Daily mass readings Aug 24, 2024

Daily mass readings : Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle

Reading 1 : Rv 21:9b-14

The angel spoke to me, saying,
“Come here.
I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain
and showed me the holy city Jerusalem
coming down out of heaven from God.
It gleamed with the splendor of God.
Its radiance was like that of a precious stone,
like jasper, clear as crystal.
It had a massive, high wall,
with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed
and on which names were inscribed,
the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.
There were three gates facing east,
three north, three south, and three west.
The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation,
on which were inscribed the twelve names
of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18

R. (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 : Jn 1:49b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Rabbi, you are the Son of God;
you are the King of Israel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Jn 1:45-51

Philip found Nathanael and told him,
“We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law,
and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
But Nathanael said to him,
“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
“Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him.”
Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Nathanael answered him,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.”
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened and the angels of God
ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Daily mass readings for August 23, 2024

Daily mass readings : Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 : Ez 37:1-14

The hand of the LORD came upon me,
and led me out in the Spirit of the LORD
and set me in the center of the plain,
which was now filled with bones.
He made me walk among the bones in every direction
so that I saw how many they were on the surface of the plain.
How dry they were!
He asked me:
Son of man, can these bones come to life?
I answered, “Lord GOD, you alone know that.”
Then he said to me:
Prophesy over these bones, and say to them:
Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!
Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones:
See! I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life.
I will put sinews upon you, make flesh grow over you,
cover you with skin, and put spirit in you
so that you may come to life and know that I am the LORD.
I prophesied as I had been told,
and even as I was prophesying I heard a noise;
it was a rattling as the bones came together, bone joining bone.
I saw the sinews and the flesh come upon them,
and the skin cover them, but there was no spirit in them.
Then the LORD said to me:
Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, son of man,
and say to the spirit: Thus says the Lord GOD:
From the four winds come, O spirit,
and breathe into these slain that they may come to life.
I prophesied as he told me, and the spirit came into them;
they came alive and stood upright, a vast army.
Then he said to me:
Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel.
They have been saying,
“Our bones are dried up,
our hope is lost, and we are cut off.”
Therefore, prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD:
O my people, I will open your graves
and have you rise from them,
and bring you back to the land of Israel.
Then you shall know that I am the LORD,
when I open your graves and have you rise from them,
O my people!
I will put my spirit in you that you may live,
and I will settle you upon your land;
thus you shall know that I am the LORD.
I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (1) Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say,
those whom he has redeemed from the hand of the foe
And gathered from the lands,
from the east and the west, from the north and the south.
R. Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.
They went astray in the desert wilderness;
the way to an inhabited city they did not find.
Hungry and thirsty,
their life was wasting away within them.
R. Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.
They cried to the LORD in their distress;
from their straits he rescued them.
And he led them by a direct way
to reach an inhabited city.
R. Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercy
and his wondrous deeds to the children of men,
Because he satisfied the longing soul
and filled the hungry soul with good things.
R. Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.

Alleluia : Ps 25:4b, 5a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Teach me your paths, my God,
guide me in your truth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mt 22:34-40

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees,
they gathered together, and one of them,
a scholar of the law, tested him by asking,
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
He said to him,
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

St. Camillus de Lellis

Feast day	September 25
Patron	of Cork, Diocese of Cork
Birth	550
Death	620

St. Camillus de Lellis—a remarkable soul whose life journey took unexpected turns, leading him from the battlefield to the bedside of the sick. Let’s delve into his inspiring story! 🌟🏥

Early Life and Unlikely Beginnings:
- Born on May 25, 1550, in Bucchianico (which was part of the Kingdom of Naples, now in Italy), Camillus de Lellis entered this world with a twist of fate. His mother, Camilla Compelli de Laureto, was nearly fifty when she gave birth to him. His father, an officer in both the Neapolitan and French royal armies, was often away, leaving young Camillus to navigate life with a fiery temperament.
- Imagine a spirited boy, tall for his age, accompanying his father from one military camp to another. At sixteen, he even fought in a war against the Turks. But life had more surprises in store for him.
From Soldier to Healer:
- After years of military service, Camillus found himself wounded and in need of care. He sought refuge in Rome’s San Giacomo Hospital, but his quarrelsome attitude got him expelled. His leg wound, a stubborn companion, refused to heal.
- Down on his luck and having gambled away all his possessions, Camillus took work as a laborer at a Capuchin friary. The guardian there saw beyond his rough exterior and tried to draw out the better side of his nature. 🌿
- Eventually, Camillus had a religious conversion in 1575. His heart softened, and he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin friars. But alas, his leg wound persisted, and the physicians deemed it incurable. Denied admission to that Order, he moved to Rome.
Caregiver and Founder:
- Back at San Giacomo degli Incurabili, Camillus became a caregiver, tending to the sick. His compassion and dedication shone through, and he eventually became the Superintendent of the hospital.
- But Camillus dreamed of more—a mission beyond the walls of that hospital. In 1584, he founded the Camillians, a religious order dedicated to caring for the sick. These “Ministers of the Sick” would follow in his footsteps, bringing healing and hope to those in need.
Patronage and Canonization:
- St. Camillus de Lellis became the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, and the sick. His legacy extended far beyond his own lifetime.
- Beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742 and canonized in 1746, Camillus left an enduring mark. His feast day is celebrated on July 14.
- And here’s a little secret: His assistance is also invoked against gambling. Perhaps he watches over card games with a knowing smile! ♣️🙏

So, next time you step into a hospital or encounter a nurse’s caring touch, remember St. Camillus—the soldier turned healer, the quarrelsome heart transformed by compassion. 🌹✨

¹: Wikipedia ²: Britannica ³: Catholic News Agency

Bible readings for Memorial of Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Reading 1 : Ez 36:23-28

Thus says the LORD:
I will prove the holiness of my great name,
profaned among the nations,
in whose midst you have profaned it.
Thus the nations shall know that I am the LORD, says the Lord GOD,
when in their sight I prove my holiness through you.
For I will take you away from among the nations,
gather you from all the foreign lands,
and bring you back to your own land.
I will sprinkle clean water upon you
to cleanse you from all your impurities,
and from all your idols I will cleanse you.
I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you,
taking from your bodies your stony hearts
and giving you natural hearts.
I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statutes,
careful to observe my decrees.
You shall live in the land I gave your ancestors;
you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Responsorial Psalm :PS 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

R. (Ezekiel 36:25) I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall return to you.
R. I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
R. I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

Alleluia : Ps 95:8

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mt 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables
saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast.”‘
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business.
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them.
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come.
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.’
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests.
But when the king came in to meet the guests
he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.
He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it
that you came in here without a wedding garment?’
But he was reduced to silence.
Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet,
and cast him into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’
Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

St. Alexander of Jerusalem

Feast day	September 25
Patron	of Cork, Diocese of Cork
Birth	550
Death	620

St. Alexander of Jerusalem—a beacon of faith and courage in tumultuous times! Let’s explore the life of this remarkable bishop and martyr. 🕊️

St. Alexander of Jerusalem (died 251 AD) was a third-century bishop who left an indelible mark on the Christian tradition. Here’s his story:

Origins and Early Life:
- Alexander hailed from Cappadocia, a region known for its rich Christian heritage. His journey took him to Alexandria, Egypt, where he crossed paths with none other than the renowned theologian and scholar, Origen. Imagine those two engaged in deep theological discussions—like ancient Christian coffee chats! ☕
- Fun fact: Alexander and Origen were fellow students in the great Christian school of Alexandria. They probably swapped scrolls and debated the finer points of doctrine. 📜🤓
Bishop of Jerusalem:
- After some theological adventures, Alexander became Cappadocia’s first bishop. But wait, there’s more! He was also associated with the aging Bishop Narcissus of Jerusalem. Picture these two—Narcissus, wise and weathered, and Alexander, full of zeal—working together to shepherd their flock.
- It was during this time that Alexander made a bold move: He allowed Origen, despite being a layman, to preach in the churches. Scandalous, right? But he defended himself by pointing out other similar permissions granted to young Origen elsewhere. 🙌
Library Builder Extraordinaire:
- Alexander wasn’t just about episcopal duties; he had a passion for books. He built a library in Jerusalem—a spiritual haven where scrolls whispered ancient wisdom and ink-stained fingers turned pages. 📚
- And yes, even though Jerusalem was officially called Aelia Capitolina (thanks, Emperor Hadrian), Christian tradition clung to the original name. Old habits die hard, especially when it comes to sacred geography.
Persecution and Martyrdom:
- Alas, the winds of persecution blew their icy breath. Alexander, along with other bishops, was captured and hauled off to Caesarea. Imagine the scene: white-haired and sanctified, he stood as a living testament to unwavering faith.
- Tortures came knocking, but Alexander survived them all. When wild beasts were set loose, they didn’t devour him—they licked his feet or left their paw prints in the arena sand. Talk about divine favor! 🦁👣
Feast Days:
- The Roman Catholic Church honors St. Alexander on March 18. Meanwhile, the Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate him twice: May 16/29 and December 12/25. It’s like having multiple birthday parties—spiritual style! 🎂🕯️
Letters and Legacy:
- Eusebius, the ancient historian, preserved fragments of Alexander’s letters. He penned missives to the Antinoïtes, the Antiochenes, and even to his buddy Origen. Epistolary adventures across the ancient world!
- Oh, and he co-wrote a letter with Theoctistus of Caesarea to Demetrius of Alexandria. Imagine the parchment drafts flying back and forth. 📝✉️

So, next time you’re in Jerusalem (or just daydreaming about ancient libraries), raise a cup of metaphorical tea to St. Alexander—the bishop who knew how to blend faith, scholarship, and a dash of daring. Cheers! 🌟🍵

Daily mass readings for 21 Aug 2024

Daily mass readings : Memorial of St. Pius X, Pope

Reading 1: Ez 34:1-11

The word of the Lord came to me:
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel,
in these words prophesy to them to the shepherds:
Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the shepherds of Israel
who have been pasturing themselves!
Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep?
You have fed off their milk, worn their wool,
and slaughtered the fatlings,
but the sheep you have not pastured.
You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick
nor bind up the injured.
You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost,
but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally.
So they were scattered for the lack of a shepherd,
and became food for all the wild beasts.
My sheep were scattered
and wandered over all the mountains and high hills;
my sheep were scattered over the whole earth,
with no one to look after them or to search for them.

Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
As I live, says the Lord GOD,
because my sheep have been given over to pillage,
and because my sheep have become food for every wild beast,
for lack of a shepherd;
because my shepherds did not look after my sheep,
but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep;
because of this, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I swear I am coming against these shepherds.
I will claim my sheep from them
and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep
so that they may no longer pasture themselves.
I will save my sheep,
that they may no longer be food for their mouths.

For thus says the Lord GOD:
I myself will look after and tend my sheep.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6

R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness will follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Alleluia : Heb 4:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The word of God is living and effective,
able to discern the reflections and thoughts of the heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mt 20:1-16

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner
who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.
After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage,
he sent them into his vineyard.
Going out about nine o’clock,
he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard,
and I will give you what is just.’
So they went off.
And he went out again around noon,
and around three o’clock, and did likewise.
Going out about five o’clock,
he found others standing around, and said to them,
‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’
They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’
He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’
When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman,
‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay,
beginning with the last and ending with the first.’
When those who had started about five o’clock came,
each received the usual daily wage.
So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more,
but each of them also got the usual wage.
And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying,
‘These last ones worked only one hour,
and you have made them equal to us,
who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’
He said to one of them in reply,
‘My friend, I am not cheating you.
Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?
Take what is yours and go.
What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?
Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?
Are you envious because I am generous?’
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

St. Hubert

Feast day	September 25
Patron	of Cork, Diocese of Cork
Birth	550
Death	620

St. Hubert (c. 656–658 – May 30, 727 A.D.)

Early Life and Noble Beginnings: Hubert was born into a noble Frankish family, and his upbringing was anything but ordinary. As a young lad, he nearly succumbed to a fever, but fate had other plans for him. His charm and agreeable demeanor caught the attention of the Neustrian court, where he was eventually appointed as the “count of the palace.” But that’s not all—Hubert was also an avid hunter, which will become crucial to our story ¹.
The Hunting Enthusiast: Imagine Hubert galloping through the lush forests of the Ardennes, chasing after magnificent stags. It was during one of these hunts that something extraordinary happened. Legend has it that on a Good Friday morning, while the faithful were in church, Hubert was out tracking a particularly impressive stag. But when the stag turned to face him, Hubert was astounded: There, between its antlers, floated a crucifix. Talk about a divine hunting experience! 🌳🦌🙏
The Miraculous Encounter: This vision shook Hubert to his core. It was a wake-up call—an invitation to turn away from worldly pursuits and embrace a higher calling. He retreated from court life, mourning the loss of his wife (who tragically died giving birth to their son, Floribert), and sought solace in the Ardennes. The stag with the crucifix had left an indelible mark on his heart, and Hubert knew he needed to change his ways.
Conversion and Spiritual Transformation: Hubert’s life took a dramatic turn. He abandoned the chase of earthly game and began pursuing a different kind of quarry: spiritual enlightenment. His newfound devotion led him to embrace Christianity fully. He became a beacon of faith, and his story spread far and wide.
First Bishop of Liège: In 708 A.D., Hubert was consecrated as the first bishop of Liège. His spiritual journey had come full circle—from noble courtier to hunter to shepherd of souls. And he didn’t stop there. As the “Apostle of the Ardennes,” he tirelessly spread the Gospel, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those he encountered.
Patronage and Legacy: St. Hubert is the patron saint of hunters (no surprise there!), mathematicians (because even saints appreciate a good equation), opticians (for clear vision, both literal and metaphorical), and metalworkers (because even saints need sturdy tools). And here’s a quirky historical tidbit: Until the early 20th century, people invoked St. Hubert to cure rabies using something called “Saint Hubert’s Key.” 🗝️

So, next time you’re in the woods, spare a thought for St. Hubert—the man who traded antlered game for divine grace. His feast day is celebrated on November 3rd, and I’m sure the heavenly hunting grounds are teeming with joy in his honor! 🌟🌲🙌

Is there anything else you’d like to know about St. Hubert or any other saint? 🕊️

¹: Wikipedia

Reflections on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: A Journey of Faith, Hope, and Love

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15th, is a profound moment in the liturgical calendar for many Christians around the world, particularly within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. It commemorates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life. This event is rich in theological significance and offers deep spiritual insights for contemplation.

A Celebration of Mary’s Unique Role

Mary’s Assumption is closely linked to her unique role in the story of salvation. From the moment of the Annunciation, where she said “yes” to God’s plan, to her presence at the foot of the cross, Mary’s life was marked by an unwavering faith and profound humility. The Assumption is seen as the crowning moment of this life of grace. It is a celebration of the dignity that God bestowed upon her, elevating her as a model of perfect discipleship.

The Assumption reminds us that Mary’s journey is not just about her, but also about what God desires for all humanity. She is seen as the first to fully share in the resurrection of Christ, pointing to the hope that we too, as followers of Christ, are called to share in this eternal life. Mary’s glorification is a testament to God’s promise to all believers—a promise of new life and eternal union with God.

A Glimpse into Our Own Destiny

Reflecting on the Assumption also gives us a glimpse into our own destiny. The dogma teaches us that death is not the end, but rather a transition into a new form of life. In Mary’s Assumption, we see the beginning of the fulfilment of Christ’s promise of resurrection. It serves as a powerful reminder that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, destined not for decay but for transformation and glorification.

This feast invites us to renew our hope in the resurrection and to live with our eyes set on the eternal. It encourages us to consider our own journey towards heaven and to live in a way that reflects our belief in this profound truth.

Mary as Our Advocate and Intercessor

The Assumption also highlights Mary’s role as an advocate and intercessor. As she is assumed into heaven, she takes her place beside her Son, Jesus Christ. From this position, she continues to pray for the Church and for all of us. This belief in her ongoing intercession offers comfort and encouragement, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Mary, who experienced the joys and sorrows of human life, is with us, guiding and supporting us through her prayers.

A Call to Imitate Mary’s Virtues

Lastly, the Assumption calls us to imitate Mary’s virtues—her humility, her obedience, and her unwavering faith. Her life is a model for us of how to respond to God’s call with trust and love. In a world often marked by uncertainty and fear, Mary’s example teaches us the value of surrendering to God’s will and trusting in His plan for our lives.

In reflecting on the Assumption, we are reminded of the profound connection between heaven and earth, and the continuous call to align our lives with the divine. Mary’s journey is a beacon of hope, guiding us towards our own ultimate fulfillment in God’s presence.

Conclusion

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is more than just a commemoration of a historical event; it is an invitation to deepen our relationship with God. It invites us to reflect on our own journey of faith, to seek Mary’s intercession, and to live in the hope of the resurrection. As we honor Mary’s Assumption, we are reminded of God’s immense love for humanity and the glorious destiny that awaits all who follow Him.

Daily mass readings for Aug 20, 2024

Daily mass readings : Memorial of St Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church

Reading 1 : Ez 28:1-10

The word of the LORD came to me: Son of man,
say to the prince of Tyre:
Thus says the Lord GOD:

Because you are haughty of heart,
you say, “A god am I!
I occupy a godly throne
in the heart of the sea!”—
And yet you are a man, and not a god,
however you may think yourself like a god.
Oh yes, you are wiser than Daniel,
there is no secret that is beyond you.
By your wisdom and your intelligence
you have made riches for yourself;
You have put gold and silver
into your treasuries.
By your great wisdom applied to your trading
you have heaped up your riches;
your heart has grown haughty from your riches–
therefore thus says the Lord GOD:
Because you have thought yourself
to have the mind of a god,
Therefore I will bring against you
foreigners, the most barbarous of nations.
They shall draw their swords
against your beauteous wisdom,
they shall run them through your splendid apparel.
They shall thrust you down to the pit, there to die
a bloodied corpse, in the heart of the sea.
Will you then say, “I am a god!”
when you face your murderers?
No, you are man, not a god,
handed over to those who will slay you.
You shall die the death of the uncircumcised
at the hands of foreigners,
for I have spoken, says the Lord GOD.

Responsorial Psalm : Deuteronomy 32:26-27AB, 27CD-28, 30, 35CD-36AB

R. (39c) It is I who deal death and give life.
“I would have said, ‘I will make an end of them
and blot out their name from men’s memories,’
Had I not feared the insolence of their enemies,
feared that these foes would mistakenly boast.”
R. It is I who deal death and give life.
“‘Our own hand won the victory;
the LORD had nothing to do with it.’”
For they are a people devoid of reason,
having no understanding.
R. It is I who deal death and give life.
“How could one man rout a thousand,
or two men put ten thousand to flight,
Unless it was because their Rock sold them
and the LORD delivered them up?”
R. It is I who deal death and give life.
Close at hand is the day of their disaster,
and their doom is rushing upon them!
Surely, the LORD shall do justice for his people;
on his servants he shall have pity.
R. It is I who deal death and give life.

Alleluia : 2 Cor 8:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mt 19:23-30

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich
to enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Again I say to you,
it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said,
“Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said,

“For men this is impossible,
but for God all things are possible.”
Then Peter said to him in reply,
“We have given up everything and followed you.
What will there be for us?”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you
that you who have followed me, in the new age,
when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory,
will yourselves sit on twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters
or father or mother or children or lands
for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more,
and will inherit eternal life.
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Daily mass readings for Aug 19,2024

Daily mass readings : Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 : EZ 24:15-23

The word of the LORD came to me:
Son of man, by a sudden blow
I am taking away from you the delight of your eyes,
but do not mourn or weep or shed any tears.
Groan in silence, make no lament for the dead,
bind on your turban, put your sandals on your feet,
do not cover your beard, and do not eat the customary bread.
That evening my wife died,
and the next morning I did as I had been commanded.
Then the people asked me, “Will you not tell us what all these things
that you are doing mean for us?”
I therefore spoke to the people that morning, saying to them:
Thus the word of the LORD came to me:
Say to the house of Israel:
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I will now desecrate my sanctuary, the stronghold of your pride,
the delight of your eyes, the desire of your soul.
The sons and daughters you left behind shall fall by the sword.
Ezekiel shall be a sign for you:
all that he did you shall do when it happens.
Thus you shall know that I am the LORD.
You shall do as I have done,
not covering your beards nor eating the customary bread.
Your turbans shall remain on your heads, your sandals on your feet.
You shall not mourn or weep,
but you shall rot away because of your sins and groan one to another.

Responsorial Psalm : DEUTERONOMY 32:18-19, 20, 21

R. (see 18a) You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you.
You forgot the God who gave you birth.
When the LORD saw this, he was filled with loathing
and anger toward his sons and daughters.
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
“I will hide my face from them,” he said,
“and see what will then become of them.
What a fickle race they are,
sons with no loyalty in them!”
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’
and angered me with their vain idols,
I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’;
with a foolish nation I will anger them.”
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

Alleluia : MT 5:3

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit;
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : MT 19:16-22

A young man approached Jesus and said,
“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”
He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good?
There is only One who is good.
If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
He asked him, “Which ones?”
And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
honor your father and your mother;
and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
The young man said to him,
“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go,
sell what you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad,
for he had many possessions.