Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Date: December 27, 2015

First Reading (1 Samuel 1: 20–22 and 24–28)
A reading from the first book of Samuel.
In those days, Hannah became pregnant. She gave birth to a son and called him Samuel because she stated, "I have asked the Lord to give him to me." Once more Elkanah went to the temple with his family to offer his yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow to the Lord. Hannah would not go along but she asserted to her husband, "I will bring the child there as soon as he is weaned. He shall be presented to the Lord and stay there forever." When Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him with her along with a three-year-old bull, a measure of flour and a flask of wine, and she brought him to the Lord's house at Shiloh. Samuel was still young. After they had slain the bull, they brought Samuel to Eli. Hannah exclaimed, "Oh, my lord, look! I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. I asked for this child and the Lord granted me the favor I begged of him. Now, I think, the Lord is asking for this child. As long as he lives, he belongs to the Lord." And they worshiped the Lord and Hannah left Samuel there.

Second Reading (1 John 3: 1–2 and 21–24)
A reading from the first letter of Saint John.
Beloved: 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. When our conscience does not condemn us, dear friends, we may have complete confidence in God. Then whatever we ask we shall receive, since we keep his commands and do what pleases him. His command is that we believe in the Name of his Son Jesus Christ and that we love one another, as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments remains in God and God in him. It is by the Spirit God has given us that we know he lives in us.

Gospel (Luke 2: 41–52)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, as was customary. And when Jesus was twelve years old, he went up with them according to the custom for this feast. After the festival was over, Jesus' parents returned, but Jesus remained in Jerusalem and his parents did not know that he stayed in Jerusalem. Jesus' parents thought he was in the company and after walking the whole day they searched for him among their relatives and friends. Jesus' parents did not find their boy, so they went back to Jerusalem, continuing to search for their lost boy, Jesus. On the third day, they located him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. And all the people were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Jesus' parents were surprised when they saw him. So Jesus' mother stated to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I were very worried while we were searching for you." Then Jesus stated to his parents, "Why were you searching for me? Do you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" However, Jesus' parents did not understand this answer. Jesus went down with them, returning to Nazareth, and he continued to be subject to them. As for his mother, she kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and age, and in divine and human favor.

The Nativity of our Lord; Christmas Day

Date: December 25, 2015

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, 2015

Group 1 of readings for Christmas Eve (appointed version for this year)
First Reading (Isaiah 62: 1–5)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, for Jerusalem I will not keep silent, until her holiness shines like the dawn and her salvation flames like a burning torch. The nations will see your holiness and all the kings your glory. You will be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will reveal. You will be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will you be named Forsaken; no longer will your land be called Abandoned; but you will be called My Delight and your land Espoused. For the Lord delights in you and will make your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, so will your builder marry you; and as a bride groom rejoices in his bride, so will your God rejoice in you.

Second Reading (Acts 13: 16–17 and 22–25)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
So Paul arose, motioned to them for silence and began, "Fellow Israelites and also all you who fear God, listen. The God of our people Israel chose our ancestors, and after he had made them increase during their stay in Egypt, he led them out by powerful deeds. After that time, God removed him and raised up David as king, to whom he bore witness saying: I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all I want him to do. It is from the descendants of David that God has now raised up the promised savior of Israel, Jesus. Before he appeared, John proclaimed a baptism of repentance for all the people of Israel. As John was ending his life's work, he stated: 'I am not what you think I am, for after me another one is coming whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.'"

Gospel (Matthew 1: 1–25)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
This is the document of the origins of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (their mother was Tamar), Perez was the father of Hezron, and Hezron of Aram. Aram was the father of Aminadab, Aminadab of Nahshon, Nahshon of Salmon. Salmon was the father of Boaz. His mother was Rahab. Boaz was the father of Obed. His mother was Ruth. Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of David, the king. David was the father of Solomon. His mother had been Uriah's wife. Solomon was the father of Rehoboam. Then came the kings: Abijah, Asaph, Jehoshaphat, Joram, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah. Josiah was the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the deportation to Babylon. After the deportation to Babylon Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel and Salathiel of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud, Abiud of Eliakim, and Eliakim of Azor. Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, and Akim the father of Eliud. Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar of Matthan, and Matthan of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and from her came Jesus who is called the Christ — the Messiah. There were then fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, and fourteen generations from David to the deportation to Babylon, and fourteen generations from the deportation to Babylon to the birth of Christ. This is how Jesus Christ was born. Mary his mother had been given to Joseph in marriage but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her husband, made plans to divorce her in all secrecy. He was an upright man, and in no way did he want to discredit her. While he was pondering over this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and stated, "Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She has conceived by the Holy Spirit, and now she will bear a son. You shall call him 'Jesus' for he will save his people from their sins." All this happened in order to fulfill what the Lord had stated through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and he will be called Emmanuel which means: God-with-us. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do and he took his wife to his home. So she gave birth to a son and he had not had marital relations with her. Joseph gave him the name of Jesus.

Group 2 of readings for Christmas Eve (past versions)
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 20, 2015

First Reading (Micah 5: 1–4a)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Micah.
You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, so small that you are hardly named among the clans of Judah, from you shall I raise the one who is to rule over Israel. For he comes from from of old, from the ancient times. Yahweh, therefore, will abandon Israel until such time as she who is to give birth has given birth. Then the rest of his deported brothers will return to the people of Israel. He will stand and shepherd his flock with the strength of the Lord, in the glorious Name of the Lord, his God. They will live safely while he wins renown to the ends of the earth. He shall become peace.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10: 5–10)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews.
When you enter the world, Christ states: You did not desire sacrifice and offering; you were not pleased with burnt offerings and sin offerings. Then I said: "Here I am. It was written of me in the scroll. I will do your will, O God." First he says, "Sacrifice, offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire nor were you pleased with them — although they were acquired by the Law. Then he says: Here I am to do your will. This is enough to nullify the first will and establish the new. Now, by this will of God, we are sanctified at this once by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ.

Gospel (Luke 1: 39–45)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Mary set 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 stated, "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 my suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord's word would come true!"

3rd Sunday of Advent

Date: December 13, 2015

First Reading (Zephaniah 3: 14–18)
A reading from the book of Zephaniah.
Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; rejoice, O people of Israel! Sing joyfully with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has lifted your sentence and has driven your enemies away. The Lord, the King of Israel is with you; do not fear any misfortune. On that day they will say to Jerusalem: Do not be afraid nor let your hands tremble, for the Lord your God is within you, Yahweh, saving warrior. He will jump for joy on seeing you, for he has revived his love. For you he will cry out with joy, as you do in the days of the Feast. I will drive away the evil I warned you about, and you will no longer be shamed.

Second Reading (Philippians 4: 4–7)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: rejoice and may everyone experience your gentle and understanding heart. The Lord is near: 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 Jesus Christ.

Gospel (Luke 3: 10–18)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
The people asked John, "What are we supposed to do?" John answered, "If you have two coats, give one to the person who has none; and if you have food, do the same." Even tax collectors came to be baptized and asked John, "Master, what should we do?" John replied to them, "Collect no more than your fixed rate." People serving as soldiers asked John as well, "What about us? What should we do?" And he answered, "Do not take anything by force or threaten the people by denouncing them falsely. Be content with your pay." The people were wondering about John's identity. "Could he be the Messiah?" Then John answered them, "I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will do much more: he will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. As for me, I am not worthy to untie his sandal. He comes with a winnowing fan to clear his threshing floor and gather the grain into his barn. But the chaff he will burn with fire that never extinguishes." With these and many other words, John announced the Good News to the people.

2nd Sunday of Advent

Date: December 6, 2015

First Reading (Baruch 5: 1–9)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Baruch.
Jerusalem, put off your garment of mourning and unhappiness, put on the splendor and glory of God forever. Wrap yourself in the mantle of holiness that comes from God, put on your head the crown of glory of the Eternal One. For God will show your splendor to every being under Heaven. He will call your name forever, "Peace in Justice" and "Glory in the Fear of the Lord." Rise up, Jerusalem, stand on the heights. Look towards the East and see your children gathered together from the setting of the sun to its rising, by the voice of the Holy One, rejoicing because God has remembered them. They left you on foot, taken away by the enemy. God will lead them back, carried gloriously like royal princes. For God has resolved to bring low every high mountain and the everlasting hills, to fill up the valleys and level out the ground, in order that Israel may walk in safety under the Glory of God. Even the forests and the fragrant trees will give shade to Israel at God's command. For God will lead Israel with joy by the light of his Glory, escorting them with his mercy and justice.

Second Reading (Philippians 1: 4–6 and 8–11)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
We, Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ pray for God, and we pray with joy. I cannot forget you shared with me in the service of the Gospel, from the first day until now. Since God began such a good work in you, I am certain that he will complete it in the day of Christ Jesus. God knows that I love you dearly with the love of Jesus Christ, and in my prayers I ask that your love may lead you each day to a deeper knowledge and clearer discernment, that you may have good criteria for everything. So you may be pure of heart and come blameless to the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of holiness which comes through Christ Jesus, for the glory and praise of God.

Gospel (Luke 3: 1–6)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
It was the fifteenth year of the rule of the Emperor Tiberious; Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod ruled over Galilee, his brother Philip ruled over the country of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruled over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the High Priests at that time when the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah in the desert. John proclaimed a baptism for repentant people to acquire forgiveness of sins and he went through the whole country bordering the Jordan Rover. It was just as is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: listen to this voice crying out in the desert: prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight. The valleys will be filled and the mountains and hills made low. Everything crooked will be made straight and the rough paths smooth; and every mortal will see the salvation of God.

1st Sunday of Advent

Date: November 29, 2015

First Reading (Jeremiah 33: 14–16)
A reading from the book of Jeremiah.
The Lord God of hosts states this, "The days are coming when I shall fulfill the promise that I made in favor of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause to sprout the shoot of righteousness from David's line; he will practice justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will experience salvation and Jerusalem will live in safety. He will be called Yahweh-Our-Righteousness."

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 3:12 – 4:2)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians.
Brothers and sisters: May the Lord augment more and more your love for each other and for all people, as he augments our love for you. May he strengthen you interiorly to be holy and blameless before God, our Father, on the day that Jesus, our Lord, will come with all his saints. For the rest, brothers, we ask you in the name of Jesus, the Lord, and we urge you to live in a way that pleases God just as you have learned from us. This you do, but try to do still more. You know the instructions we gave you on behalf of the Lord Jesus.

Gospel (Luke 21: 25–28 and 34–36)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Jesus states, "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of perplexed nations when they hear the roaring of the sea and its waves. People will faint with fear at the mere thought of what is to come upon the world, for the forces of the universe will be shaken. And at this time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now, when you see the first events, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near. Be on your guard; let not your hearts be weighed down with a life of pleasure, drunkenness and worldly cares, lest that day catch you suddenly as a trap. For it will come upon all the inhabitants of the whole earth. But watch at all times and pray, that you may be able to escape all that is bound to happen and to stand before the Son of Man."

Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Date: November 22, 2015

First Reading (Daniel 7: 13–14)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Daniel.
Daniel states, "I continued watching the nocturnal vision: One like a son of man came on the clouds of heaven. He faced the One of Great Age and was brought into his presence. Dominion, honor, and kingship were given to him, and all the people and nations of every language served him. His dominion is eternal and shall never pass away; his kingdom will never be destroyed."

Second Reading (Revelation 1: 5–8)
A reading from the book of Revelation.
From Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has washed away our sins with his own blood, making us a kingdom and priests for God his Father, to him be the glory and power for ever and ever. Amen. See he comes with the clouds and everyone will see him, even those who pierced him; on his account all the nations of the earth will beat his breast. Yes, it will be so. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, he who is, who was and who is to come: the Master of the universe.

Gospel (John 18: 33b–37)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Pilate called Jesus and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "Does this word come from your own accord, or did you hear it from others?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingship does not come from this world. If I were a king of this world, my guards would have fought to save me from being handed over to the Jews. But my kingship is not from here." Pilate asked him, "So you are a king, then?" Jesus replied, "Just as you say, I am a king. For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of truth can hear my voice."

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: November 15, 2015

First Reading (Daniel 12: 1–3)

A reading from the book of the prophet Daniel.

At that time, Michael will rise, the Great Commander who defends your people. It shall be a time of anguish as never before since the nations first existed until this very day. Then all those whose names are written in the Book will be saved. Many of those who sleep in the Region of the Dust will awake, some to everlasting life but others to eternal horror and shame. Those who acquired knowledge will shine like the brilliance of the firmament; those who taught people to be just will shine like the stars for all eternity.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10: 11–14 and 18)

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

So, whereas every priest stands daily by the altar offering repeatedly the same sacrifices that can never take away sins, Christ has offered for all times a single sacrifice for sins and has taken his seat at the right hand of God, waiting until God puts his enemies as a footstool under his feet. By a single sacrifice he has brought those who are sanctified to what is perfect forever. So, if sins are forgiven, there is no longer need of any sacrifice for sin.

Gospel (Mark 13: 24–32)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

Jesus stated this to his disciples: "Later on, in those days after that disastrous time, the sun will grow dark, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall out of the sky and the whole universe will be shaken.Then people will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send the angels to gather his chosen people from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky. Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as its branches become tender and it begins to sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the time is near, even at the door. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all this has happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But, regarding that Day and that Hour, no one knows when it will come, not even the angels, not even the Son, but only the Father."

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: November 8, 2015

First Reading (1 Kings 17: 10–16)
A reading from the first book of Kings.
Elijah went to Zarephath. On reaching the gate of the town, he saw a widow gathering sticks. He called to her and stated, "Bring me a little water in a vessel that I may drink." As she was going to bring it, he called after her and stated, "Bring me also a piece of bread." But she answered, "As the Lord your God lives, I have no bread left but only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am just now gathering some sticks so that I may go in and prepare something for myself and my son to eat — and die." Elijah then stated to her, "Do not be afraid. Go and do as you have stated, but first make me a little cake of it and bring it me; then make some for yourself and your son. For this is the word of the Lord, the God of Israel. 'The jar of meal shall not be emptied nor shall the jug of oil fail, until the day when the lord sends rain to the earth." So she went and did as Elijah told her; and she had food for herself, Elijah and her son from that day on. The jar of flour was not emptied nor did the jug of oil fail, in accordance with what the Lord had stated through Elijah.

Second Reading (Hebrews 9: 24–28)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews.
Christ did not enter some sanctuary made by hands, a copy of the true one, but heaven itself. He is now in the presence of God on our behalf. He had not to offer himself many times, as the High Priest does: he who may return every year, because the blood is not his own. Otherwise he would have suffered many times from the creation of the world. But no; he manifested himself only now at the end of the ages, to take away sin by sacrifice, and as humans die only once and afterwards are judged, in the same way Christ sacrificed himself once to take away the sins of the multitude. There will be no further question of sin when he comes again to save those waiting for him.

Gospel (Mark 12: 38–44)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
While Jesus was teaching, he additionally stated to them, "Beware of those teachers of the Law who enjoy walking around in long robes and being greeted in the marketplace, and who like to occupy reserved seats in the synagogues and the first places at feasts. They even devour the widow's and the orphan's goods while marking a show of long prayers. How severe a sentence they will receive!" Jesus then sat down opposite the Temple treasury and watched the people dropping money into the treasury box; many rich people donated large offerings. However, a poor widow also came and drop in two small coins. When Jesus observed this, he called his disciples and announced to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all those who gave offerings. For all of them gave from their plenty, but she gave from her poverty and put in everything she had, her very living."

Feast of All Saints

Date: November 1, 2015

First Reading (Revelation 7: 2–4 and 9–14)
A reading from the book of Revelation.
I, John, 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 the number of those marked with the seal: a hundred and forty-four thousand from all the tribes of the people in 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 voices, "Who saves but our God who sits on the throne of 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 asked 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.
Beloved: 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. The he spoke and began to teach them: "Fortunate are those who have the spirit of the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are those who mourn, and 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 search for mercy. Fortunate are those with a pure heart, 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 justice, 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 25, 2015

First Reading (Jeremiah 31: 7–9)

A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

For the Lord states this: Shout with joy for Jacob; rejoice for the greatest of nations. Proclaim your praise and state: "The Lord has saved his people, the remnant of Israel!" Look, I will bring them back from the land of the north, gather them from the ends of the earth, the lame and the blind, mothers and women in labor — a great throng will return. They went away weeping, they will return in joy. I will lead them by the streams of water, on a level path so that no one will stumble, for I am Israel's father and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Second Reading (Hebrews 5: 1–6)

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

Every High Priest is taken from among mortals and appointed to be their representative before God to offer gifts and sacrifices for sin. he is able to understand the ignorant and erring for he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he is bound to offer sacrifices for his sins as well as for the sins of the people. Besides, one does not presume to take this dignity, but takes it only when called by God, as Aaron was. Nor did Christ become High Priest in taking upon himself this dignity, but it was given to him by the One who states: You are my son, I have begotten you today. And in another place: You are a priest forever in the priestly order of Melchizedek.

Gospel (Mark 10: 46–52)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

Jesus and his disciples came to Jericho. As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. On hearing that is was Jesus of Nazareth passing by, he began to call out, "Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me!" Many people scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and stated, "Call him." So they called the blind man stating, "Take heart. Get up, he is calling you." He immediately threw aside his cloak, jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man stated, "Master, let me see again!" And Jesus stated to him, "Go your way, your faith has made you well." And immediately he could see, and he followed Jesus along the road.

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: October 18, 2015

First Reading (Isaiah 53: 10–11)

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with grief. When he makes himself an offering for sin, he will have a long life and see his descendants. Through him the will of the Lord is done. For the anguish he suffered, he will see the light and obtain perfect knowledge. My just servant will justify the multitude; he will bear and take away their guilt.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4: 14–16)

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

We have a great High Priest, Jesus, the Son of God, who has entered heaven. Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess. Our high priest is not indifferent to our weaknesses, for he was tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sinning. Let us, then, with confidence approach God, the giver of grace; we will obtain mercy and, through his favor, help in due time.

Gospel (Mark 10: 35–45)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and stated to him, "Master, we want you to grant us what we are going to ask of you." And he stated, "What do you want me to do for you?" They answered, "Grant us to sit one at your right and one at your left when you come in your glory." But Jesus stated to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized in the way I am baptized?" They answered, "We can." And Jesus told them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink, and you will be baptized in the way I am baptized. But to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to grant. It has been prepared for others." On hearing this, the other ten were angry with James and John; Jesus then called them to him and stated, "As you know, the so-called rulers of the nations act as tyrants and their great ones oppress them. But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you shall make himself slave of all. Think of the Son of Man who has not come to be served but to serve and to give his life to redeem many."

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: October 11, 2015

First Reading (Wisdom 7: 7–11)

A reading from the book of Wisdom.

I prayed and understanding was given to me; I asked earnestly and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepters and thrones and I considered wealth as nothing compared with her. I preferred her to any jewel of inestimable value, since gold beside her is nothing but a few grains of sand, and silver but mud. I loved her more than wealth and beauty and even preferred her to light, because her radiance never dies. She brought with her all other good things, untold riches in her hands.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4: 12–13)

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

For the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It pierces to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and judges the intentions and thoughts of the heart. All creation is transparent to Him; everything is uncovered and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we render account.

Gospel (Mark 10: 17–30)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

Just as Jesus was setting out on his journey again, a man ran up, knelt before him and asked, "Good Master, what must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus answered, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat, honor your father and mother." The man replied, "I have obeyed all these commandments ever since my childhood." Then Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him and he stated, "For you, one thing is lacking. Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me." On hearing these words, his face fell and he went away sorrowful for he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked around and stated to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were shocked at these words, but Jesus insisted, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were more astonished than ever and wondered, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked steadily at them and stated, "For humans it is impossible, but not for God; all things are possible with God." Peter spoke up and stated, "We have given up everything to follow you." Jesus answered, "Truly, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands for my sake and for the Gospel, who will not receive his reward. I say to you: even in the midst of persecution he will receive a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands in the present time and in the world to come eternal life."

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: October 4, 2015

First Reading (Genesis 2: 18–24)

A reading from the book of Genesis.

The Lord God stated, "It is not good for Man to be alone; I will give him a helper who will be like him." Then the Lord God formed from the earth all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air and brought them to Man to see what he would call them; and whatever Man called every living creature, that was its name. So Man gave names to all the cattle, the birds of the air and to every beast of the field. But he did not find among them a helper like himself. Then the Lord God caused a deep sleep to come over Man and he fell asleep. He took one of his ribs and filled its place with flesh. The rib which the Lord God had taken from Man he formed into a woman and brought her to the man. The man then stated, "now this is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called woman because she was taken from man." That is why man leaves his father and mother and is attached to his wife, and with her becomes one flesh.

Second Reading (Hebrews 2: 9–11)

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

Jesus who suffered death and for a little while was placed lower than the angels has been crowned with honor and glory. For the merciful plan of God demanded that he experience death on behalf of everyone. God, from whom all come and by whom all things exist, wanted to bring many children to glory, and he thought it fitting to make perfect through suffering the initiator of their salvation. So he who gives and those who receive holiness are one, for he himself is not ashamed of calling us brothers and sisters.

Gospel (Mark 10: 2–16)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

Some Pharisees came and put Jesus to the test with this question, "Is it right for a husband to divorce his wife?" Jesus replied, "What law did Moses give you?" They answered, "Moses allowed us to write a certificate of dismissal in order to divorce." Then Jesus stated to them, "Moses wrote this law for you, because you are stubborn. But in the beginning of creation, God made them male and female, and because of this, man has to leave father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one body. So they are no longer two but one body. Therefore let no one separate what God has joined." When they were indoors at home, the disciples again asked him about this, and he told them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against his wife, and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another also commits adultery." People were bringing their little children to Jesus to have him touch them, and the disciples rebuked them for this. When Jesus noticed it, he was very angry and stated, "Let the children come to me and do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then he took the children in his arms and laying his hands on them, he blessed them.

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: September 27, 2015

First Reading (Numbers 11: 25–29)

A reading from the book of Numbers.

The Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. He took some of the spirit that was upon him and put it on the seventy elders. Now when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But this they did not do again. Two men had remained in the camp; the name of one was Eldad, the name of the other Medad. However, the spirit came on them for they were among those who were registered though they had not gone out to the Tent. As they prophesied inside the camp, a young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." Joshua, the son of Nun, who ministered to Moses from his youth stated, "My lord Moses, stop them!" But Moses stated to him, "Are you jealous on my behalf? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord would sent his spirit upon them!"

Second Reading (James 5: 1–6)

A reading from the letter of Saint James.

So, now for what concerns the rich! Cry and weep for the misfortunes which are coming upon you. Your riches are rotting and your clothes eaten up by the moths. Your silver and gold have rusted and their rust grows into a witness against you. It will consume flesh like fire, for having piled up riches in these last days. You deceived the workers who harvested your fields but now their wages cry out to the heavens. The reapers' complaints have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You lived in luxury and pleasure in this world and felt happy while others were murdered. You have easily condemned and killed the innocent since they offered no resistance.

Gospel (Mark 9: 38–43, 45 and 47–48)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

John stated to Jesus, "Master, we saw someone who drove out demons by calling upon your name, and we tried to forbid him because he does not belong to our group." Jesus answered, "Do not forbid him, for the one who works a miracle in my name can soon after speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. If anyone gives a drink of water because you belong to Christ and bear his name, truly, I say to you, he will not go without reward. If anyone should cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble and sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a great millstone around his neck. If your hand makes you fall into sin, cut it off! it is better for you to enter life without a hand than with two hands to go to hell, to the fire that never goes out. And if your foot makes you fall into sin, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life without a foot than with both feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye makes you fall into sin, tear it out! it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than, keeping both eyes, to be thrown into hell where the worms that eat them never die, and the fire never goes out."

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: September 20, 2015

First Reading (Wisdom 2: 12 and 17–20)

A reading from the book of Wisdom.

Let us set a trap for the righteous, for he annoys us and opposes our way of life; he reproaches us for our breaches of the Law and accuses us of being false to our upbringing. Let us see the truth of what he states and find out what his end will be. If the righteous is a son of God, God will defend him and deliver him from his adversaries. Let us humble and torture him to prove his self-control and test his patience. When we have condemned him to a shameful death, we may test his words.

Second Reading (James 3:16 – 4:3)

A reading from the letter of Saint James.

Brothers and sisters: Wherever there is jealousy and ambition, you will also find discord and all that is evil. Instead, the wisdom which comes from above is pure and peace-loving. Persons with this wisdom show understanding and listen to advice; they are full of compassion and good works; they are impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow peace reap a harvest of justice. What causes these fights and quarrels among you? Is it not your inner longings which make war within your own selves? When you long for something you cannot have, you kill for it and when you do not get what you desire, you squabble and fight. The fact is, you do not have what you want because you do not pray for it. You pray for something and you do not get it because you pray with the wrong motive of indulging your pleasures.

Gospel (Mark 9: 30–37)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

After leaving that place, Jesus and his disciples made their way through Galilee; but Jesus did not want people to know where he was because he was teaching his disciples. And he told them, "The Son of Man will be delivered into human hands. They will kill him, but three days after he has been killed, he will rise." The disciples, however, did not understand these words and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, Jesus asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?" But they did not answer because they had been arguing about who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve and stated to them, "If someone wants to be the first, let him be last of all and servant of all." Then he took a little child, placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he stated to them, "Whoever welcomes a child such as this in my name, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not me but the One who sent me."

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: September 13, 2015

First Reading (Isaiah 50: 5–9a)

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

The Lord God has opened my ear. I have not rebelled, nor have I withdrawn. I offered my back to those who strike me, my cheeks to those who pulled my beard; neither did I shield my face from blows, spittle and disgrace. I have not despaired, for the Lord God comes to my help. So, like a flint I set my face, knowing that I will not be disgraced. He who avenges me is near. Who then will accuse me? Let us confront each other. Who is now my accuser? Let him approach. If the Lord God is my help, who will condemn me?

Second Reading (James 2: 14–18)

A reading from the letter of Saint James.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, to profess faith without showing works? Such faith has no power to save you. If a brother or sister is in need of clothes or food and one of you states, "May things go well for you; be warm and satisfied," without attending to their material needs, what good is that? So it is for faith without deeds: it is totally dead. Say to whoever challenges you, "You have faith and I have good deeds; show me your faith apart from actions and I, for my part, will show you my faith in the way I act."

Gospel (Mark 8: 27–35)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

Jesus set out with his disciples for the villages around Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" And they told him, "Some say you are John the Baptist; others say you are Elijah or one of the prophets." Then Jesus asked them, "But you, who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah." And he ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Jesus then began to teach them that the Son of Man had to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. He would be killed and after three days rise again. Jesus stated all this quite openly, so that Peter took him aside and began to protest strongly. But Jesus turning around, and looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter saying, "Get behind me Satan! You are thinking not as God does, but as people do." Then Jesus called the people and his disciples and stated, "If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. For if you choose to save your life, you will lose it; and if you lose your life for me sake and for the sake of the Gospel, you will save it."

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: September 6, 2015

First Reading (Isaiah 35: 4–7a)

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

So to those who are afraid: "Have courage, do not fear. See, your God comes, demanding justice. He is the God who rewards, the God who comes to save you." Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unsealed. Then will the lame leap as a hart and the tongue of the dumb sing and shout. For water will break out in the wilderness and streams gush forth from the desert. The thirsty ground will become a pool, the arid land springs of water.

Second Reading (James 2: 1–5)

A reading from the letter of Saint James.

My brothers and sisters, if you truly believe in our glorified Lord, Jesus Christ, you will not discriminate between persons. Suppose a person enters the synagogue where you are assembled, dressed magnificently and wearing a gold ring; at the same time, a poor person enters dressed in rags. If you focus your attention on the well-dressed and state, "Come and sit in the best seat," while to the poor one you state, "Stay standing or else sit down at my feet," have you not, in fact, made a distinction between the two? Have you not judged, using a double standard? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters, did God not choose the poor of this world to receive the riches of faith and to inherit the kingdom which he has promise to those who love him?

Gospel (Mark 7: 31–37)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

Again Jesus set out; from the country of Tyre he passed through Sidon and skirting the sea of Galilee he came to the territory of Decapolis. There a deaf man who also had difficulty in speaking was brought to him. They asked Jesus to lay his hand upon him. Jesus took him apart from the crowd, put his fingers into the man's ears and touched his tongue with spittle. Then, looking up to heaven, he groaned and stated to him, "Ephphetha." that is, "Be opened." And his ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak clearly. Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone, but the more he insisted on this, the more they proclaimed it. The people were completely astonished and stated, "He has done all things well; he makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: August 30, 2015

First Reading (Deuteronomy 4: 1–2 and 6–8)
A reading from the book of Deuteronomy.
Moses stated to the people: "Now, Israel, listen to the norms and laws which I teach that you may put them into practice. And you will live and enter and taken possession of the land which the Lord your God of your Fathers, gives you. Do not add anything to what I command you nor take anything away from it. But keep the commandments for the Lord your God, as I command you. If you observe and practice them, other people will regard you as wise and intelligent. When they come to know all those laws, they will say, 'There is no people as wise and as intelligent as this great nation.' For in truth, is there a nation as great as ours, whose gods are as near to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? And is there a nation as great as ours whose norms and laws are as just as this Law which I give you today?"

Second Reading (James 1: 17–18, 21b–22 and 27)
A reading from the letter of Saint James.
Dearest brothers and sisters: Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of Light, in whom there is no change or shadow of a change. By his own will, he gave us life through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of offering to him among his creatures. Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Gospel (Mark 7: 1–8, 14–15 and 21–23)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
One day the Pharisees gather around Jesus and with them were some teachers of the Law who had just come from Jerusalem. They noticed that some of his disciples were eating their meal with unclean hands, that is, without washing them. Now the Pharisees, and in fact, all the Jews, never eat without washing their hands for they follow the tradition received from their ancestors; nor do they eat anything when they come from the market without first washing themselves. And there are many other traditions they observe, for example, the ritual washing of cups, pots, and plates. So the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law asked Jesus, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders, but eat with unclean hands?" Jesus answered, "You shallow people! How well Isaiah prophesied of you when he wrote: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. The worship they offer me is worthless, for what they teach are only human rules. You even put aside the commandment of God to hold fast to human tradition." Jesus then called the people to him again and stated to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and try to understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can make that person unclean. It is what comes out from within that makes unclean." Jesus continues with this statement: "Within people, evil designs come out of the heart: theft, murder, adultery, jealousy, greed, maliciousness, deceit, indecency, slander, pride, and folly. All these evil things come from within and make a person unclean."