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Bible readings

Daily mass readings for June 9, 2024

Daily mass readings : Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 : Gn 3:9-15

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree,
the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?”
He answered, “I heard you in the garden;
but I was afraid, because I was naked,
so I hid myself.”
Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked?
You have eaten, then,
from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!”
The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me—
she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.”
The LORD God then asked the woman,
“Why did you do such a thing?”
The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.”

Then the LORD God said to the serpent:
“Because you have done this, you shall be banned
from all the animals
and from all the wild creatures;
on your belly shall you crawl,
and dirt shall you eat
all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike at your head,
while you strike at his heel.”

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R. (7bc) With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to my voice in supplication.
R. With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.
If you, O LORD, mark iniquities,
LORD, who can stand?
But with you is forgiveness,
that you may be revered.
R. With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn,
let Israel wait for the LORD.
R. With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.
For with the LORD is kindness
and with him is plenteous redemption
and he will redeem Israel
from all their iniquities.
R. With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

Reading 2 : 2 Cor 4:13—5:1

Brothers and sisters:
Since we have the same spirit of faith,
according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,
we too believe and therefore we speak,
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus
will raise us also with Jesus
and place us with you in his presence.
Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
Therefore, we are not discouraged;
rather, although our outer self is wasting away,
our inner self is being renewed day by day.
For this momentary light affliction
is producing for us an eternal weight of glory
beyond all comparison,
as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen;
for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent,
should be destroyed,
we have a building from God,
a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.

Alleluia : Jn 12:31b-32

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Now the ruler of the world will be driven out, says the Lord;
and when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mk 3:20-35

Jesus came home with his disciples.
Again the crowd gathered,
making it impossible for them even to eat.
When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him,
for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said,
“He is possessed by Beelzebul,”
and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables,
“How can Satan drive out Satan?
If a kingdom is divided against itself,
that kingdom cannot stand.
And if a house is divided against itself,
that house will not be able to stand.
And if Satan has risen up against himself
and is divided, he cannot stand;
that is the end of him.
But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property
unless he first ties up the strong man.
Then he can plunder the house.
Amen, I say to you,
all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be
forgiven them.
But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
will never have forgiveness,
but is guilty of an everlasting sin.”
For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

His mother and his brothers arrived.
Standing outside they sent word to him and called him.
A crowd seated around him told him,
“Your mother and your brothers and your sisters
are outside asking for you.”
But he said to them in reply,
“Who are my mother and my brothers?”
And looking around at those seated in the circle he said,
“Here are my mother and my brothers.
For whoever does the will of God
is my brother and sister and mother.”


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St. Paul Miki

St. Paul Miki

Feast dayDecember 15
Death61855

St. Paul Miki was a notable figure in the history of Christianity in Japan. Here are some key details about his life and significance:

Early Life

  • Birth: Paul Miki was born in 1562 in Japan to a wealthy family. He was educated by the Jesuits and joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) as a novice.

Missionary Work

  • Missionary Activities: As a Jesuit seminarian, Paul Miki was known for his eloquent preaching and dedication to spreading Christianity in Japan, which was increasingly under scrutiny and persecution from local authorities.

Martyrdom

  • Arrest and Persecution: In 1596, Paul Miki and 25 other Christians (both foreign missionaries and Japanese converts) were arrested by the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was the de facto ruler of Japan. This was part of a broader crackdown on Christianity, which was seen as a threat to national unity and stability.
  • Execution: On February 5, 1597, Paul Miki and his companions were executed by crucifixion on a hill near Nagasaki, known as the site of the “Martyrs of Japan.” Even while being crucified, Paul Miki continued to preach to the people, forgiving his executioners and affirming his faith in Christ.

Legacy

  • Canonization: Paul Miki and his companions, known as the 26 Martyrs of Japan, were beatified by Pope Urban VIII in 1627 and canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862.
  • Feast Day: Their feast day is celebrated on February 6.
  • Impact: St. Paul Miki and his fellow martyrs are remembered for their steadfast faith and courage in the face of persecution. They are an important symbol of the early Christian community in Japan and their enduring legacy in the history of the Church.

St. Paul Miki’s life and martyrdom highlight the challenges and sacrifices faced by early Christian missionaries and converts in Japan, and his story continues to inspire many in their faith.


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Daily mass readings for June 8, 2024

Daily mass readings : Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Reading 1 : 2 Tm 4:1-8

Beloved:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine
but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity,
will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth
and will be diverted to myths.
But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances;
put up with hardship;
perform the work of an evangelist;
fulfill your ministry.

For I am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well;
I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 71:8-9, 14-15ab, 16-17, 22

R. (see 15ab) I will sing of your salvation.
My mouth shall be filled with your praise,
with your glory day by day.
Cast me not off in my old age;
as my strength fails, forsake me not.
R. I will sing of your salvation.
But I will always hope
and praise you ever more and more.
My mouth shall declare your justice,
day by day your salvation.
R. I will sing of your salvation.
I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord;
O GOD, I will tell of your singular justice.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
R. I will sing of your salvation.
So will I give you thanks with music on the lyre,
for your faithfulness, O my God!
I will sing your praises with the harp,
O Holy One of Israel!
R. I will sing of your salvation.

Alleluia : See Lk 2:19

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed is the Virgin Mary who kept the word of God
and pondered it in her heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Lk 2:41-51

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,
and when he was twelve years old,
they went up according to festival custom.
After they had completed its days, as they were returning,
the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem,
but his parents did not know it.
Thinking that he was in the caravan,
they journeyed for a day
and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances,
but not finding him,
they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the temple,
sitting in the midst of the teachers,
listening to them and asking them questions,
and all who heard him were astounded
at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him,
they were astonished,
and his mother said to him,
“Son, why have you done this to us?
Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”
And he said to them,
“Why were you looking for me?
Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what he said to them.
He went down with them and came to Nazareth,
and was obedient to them;
and his mother kept all these things in her heart.


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Daily mass readings June 7, 2024

Daily mass readings : Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Reading 1 : Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9

Thus says the LORD:
When Israel was a child I loved him,
out of Egypt I called my son.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
who took them in my arms;
I drew them with human cords,
with bands of love;
I fostered them like one
who raises an infant to his cheeks;
Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,
they did not know that I was their healer.

My heart is overwhelmed,
my pity is stirred.
I will not give vent to my blazing anger,
I will not destroy Ephraim again;
For I am God and not a man,
the Holy One present among you;
I will not let the flames consume you.

Responsorial Psalm : Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.

R. (3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Reading 2 : Eph 3:8-12, 14-19

Brothers and sisters:
To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,
to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,
and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery
hidden from ages past in God who created all things,
so that the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known through the church
to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.
This was according to the eternal purpose
that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness of speech
and confidence of access through faith in him.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Alleluia : Mt 11:29ab

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord;
and learn from me, for I am meek and gentle of heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or

1 Jn 4:10b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God first loved us
and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Jn 19:31-37

Since it was preparation day,
in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,
for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,
the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken
and they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first
and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,
they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,
and immediately blood and water flowed out.
An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;
he knows that he is speaking the truth,
so that you also may come to believe.
For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled:
Not a bone of it will be broken.
And again another passage says:
They will look upon him whom they have pierced.


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St. Florian

St. Florian

Feast dayDecember 15
Death61855

St. Florian is a revered saint in the Catholic Church. Known for his bravery and protection against fire, he is often invoked by firefighters and those in danger of fire. The title St. Florian carries a sense of reverence and respect within religious circles. St. Florian’s reputation as a patron saint of firefighters and fire protection has made him an important figure in Catholicism. Many people turn to him in times of danger or crisis, seeking his intercession and guidance. His legacy as a courageous and protective saint has resonated with believers for centuries.

The devotion to St. Florian continues to inspire and offer solace to those facing the destructive force of fire. St. Florian holds a significant place in the Catholic Church due to his bravery and his role as a protector against fire. Firefighters and individuals at risk of fire often invoke him for assistance. The title of St. Florian is highly regarded and respected within religious communities. His association with firefighters and fire protection has established him as an influential figure in Catholicism. Many individuals seek his intercession and guidance during times of peril or emergency.

St. Florian’s legacy as a courageous and protective saint has deeply impacted believers throughout history. The devotion to St. Florian remains a source of inspiration and comfort for those confronting the destructive power of fire. Florian has become a symbol of hope and support for those facing the devastating force of fire. The Catholic Church reveres St. Florian for his bravery and role as a guardian against fire. Firefighters and individuals at risk of fire often turn to him for assistance. St. Florian’s title holds great esteem and reverence within religious communities. His association with fire protection has solidified his influential status in Catholicism. Many individuals seek his intercession and guidance in times of danger or crisis. Florian’s legacy as a courageous and protective saint has had a profound impact on believers throughout history. The devotion to St. Florian continues to inspire and provide solace to those confronting the destructive power of fire.


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Daily mass readings for June 6, 2024

Daily mass readings : Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 : 2 Tm 2:8-15

Beloved:
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:
such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering,
even to the point of chains, like a criminal.
But the word of God is not chained.
Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,
so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,
together with eternal glory.
This saying is trustworthy:

If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him.
But if we deny him
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.

Remind people of these things
and charge them before God to stop disputing about words.
This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.
Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God,
a workman who causes no disgrace,
imparting the word of truth without deviation.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14

R. (4) Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
he teaches the humble his way.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy
toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,
and his covenant, for their instruction.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Alleluia : See 2 Tm 1:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mk 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,
“Which is the first of all the commandments?”
Jesus replied, “The first is this:
Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength.

The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these.”
The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher.
You are right in saying,
He is One and there is no other than he.
And to love him with all your heart,
with all your understanding,
with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself

is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding,
he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
And no one dared to ask him any more questions.


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St. Simon

St. Simon

Feast dayDecember 15
Death61855

St. Simon, also known as Simon the Zealot, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Here are some key points about him:

  1. Identity and Title:
  • Simon is often referred to as Simon the Zealot to distinguish him from Simon Peter, another apostle.
  • The title “Zealot” may indicate his previous membership in a Jewish nationalist movement or simply describe his zealousness for Jewish law and customs.
  1. Role as an Apostle:
  • As one of the twelve apostles, Simon the Zealot was chosen by Jesus to be part of his closest group of followers. His role involved spreading Jesus’ teachings and playing a part in the early Christian church’s formation.
  1. Biblical Mentions:
  • Simon the Zealot is mentioned in the New Testament in the lists of apostles found in the Gospels of Matthew (10:4), Mark (3:18), and Luke (6:15), as well as in the Acts of the Apostles (1:13).
  1. Historical and Legendary Accounts:
  • Historical details about Simon the Zealot’s life and ministry are scarce. However, various traditions and legends suggest he may have traveled to Persia, Egypt, and/or Armenia to spread Christianity.
  • Some accounts claim he was martyred, although the specifics vary widely between traditions. Common legends suggest he was either crucified, sawed in half, or died a peaceful death.
  1. Feast Day:
  • The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. Simon the Zealot on October 28, often in conjunction with St. Jude Thaddeus. The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates him on May 10.
  1. Symbols and Iconography:
  • In Christian art, Simon the Zealot is often depicted with a saw, reflecting the manner of his martyrdom according to some traditions.
  • Other symbols associated with him include a fish (representing his role as a “fisher of men”) or a book, indicating his spreading of the Gospel.

St. Simon’s life and ministry, though not extensively documented in the Bible, highlight his dedication and zeal in following and spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ.


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Daily mass readings for 5 June 2024

Daily mass readings : Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

Reading 1 : 2 Tm 1:1-3, 6-12

Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
for the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
to Timothy, my dear child:
grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father
and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am grateful to God,
whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did,
as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day.

For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame
the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice
but rather of power and love and self-control.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,
nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;
but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel
with the strength that comes from God.

He saved us and called us to a holy life,
not according to our works
but according to his own design
and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began,
but now made manifest
through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus,
who destroyed death and brought life and immortality
to light through the Gospel,
for which I was appointed preacher and Apostle and teacher.
On this account I am suffering these things;
but I am not ashamed,
for I know him in whom I have believed
and am confident that he is able to guard
what has been entrusted to me until that day.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 123:1b-2ab, 2cdef

R. (1b) To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.
To you I lift up my eyes
who are enthroned in heaven.
Behold, as the eyes of servants
are on the hands of their masters.
R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.
As the eyes of a maid
are on the hands of her mistress,
So are our eyes on the LORD, our God,
till he have pity on us.
R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.

Alleluia : Jn 11:25a, 26

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord;
whoever believes in me will never die.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mk 12:18-27

Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection,
came to Jesus and put this question to him, saying,
“Teacher, Moses wrote for us,
If someone’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child,
his brother must take the wife
and raise up descendants for his brother.

Now there were seven brothers.
The first married a woman and died, leaving no descendants.
So the second brother married her and died, leaving no descendants,
and the third likewise.
And the seven left no descendants.
Last of all the woman also died.
At the resurrection when they arise whose wife will she be?
For all seven had been married to her.”
Jesus said to them, “Are you not misled
because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?
When they rise from the dead,
they neither marry nor are given in marriage,
but they are like the angels in heaven.
As for the dead being raised,
have you not read in the Book of Moses,
in the passage about the bush, how God told him,
I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob?

He is not God of the dead but of the living.
You are greatly misled.”


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St. Apollonia

St. Apollonia

Feast dayDecember 15
Death61855

St. Apollonia, also known as Apollonia of Alexandria, is a Christian saint and martyr who lived during the 3rd century. She is particularly venerated in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Her feast day is celebrated on February 9.

Historical Background

Apollonia was an elderly deaconess in Alexandria, Egypt. During an anti-Christian uprising that took place around 249 AD, she was seized by a mob that subjected her to brutal torture. According to historical accounts, including those by early Christian writers such as Eusebius of Caesarea, Apollonia had her teeth violently pulled out or shattered as part of her torture. The mob then built a pyre and threatened to burn her alive unless she renounced her faith. In a remarkable act of defiance and devotion, Apollonia willingly threw herself into the flames rather than renounce Christianity.

Patronage

St. Apollonia is the patron saint of dentists, dental diseases, and those suffering from toothaches. Her connection to dentistry and dental ailments comes from the manner of her torture and martyrdom. She is often invoked by people experiencing dental pain.

Iconography

In religious art, St. Apollonia is typically depicted holding a pair of pincers or forceps, which may be shown gripping a tooth, symbolizing the method of her martyrdom. She may also be depicted with a martyr’s palm, a book, or a crown of martyrdom.

Legacy

St. Apollonia’s story has inspired many within the Christian community, particularly those in the field of dentistry. Churches dedicated to her and stained glass windows depicting her martyrdom can be found throughout the world. Her story is a testament to the strength of faith and the willingness to endure suffering for one’s beliefs.

Veneration

The veneration of St. Apollonia began shortly after her death and has continued through the centuries. Her relics are said to be scattered in various churches, with some of the most notable being housed in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome. Devotion to St. Apollonia is particularly strong in areas where dental care and tooth ailments are of significant concern.

Modern Significance

Today, St. Apollonia is remembered not only for her courage and faith but also as a symbol of the trials faced by early Christians. She serves as an inspiration to many who face their own “toothache” moments in life, symbolizing the triumph of faith over adversity.


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Daily mass readings for June 4, 2024

Daily mass readings: Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 : 2 Pt 3:12-15a, 17-18

Beloved:
Wait for and hasten the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames
and the elements melted by fire.
But according to his promise
we await new heavens and a new earth
in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you await these things,
be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.
And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned,
be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled
and to fall from your own stability.
But grow in grace
and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Responsorial : 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14 and 16

R.    (1)  In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Before the mountains were begotten
and the earth and the world were brought forth,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
R.    In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.
R.    In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Seventy is the sum of our years,
or eighty, if we are strong,
And most of them are fruitless toil,
for they pass quickly and we drift away.
R.    In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
Let your work be seen by your servants
and your glory by their children.
R.    In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Alleluia : Ephesians 1:17-18

R.    Alleluia, alleluia.
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope
that belongs to his call.
R.    Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mk 12:13-17

Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent
to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech.
They came and said to him,
“Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man
and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion.
You do not regard a person’s status
but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?
Should we pay or should we not pay?”
Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them,
“Why are you testing me?
Bring me a denarius to look at.”
They brought one to him and he said to them,
“Whose image and inscription is this?”
They replied to him, “Caesar’s.”
So Jesus said to them,
“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
and to God what belongs to God.”
They were utterly amazed at him.


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