens to meet those who long for her. Seek her in the morning and you will not be disappointed; you will find her sitting at your door. To meditate on Wisdom is understanding fully grown; whoever is on the watch for her will be free of anxiety. She goes in search of those who are worthy of her, graciously meets them on the way and is present in their every thought.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians.
Brothers and sisters, we want you not to be mistaken about those who are already asleep, lest you grieve as do those who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose; it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus. God will bring them together with Jesus and for his sake. By the same word of the Lord we assert this: those of us who are to be alive at the Lord's coming will not go ahead of those who are already asleep. When the command by the archangel's voice is given, the Lord himself will come down from heaven, while the divine trumpet call is sounding. Then those who have died in the Lord will rise first; as for us who are still alive, we will be brought along with them in the clouds to meet the Lord is the celestial world. And we will be with the Lord forever. So, then comfort one another with these words.

Gospel (Matthew 25: 1-13)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus stated this to his disciples: "This story throws light on what will happen in the kingdom of heaven. Ten bridesmaids went out with their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were careless while the others were sensible. The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were and did not bring extra oil. But those who were sensible, brought with their lamps flasks of oil. As the bridegroom delayed, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. But at midnight, a cry rang out: 'The bridegroom is here, come out and meet him!' All the maidens woke up at once and trimmed their lamps. Then the careless ones stated to the sensible ones: 'Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.' The sensible ones answered: 'There may not be enough for both you and us. You had better go to those who sell and buy for yourselves.' They were out buying oil when the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him to the wedding feast, and the doors were shut. Later the rest of the bridesmaids arrived and called out: 'Lord, Lord, open to us.' But he answered: 'Truly, I do not know you.' So, stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour."

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: October 30, 2011

First Reading (Malachi 1:14 – 2: 2 and 8-10)
A reading from the book of the prophet Malachi.
Cursed be the cheater who, after promising me a bull from his herd, sacrifices a stunted animal. For I am a great King and my Name is respected through all the nations, says the Lord of hosts. If you do not concern yourself to glorify my Name, says the Lord of hosts, I will send the curse on you and curse even your blessings. But you, states the Lord of hosts, have strayed from my way, and moreover caused many to stumble because of your teaching. You have broken my covenant with Levi. Therefore I let all the people despise you and consider you unworthy, because you do not follow my ways and you show partiality in your judgments. Do we not all have the same father? Has the same God not created all of us? Why, then, does each of us betray his brother, defiling the Covenant of our ancestors?

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 2: 7b-9 and 13)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians.
We were gentle with you, as a nursing mother who feeds and cuddles her baby. And so great is our concern that we are ready to give you, as well as the Gospel even our very lives, for you have become very dear to us. Remember our labor and toil; when we preached the Gospel, we worked day and night so as not to be a burden to you. This is why we never cease giving thanks to God for, on receiving our message, you accepted it, not as human teaching, but as the word of God. That is what it really is, and as such it is at work in you who believe.

Gospel (Matthew 23: 1-12)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus stated this to the crowds and to his disciples: "The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees sat on the seat of Moses. So you shall do and observe all they say, but do not do as they do, for they do not do what they say. They tie up heavy burdens and load them on the shoulders of the people, but they do not even raise a finger to move them. They do everything in order to be seen by people; so they wear very wide bands of the Law around their foreheads, and robes with large tassels. They enjoy the first place at feasts and reserved seats in the synagogues, and being greeted in the marketplace and being called 'Master' by the people. But you, do not let yourselves be called Master because you have only one Master, and all of you are brothers and sisters. Neither should you call anyone on earth Father, because you have only one Father, he who is in heaven. Nor should you be called leader, because Christ is the only leader for you. Let the greatest among you be the servant of all. For whoever makes himself great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be made great."

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: October 23, 2011

First Reading (Exodus 22: 20-26)
A reading from the book of Exodus.
You shall not wrong or oppress a stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not harm the widow or the orphan. If you do harm them and they cry out to me, I will hear them and my anger will blaze and I will kill you with the sword, and your own wives will be widows and your own children orphans. If you lend money to any of my people who are poor, do not act like a moneylender and do not charge him interest. If ever you take a person's cloak as a pledge, you must give it back to him by sunset, for it is all the cover he has for his body. In what else will he sleep? And when he cries to me I will hear him, for I am full of pity.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 1: 5c-10)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians.
You also know how we dealt with you for your sake. In return, you became followers of us an of the Lord when, on receiving the word, you experienced the joy of the Holy Spirit in the midst of great opposition. And you became a model for the faithful of Macedonia and Achaia, since from you the word of the Lord spread to Macedonia and Achaia, and still farther. The faith you have in God has become news in so many places that we need say no more about it. Others tell of how you responded to us and turn from idols to the Lord. For you serve the living and true God, and you wait for his Son from heaven whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who frees us from impending trial.

Gospel (Matthew 22: 34-40)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
When the Pharisees heard how Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they came together. One of them, a teacher of the Law, tried to test him with this question, "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law?" Jesus answered, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and the most important of the commandments. But after this there is another one very similar to it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole Law and the Prophets are founded on these two commandments."

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: October 16, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 45: 1 and 4–6)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Thus states the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus: "For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen one, I have called you by your name and given you your mission although you do not know me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides me. I armed you when you did not know me, so that, from the rising to the setting of the sun, all may know that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other."

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 1: 1–5b)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians.
From Paul, Sylvanus and Timothy to the church of Thessalonica which is in God the Father and in Christ Jesus, the Lord. May the peace and grace of God be with you. We give thanks to God at all times for you and remember you in our prayers. We constantly recall before God our Father the work of your faith, the labors of your love and your endurance in waiting for Christ Jesus our Lord. We remember, brothers and sisters, the circumstances of your being called. The gospel we brought you was such not only in words. Miracles, Holy Spirit and plenty of everything were given to you.

Gospel (Matthew 22: 15–21)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
The Pharisees went out and took counsel on how they could trap Jesus with his own words. They then sent their disciples with the members of Herod's party for this purpose. They stated to Jesus, "Master, we know that you are an honest man and truly teach God's way; you are not influenced by others nor are you afraid of anyone. Tell us, then, what you think: is it against the Law to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus understood their evil intent, and stated to them, "Hypocrites! Why are you testing me? Show me the coin with which you pay the taxes." They showed him a denarius, and Jesus stated to them, "Whose head is this, and whose name?" They answered, "Caesar's." Then Jesus replied, "Therefore, return to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: October 9, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 25: 6–10)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
On this mountain the Lord Sabaoth will prepare for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, meat full of marrow, fine wine strained. On this mountain he will destroy the pall cast over all peoples, this very shroud spread over all nations, and death will be no more. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all cheeks and eyes; he will take away the humiliation of his people all over the world: for the Lord has spoken. On that day you will state: This is our God. We have waited for him to save us, let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. For on his mountain the hand of the Lord rests. Moab instead will be trodden down, as straw trodden down on a dunghill.

Second Reading (Philippians 4: 12–14 and 19–20)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
Brothers and sisters: I know what it is to be in want and what it is to have plenty. I am trained for both: to be hungry or satisfied, to have much or little. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. However you did right in sharing my trials. God himself will provide you with everything you need, according to his riches, and show you his generosity in Christ Jesus. Glory to God, our Father, forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel (Matthew 22: 1–14)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus went on speaking to the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the Jewish authorities in parables: "This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven. A king celebrated the wedding of his son. He sent his servants to call the invited guests to the wedding feast, but the guests refused to come. Again he sent other servants ordering them to state to the invited guests: 'I have prepare a banquet, slaughtered my fattened calves and other animals, and now everything is ready: come then, to the wedding feast.' But they paid no attention and went away, some to their fields, and others to their work. While the rest seized the servants of the king, insulted them and killed them. The king became angry. He sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city. Then he stated to his servants: 'The wedding banquet is prepared, but the invited guests are not worthy. Go, then, to the crossroads and invite everyone you find to the wedding feast.' The servants went out at once into the streets and gathered everyone they found, good and bad alike, so that the hall was filled with guests. The king came in to see those who were at table, and he noticed a man not wearing the festal garment. So he stated to him: 'Friend, how did you get in without the wedding garment?' But the man remained silent. So the king stated to his servants: 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the dark where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Know that many are called, but few are chosen."

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: October 2, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 5: 1-7)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Let me sing for my beloved the love song of my beloved about his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug it up, cleared the stones, and planted the choicest vines. He built there a watchtower and hewed out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only wild grapes. Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more was there to do that I have not done for my vineyard? Good grapes was the yield I expected, why did it yield only sour grapes? Now I will let you know what I am going to do with my vineyard: I will remove its hedge and it will be burned; I will break down its wall and it will be trampled on. I will make it a wasteland, I will neither prune nor hoe it, and briers and thorns will grow there. I command the clouds, as well, not to send rain on it. The vineyard of the Lord Sabaoth is the people of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pleasant vine. He looked for justice, but found bloodshed; He looked for righteousness but heard cries of distress.

Second Reading (Philippians 4: 6-9)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
Brothers and sisters: Do not be anxious about anything. In everything resort to prayer and supplication together with thanksgiving and bring your requests before God. Then the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with whatever is truthful, holy, just, pure, lovely and noble. Be mindful of whatever deserves praise and admiration. Put into practice what you have learned from me, what I passed on to you, what you heard from me or saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel (Matthew 21: 33-43)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus stated this in front of the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the Jewish authorities: "Listen to another example: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a fence around it, dug a hole for the winepress, built a watchtower, leased the vineyard to tenants and then went to a distant country. When harvest time came, the landowner sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the harvest. But the tenants seized his servants, beat one, killed another and stoned another. Again the owner sent more servants, but they were treated in the same way. Finally, he sent his son, thinking: 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they thought: 'This is the one who is to inherit the vineyard. Let us kill him and his inheritance will be ours.' So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Now, what will the owner of the vineyard do with the tenants when he comes?" They stated to him, "He will bring those evil to an evil end, and lease the vineyard to others who will pay him in due time." And Jesus replied, "Have you never read what the Scriptures say? The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing; and we marvel at it. Therefore I say to you: the kingdom of heaven will be taken from you and given to a people who will yield a harvest."

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: September 25, 2011

First Reading (Ezekiel 18: 25-28)
A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel.
You state: The Lord's way is not just! Why, Israel! Is my position wrong? Is it not rather that yours is wrong? If the righteous man dies after turning from his righteous deeds and sinning, he dies because of his sins. And if the wicked man does what is good and right, after turning from the sins he committed, he will save his life. He will live and not die, because he has opened his eyes and turned from the sins he had committed.

Second Reading (Philippians 2: 1-11)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
Brothers and sisters: If I may advise you in the name of Christ and if you can hear it as the voice of love; if we share the same spirit and are capable of mercy and compassion, then I beg of you make me very happy: have one love, one spirit, one feeling, do nothing through rivalry or vain conceit. On the contrary let each of you gently consider the others as more important than yourselves. Do not seek your own interest, but rather that of others. Let what was seen in Christ Jesus be seen in you: Though being divine in nature, he did not claim in fact equality with God, but emptied himself, taking on the nature of a servant, made in human likeness, and in his appearance found as a man. He humbled himself by being obedient to death, death on the cross. That is why God exalted him and gave him the Name which outshines all names, so that at the Name of Jesus all knees should bend in heaven, on earth and among the dead, and all tongues proclaim that Christ Jesus is the Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel (Matthew 21: 28-32)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus stated this in front of the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the Jewish authorities, "What do you think of this? A man had two sons. He went to the first and stated to him: 'Son, today go and work in my vineyard.' And the son answered: 'I do not want to.' But later he thought better of it and went. Then the father went to the second and gave him the same command. This son replied: 'I will go, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did what the father wanted? They answered, "The first." And Jesus stated to them, "Truly, I say to you: the publicans and the prostitutes are ahead of you on the way to the kingdom of heaven. For John came to show you the way of goodness but you did not believe him, yet the publicans and the prostitutes did. You were witnesses of this, but you neither repented nor believed him."

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: September 18, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 55: 6-9)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call to him while he is near. Let the wicked abandon his way, let him forsake his thoughts, let him turn to the Lord for he will have mercy, for our God is generous in forgiving. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways are not your ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are above the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.

Second Reading (Philippians 1: 20c-24, and 27)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
Brothers and sisters: Christ will be exalted through my person, whether I love or die. For to me, to live is Christ, and even death is profitable for me. But if I am to go on living, I shall be able to enjoy fruitful labor. Which shall I choose? So I feel torn between the two. I desire greatly to leave this life and to be with Christ, which will be better by far, but it is necessary for you that I remain in his life. Try, then, to adjust your lives according to the Gospel of Christ. May I see it when I come to you, and if I cannot come, may I at least hear that you stand firm in the same spirit, striving to uphold the faith of the Gospel with one heart.

Gospel (Matthew: 20: 1-16)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus stated this to his disciples: "This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven. A landowner went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the workers a salary of a silver coin for the day, and sent them to his vineyard. He went out again at about nine in the morning, and seeing others idle in the square, he stated to them: 'You, too, go to my vineyard and I will pay you what is just.' So they went. The owner went out at midday and again at three in the afternoon, and he did the same. Finally he went out at the last working hour – it was the eleventh – and he saw others standing there. So he stated to them: 'Why do you stay idle the whole day?' They answered: 'Because no one has hired us.' The master stated: 'Go and work in my vineyard.' When evening came, the owner of the vineyard stated to his manager: 'Call the workers and pay them their wage, beginning with the last and ending with the first.' Those who had come to work at the eleventh hour turned up and were given a denarius each (a silver coin). When it was the turn of the first, they thought they would receive more. But they, too, received a denarius each. So, on receiving it, they began to grumble against the landowner. They stated: 'These last hardly worked an hour, yet you have treated them the same as us who have endured the day's burden and heat.' The owner stated to one of them: 'Friend, I have not been unjust to you. Did we not agree on a denarius a day? So take what is yours and go. I want to give to the last the same as I gave to you. Do I not have the right to do as I please with my money? Why are you envious when I am kind?' So will it be: the last will be first, the first will be last."

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: September 11, 2011

First Reading (Sirach 27:30 – 28:7)
A reading from the book of Sirach.
Grudge and wrath, these also are abominations in which sinful people excel. He who demands revenge will suffer the vengeance of the Lord who keeps as strict account of his sins. Forgive the mistakes of your neighbor and you may ask that your sins be forgiven. If a man bears resentment against another, how can he ask God for healing? If he has no compassion on others, how can he pray of forgiveness for his sins? As long as he, mere flesh, is resentful, who will obtain his pardon? Remember your end and give up hatred; keep in mind your final corruption in the grave and keep the commandments. Remember the commandments and do not bear grudges against your neighbor. Remember the covenant with the Most High and overlook the offense.

Second Reading (Romans 14: 7-9)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: None of us lives for himself, nor dies for himself. If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Either in life or in death, we belong to the Lord. Christ experienced death and life to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.

Gospel (Matthew 18: 21-35)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, how many times must I forgive the offenses of my brother or sister? Seven times?" Jesus answered, "No, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven. A king decided to settle the accounts of his servants. Among the first was one who owed him ten thousand gold ingots. As the man could not repay the debt, the king commanded that he be sold as a slave with his wife, children and all his goods in payment. The official threw himself at the feet of the king and stated, 'Give me time, and I will pay you back everything.' The king took pity on him and not only set him free but even canceled his debt. This official then left the king's presence and he met one of his companions who owed him a hundred pieces of silver. He grabbed him by the neck and almost strangled him, shouting, 'Pay me what you owe!' His companion threw himself at his feet and asked him, 'Give me time, and I will pay everything.' The other did not agree, but sent him to prison until he had paid all his debt. His companions saw what happened. They were indignant and so they went and reported everything to their lord. Then the lord summoned his official and stated, 'Wicked servant, I forgave you all that you owed when you begged me to do so. Were you not bound to have pity on your companion as I had pity on you?' The lord was now angry, so he handed his servant over to be punished, until he had paid his whole debt." Jesus added, "So will my heavenly Father do with you unless each of you sincerely forgive your brother or sister."

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: September 4, 2011

First Reading (Ezekiel 33: 7-9)
A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel.
Therefore, the Lord states: "For your part, son of man, I have set you as a watchman for Israel, and when you hear my word, you must give them my warning. When I say to the wicked: 'Wicked man, you shall die for sure,' if you do not warn the wicked man to turn him from his ways, he will die because of his sin, but I will also call you to account for his blood. If you warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you yourself will be saved."

Second Reading (Romans 13: 8-10)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: Do not be in debt to anyone. Let this be the only debt of one to another: Love. The one who loves his or her neighbor fulfilled the Law. For the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not covet and whatever else are summarized in this one: You will love your neighbor as yourself. Love cannot do the neighbor any harm; so love fulfills the whole Law.

Gospel (Matthew 18: 15-20)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus stated this to his disciples, "If your brother or sister has sinned against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are in private, and if he listens to you, you have won your brother. If you are not listen to, take with you one or two others so that the case may be decided by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he still refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembled Church. But if he does not listen to the Church, then regard such a one as a pagan or a publican. I say to you: whatever you bind on earth, heaven will keep bound; and whatever you unbind on earth, heaven will keep unbound. In like manner, I say to you: if on earth two of you are united in asking for anything, it will be granted to you by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered in my Name, I am there among them."

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: August 28, 2011

First Reading (Jeremiah 20: 7-9)
A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.
Lord, you have seduced me and I let myself be seduced. You have taken me by force and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; they all make fun of me, for every time I speak I have to shout, "Violence! Devastation!" The Lord's word has brought me insult and derision all day long. So I decided to forget about him and speak no more in his name. But his word in my heart becomes like a fire burning deep within my bones. I try so hard to hold it in, but I cannot do it.

Second Reading (Romans 12: 1-2)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: I beg you, dearly beloved, by the mercy of God, to give yourselves as a living and holy sacrifice pleasing to God: such is the worship of a rational being. Do not let yourselves be shaped by the world where you live, but rather be transformed through the renewal of your mind. You must discern the will of God: what is good, what pleases, and what is perfect.

Gospel (Matthew 16: 21-27)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
From that day Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem; he would suffer many things from the Jewish authorities, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. He would be killed and be raised on the third day. Then Peter took him aside and began to reproach him, "Never, Lord! No, this must never happen to you." But Jesus turned to him and stated, "Get behind me, Satan! You would have me stumble. You are their king not as God does, but as people do." Then Jesus stated to his disciples, "If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. For whoever chooses to save his life will lose it, but the one who loses his life for my sake will find it. What will one gain by winning the whole world if he destroys himself? There is nothing you can give to recover your own self. Know that the Son of Man will come in the Glory of his Father with the holy angels, and he will reward each one according to his deeds. Truly, I tell you, there are some here who will not die before they see the Son of Man coming as king."

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: August 21, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 22: 15 and 19-23)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Thus states the Lord God Sabaoth: Go and talk to this man Shebna, who is the palace steward. Tell him: You will be deposed, strongman. I will hurl you down from where you are. On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah. I will clothe him with your robe, I will strengthen him with your girdle, I will give him your authority, and he will be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the people of Judah. Upon his shoulder I will place the key to the House of David: what he opens, no one shall shut; what he shuts, no one shall open. I will fasten him like a peg in a sure spot, and he will be a seat of honor in the house of his father.

Second Reading (Romans 11: 33-36)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: How deep are the riches, the wisdom and knowledge of God! His decision cannot be explained, nor his ways understood! Who has ever known God's thoughts? Who has ever been his adviser? Who has given him something first, so that God had to repay him? For everything comes from him, has been made by him and has to return to him. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Gospel (Matthew 16: 13-20)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
After that Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi. He asked his disciples, "What do people say of the Son of Man? Who do they say I am?" They stated, "For some of them you are John the Baptist, for others Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Jesus asked them, "But you, who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "It is well for you, Simon Barjona, for it is not flesh or blood that has revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. And now I say to you: You are Peter (or Rock) and on this rock I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven." Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Date: August 14, 2011

First Reading (Revelation 11:19a; 12: 1-6a, and 10ab)
A reading from the book of Revelation.
Then the sanctuary of God in the heavens was opened, and the Ark of the Covenant of God could be seen inside the sanctuary. A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain, looking to her time of delivery. Then another sign appeared: a huge, red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and wearing seven crowns on its heads. It had just swept along a third of the stars of heaven with its tail, throwing them down to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour the child as soon as it was born. She gave birth to a male child, the one who is to rule all the nations with an iron scepter; then her child was seized and taken up to God and to his throne while the woman fled to the desert where God had prepared a place for her. Then I heard a loud voice from heaven: Now has salvation come, with the power and the kingdom of our God, and the rule of his anointed.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15: 20-27a)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead and he comes before all those who have fallen asleep. A human being brought death; a human being also brings resurrection of the dead. All die for being Adam's, and in Christ all will receive life. However, each one in his own time: first Christ, then Christ's people, when he visits them. Then the end will come, when Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father, after having destroyed every rule, authority and power. For he must reign and put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed will be death. As Scripture says: God has subjected everything under his feet.

Gospel (Luke 1: 39-56)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Mary then sets out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, she cried out, "You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord's word would come true!" And Mary stated: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God my savior! He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness, and people forever will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is his Name. From age to age his mercy extends to those who live in his presence. He has acted with power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up those who are downtrodden. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He held out his hand to Israel, his servant, for he remembered his mercy, even as he promise our fathers, Abraham and his descendants forever." Mary remained with Elizabeth for approximately three months and then returned home.

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: August 7, 2011

First Reading (1 Kings 19: 9a and 11-13a)
A reading from the first book of Kings.
On reaching the cave on the mount of Horeb, Elijah stayed in it. The Lord stated, "Go up and stand on the mount, waiting for the Lord." And the Lord passed by. There was first a windstorm, wild wind which rent the mountains and broke the rocks into pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the storm, an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire, the murmur of a gentle breeze. When Elijah perceived it, he covered his face with his cloak, went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Second Reading (Romans 9: 1-5)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
I tell you sincerely in Christ, and my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit that I am not lying; I have great sadness and constant anguish for the Jews. I would even desire that I myself suffer the curse of being cut off from Christ, instead of my brethren: I mean my own people, my kin. They are Israelites whom God adopted, and on them rests his Glory. Theirs are the covenants, the Law, the worship and the promises of God. They are the descendants of the Patriarchs and from their race Christ was born, he who has God is above all distinctions. Blessed be He forever and ever. Amen!
Gospel (Matthew 14: 22-33)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Immediately Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowd away. And having sent the people away, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. At nightfall, he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat was very far from land, dangerously rocked by the waves for the wind was against it. At daybreak, Jesus came to them walking on the lake. When they saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified that it was a ghost. And they cried out in fear. But at once Jesus stated to them, "Courage! Do not be afraid. It is me!" Peter answered, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you walking on the water." Jesus stated to him, "Come." And Peter got out of the boat, walking on the water to go to Jesus. But, in face of the strong wind, he was afraid and began to sink. So he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and took hold of him, stating, "Man of little faith, why did you doubt?" As they got into the boat, the wind dropped. Then those in the boat bowed down before Jesus stating, "Truly, you are the Son of God!"

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: July 31, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 55: 1–3)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Come here, all you who are thirsty, come to the water! All you who have no money, come! Yes, without money and at no cost, buy and drink wine and milk. Why spend money on what is not food and labor for what does not satisfy? Listen to me, and you will eat well; you will enjoy the richest of fare. Incline your ear and come to me; listen, that your soul may live. I will make with you and everlasting covenant, I will fulfill in you my promises to David.

Second Reading (Romans 8: 35 and 37–39)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: Who shall separate is from the love of Christ? Will it be trials, or anguish, persecution or hunger, lack of clothing, or dangers or sword? No, in all of this we are more than conquerors, thanks to him who has loved us. I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor spiritual powers, neither the present nor the future, nor cosmic powers, were they from heaven or from the deep world below, nor any creature whatsoever will separate us from the love of God, which we have in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Gospel (Matthew 14: 13–21)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
On hearing that John the Baptist had been beheaded, Jesus set out surreptitiously by boat for a secluded place. But the people heard of it, and they followed him on foot from their towns. When Jesus went ashore, he saw the crowd gathered there and he had compassion on them. And he healed their sick. Late in the afternoon, his disciples came to him and stated, "We are in a lonely place and it is now late. You should send these people away, so they can go to the villages and buy something for themselves to eat." But Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away, you give them something to eat." They answered, "We have nothing here but five loaves and two fishes." Jesus stated to them, "Bring them here to me." Then he made everyone sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fishes, raised his eyes to heaven, pronounced the blessing, broke the loaves and handed them to the disciples to distribute to the people. And they all ate, and everyone had enough; then the disciples gathered up the leftovers, filling twelve baskets. About five thousand men had eaten there besides women and children.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: July 24, 2011

First Reading (1 Kings 3: 5 and 7-12)

A reading from the first book of Kings.

In Gibeon, during the night, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and stated, "Ask what you want me to give you." Solomon answered, "Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a young boy who does not know how to undertake anything. Meantime, your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen – a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted. Give me, therefore, an understanding mind in governing your people that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this multitude of people of yours?" The Lord was pleased that Solomon had made this request. And he told him, "Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies; indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I shall grant you your request. I now give you a wise and discerning mind such as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have."

Second Reading (Romans 8: 28-30)

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

Brothers and sisters: We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him, whom he has called according to his plan. Those whom he knew beforehand, he has also predestined to be like his Son, similar to him, so that he may be the First-born among many brothers and sisters. And so, those whom God predestined he called, and those whom he called he makes righteous, and to those whom he makes righteous he will give his Glory.

Gospel (Matthew 13: 44-52)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus stated this to his disciples, "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. The one who finds it buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to buy that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like a trader who is looking for fine pearls. Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a big fishing net let down into the sea, in which every kind of fish has been caught. When the net is full, it is dragged ashore. Then they sit down and gather the good fish in buckets, but throw the worthless ones away. That is how it will be at the end of time; the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just and throw them into the blazing furnace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth." Jesus asked, "Have you understood all these things?" "Yes," they answered. So he stated to them, "You will see that every teacher of the Kingdom is like a householder who can produce from his store things both new and old."

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: July 17, 2011

First Reading (Wisdom 12: 13 and 16-19)
A reading from the book of Wisdom.
There is no other God besides you, one who cares for everyone, who could ask you to justify our judgments. Your strength is the source of your justice and because you are the Lord of all, you can be merciful to everyone. To those who doubt your sovereign power you show your strength and you confound the insolence of those who ignore it. But you, the Lord of strength, judge with prudence and govern us with great patience, because you are able to do anything at the time you want. In this way you have taught your people that a righteous person must love his human fellows; you have also given your people cause for hope by prompting them to repent of their sin.

Second Reading (Romans 8: 26-27)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: We are weak, but the Spirit comes to help us. How to ask? And what shall we ask for? We do not know, but the spirit intercedes for us without words, as if with groans. And He who sees inner secrets knows the desires of the Spirit, for he asks for the holy ones what is pleasing to God.

Gospel (Matthew 13: 24-43)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus told the crowd another parable, "The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and left. When the plants sprouted and produced grain, the weeds also appeared. Then the servants of the owner came to him and stated: 'Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field? Where did the weeds come from?' He answered them: 'This is the work of an enemy.' They asked him: 'Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?' He told them: 'No, when you pull up the weeds, you might uproot the wheat with them. Let them just grow together until harvest; and at harvest time I will say to the workers: Pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them; then gather the wheat into my barn.'" Jesus put another parable before them, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, that a man took and sowed in his field. It is smaller than all other seeds, but once it has fully grown, it is bigger than any garden plant; like a tree, the birds come and rest in its branches." He told them another parable, "The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast which a woman took and buried in three measures of flour until the whole mass of dough began to rise." Jesus taught all this to the crowds by means of parables; he did not state anything to them without using a parable. So what the Prophet had stated was fulfilled: I will speak in parables. I will proclaim things kept secret since the beginning of the world. Then he sent the crowds away and went into the house. And his disciples came to him stating, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field." Jesus answered them, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world; the good seed are the people of the Kingdom; the weeds are those who follow the evil one. The enemy who sows them is the devil; the harvest is the end of time and the workers are the angels. Just as the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom all that is scandalous and all who do evil. And these will be thrown in the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the just will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. If you have ears, then hear."

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: July 10, 2011

First Reading (Isaiah 55: 10-11)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
As the rain and the snow come down from the heavens and do not return till they have watered the earth, making it yield seed for the sower and food for others to eat, so is my word that goes forth out of my mouth: it will not return to me idle, but it shall accomplish my will, the purpose for which it has been sent.

Second Reading (Romans 8: 18-23)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: I consider that the suffering of our present life cannot be compared with the Glory that will be revealed and given to us. All creation is eagerly expecting the birth in glory of the children of God. For if now the created world was unable to attain its purpose, this did not come from itself, but from the one who subjected it. But it is not without hope; for even the created world will be freed from this fate of death and share the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation groans and suffers that pangs of birth. Not creation alone, but even ourselves, although the Spirit was given to us as a foretaste of what we are to receive, we groan in our innermost being, eagerly awaiting the day when God will give us full rights and rescue our bodies as well.

Gospel (Matthew 13: 1-23)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
That same day Jesus left the house and sat down by the lakeside. As many people gathered around him, he got in a boat. There he sat while the whole crowd stood on the shore, and he spoke to them in parables about many things. Jesus stated, "The sower went out to sow and, as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground where there was little soil, and the seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was not deep. But as soon as the sun rose the plants were scorched and withered because they had no roots. Again other seeds fell among thistles; and the thistles grew and choked the plants. Still other seeds fell on good soil and produced a crop; some produced a hundredfold, others sixty and others thirty. If you have ears, then hear!" Then his disciples came to him with the question, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" Jesus answered, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but not to these people. For the one who has, will be given more and he will have in abundance. But the one who does not have will be deprived of even what he has. That is why I speak to them in parables, because they look and do not see; they hear, but they do not listen or understand. In them the words of the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled: Much as you hear, you do not understand; much as you see, you do not perceive. For the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears hardly hear and their eyes dare not see. If they were to see with their eyes, hear with their ears and understand with their heart, they would turn back and I would heal them. But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears, because they hear. For I tell you that many prophets and upright people would have longed to see the things you see, but they did not, and to hear the things you hear, but they did not hear it. Now listen to the parable of the sower. When a person hears the message of the Kingdom but without taking it to himself, the devil comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed that fell along the footpath. The seed that fell on rocky ground stands for the one who hears the word and accepts it at once with joy. But this fickle and has no roots. No sooner is harassed or persecuted because of the word, than he gives up. The seed that fell among the thistles is the one who hears the word, but then the worries of this life and the love of money choke the word, and it does not bear fruit. As for the seed that fell on good soil it is the one who hears the word and understands it; this bears fruit and produces a hundred, or sixty, or thirty times more."