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.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Indonesian Independence Day) or the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Date: August 17, 2014

Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading (Isaiah 56: 1 and 6–7)
A reading from the book of Isaiah.
This is what the Lord states: Maintain what is right and do what is just, for my salvation is close at hand, my justice is soon to come. The Lord states to the foreigners who join him, serving him and loving his name, keeping his sabbath unprofaned and remaining faithful to his covenant: I will bring them to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. I will accept on my altar their burnt offerings and sacrifices, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.

Second Reading (Romans 11: 13–15 and 29–32)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Listen to me, you who are not Jews: I am spending myself as an apostle to the pagan nations, but I hope my ministry will be successful enough to awaken the jealousy of those of my race, and finally to save some of them. If the world made peace with God when they remained apart, what will it be when they are welcomed? Nothing less than a passing from death to life. The call of God and his gifts cannot be nullified. Through the rebellion of the Jews the mercy of God came to you who did not obey God. They in turn will receive mercy in due time after this rebellion that brought God's mercy to you. So God has submitted all to disobedience, in order to show his mercy to all.

Gospel (Matthew 15: 21–28)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Now a Canaanite woman came from those borders and began to cry out, "Lord, Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But Jesus did not answer her, not even a word. So his disciples approached him and stated, "Send her away: see how she is shouting after us." Then Jesus stated to her, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel." But the woman was already kneeling before Jesus and stated, "Sir, help me!" Jesus answered, "It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to the little dogs." The woman replied, "It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to the little dogs." The woman replied, "It is true, sir, but even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master's table." Then Jesus stated, "Woman, how great is your faith! Let it be as you wish." And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Readings for the Indonesian Independence Day
First Reading (Sirach 10: 1–8)
A reading from the book of Sirach.
The wise leader will teach his people; the government of the intelligent man will be well-ordered. As the leader is, so will his ministers be; as the leader of the city is, so will be its inhabitants. A king without wisdom will ruin his people; a city will prosper through the wisdom of its rulers. The government of the earth is in the hands of the Lord; in his own time he will raise up the right leader. Human success is in the hands of the Lord and he clothes the rulers with his glory. Do not store up resentment against your neighbor, no matter what his offense; do nothing in a fit of anger. Pride is odious to both God and man; injustice is abhorrent to both of them. Sovereignty passes from one nation to another because of injustice, violence and wealth.

Second Reading (1 Peter 2: 13–17)
A reading from the first letter of Peter.
For the Lord's sake, respect all human authority: the king as chief authority, the governors as sent by him to punish evildoers and to encourage those who do good. And God wants you to do good so that you may silence those fools who ignorantly criticize you. Behave as free people but do not speak of freedom as a license for vice; you are free men and God's servants. Reverence each person, love your brothers and sisters, fear God and show respect to the emperor.

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 those 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."

Readings for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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 10, 2014

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: August 3, 2014

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.