6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: February 16, 2014

First Reading (Sirach 15: 15–20)
A reading from the book of Sirach.
If you wish, you can keep the commandments and it is in your power to remain faithful. He has set fire and water before you; you stretch out your hand to whichever you prefer. Life and death are set before man: whichever a man prefers will be given him. How magnificent is the wisdom of the Lord! He is powerful and all-seeing. His eyes are on those who fear him. He knows all the works of man. He has commanded no one to be godless and has given no one permission to sin.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 2: 6–10)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Brothers and sisters: We do speak of wisdom to the mature in faith, although it is not a wisdom of his world or of its rulers, who, by the way, come to nothing. We teach the mystery and secret plan of divine wisdom, which God destined from the beginning to bring us to Glory. No ruler of this world ever knew this; otherwise they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. But as Scripture states: Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it dawned on the mind what God has prepared for those who love him. God has revealed it to us, through his Spirit, because the Spirit probes everything, even the depth of God.

Gospel (Matthew 5: 17–37)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus continued to teach the crowd while his disciples gathered around him. Jesus stated: "Do not think that I have come to remove the Law and the Prophets. I have not come to remove but to fulfill them. I tell you this: as long as heaven and earth last, not the smallest letter or stroke of the Law will change until all is fulfilled. So then, whoever breaks the least important of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be the least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys them and teaches other to do the same will be great in the kingdom of heaven. I tell you, then, that if you are not righteous in a much broader way than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was stated to our people in the past: Do not commit murder; anyone who does kill will have to face trial. But now I tell you: whoever gets angry with a brother or sister will have to face trial. Whoever insults a brother or sister deserves to be brought before the council; whoever humiliates a brother or sister deserves to be thrown into the fire of hell. So, if you are about to offer your gift at the altar and you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with him, and then come back and offer your gift to God. Do not forget this: be reconciled with your opponent quickly when you are together on the way to court. Otherwise, he will turn you over to the judge, who will hand you over to the police, who will put you in jail. There you will stay, until you have paid the last penny. You have heard that it was stated: Do not commit adultery. But I tell you this: anyone who looks at a woman to satisfy his lust has in fact already committed adultery with her in his heart. So, if your right eye causes you to sin, pull it out and throw it away! It is much better for you to lose a part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell. If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away! It is better for you to lose a part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell. It was also stated: anyone who divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce. But what I tell you is this: If a man divorces his wife except in the case of unlawful union, he causes her to commit adultery. And the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. You have also heard that people were told in the past: Do not break your oath; an oath sworn to the Lord must be kept. But I tell you this: do not take oaths. Do not swear by the heavens, for they are God's throne, nor by the earth, because it is his footstool, nor be Jerusalem because it is the city of the great king. Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. Say yes when you mean yes and say no when you mean no. Anything else you say comes from the devil."

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: February 9, 2014

First Reading (Isaiah 58: 7–10)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Fast by sharing your food with the hungry, bring to your house the homeless, clothe the one you see naked and do not turn away from your own kin. Then will your light will break forth as the dawn and your healing come in a flash. Your righteousness will be your vanguard, the Glory of the Lord you rearguard. Then you will call and the Lord will answer, you will cry and he will say, 'I am here.' If you removed from your midst the yoke, the clenched fist and the wicked word, if you share your food with the hungry and give relief to the oppressed, then your light will rise in the dark, your night will be like noon.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 2: 1–5)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Brothers and sisters: When I came to reveal to you the mystery of God's plan I did not count on eloquence or on a show of learning. I was determined not to know anything among you but Jesus, the Messiah, and a crucified Messiah. I myself came weak, fearful and trembling; my words and preaching were not brilliant or clever to win listeners. It was, rather, a demonstration of spirit and power, so that your faith might be a matter, not of human wisdom, but of God's power.

Gospel (Matthew 5: 13–16)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus continued to teach the crowd while his disciples gathered around him. Jesus stated: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt has lost its strength, how can it be made salty again? It has become useless. It can only be thrown away and people will trample on it. You are the light of the world. A city built on a mountain cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead it is put on a lampstand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do and praise your Father in heaven."

Celebration of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Date: February 2, 2013

First Reading (Malachi 3: 1–4)
A reading from the book of the prophet Malachi.
Now I am sending my messenger ahead of me to clear the way; then suddenly the Lord for whom you long will enter the sanctuary. The envoy of the covenant which you so greatly desire already comes, says the Lord of hosts. Who can bear the day of this coming and remain standing when he appears? For he will be like fire in the foundry and like the lye used for bleaching. He will be as a refiner or a fuller. He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. So the Lord will have priests who will present the offering of Judah and Jerusalem, as in former days.

Second Reading (Hebrews 2: 14–18)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews.
Because all those children share one same nature of flesh and blood, Jesus likewise had to share this nature. This is why his death destroyed the one holding the power of death, that is the devil, and freed those who remained in bondage all their lifetime because of the fear of death. Jesus came to take by the hand not the angels but the human race. So he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every respect, in order to be the High Priest faithful to God and merciful to them, a priest able to ask pardon and atone for their sins. Having been tested through suffering, he is able to help those who are tested.

Gospel (Luke 2: 22–40)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
When the day came for the purification according to the law of Moses, they brought the baby up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to God. And they offered a sacrifice as ordered in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. There lived in Jerusalem at this time a very upright and devout man named Simeon; the Holy Spirit was in him. He looked forward to the time when the Lord would comfort Israel, and he had been assured by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah of the Lord. So he was led into the Temple by the Holy Spirit at the time the parents brought the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law. Simeon took the child in his arms and blessed God, stating, "Now, O Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace, for you have fulfilled your word and my eyes have seen your salvation, which you display for all the people to see. here is the light you will reveal to the nations and the glory of your people Israel." His father and mother wondered at what was stated about the child. Simeon blessed them and stated to Mary, his mother, "See him; he will be for the rise or fall of the multitudes of Israel. He shall stand as a sign of contradiction, while a sword will pierce your own soul. Then the secret thoughts of many may be brought to light." There was also a prophetess named Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. After leaving her father's home, she had been seven years with her husband, and since then she had been continually about the Temple, serving God as a widow night and day in fasting and prayer. She was now eighty-four. Coming up at that time, she gave praise to God and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. When the parents had fulfilled all that was required by the law of the Lord, they returned to their town, Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew in stature and strength and was filled with wisdom: the grace of God was upon him.

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: January 26, 2014

First Reading (Isaiah 8:23 – 9:3)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. 
Yet, where there was but anguish, darkness will disappear. He has just afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the future he will confer glory on the way of the sea, on the land beyond the Jordan – the pagans' Galilee. 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. 

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1: 10–13 and 17) 
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians. 
I beg of you, brothers and sisters, in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord, to agree among yourselves and do away with divisions; please be perfectly united, with one mind and one judgment. For I heard from people of Cloe's house about your rivalries. What I mean is this: some state, "I am for Paul," and others: "I am for Apollo," or "I am for Peter," or "I am for Christ." Is Christ divided or have I, Paul, been crucified for you? Have you been baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim his Gospel. And not with beautiful, eloquent words! That would be like getting rid of the cross of Christ. 

Gospel (Matthew 4: 12–23) 
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. 
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to settle down in Capernaum, a town by the lake of Galilee, at the border of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the word of the prophet Isaiah was fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali crossed by the Road of the Sea, and you who live by the Jordan, Galilee, land of pagans, listen: The people who lived in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in the land of the shadow of death, a light has shone. From that time on Jesus began to proclaim his message, "Change your ways: the kingdom of heaven is near." As Jesus walked by the lake of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. He stated to them, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fish for people." At once they left their nets and followed him. He went on from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them. At once they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus went around all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, and curing all kinds of sickness and disease among the people.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: January 19, 2014

First Reading (Isaiah 49: 3 and 5–6) 
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. 
The Lord stated to me, "You are Israel, my servant, through you I will be known." And now the Lord has spoken, he who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, to gather Israel to him. He stated: "It is not enough that you be my servant, to restore the tribes of Jacob, to bring back the remnant of Israel. I will make you the light of the nations, that my salvation will reach to the ends of the earth." 

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1: 1–3)
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians. 
From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and from Sosthenes, our brother, to God's Church which is in Corinth; to you whom God has sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with those who everywhere call upon your name of our Lord Christ Jesus, their Lord and ours. Receive grace and peace from God our Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Gospel (John 1: 29–34)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John. 
The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and stated, "There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. It is he of whom I stated: A man comes after me who is already ahead of me, for he was before me. I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing to prepare for him, so that he might be revealed in Israel." And John also gave this testimony, "I saw the Spirit coming down on him like a dove from heaven and resting on him. I myself did not know him but God who sent me to baptize told me: 'You will see the Spirit coming down and resting on the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' Yes, I have seen! and I declare that this is the Chosen One of God. 

The Baptism of the Lord

Date: January 12, 2014

First Reading (Isaiah 42: 1–4 and 6–7)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. I have put my spirit upon him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He does not shout or raise his voice; proclamations are not heard in the streets. A broken reed he will not crush, nor will he snuff out the light of the wavering wick. He will make justice appear in truth. He will not waver or be broken until he has established justice on earth; the islands are waiting for his law. I, the Lord, have called you for the sake of justice; I will hold your hand to make you firm; I will make you as a covenant to the people, and as a light to the nations, to open eyes that do not see, to free captives from prison, to bring out to light those who sit in darkness.

Second Reading (Acts 10: 34–38)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Peter then spoke to the people gathered in the house of Cornelius, stating: "Truly, I realize that God does not show partiality, but in all nations he listens to everyone who fears God and does good. And this is the message he has sent to the children of Israel, the good news of peace he has proclaimed through Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all. No doubt you have heard of the event that occurred throughout the whole country of the Jews, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism John preached. You know how God anointed Jesus the Nazarean with Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all who were in the devil's power, because God was with him."

Gospel (Matthew 3: 13–17)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
At that time Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent him, and stated, "How is it you come to me; I should be baptized by you!" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be like that for now that we may fulfill the right order." John concurred. As soon as he was baptized, Jesus came up from the water. At once, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God come down like a dove and rest upon him. At the same time a voice from heaven was heard, "This is my Son, the Beloved; he is my Chosen One."

Solemnity of Mary; the Holy Mother of God

Date: January 1, 2014

First Reading (Numbers 6: 22-27)

A reading from the book of Numbers.

The Lord spoke to Moses stating, "Speak to Aaron and his sons and state to them: This is how you shall bless the people of Israel; you shall say: May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord let his face shine on you, and be gracious to you! May the Lord look kindly on you, and give you his peace! In that way shall they put my name on the people of Israel and I will bless them."

Second Reading (Galatians 4: 4-7)

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

Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time came, God sent his Son. He came born of woman and subject to the Law, in order to redeem the subjects of the Law, that we may be given our full rights of sons and daughters of God. And because you are sons, God has sent into your hearts the Spirit of his which cries out: Abba! that is, Father! You yourself are no longer a slave but a son or daughter, and yours is the inheritance by God's grace.

Gospel (Luke 2: 16-21)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

The shepherds came hurriedly to Bethlehem 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. On the eighth day the circumcision of the baby had to be performed; he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.