4th Sunday of Advent

Date: December 22, 2013

First Reading (Isaiah 7: 10-14)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Once again the Lord addressed Ahaz, "Ask for a sign from the Lord your God, let it come either from the deepest depths of from the heights of heaven." But Ahaz answered, "I will not ask, I will not put the Lord to the test." Then Isaiah stated, "Now listen, descendants of David. Have you not been satisfied trying the patience of people, that you also try the patience of my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The Virgin is with child and bears a son and calls his name Immanuel."

Second Reading (Romans: 1: 1-7) 
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
From Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, and apostle called and set apart for God's Good News, the very promises he foretold through his prophets in the sacred Scriptures, regarding his Son, who was born in flesh a descendant of David, and has been recognized as the Son of God endowed with Power, upon rising from the dead through the Holy Spirit. Through him, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and for the sake of his Name, we received grace and mission through all the nations, for them to accept the faith. All of you, the elected of Christ, are part of them, you, the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. May God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, give you grace and peace.

Gospel (Matthew 1: 18-24)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

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.

3rd Sunday of Advent

Date: December 15, 2013

First Reading (Isaiah 35: 1–6a and 10)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Let the wilderness and the arid land rejoice, the desert be glad and blossom. Covered with flowers, it sings and shouts with joy, adorned with the splendor of Lebanon, the magnificence of Carmel and Sharon. They, my people, see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Give vigor to weary hands and strength to enfeebled knees. Say 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 the ransomed of the Lord will return: with everlasting joy upon their heads, they will come to Zion singing, gladness and joy marching with them, while sorrow and sighing flee away.

Second Reading (James 5: 7–10)
A reading from the letter of Saint James.
Be patient, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. See how the sower waits for the precious fruits of the earth, looking forward patiently to the autumn and spring rains. You also be patient and do not lose heart, because the Lord's coming is near. Beloved, do not fight among yourselves and you will not be judged. See, the judge is already at the door. Take for yourselves, as an example of patience, the suffering of the prophets who spoke in the Lord's name.

Gospel (Matthew 11: 2–11)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
When John the Baptist heard in prison about the activities of Christ, he sent a message by his disciples, asking him: "Are you the one who is to come or should we expect somebody else?" Jesus answered them, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to life and good news is reaching the poor. And how fortunate is the one who does not take offense at me." As the messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "When you went out to the desert, what did you expect to see? A reed swept by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? People who wear fine clothes live in palaces. What did you actually go out to see? A prophet? Yes, indeed, and even more than a prophet. He is the man of whom Scripture states: I send my messenger ahead of you to prepare the way before you. I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has come forward among the sons of women, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

2nd Sunday of Advent

Date: December 8, 2013

First Reading (Isaiah 11: 1–10)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
From the stump of Jesse a shoot will come forth; from his roots a branch will grow and bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him — a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and power, a Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord. Not by appearances will he judge, nor by what is stated must he decide, but with justice he will judge the poor and with righteousness decide for the meek. Like a rod, his word will strike the oppressor, and the breath of his lips slay the wicked. Justice will be the girdle of his waist, truth the girdle of his loins. The wolf will dwell with the lamb, the leopard will rest beside the kid, the calf and the lion cub will feed together and a little child will lead them. Befriending each other, the cow and the bear will see their young ones lie down together. Like cattle, the lion will eat hay. By the cobra's den the infant will play. The child will put his hand into the viper's lair. No one will harm or destroy over my holy mountain, for as water fills the sea, and the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord. On that day the "Root of Jesse" will be raised as a signal for the nations. The people will come in search of him, thus making his dwelling place glorious.

Second Reading (Romans 15: 4–9)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: We know that whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, for both perseverance and comfort given us by the Scripture sustain our hope. May God, the source of all perseverance and comfort, give to all of you to live in peace in Christ Jesus, that you may be able to praise in one voice God, Father of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Welcome, then, one another, as Christ welcomed you for the glory of God. Look: Christ put himself at the service of the Jewish world to fulfill the promises made by God to their ancestors; here you see God's faithfulness. The pagans instead give thanks to God for his mercy, as Scripture says: Because of that, I will sing and praise your name among the pagans.

Gospel (Matthew 3: 1–12)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
In the course of time John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea and began to proclaim his message, "Change your ways, the Kingdom of heaven is now at hand!" It was about him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he stated, A voice shouting in the desert: prepare a way for the Lord; make his paths straight. John had a leather garment around his waist and wore a cloak of camel's hair; his food was locusts and wild honey. People came to him from Jerusalem, from all Judea and from the whole Jordan valley, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan as they confessed their sins. When he saw several Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he baptized, he stated to them, "Brood of vipers! Who told you that you could escape the punishment that is to come? Let it be seen that you are serious in your conversion, and do not think: We have Abraham for our father. I tell you that God can raise children for Abraham from these stones! The axe is already laid to the roots of the trees; any tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire. I baptize you in water for a change of heart, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than me; indeed I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire. He has the winnowing fan in his hand and he will clear out his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn in everlasting fire."

1st Sunday of Advent

Date: December 1, 2013

First Reading (Isaiah 2: 1–5)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
The vision of Isaiah, son of Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In the last days, the mountain of the Lord's house shall be set over the highest mountains and shall tower over the hills. All the nations shall stream to it, saying, "Come, let us go to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in his paths. For the Teaching comes from Zion, and from Jerusalem the word of the Lord. He will rule over the nations and settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not raise sword against nation; they will train for war no more. O nation of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!"

Second Reading (Romans 13: 11–14)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: You know what hour it is. This is the time to awake, for our salvation is now nearer than when we first believed; the night is almost over and the day is at hand. Let us discard, therefore, everything that belongs to darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. As we live in the full light of day, let us behave with decency; no banquets with drunkenness, no prostitution or vices, no fighting or jealousy. Put on, rather, the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not be led by the will of the flesh nor follow its desires.

Gospel (Matthew 24: 37–44)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus stated this to his disciples, "At the coming of the Son of Man it will be just as it was in the time of Noah. In those days before the Flood, people were eating and drinking, and marrying, until the day when Noah went into the ark. Yet they did not know what would happen until the flood came and swept them away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. Of two men in the field, one will be taken and the other left. Of two women grinding wheat together at the mill, one will be taken and the other left. Stay awake, then, for you do not know what day your Lord will come. Just think about this: if the owner of the house knew that the thief would come by night around a certain hour, he would stay awake to prevent his house to be broken into. So be alert, for the Son of Man will come at the hour you least anticipate.

Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Date: November 24, 2013

First Reading (2 Samuel 5: 1–3)
A reading from the second book of Samuel.
All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and stated, "We are your bone and flesh. In the past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel. And the Lord stated to you, 'You shall be the shepherd of my people Israel and you shall be commander over Israel.'" Before the Lord, King David made a compromise with the elders of Israel who came to him at Hebron, and they anointed him king of Israel.

Second Reading (Colossians 1: 12–20)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians.
Constantly give thanks to the Father who has empowered us to receive our share in the inheritance of the saints in his kingdom of light. He rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. In him we are redeemed and forgiven. He is the image of the unseen God, and for all creation he is the first-born, for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible: thrones, rulers, authorities, powers... All was made through him and for him. He is before all and all things hold together in him. And he is the head of the body, that is the Church, for he is the first, the first raised from the dead that he may be the first in everything, for God was pleased to let fullness dwell in him. Through him God willed to reconcile all things to himself, and through him, through his blood shed on the cross, God establishes peace, on earth as in heaven.

Gospel (Luke 23: 35–43)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
The people stood by watching at the three crucified people on the cross. Jesus was hanging at the center, and two other criminals hanging at the sides of Jesus. As for the rulers, they jeered at him, saying to one another, "Let the man who saved others now save himself, for he is the Messiah, the chosen one of God!" The soldiers also mocked him and when they drew near to offer him bitter wine, they stated, "So you are the king of the Jews? Free yourself!" For above him was an inscription which read, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals hanging with Jesus insulted him, "So you are the Messiah? Save yourself and us as well!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Have you no fear of God, you who received the same sentence as he did? For us it is just: this is payment for what we have done. But this man has done nothing wrong." And he stated, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied, "Truly, you will be with me today in paradise."

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: November 17, 2013

First Reading (Malachi 3: 19–20)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Malachi.
The day already comes, flaming as a furnace. On that day all the proud and evildoers will be burned like straw in the fire. They will be left without branches or roots. On the other hand the sun of justice will shine upon you who respect my Name and bring health in its rays. You will come out leaping like fattened calves.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 3: 7–12)
A reading from the second letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians.
You know how you ought to follow our example: we worked while we were with you. Day and night we labored and toiled so as not to be a burden to any of you. We had the right to act otherwise, but we wanted to give you an example. Besides, while we were with you, we stated clearly: If anyone is not willing to work, neither should that one eat. However, we heard that some among you live in idleness — busybodies, doing no work. In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord we command these people to work and earn their own living.

Gospel (Luke 21: 5–19)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
While some people were talking about the Temple, remarking that it was adorned with fine stone-work and rich gifts, Jesus stated to them, "The days will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another of all that you now admire; all will be torn down." And they asked him, "Master when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" Jesus then stated, "Take care not to be deceived, for many will come claiming my title and stating: 'I am he, the Messiah; the time is at hand.' Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and troubled times, do not be frightened; for all this must happen first, even though the end is not so soon." And Jesus stated, "Nations will fight each other and kingdom will oppose kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues; in many places strange and terrifying signs from heaven will be seen. Before all this happens, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the Jewish courts and be put in prison, and for my sake you will be brought before kings and governors. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to answer, for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, and brothers, by relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. But even though you are hated by all for my name's sake, not a hair of your head will perish. Through perseverance you will possess your own selves."

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: November 10, 2013

First Reading (2 Maccabees 7: 1–2 and 9–14)
A reading from the second book of the Maccabees.
It happened also that seven brothers were arrested with their mother. The king had them scourged and flogged to force them to eat the flesh of a pig which was prohibited by the Law. One of them, speaking in behalf of all, stated, "What do you want to find out from us? We are prepared to die right now rather than break the law of our ancestors." At the moment of his last breath, he stated, "Murderer, you now dismiss us from life, but the King of the world will raise us up. He will give us eternal life since we die for his laws." After this, they punished the third. He stuck his tongue out when asked to, bravely stretched forth his hands, and even had the courage to say: "I have received these limbs from God, but for love of his laws I now consider them as nothing. For I hope to recover them from God." The king and his court were touched by the courage of this young man, so unconcerned about his own sufferings. When this one was dead, they subjected the fourth to the same torture. At the point of death, he cried out, "I would rather die at the hands of mortals, and wait for the promises of God who will raise us up; you, however, shall have no part in the resurrection of life."

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 2:16 – 3:5)
A reading from the second letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians.
Brothers and sisters; May Christ Jesus our Lord who has loved us, may God our Father, who in his mercy gives us everlasting comfort and true hope, strengthen you. May he encourage your hearts and make you steadfast in every good work and word. Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the Word of God may finish the race and be crowned as it was with you. May God guard us from wicked and evil people, since not everyone has faith. The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and keep you safe from the Evil One. Besides, we have in the Lord this confidence that you are doing and will continue to do what we order you. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the perseverance for the sake of Christ.

Gospel (Luke 20: 27–38)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Some Sadducees arrived. These people claim that there is no resurrection and they asked Jesus this question, "Master, in the Scripture Moses told us: 'If anyone dies leaving a wife but no children, his brother must take the wife, and the child to be born will be regarded as the child of the deceased man.' Now, there were seven brothers; the first married a wife, but he died without children; and the second and the third took the wife; in fact all seven died leaving no children. Last of all the woman died. On the day of the resurrection, to which of them will the woman be wife? For the seven had her as wife." And Jesus replied, "Taking husband or wife is proper to people of his world, but for those who are considered worthy of the world to come and of resurrection from the dead, there is no more marriage. Besides, they cannot die for they are like the angels. They too are sons and daughters of God because they are born of the resurrection. Yes, the dead will be raised, and even Moses implied it in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. For he is God of the living and not of the dead, and for him all are alive."