October 15, 2018
DAILY MEDITATION
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Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and doctor of the Church
In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he rejoices in our freedom in Christ; we are born as children of the new covenant. In today’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus reprimands the evil generation for seeking a sign; they will be given only the sign of Jonah, and Jesus is greater than the sign of Jonah.
Say YES to the kingdom of God.
Do we reach for God’s kinhgdom with one hand while the other grasps tightly things of this world – power possessions? Can we say yes to the new covenant which promises adoption as children of God, offering eternal life and freedom in Christ? Let’s ask God to help us stand firm and taste the joy of freedom in Christ. Let us pray for the Church, that the Lord may guard and guide her to a deeper knowledge and love of God. Amen.
« October 14 | October 16 »
Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 467
Reading 1 Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1
Brothers and sisters:
It is written that Abraham had two sons,
one by the slave woman and the other by the freeborn woman.
The son of the slave woman was born naturally,
the son of the freeborn through a promise.
Now this is an allegory.
These women represent two covenants.
One was from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery;
this is Hagar.
But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother.
For it is written:
Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children;
break forth and shout, you who were not in labor;
for more numerous are the children of the deserted one
than of her who has a husband.
Therefore, brothers and sisters,
we are children not of the slave woman
but of the freeborn woman.
For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm
and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a and 6-7
- (see 2) Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
both now and forever.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the LORD to be praised.
High above all nations is the LORD;
above the heavens is his glory.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Who is like the LORD, our God,
who looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia Ps 95:8
- Alleluia, alleluia.
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Lk 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,
“This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
October 16, 2018
« October 15 | October 17 »
DAILY MEDITATION
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Memorial of saint Hedwig, religious; Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin
In today’s first reading, Paul warns his readers about following tradition of the old law, such as circumcision, while neglecting the words of examples of Jesus. The Gospel tells of Jesus admonishing a Pharisee for being more concerned with physical appearance than with acts of charity.
Let us strive to live lives of faith working through love.
Rituals by themselves are useless if they are followed only because of tradition. We might hear people say, “we’ve always done it that way”, concerning something spiritual or physical. If we forget the true meaning traditional spiritual exercises, we may be in danger of forgetting that they are there to remind us of our faith, and the Lord’s constant love and call to us. Let us pray for that those who are without the bare necessities for a healthy physical and spiritual life may have the Lord look graciously look upon them and provide for them. Amen.
Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 468
Reading 1 Gal 5:1-6
Brothers and sisters:
For freedom Christ set us free;
so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.
It is I, Paul, who am telling you
that if you have yourselves circumcised,
Christ will be of no benefit to you.
Once again I declare to every man who has himself circumcised
that he is bound to observe the entire law.
You are separated from Christ,
you who are trying to be justified by law;
you have fallen from grace.
For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness.
For in Christ Jesus,
neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything,
but only faith working through love.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48
- (41a) Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
Let your mercy come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise.
R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
Take not the word of truth from my mouth,
for in your ordinances is my hope.
R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
And I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
And I will walk at liberty,
because I seek your precepts.
R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
And I will delight in your commands,
which I love.
R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
And I will lift up my hands to your commands
and meditate on your statutes.
R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
Alleluia Heb 4:12
- Alleluia, alleluia.
The word of God is living and effective,
able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Lk 11:37-41
After Jesus had spoken,
a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home.
He entered and reclined at table to eat.
The Pharisee was amazed to see
that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.
The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees!
Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish,
inside you are filled with plunder and evil.
You fools!
Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?
But as to what is within, give alms,
and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
October 17, 2018
« October 16 | October 18 »
DAILY MEDITATION
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Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
In Galatians, we are taught that if we are guided by the Spirit and not the flesh, we will inherit the kingdom of God. Living in the Spirit, we must also allow the Spirit to guide us in our daily lives. In the Gospel, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their greedy lifestyles, reminding that living selfish is not living in the Spirit.
Living in the Spirit is living a righteous life for God.
If we lived only according to the fruits of the Spirit and not by the flesh, laws would not be needed. Living in the flesh leads to selfishness and is contrary to living a righteous life for God. Love is the essential ingredient for living a righteous life within the laws of the land. Let us pray for the pope and all clergy, may Christ the High Priest conform them ever more closely to himself. Amen.
Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
Lectionary: 469
Reading 1 Gal 5:18-25
Brothers and sisters:
If you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious:
immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry,
sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy,
outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness,
dissensions, factions, occasions of envy,
drinking bouts, orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I warned you before,
that those who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Against such there is no law.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh
with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
- (see Jn 8:12) Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
Alleluia Jn 10:27
- Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Lk 11:42-46
The Lord said:
“Woe to you Pharisees!
You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb,
but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.
These you should have done, without overlooking the others.
Woe to you Pharisees!
You love the seat of honor in synagogues
and greetings in marketplaces.
Woe to you!
You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”
Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply,
“Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.”
And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law!
You impose on people burdens hard to carry,
but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”
October 18, 2018
« October 17 | October 19 »
DAILY MEDITATION
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Saint Luke Evangelist feast
In today’s first reading, Saint Paul asks Timothy to join him soon. He marvels at the strength the Lord has provided him to endure in Evangelization. Paul notes that Luke is with him. In today’s Gospel, Jesus appoints seventy-two of his followers and sends them out in pairs to labor and reap the harvest of discipleship. He instructs them to take nothing as they go out to heal the sick and proclaim ther kingdom.
On the feast of the Evangelist Saint Luke, we strive to hear the ways God calls us by name to go out and announce the Good News.
Discipleship involves both following Christ and evangelizing, both growing in our own faith and going out into the world to share the Good News. Today we pray that, like Saint Luke, we may go out to all the world and proclaim the Gospel without fear and reservation. Let us pray for government officials, may God lead them to greater selflessness as they are called. Amen.
Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist
Lectionary: 661
Reading 1 2 Tm 4:10-17b
Beloved:
Demas, enamored of the present world,
deserted me and went to Thessalonica,
Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
Luke is the only one with me.
Get Mark and bring him with you,
for he is helpful to me in the ministry.
I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas,
the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments.
Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm;
the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
You too be on guard against him,
for he has strongly resisted our preaching.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
Responsorial Psalm ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
- (12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Alleluia See Jn 15:16
- Alleluia, alleluia.
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Lk 10:1-9
The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter,
first say, ‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'”
October 19, 2018
« October 18 | October 20 »
DAILY MEDITATION
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Memorial Saint John Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and companions, Martyrs.
Saint Paul tells the Ephesians and us also, that they have been chosen by God for a purpose – for the praise of his glory. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the pressing crowd of people that each of them is noticed by God. God is so intimately connected with each person that he even knows the number of hairs on their head.
Trust in God, who knows us intimately and guides us in the way we are to go.
Can we look at the created world and not be amazed by what we see? We see beauty and simple complexity which God has created. And in all of this, we are assured that God cares for each and every one of us without exeption. This is God’s message that every missionary proclaims to the world. Let us pray for those experiencing difficulty in their lives may know the tender compassion of God through the kindness of caring people. Amen.
Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests,
and Companions, Martyrs
Lectionary: 471
Reading 1 Eph 1:11-14
Brothers and sisters:
In Christ we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13
- (12) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
For upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down;
he sees all mankind.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Alleluia Ps 33:22
- Alleluia, alleluia.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us;
who have put our hope in you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Lk 12:1-7
At that time:
So many people were crowding together
that they were trampling one another underfoot.
Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,
“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.
“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops.
I tell you, my friends,
do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but after that can do no more.
I shall show you whom to fear.
Be afraid of the one who after killing
has the power to cast into Gehenna;
yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows.”
October 20, 2018
« October 19 | October 21 »
DAILY MEDITATION
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In today’s first reading, the Ephesians receive praise for their faithfulness, as well as prayers for their continued growth as the new body of Christ on earth. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit as unforgivable. He also reassures that the Holy Spirit with those who are persecuted for their belief in Christ.
Let us avoid hardness of heart and blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
The one sin that cannot be forgiven, according to Jesus is blasphemy the Holy Spirit. There are no limits to God’s mercy, but anyone who deliberatly refuses to accept his mercy rejects the forgiveness of his sins and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit. Let us pray for the Church, the Body of Christ, may be strengthened and sanctified through the sacraments. Amen.
Saturday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 472
Reading 1 Eph 1:15-23
Brothers and sisters:
Hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and of your love for all the holy ones,
I do not cease giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers,
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory
in his inheritance among the holy ones,
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power
for us who believe,
in accord with the exercise of his great might,
which he worked in Christ,
raising him from the dead
and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,
far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion,
and every name that is named
not only in this age but also in the one to come.
And he put all things beneath his feet
and gave him as head over all things to the Church,
which is his Body,
the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 8:2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7
- (7) You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
O LORD, our LORD,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
You have exalted your majesty above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings
you have fashioned praise because of your foes.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place—
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
Alleluia Jn 15:26b, 27a
- Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord,
and you also will testify.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Lk 12:8-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you,
everyone who acknowledges me before others
the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.
But whoever denies me before others
will be denied before the angels of God.
“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven,
but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
will not be forgiven.
When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities,
do not worry about how or what your defense will be
or about what you are to say.
For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
October 21, 2018
« October 20 | October 22 »
DAILY MEDITATION
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The prophet Isaiah foretells the burden to be borne by the Suffering Servants, and how through that suffering the world would find redemption. The Writer of Hebrews reminds us that Christ, in sharing our human condition, truly understand our struggles and temptation. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us that discipleship and suffering are intimately related.
Through his suffering, Jesus justifies many and sympathizes with us in our weaknesses.
The coming of the kingdom has renewed all creation. Its fulfillment in Christ will bring complete renewal and hope. Even the difficult issue of suffering is changed. No longer without meaning or purpose, it has become an opportunity to serve and to be intimately joined to Christ the Suffering Servant. Let us pray for all who suffer in mind, body and spirit, may they experience the healing presence of the Lord through the loving presence and care of others. Amen.
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 146
Reading 1 Is 53:10-11
The LORD was pleased
to crush him in infirmity.
If he gives his life as an offering for sin,
he shall see his descendants in a long life,
and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him.
Because of his affliction
he shall see the light in fullness
of days;
through his suffering, my servant shall justify many,
and their guilt he shall bear.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
- (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in you.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
Reading 2 Heb 4:14-16
Brothers and sisters:
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but one who has similarly been tested in every way,
yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace
to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
Alleluia Mk 10:45
- Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Mk 10:35-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him,
“Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?”
They answered him, “Grant that in your glory
we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”
Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the cup that I drink
or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
They said to him, “We can.”
Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink,
and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;
but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.
Jesus summoned them and said to them,
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles
lord it over them,
and their great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served
but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
or MK 10:42-45
Jesus summoned the twelve and said to them,
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles
lord it over them,
and their great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served
but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
