Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Date: December 28, 2014

First Reading (Genesis 15: 1–6 and 21: 1–3)
A reading from the book of Genesis.
After this the word of the lord was spoken to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward will be very great!" Abram stated, "My Lord God, where are your promises? I am still childless and all I have will go to Eliezer of Damascus. You have given me no children, so a slave of mine will be my heir." Then the word of the Lord was spoken to him again, "Eliezer will not be your heir, but a child born of you (your own flesh and blood) will be your heir." Then the Lord brought him outside and stated to him, "Look up at the sky and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that." Abram believed the Lord who, because of this, held him to be an upright man. The Lord was kind to Sarah as he had stated, and fulfilled his promise to her. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time the Lord had promised. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son that Sarah bore him.

Second Reading (Hebrews 11: 8, 11–12 and 17–19)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews.
It was by faith that Abraham, called be God, set out for a country that would be given to him as an inheritance; for he parted without knowing where he was going. By faith Sarah herself received power to become a mother, in spite of her advanced age; since she believed that he who had made the promise would be faithful. Therefore, from an almost impotent man were born descendants as numerous as the stars of heavens, as many as the grains of sand on the seashore. By faith Abraham went to offer Isaac when God tested him. And so he who had received the promise of God offered his only son although God had told him: Isaac's descendants will bear your name. Abraham reasoned that God is capable even of raising the dead, and he received back his son, which has a figurative meaning.

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 ordered in the law of 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 can 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, 2014

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, 2014

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 21, 2014

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 14, 2014

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 7, 2014

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 30, 2014

First Reading (Isaiah 63: 16b–17 and 19; and 64: 1–8)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
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. Do not let your anger go too far, O Lord, or think of our sins forever. See, we all are your people!

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 23, 2014

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 16, 2014

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.'"

Celebration of the Blessing of the Basilican Lateral Church

Date: November 9, 2014

First Reading (Ezekiel 47: 1–2, 8–9 and 12)
A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel.
The man brought me back to the entrance of the temple and I saw water coming out from the threshold of the temple and flowing eastward. The temple faced the east and the water flowed from the south side of the temple, from the south side of the altar. He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside, to the outer gate facing the east; and there I saw the stream coming from the south side. The man stated to me, "This was goes to the east, down to the Arabah, and when it flows into the sea of foul-smelling water, the water will become wholesome. Wherever the river flows, swarms of creatures will live in it; fish will be plentiful; and the seawater will become fresh. Wherever it flows, life will abound. Near the river on both banks, there will be all kinds of fruit trees, with foliage that will not wither; and fruit that will never fail; each month they will bear a fresh crop, because the water comes from the temple. The fruit will be good to eat and the leaves will be used for healing.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 3: 9b–11 and 16–17)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
You are God's field and building. I, as a good architect, according to the capacity given to me, I laid the foundation, and another is to build upon it. Each one must be careful how to build upon it. No one can lay a foundation other than the one which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ. Do you not know that you are God's temple, and that God's Spirit abides within you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. God's temple is holy, and you are his temple.

Gospel (John 2: 13–22)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
As the Passover of the Jews was at hand, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple court he found merchants selling oxen, sheep and doves, and money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove them all our of the temple court, together with oxen and the sheep. He knocked over the tables of the money-changers, scattering the coins, and ordered the people selling doves, "Take all this away, and stop making a marketplace of my Father's house!" His disciples recalled the words of Scripture: Zeal for your house devours me like fire. The Jews then questioned Jesus, "Where are the miraculous signs which give you the right to do this?" And Jesus stated, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." Then Jews then replied, "The building of this temple has already taken forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?" Actually, Jesus was referring to the temple of his body. Only when he had risen from the dead did his disciples remember these words; then they believed both the Scripture and the words Jesus had spoken.

Souls of the Faithful (All Souls Day)

Date: November 2, 2014

First Reading (2 Maccabees 12: 43–46)
A reading from the second book of Maccabees.
Judas took up a collection among his soldiers which amounted to two thousand pieces of silver and sent it to Jerusalem to be offered there as a sacrifice for sin. They did all this very well and rightly inspired by their belief in the resurrection of the dead. If they did not believe that their fallen companions would rise again, then it would have been a useless and foolish thing to pray for them. But they firmly believed in a splendid reward for those who died as believers; therefore, their concern was holy and in keeping with faith. This was the reason why Judas had this sacrificed offered for the dead—so that the dead might be pardoned for their sin.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15: 12–34)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Well, then if Christ is preached as risen from the dead, how can some of you say, that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is empty, and our belief comes to nothing. And we become false witnesses of God, attesting that he raise Christ, whereas he could not raise him, if indeed, the dead are not raised. If the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith gives you nothing, and you are still in sin. Also, those who fall asleep, in Christ, are lost. If it is only for this life, that we hope in Christ, we are the most unfortunate of all people. But no, 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. For, as in Adam all die, so in Christ, all will be made alive. However, each one in his own time: first Christ, then Christ's people, when he comes. 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. When we say that everything is put under his feet, we exclude, of course, the Father, who subjects everything to him. 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. Tell me: what are these people doing, who are baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead cannot be raised, why do they want to be baptized for the dead? As for us, why do we constantly risk our life? For death is my daily companion. I say that, brothers and sisters, before you, who are my pride in Christ Jesus our Lord. Was it for human interest that I fought in Ephesus like a lion tamer? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die! Do not be deceived; bad theories corrupt good morals. Wake up, and do not sin, because some of you are outstandingly ignorant about God; I say this to your shame.

Gospel (John 6: 37–40)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Jesus stated to the Jews, "Yet all those whom the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me, I shall not turn away. For I have come from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of the One who sent me. And the will of him who sent me is that I lose nothing of what he has given me, but instead that I raise it up on the last day. This is the will of the Father, that whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall live eternal life; and I will raise him up on the last day."

Feast of All Saints

Date: November 1, 2014

First Reading (Revelation 7: 2–4, 9–14)
A reading from the book of Revelation.
I saw another angel, ascending from the sunrise, carrying the seal of the living God, and he cried out with a loud voice, to the four angels empowered to harm the earth and the sea, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God upon their foreheads." Then, I heard a number of those marked with the seal: a hundred and forty-four thousand, from all the tribes of the people of Israel. After this, I saw a great crowd, impossible to count, from every nation, race, people and tongue, standing before the throne, and the Lamb, clothed in white, with palm branches in their hands, and they cried out with a loud voice, "Who saves, but our God, who sits on the throne, and the Lamb?" All the angels were around the throne, the elders and the four living creatures; they, then, bowed before the throne, with their faces to the ground, to worship God. They stated, "Amen. Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power and strength to our God forever and ever. Amen! At that moment, one of the elders spoke up, and stated to me, "Who are these people clothed in white, and where did they come from?" I answered, "Sir, it is you who know this." The elder replied, "They, are those who have come out of the great persecution; they have washed, and made their clothes white, in the blood of the Lamb."

Second Reading (1 John 3: 1–3)
A reading from the first letter of Saint John.
See what singular love the Father has for us: we are called children of God, and we really are. This is why the world does not know us, because it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children, and what we shall be has not yet been shown. Yet, when he appears in his glory, we know, that we shall be like him, for then we shall see him as he is. All who have such a hope, try to be pure, as he is pure.

Gospel (Matthew 5: 1–12a)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. He sat down and his disciples gathered around him. Then he spoke and began to teach them: "Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are those who mourn; they shall be comforted. Fortunate are the gentle; they shall possess the land. Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied. Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy. Fortunate are those with pure hearts, for they shall see God. Fortunate are those who work for peace; they shall be called children of God. Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers. Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God."

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: October 26, 2014

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 19, 2014

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 12, 2014 

First Reading (Isaiah 25: 6–10a) 
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.

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 5, 2014

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 28, 2014

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 21, 2014 

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." 

Feast of the Holy Cross

Date: September 14, 2014

First Reading (Numbers 21: 4–9)
A reading from the book of Numbers.
From Mount Hor they set out by the Red Sea road to go around the land of Edom. The people were discouraged by the journey and began to complain against God and Moses, "Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is neither bread nor water here and we are disgusted with this tasteless manna." The Lord then sent fiery serpents against them. They bit the people and many of the Israelites died. Then the people came to Moses and stated, "We have sinned, speaking against the Lord and against you. Plead with the Lord to take the serpents away." Moses pleaded for the people and the Lord stated to him, "Make a fiery serpent and set it on a standard; whoever has been bitten and then looks at it shall live." So Moses made bronze serpent and set it on a standard. Whenever a man was bitten, he looked towards the bronze serpent and he lived.

Second Reading (Philippians 2: 6–11)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
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 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 (John 3: 13–17)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Jesus stated this to Nicodemus, "No one has ever gone up to heaven except the one who came from heaven, the Son of Man. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. Yes, God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but may have eternal life. God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world; instead, through him the world is to be saved.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: September 7, 2014 

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 31, 2014 

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 24, 2014 

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.