Date: April 9, 2009
First Reading (Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14)
A reading from the book of Exodus.
The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt and stated, "This month is to be the beginning of all months, the first month of your year. Speak to the community of Israel and say to them: On the tenth day of this month, let each family take a lamb, a lamb for each house. If the family is too small for a lamb, they must join with a neighbor, the nearest to the house, according to the number of people and what each one can eat. You will select a perfect lamb without blemish, a male born during the present year, taken from the sheep or goats. Then you will keep it until the fourteenth day of the month. On that evening all the people will slaughter their lambs and take some of the blood to put on the doorposts and on top of the doorframes of the houses where you eat. That night, you will eat the flesh roasted at the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. And this is how you will eat: with a belt around your waist, sandals on your feet and a staff in your hand. You shall eat hastily for it is a passover in honor of the Lord. On that night I shall go through Egypt and strike every firstborn in Egypt, men and animals; and I will even bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt; I, the Lord! The blood on your houses will be the sign that you are there. I will see the blood and pass over you; and you will escape the mortal plague when I strike Egypt. This is a day you are to remember and celebrate in honor of the Lord. It is to be kept as a festival day for all generations forever."
Second Reading (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Brothers and sisters: This is the tradition of the Lord that I received and that in my turn I have handed on to you; the Lord Jesus, on the night that he was delivered up, took bread and after giving thanks, broke it with this statement, "This is my body which is broken for you; do this in memory of me." In the same manner, taking the cup after supper, he states, "This cup is the new Covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do it in memory of me." So then, whenever you eat this bread and drink from this cup, you are proclaiming the death of the Lord until he comes.
Gospel (John 13: 1-15)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
It was before the feast of the Passover. Jesus realized that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father, and as he had loved those who were his own in the world, he would loved them with perfect love. They were at supper and the devil had already put into the mind of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had entrusted all things to him, and as he had come from God, he was going to God. So he got up from the table, removed his garment and taking a towel, wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and wiped them with the towel he was wearing. When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Simon stated to him, "Why, Lord, you want to wash my feet!" Jesus stated, "What I am doing cannot make you understand right now. but afterwards you will understand it." Peter replied, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, then you can have no part with me." Then Simon Peter stated, "Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!" Jesus replied, "Whoever has taken a bath does not need to wash (except the feet), for he is clean all over. You are clean, though not all of you." Jesus knew who was going to betray him; because of this, he stated, "Not all of you are clean." When Jesus had finished washing their feet, he put on his garment again, went back to the table and stated to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and you are correct, for so I am. If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another's feet. I have just given you an example that as I have done, you also may do."
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
Date: April 5, 2009
Gospel (Mark 11: 1–10) [Year B]
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
When Jesus and his disciples drew near to Jerusalem and arrived at Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples with these instructions, "Go to the village on the other side and, as you enter it, you will find there a colt tied up that no one has ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you: 'What are you doing?' give this answer: 'The Lord needs it, but he will send it back immediately.'" They went off and found the colt out in the street tied at the door. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders asked, "Why are you untying that colt?" They answered as Jesus had told them, and the people allowed them to continue. The brought the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks on its back, and Jesus sat upon it. Many people also spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread leafy branches from the fields. Then the people who walked ahead and those who followed behind Jesus began to shout, "Hosannah! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David which comes! Hosannah in the highest!"
First Reading (Isaiah 50: 4–7)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
The Lord has taught me so I speak as his disciple and I know how to sustain the weary. Morning after morning he wakes me up to hear, to listen like a disciple. The Lord 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 comes to my help. So, like a flint I set my face, knowing that I will not be disgraced.
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 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 Jesus Christ is the Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Gospel (Mark 14:1 – 15:47)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were looking craftily for a way to arrest Jesus and put him to death, for they said, "Not during the Festival, or there might be trouble among the people." Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper. As he was lying down at dinner, a woman entered carrying a precious jar of expensive perfume made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfumed oil on Jesus' head. Then some of them became angry and said, "What a useless waste of perfume. It could have been sold for more than three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor." And they criticized her. But Jesus said, "Leave her alone; why are you troubling her? What she has just done for me is a very charitable work. At any time you can help the poor, for you always have them with you, but you will not have forever. This woman has done what was hers to do, she has anointed my body beforehand for my burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever the Good News is proclaimed, and this will be throughout the world, what she has done will be told in praise of her. Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Jesus to them. On hearing him they were excited and promised to give him money. So Judas started planning the best way to hand Jesus over to them. On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the day when the Passover Lamb was killed, the disciples asked him, "Where would you have us go to prepare the Passover meal for you?" So Jesus sent two of his disciples with these instructions. "Go into the city and in there, is a man who will come to you carrying a jar of water. Follow him to the house he enters and say to the owner, 'The Master says: Where is the room where I may eat the Passover meal with my disciples?' Then he will show you a large room upstairs, already arranged and furnished. There you will prepare for us." The disciples went off. When they reached the city, they found everything just as Jesus had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were at the table eating, Jesus stated, "Truly, I will tell you, one of you will betray me, one who shares my meal." They were deeply distressed at hearing this and ask him, one after the other, "You don't mean me, do you?" And Jesus answered, "It is one of you Twelve, one who dips his bread in the dish with me. The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures say he will. But alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed; better for him if he had never been born." While they were eating, Jesus took the bread, blessed it and broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take this, it is my body." Then he took the cup and after he had given thanks, passed the cup to them and they all drank from it. And he said, "This is my blood, the blood of the Covenant, which is to be poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not taste the fruit of the vine again until the day I drink the new wine in the kingdom of God." After singing psalms of praise, they went out to the Hill of Olives. And Jesus stated to them, "All of you will be confused and fall away; for the Scripture says: I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. But after I am raised up, I will go to Galilee ahead of you." The Peter said to him, "Even though all the others fall away, I will not." And Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, today, on this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." But Peter insisted, "Though I have to die with you, I will never deny you." And all of them stated the same. They came to a place which was called Gethsemane and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." But he took Peter, James, and John along with him, and becoming filled with fear and distress, he said to them, "My soul is full of sorrow, even to death. Remain here and stay awake." Then he went a little further on and fell to the ground, praying that if possible this hour might pass him by. Jesus said, "Abba (Daddy), all things are possible for you; take this cup away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want." Then he came and found them asleep and stated to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn't you stay awake for one hour? Keep watch and pray, all of you, so that you may not slip into temptation. The spirit indeed is eager but human nature is weak." And going away he prayed the same words. When he came back to the disciples, he found them asleep again; they could not keep their eyes open, and they did not know what to say to him. When he came back the third time, he stated, "You can sleep on now and take your rest. It is all over, for the time has come; the Son of Man is now given into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, the one betraying me is right here." While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, who had been sent by the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the elders. The traitor had arranged a signal for them, "The one I kiss, he is the man. Arrest him and take him away under guard." So, when Jesus came, Judas went directly to him, calling, "Master! Master!" and kissed him. Then the guards seized Jesus and arrested him. One of the bystanders drew his sword and struck out at the High Priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus turned to them saying, "So, you have set out against a robber! Did you need swords and clubs to arrest me? Day after day I was among you teaching in the Temple and you did not arrest me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled." Then they all deserted him and fled. A young man covered by nothing but a linen cloth followed Jesus. As they took hold of him, he left the cloth in their hands and fled away naked. They led Jesus to the High Priest and all the chief priests assembled with the elders and the teachers of the Law. Peter had followed him at a distance and went right into the courtyard of the High Priest, where he sat with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole Council tried to find some evidence against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they were unable to find any. Even though many came up to speak falsely against him, their evidence did not agree. At last some stood up and gave this false witness: "We heard him say: 'I will destroy this Temple made by hands and in three days I will build another not made by human hands.'" But even so, their evidence did not agree. The High Priest then stood up in the midst of them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer at all? What of this evidence against you?" However, Jesus still stood silent and made no reply. The High Priest then asked a second question to Jesus, "Are you Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" Then Jesus answered, "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Most Powerful and coming with the clouds of heaven around him." The High Priest tore his clothes to show his horror and stated, "What more evidence do we need? You have just heard his blasphemous words. What is your decision?" Everybody condemned Jesus, saying, "He must die." Some of them began to spit on Jesus, and blindfolding him, they struck him saying, "Play the prophet!" Additionally, the guards set upon him with blows. While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the High Priest's servant-girls came by. Noticing Peter beside the fire, she looked straight at him and stated, "You also were with Jesus the Nazarene." But Peter denied it, "I do not know or understand what you are talking about." And he went out through the gateway. The servant-girl saw him there and told the bystanders, "This man is one of them." But Peter denied it again. After a little while those standing by stated to Peter, "Of course you are one of them; you are a Galilean, are you not?" And Peter began to justify himself with curses and oaths, "I do not know the man you are talking about." Just then a cock crowed a second time and Peter remembered what Jesus had stated to him; "Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." Peter broke down and wept. Early in the morning, the chief priests, the elders, and the teachers of the Law (that is, the whole Council or Sanhedrin) had their plan ready. They put Jesus in chains, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "You say so." As the chief priests accused Jesus of many things, Pilate asked him again, "Have you no answer at all? See how many charges they bring against you." But Jesus gave no further answers, so that Pilate wondered. At every Passover festival, Pilate used to free any prisoner the people asked for. Now there was a man called Barabbas, jailed with the rioters who had committed murder in the uprising. When the crowd went up to ask Pilate the usual favor, he said to them, "Do you want to me set free the King of the Jews?" For he realized that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him out of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask instead for the release of Barabbas. Pilate replied, "And what shall I do with the man you call King of the Jews?" The crowd shouted back, "Crucify him!" Pilate asked, "What evil has he done?" However, in spite of Pilate's question they shouted louder, "Crucify him!" As Pilate wanted to please the people, he freed Barabbas and after the flogging of Jesus had him handed over to be crucified. The soldiers took him inside the courtyard known as the praetorium and called the rest of their companions. They clothed Jesus in a purple cloak and twisting a crown of thorns, they placed it on Jesus' head. Then they began saluting him, "Long life to the King of the Jews!" With a stick, they hit Jesus on the head and spat on him, and then they knelt down pretending to worship him. When they had finished mocking Jesus, they pulled off the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. The soldiers led Jesus out of the city to crucify him. On the way, they met Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the country, and forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. When they had led him to the place called Golgotha, which means the Skull, they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he would not take it. Then they nailed him to the cross and divided his clothes among themselves, casting lots to decide what each should take. It was about 9:00 AM when they crucified him. The statement of his offense was displayed above his head and it read, "The King of the Jews." They also crucified two robbers with him, one on Jesus' right and one on his left. Jesus was in the center. People passing by laughed at him, shook their head and jeered, "Aha! So you are able to tear down the Temple and build it up again in three days. Now save yourself and come down from the cross!" In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the Law teased Jesus, saying to one another, "The man who saved others cannot save himself. Let's see the Messiah, the king of Israel, come down from his cross. Then we will believe in him." Even the men who were crucified with Jesus insulted him. When noon came, darkness fell over the whole land and lasted until three o'clock; and at three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. "Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabachthani?" which is translated as, "My God, my God, why have you deserted me?" As soon as the people heard these words, some of the bystanders stated, "Listen! He is calling for Elijah." And one of them went quickly to fill a sponge with bitter wine and putting it on a reed, gave him to drink saying, "Now let's see whether Elijah comes to bring him down." But Jesus gave a loud shriek and gave up his spirit. Immediately, the drapes that enclosed the Temple sanctuary were torn in two from top to bottom. The captain who was standing in front of Jesus saw how he died and heard the cry he gave; and he stated, "Truly, this man was the Son of God." There were also some women watching from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, the younger and Joset and Salome, who had followed Jesus when he was in Galilee and saw to his needs. There were also others who had come up with him to Jerusalem. It was now evening and as it was Preparation Day, that is the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea boldly went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Joseph was a respected member of the Council who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God. Pilate was surprised that Jesus should have died so soon; so he summoned the captain and inquired if Jesus was already dead. After hearing the captain, he let Joseph take the body. Joseph took it down and wrapped it in the linen sheet he had purchased. He laid the body in a tomb which had been cut out of the rock and rolled a stone across the entrance to the tomb. Now Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joset took note of where the body had been laid.
Gospel (Mark 11: 1–10) [Year B]
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
When Jesus and his disciples drew near to Jerusalem and arrived at Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples with these instructions, "Go to the village on the other side and, as you enter it, you will find there a colt tied up that no one has ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you: 'What are you doing?' give this answer: 'The Lord needs it, but he will send it back immediately.'" They went off and found the colt out in the street tied at the door. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders asked, "Why are you untying that colt?" They answered as Jesus had told them, and the people allowed them to continue. The brought the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks on its back, and Jesus sat upon it. Many people also spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread leafy branches from the fields. Then the people who walked ahead and those who followed behind Jesus began to shout, "Hosannah! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David which comes! Hosannah in the highest!"
First Reading (Isaiah 50: 4–7)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
The Lord has taught me so I speak as his disciple and I know how to sustain the weary. Morning after morning he wakes me up to hear, to listen like a disciple. The Lord 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 comes to my help. So, like a flint I set my face, knowing that I will not be disgraced.
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 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 Jesus Christ is the Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Gospel (Mark 14:1 – 15:47)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were looking craftily for a way to arrest Jesus and put him to death, for they said, "Not during the Festival, or there might be trouble among the people." Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper. As he was lying down at dinner, a woman entered carrying a precious jar of expensive perfume made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfumed oil on Jesus' head. Then some of them became angry and said, "What a useless waste of perfume. It could have been sold for more than three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor." And they criticized her. But Jesus said, "Leave her alone; why are you troubling her? What she has just done for me is a very charitable work. At any time you can help the poor, for you always have them with you, but you will not have forever. This woman has done what was hers to do, she has anointed my body beforehand for my burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever the Good News is proclaimed, and this will be throughout the world, what she has done will be told in praise of her. Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Jesus to them. On hearing him they were excited and promised to give him money. So Judas started planning the best way to hand Jesus over to them. On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the day when the Passover Lamb was killed, the disciples asked him, "Where would you have us go to prepare the Passover meal for you?" So Jesus sent two of his disciples with these instructions. "Go into the city and in there, is a man who will come to you carrying a jar of water. Follow him to the house he enters and say to the owner, 'The Master says: Where is the room where I may eat the Passover meal with my disciples?' Then he will show you a large room upstairs, already arranged and furnished. There you will prepare for us." The disciples went off. When they reached the city, they found everything just as Jesus had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were at the table eating, Jesus stated, "Truly, I will tell you, one of you will betray me, one who shares my meal." They were deeply distressed at hearing this and ask him, one after the other, "You don't mean me, do you?" And Jesus answered, "It is one of you Twelve, one who dips his bread in the dish with me. The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures say he will. But alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed; better for him if he had never been born." While they were eating, Jesus took the bread, blessed it and broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take this, it is my body." Then he took the cup and after he had given thanks, passed the cup to them and they all drank from it. And he said, "This is my blood, the blood of the Covenant, which is to be poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not taste the fruit of the vine again until the day I drink the new wine in the kingdom of God." After singing psalms of praise, they went out to the Hill of Olives. And Jesus stated to them, "All of you will be confused and fall away; for the Scripture says: I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. But after I am raised up, I will go to Galilee ahead of you." The Peter said to him, "Even though all the others fall away, I will not." And Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, today, on this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." But Peter insisted, "Though I have to die with you, I will never deny you." And all of them stated the same. They came to a place which was called Gethsemane and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." But he took Peter, James, and John along with him, and becoming filled with fear and distress, he said to them, "My soul is full of sorrow, even to death. Remain here and stay awake." Then he went a little further on and fell to the ground, praying that if possible this hour might pass him by. Jesus said, "Abba (Daddy), all things are possible for you; take this cup away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want." Then he came and found them asleep and stated to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn't you stay awake for one hour? Keep watch and pray, all of you, so that you may not slip into temptation. The spirit indeed is eager but human nature is weak." And going away he prayed the same words. When he came back to the disciples, he found them asleep again; they could not keep their eyes open, and they did not know what to say to him. When he came back the third time, he stated, "You can sleep on now and take your rest. It is all over, for the time has come; the Son of Man is now given into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, the one betraying me is right here." While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, who had been sent by the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the elders. The traitor had arranged a signal for them, "The one I kiss, he is the man. Arrest him and take him away under guard." So, when Jesus came, Judas went directly to him, calling, "Master! Master!" and kissed him. Then the guards seized Jesus and arrested him. One of the bystanders drew his sword and struck out at the High Priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus turned to them saying, "So, you have set out against a robber! Did you need swords and clubs to arrest me? Day after day I was among you teaching in the Temple and you did not arrest me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled." Then they all deserted him and fled. A young man covered by nothing but a linen cloth followed Jesus. As they took hold of him, he left the cloth in their hands and fled away naked. They led Jesus to the High Priest and all the chief priests assembled with the elders and the teachers of the Law. Peter had followed him at a distance and went right into the courtyard of the High Priest, where he sat with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole Council tried to find some evidence against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they were unable to find any. Even though many came up to speak falsely against him, their evidence did not agree. At last some stood up and gave this false witness: "We heard him say: 'I will destroy this Temple made by hands and in three days I will build another not made by human hands.'" But even so, their evidence did not agree. The High Priest then stood up in the midst of them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer at all? What of this evidence against you?" However, Jesus still stood silent and made no reply. The High Priest then asked a second question to Jesus, "Are you Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" Then Jesus answered, "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Most Powerful and coming with the clouds of heaven around him." The High Priest tore his clothes to show his horror and stated, "What more evidence do we need? You have just heard his blasphemous words. What is your decision?" Everybody condemned Jesus, saying, "He must die." Some of them began to spit on Jesus, and blindfolding him, they struck him saying, "Play the prophet!" Additionally, the guards set upon him with blows. While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the High Priest's servant-girls came by. Noticing Peter beside the fire, she looked straight at him and stated, "You also were with Jesus the Nazarene." But Peter denied it, "I do not know or understand what you are talking about." And he went out through the gateway. The servant-girl saw him there and told the bystanders, "This man is one of them." But Peter denied it again. After a little while those standing by stated to Peter, "Of course you are one of them; you are a Galilean, are you not?" And Peter began to justify himself with curses and oaths, "I do not know the man you are talking about." Just then a cock crowed a second time and Peter remembered what Jesus had stated to him; "Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." Peter broke down and wept. Early in the morning, the chief priests, the elders, and the teachers of the Law (that is, the whole Council or Sanhedrin) had their plan ready. They put Jesus in chains, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "You say so." As the chief priests accused Jesus of many things, Pilate asked him again, "Have you no answer at all? See how many charges they bring against you." But Jesus gave no further answers, so that Pilate wondered. At every Passover festival, Pilate used to free any prisoner the people asked for. Now there was a man called Barabbas, jailed with the rioters who had committed murder in the uprising. When the crowd went up to ask Pilate the usual favor, he said to them, "Do you want to me set free the King of the Jews?" For he realized that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him out of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask instead for the release of Barabbas. Pilate replied, "And what shall I do with the man you call King of the Jews?" The crowd shouted back, "Crucify him!" Pilate asked, "What evil has he done?" However, in spite of Pilate's question they shouted louder, "Crucify him!" As Pilate wanted to please the people, he freed Barabbas and after the flogging of Jesus had him handed over to be crucified. The soldiers took him inside the courtyard known as the praetorium and called the rest of their companions. They clothed Jesus in a purple cloak and twisting a crown of thorns, they placed it on Jesus' head. Then they began saluting him, "Long life to the King of the Jews!" With a stick, they hit Jesus on the head and spat on him, and then they knelt down pretending to worship him. When they had finished mocking Jesus, they pulled off the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. The soldiers led Jesus out of the city to crucify him. On the way, they met Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the country, and forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. When they had led him to the place called Golgotha, which means the Skull, they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he would not take it. Then they nailed him to the cross and divided his clothes among themselves, casting lots to decide what each should take. It was about 9:00 AM when they crucified him. The statement of his offense was displayed above his head and it read, "The King of the Jews." They also crucified two robbers with him, one on Jesus' right and one on his left. Jesus was in the center. People passing by laughed at him, shook their head and jeered, "Aha! So you are able to tear down the Temple and build it up again in three days. Now save yourself and come down from the cross!" In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the Law teased Jesus, saying to one another, "The man who saved others cannot save himself. Let's see the Messiah, the king of Israel, come down from his cross. Then we will believe in him." Even the men who were crucified with Jesus insulted him. When noon came, darkness fell over the whole land and lasted until three o'clock; and at three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. "Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabachthani?" which is translated as, "My God, my God, why have you deserted me?" As soon as the people heard these words, some of the bystanders stated, "Listen! He is calling for Elijah." And one of them went quickly to fill a sponge with bitter wine and putting it on a reed, gave him to drink saying, "Now let's see whether Elijah comes to bring him down." But Jesus gave a loud shriek and gave up his spirit. Immediately, the drapes that enclosed the Temple sanctuary were torn in two from top to bottom. The captain who was standing in front of Jesus saw how he died and heard the cry he gave; and he stated, "Truly, this man was the Son of God." There were also some women watching from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, the younger and Joset and Salome, who had followed Jesus when he was in Galilee and saw to his needs. There were also others who had come up with him to Jerusalem. It was now evening and as it was Preparation Day, that is the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea boldly went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Joseph was a respected member of the Council who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God. Pilate was surprised that Jesus should have died so soon; so he summoned the captain and inquired if Jesus was already dead. After hearing the captain, he let Joseph take the body. Joseph took it down and wrapped it in the linen sheet he had purchased. He laid the body in a tomb which had been cut out of the rock and rolled a stone across the entrance to the tomb. Now Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joset took note of where the body had been laid.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
5th Sunday of Lent
Date: March 29, 2009
First Reading (Jeremiah 31: 31-34)
A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.
The time is coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I will forge a new covenant with the people of Israel and the people of Judah. It will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. For they broke my covenant although I was their Lord. This is the covenant I shall make with Israel after that time: I will put my Law within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their God and they will be my people. And they will not have to teach each other, neighbor or brother, stating: 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the greatest to the lowliest, for I will forgive their wrongdoing and no longer remember their sin."
Second Reading (Hebrews 5: 7-9)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews.
Brothers and sisters: Christ, in the days of his mortal life, offered his sacrifice with tears and cries. He prayed to him who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his humble submission. Although he was Son, he learned through suffering what obedience was, and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for those who obey him.
Gospel (John 12: 20-33)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
There were some Greeks who had to come up to Jerusalem to worship during the feast. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went to Andrew and the two of them told Jesus. Then Jesus stated, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Those who love their life destroy it, and those who despise their life in this world keep it for everlasting life. Whoever wants to serve me, let him follow me and wherever I am, there shall my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Now my soul is in distress. Shall I state: 'Father, save me from his hour'? But, I have come to this hour to face all this. Father, glorify your Name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and I will glorify it again." People standing there heard something and state it was thunder; but others stated, "An angel was speaking to him." Then Jesus declared, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours; now sentence is being passed on this world; now the ruler of this world is to be cast down And when I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all to myself." With these words, Jesus referred to the death he was going to die.
First Reading (Jeremiah 31: 31-34)
A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.
The time is coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I will forge a new covenant with the people of Israel and the people of Judah. It will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. For they broke my covenant although I was their Lord. This is the covenant I shall make with Israel after that time: I will put my Law within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their God and they will be my people. And they will not have to teach each other, neighbor or brother, stating: 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the greatest to the lowliest, for I will forgive their wrongdoing and no longer remember their sin."
Second Reading (Hebrews 5: 7-9)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews.
Brothers and sisters: Christ, in the days of his mortal life, offered his sacrifice with tears and cries. He prayed to him who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his humble submission. Although he was Son, he learned through suffering what obedience was, and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for those who obey him.
Gospel (John 12: 20-33)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
There were some Greeks who had to come up to Jerusalem to worship during the feast. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went to Andrew and the two of them told Jesus. Then Jesus stated, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Those who love their life destroy it, and those who despise their life in this world keep it for everlasting life. Whoever wants to serve me, let him follow me and wherever I am, there shall my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Now my soul is in distress. Shall I state: 'Father, save me from his hour'? But, I have come to this hour to face all this. Father, glorify your Name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and I will glorify it again." People standing there heard something and state it was thunder; but others stated, "An angel was speaking to him." Then Jesus declared, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours; now sentence is being passed on this world; now the ruler of this world is to be cast down And when I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all to myself." With these words, Jesus referred to the death he was going to die.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
4th Sunday of Lent
Date: March 22, 2009
First Reading (2 Chronicles 36: 14-17 and 19-23)
A reading from the second book of Chronicles.
All the heads of the priesthood, and the people, too, were exceedingly unfaithful, following the disgusting example of the nations around them, and so they defiled the house which the Lord himself had made holy. The Lord, the God of their ancestors, continued to send prophets to warn his people, since he had compassion on them and on his dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, ignored his words, and laughed at his prophets, until at last the anger of the Lord rose so high against his people that there was no further remedy. They burned down the house of God, broke down the walls of Jerusalem, set fire to all its palaces, and destroyed everything of value in it. The survivors were deported by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon; they were to serve him and his descendants as slaves until the kingdom of Persia came to power. This is how the work the Lord was fulfilled that he spoke through Jeremiah, "The land will lie desolate for seventy years, to make up for its Sabbath rests that have not been observed." And in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill what he had stated through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to issue the following command and send it out in writing to be read aloud everywhere in his kingdom: "Thus speaks Cyrus king of Persia: the Lord, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has ordered me to build him a house in Jerusalem, in Judah. Now, all of you who belong to his people, go there and may the Lord your God be with you."
Second Reading (Ephesians 2: 4-10)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians.
God, who is rich in mercy, revealed his immense love. As we were dead through our sins, he gave us life with Christ. By grace you have been saved! And he raised us to life with Christ, giving us a place with him in heaven. In showing us such kindness in Christ Jesus, God willed to reveal and unfold in the coming ages the extraordinary riches of his grace. By the grace of God you have been saved through faith. This has not come from you: it is God's gift. This was not the result of your works, so you are not to feel proud. What we are is God's work. He has created us in Christ Jesus for the good works he has prepared that we should devote ourselves to them.
Gospel (John 3: 14-21)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Jesus teaches this to Nicodemus. He states: "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 love 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. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned. He who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God. This is how the Judgment is made: Light has come into the world and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For whoever does wrong hates the light and does not come to the light for fear that his deeds will be shown as evil. But whoever lives according to the truth comes into the light so that it can be clearly seen that his works have been done in God."
First Reading (2 Chronicles 36: 14-17 and 19-23)
A reading from the second book of Chronicles.
All the heads of the priesthood, and the people, too, were exceedingly unfaithful, following the disgusting example of the nations around them, and so they defiled the house which the Lord himself had made holy. The Lord, the God of their ancestors, continued to send prophets to warn his people, since he had compassion on them and on his dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, ignored his words, and laughed at his prophets, until at last the anger of the Lord rose so high against his people that there was no further remedy. They burned down the house of God, broke down the walls of Jerusalem, set fire to all its palaces, and destroyed everything of value in it. The survivors were deported by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon; they were to serve him and his descendants as slaves until the kingdom of Persia came to power. This is how the work the Lord was fulfilled that he spoke through Jeremiah, "The land will lie desolate for seventy years, to make up for its Sabbath rests that have not been observed." And in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill what he had stated through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to issue the following command and send it out in writing to be read aloud everywhere in his kingdom: "Thus speaks Cyrus king of Persia: the Lord, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has ordered me to build him a house in Jerusalem, in Judah. Now, all of you who belong to his people, go there and may the Lord your God be with you."
Second Reading (Ephesians 2: 4-10)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians.
God, who is rich in mercy, revealed his immense love. As we were dead through our sins, he gave us life with Christ. By grace you have been saved! And he raised us to life with Christ, giving us a place with him in heaven. In showing us such kindness in Christ Jesus, God willed to reveal and unfold in the coming ages the extraordinary riches of his grace. By the grace of God you have been saved through faith. This has not come from you: it is God's gift. This was not the result of your works, so you are not to feel proud. What we are is God's work. He has created us in Christ Jesus for the good works he has prepared that we should devote ourselves to them.
Gospel (John 3: 14-21)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Jesus teaches this to Nicodemus. He states: "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 love 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. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned. He who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God. This is how the Judgment is made: Light has come into the world and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For whoever does wrong hates the light and does not come to the light for fear that his deeds will be shown as evil. But whoever lives according to the truth comes into the light so that it can be clearly seen that his works have been done in God."
Sunday, March 15, 2009
3rd Sunday of Lent
Date: March 15, 2009
First Reading (Exodus 20: 1-17)
A reading from the book of Exodus.
God spoke all these words. He stated, "I am Yahweh your God who brought you out of them land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Do not have other gods before me. Do not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven, or on the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them. For I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, for the sin of the fathers, when they rebel against me, I punish the sons, the grandsons and the great-grandsons; but I show steadfast love until the thousandth generation for those who love me and keep my commandments. Do not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain for Yahweh will not leave unpunished anyone who takes his name in vain. Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. For six days you will labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath for Yahweh your God. Do not work on that day, neither you, nor your son, nor your daughter nor your servants, men or women, nor your animals, nor the stranger who is staying with you. For in six days Yahweh made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day he rested; that is why Yahweh has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. Honor your father and your mother that you may have a long life in the land that Yahweh has given you. Do not kill. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not give false witness against your neighbor. Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, or his servant, man or woman, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is his."
Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1: 22-25)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Brothers and sisters: The Jews ask for miracles and the Greeks for a higher knowledge, while we proclaim a crucified Messiah. For the Jews, what a great scandal! And for the Greeks, what nonsense! But he is Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God for those called by God among both Jews and Greeks. In reality, the "foolishness" of God is wiser than humans, and the "weakness" of God is stronger than humans.
Gospel (John 2: 13-25)
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, Jesus drove them all out of the Temple court, together with the oxen and 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 turning my Father's house into a marketplace!" Jesus' disciples recalled the words of Scripture: Zeal for your House devours me as a 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." The Jews then replied, "The building of this temple has already taken forty-six years, and you will 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. Jesus stayed in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival and many believed in his Name when they saw the miraculous signs he performed. But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew all of them. he had no need of evidence about anyone for he himself knew what there was in each one.
First Reading (Exodus 20: 1-17)
A reading from the book of Exodus.
God spoke all these words. He stated, "I am Yahweh your God who brought you out of them land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Do not have other gods before me. Do not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven, or on the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them. For I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, for the sin of the fathers, when they rebel against me, I punish the sons, the grandsons and the great-grandsons; but I show steadfast love until the thousandth generation for those who love me and keep my commandments. Do not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain for Yahweh will not leave unpunished anyone who takes his name in vain. Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. For six days you will labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath for Yahweh your God. Do not work on that day, neither you, nor your son, nor your daughter nor your servants, men or women, nor your animals, nor the stranger who is staying with you. For in six days Yahweh made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day he rested; that is why Yahweh has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. Honor your father and your mother that you may have a long life in the land that Yahweh has given you. Do not kill. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not give false witness against your neighbor. Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, or his servant, man or woman, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is his."
Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1: 22-25)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Brothers and sisters: The Jews ask for miracles and the Greeks for a higher knowledge, while we proclaim a crucified Messiah. For the Jews, what a great scandal! And for the Greeks, what nonsense! But he is Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God for those called by God among both Jews and Greeks. In reality, the "foolishness" of God is wiser than humans, and the "weakness" of God is stronger than humans.
Gospel (John 2: 13-25)
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, Jesus drove them all out of the Temple court, together with the oxen and 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 turning my Father's house into a marketplace!" Jesus' disciples recalled the words of Scripture: Zeal for your House devours me as a 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." The Jews then replied, "The building of this temple has already taken forty-six years, and you will 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. Jesus stayed in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival and many believed in his Name when they saw the miraculous signs he performed. But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew all of them. he had no need of evidence about anyone for he himself knew what there was in each one.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
2nd Sunday of Lent
Date: March 8, 2009
First Reading (Genesis 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, and 15-18)
A reading from the book of Genesis.
Some time later, God tested Abraham and stated to him, "Abraham!" And he answered, "Here I am." Then God stated, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom your love, and go to the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I shall point out to you." When Abraham arrived at the place where God directed them, Abraham built the altar and set the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the wood placed on the altar. He then stretched out his hand to seize the knife and slay his son. But the Angel of God called to Abraham from heaven before he had a chance to kill his son. "Abraham! Abraham!" And he stated, "Here I am." "Do not lay your hand on the boy; do not harm him, for now I know that you actually fear God, and you have not held back from me your only son." Abraham looked around and saw behind him a ram caught by its horns in a bush. He offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. And the Angel of God called from heaven a second time, "By myself I have sworn, it is the Lord who speaks, because you have done this and not held back your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the lands of their enemies. All the nations of the earth will be blessed through your descendants because you have obeyed me."
Second Reading (Romans 8: 31b-34)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: If God is with us, who shall be against us? If he did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not give us all things with him? Who shall accuse those chosen by God: he takes away their guilt. Who will dare to condemn them? Christ who died, and better still, rose and is seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us?
Gospel (Mark 9: 2-10)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain. There his appearance was changed before their eyes. Even his clothes shone, becoming as white as no bleach of this world could make them. Elijah and Moses appeared to them; the two were talking with Jesus. The Peter spoke and stated to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." For he did not know what to say; they were overcome with awe. But a cloud formed, covering them in a shadow, and from the cloud came this word, "This is my Son, my Beloved; listen to him." And suddenly, as they looked around, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus with them; Moses and Elijah vanished. As they came down the mountain, Jesus ordered them to tell nobody what they had seen, until the Son of Man be risen from the dead. So they kept this to themselves, despite the fact they discussed with one another what 'to rise from the dead' could possibly define.
First Reading (Genesis 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, and 15-18)
A reading from the book of Genesis.
Some time later, God tested Abraham and stated to him, "Abraham!" And he answered, "Here I am." Then God stated, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom your love, and go to the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I shall point out to you." When Abraham arrived at the place where God directed them, Abraham built the altar and set the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the wood placed on the altar. He then stretched out his hand to seize the knife and slay his son. But the Angel of God called to Abraham from heaven before he had a chance to kill his son. "Abraham! Abraham!" And he stated, "Here I am." "Do not lay your hand on the boy; do not harm him, for now I know that you actually fear God, and you have not held back from me your only son." Abraham looked around and saw behind him a ram caught by its horns in a bush. He offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. And the Angel of God called from heaven a second time, "By myself I have sworn, it is the Lord who speaks, because you have done this and not held back your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the lands of their enemies. All the nations of the earth will be blessed through your descendants because you have obeyed me."
Second Reading (Romans 8: 31b-34)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: If God is with us, who shall be against us? If he did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not give us all things with him? Who shall accuse those chosen by God: he takes away their guilt. Who will dare to condemn them? Christ who died, and better still, rose and is seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us?
Gospel (Mark 9: 2-10)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain. There his appearance was changed before their eyes. Even his clothes shone, becoming as white as no bleach of this world could make them. Elijah and Moses appeared to them; the two were talking with Jesus. The Peter spoke and stated to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." For he did not know what to say; they were overcome with awe. But a cloud formed, covering them in a shadow, and from the cloud came this word, "This is my Son, my Beloved; listen to him." And suddenly, as they looked around, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus with them; Moses and Elijah vanished. As they came down the mountain, Jesus ordered them to tell nobody what they had seen, until the Son of Man be risen from the dead. So they kept this to themselves, despite the fact they discussed with one another what 'to rise from the dead' could possibly define.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
1st Sunday of Lent
Date: March 1, 2009
First Reading (Genesis 9: 8–15)
A reading from the book of Genesis.
God spoke to Noah and his son, "See I am making a covenant with you and with your descendants after you; also with every living animal with you: birds, cattle, that is, with every living creature of the earth that came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you. Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." God stated, "This is the sign of the covenant I make between me and you, and every animal living with you for all future generations. I set my bow in the clouds and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember the covenant between me and you and every kind of living creature, so that never again will floodwaters destroy all flesh."
Second Reading (1 Peter 3: 18–22)
A reading from the first letter of Peter.
Remember how Christ died, once and for all, for our sins. He, the just one, died for the unjust in order to lead us to God. He died as humans do, but was raised to life by the Spirit, and it was then that he went to preach to the imprisoned spirits. They were the generation who did not believe when God, in his great patience, delayed punishing the world while Noah was building the ark in which a small group of eight people escaped through water. That was a type of the baptism which now saves you; this baptism is not a matter of physical cleansing but of asking God to reconcile us through the resurrection of Christ Jesus. He has ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, having subjected the angels, Dominations and Powers.
Gospel (Mark 1: 12–15)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
The Spirit drove Jesus into the desert. He stayed in the desert for forty days and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, but angels ministered to him. After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee and began preaching the Good News of God. He proclaimed, "The time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Change your ways and believe in the Good News."
First Reading (Genesis 9: 8–15)
A reading from the book of Genesis.
God spoke to Noah and his son, "See I am making a covenant with you and with your descendants after you; also with every living animal with you: birds, cattle, that is, with every living creature of the earth that came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you. Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." God stated, "This is the sign of the covenant I make between me and you, and every animal living with you for all future generations. I set my bow in the clouds and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember the covenant between me and you and every kind of living creature, so that never again will floodwaters destroy all flesh."
Second Reading (1 Peter 3: 18–22)
A reading from the first letter of Peter.
Remember how Christ died, once and for all, for our sins. He, the just one, died for the unjust in order to lead us to God. He died as humans do, but was raised to life by the Spirit, and it was then that he went to preach to the imprisoned spirits. They were the generation who did not believe when God, in his great patience, delayed punishing the world while Noah was building the ark in which a small group of eight people escaped through water. That was a type of the baptism which now saves you; this baptism is not a matter of physical cleansing but of asking God to reconcile us through the resurrection of Christ Jesus. He has ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, having subjected the angels, Dominations and Powers.
Gospel (Mark 1: 12–15)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
The Spirit drove Jesus into the desert. He stayed in the desert for forty days and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, but angels ministered to him. After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee and began preaching the Good News of God. He proclaimed, "The time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Change your ways and believe in the Good News."
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