Readings for the Mass during the Night Readings for the Mass at Dawn Readings for the Mass during the Day Readings for the The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Reading 1 Is 62:1-5 For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,until her vindication shines forth like the dawnand her victory like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication,and all the kings your glory;you shall be called by a new namepronounced by the mouth of the LORD.You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,a royal diadem held by your God.No more shall people call you “Forsaken,”or your land “Desolate,”but you shall be called “My Delight,”and your land “Espoused.”For the LORD delights in youand makes your land his spouse.As a young man marries a virgin,your Builder shall marry you;and as a bridegroom rejoices in his brideso shall your God rejoice in you. Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 R. (2a)  For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. I have made a covenant with my chosen one,    I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity    and establish your throne for all generations. R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;    in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk. At your name they rejoice all the day,    and through your justice they are exalted. R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. He shall say of me, “You are my father,    my God, the rock, my savior.” Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,    and my covenant with him stands firm. R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Reading 2 Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 When Paul reached Antioch in Pisidia and entered the synagogue,he stood up, motioned with his hand, and said,“Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen.The God of this people Israel chose our ancestorsand exalted the people during their sojourn in theland of Egypt.With uplifted arm he led them out of it.Then he removed Saul and raised up David as king;of him he testified,‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;he will carry out my every wish.’From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise,has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentanceto all the people of Israel;and as John was completing his course, he would say,‘What do you suppose that I am?  I am not he.Behold, one is coming after me;I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’” Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.Tomorrow the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed:the Savior of the world will reign over us.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 1:1-25 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos,   Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus. OrMt 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Vigil Mass Readings for the Mass at Dawn Readings for the Mass during the Day Readings for the The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Reading I Is 9:1-6     The people who walked in darkness         have seen a great light;     upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom         a light has shone.     You have brought them abundant joy         and great rejoicing,     as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,         as people make merry when dividing spoils.     For the yoke that burdened them,         the pole on their shoulder,     and the rod of their taskmaster         you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.     For every boot that tramped in battle,         every cloak rolled in blood,         will be burned as fuel for flames.     For a child is born to us, a son is given us;         upon his shoulder dominion rests.     They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,         Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.     His dominion is vast         and forever peaceful,     from David’s throne, and over his kingdom,         which he confirms and sustains     by judgment and justice,         both now and forever.     The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this! Responsorial Psalm Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13. R. (Lk 2:11)  Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Sing to the LORD a new song;    sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Announce his salvation, day after day.     Tell his glory among the nations;     among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;    let the sea and what fills it resound;    let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;    for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice    and the peoples with his constancy. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Reading II Ti 2:11-14 Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires  and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,  as we await the blessed hope,  the appearance of the glory of our great God  and savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness  and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,  eager to do what is good. Alleluia Lk 2:10-11 R. Alleluia, alleluia. I proclaim to you good news of great joy: today a Savior is born for us, Christ the Lord. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 2:1-14 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment,  when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth  to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,  because he was of the house and family of David,  to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child,  and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,  because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields  and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them  and the glory of the Lord shone around them,  and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy  that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David  a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you:  you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes  and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:     “Glory to God in the highest         and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Vigil Mass Readings for the Mass during the Night Readings for the Mass during the Day Readings for the The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Reading I Is 62:11-12     See, the LORD proclaims         to the ends of the earth:     say to daughter Zion,         your savior comes!     Here is his reward with him,         his recompense before him.     They shall be called the holy people,         the redeemed of the LORD,     and you shall be called “Frequented,”         a city that is not forsaken. Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12. R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us. The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;    let the many isles be glad. The heavens proclaim his justice,    and all peoples see his glory. R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us. Light dawns for the just;    and gladness, for the upright of heart. Be glad in the LORD, you just,    and give thanks to his holy name. R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us. Reading II Ti 3:4-7 Beloved: When the kindness and generous love  of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. Alleluia Lk 2:14 R. Alleluia, alleluia. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 2:15-20 When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another,  “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place,  which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,  and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God  for all they had heard and seen,  just as it had been told to them. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Vigil Mass Readings for the Mass during the Night Readings for the Mass at Dawn Readings for the Mass during the Day Vigil Mass Mass during the Night Mass at Dawn Mass during the Day - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!”  Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you.”  But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in? “‘It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel.  I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.  And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.  I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies.  The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you.  And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’” Responsorial Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 R.    (2)  For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;     through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;     in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. R.    For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. “I have made a covenant with my chosen one,     I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity     and establish your throne for all generations.” R.    For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,     my God, the rock, my savior.’ Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,     and my covenant with him stands firm.” R.    For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia. O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 1:67-79 Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:     “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;         for he has come to his people and set them free.     He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,         born of the house of his servant David.     Through his prophets he promised of old         that he would save us from our enemies,         from the hands of all who hate us.     He promised to show mercy to our fathers         and to remember his holy covenant.     This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:         to set us free from the hand of our enemies,         free to worship him without fear,         holy and righteous in his sight             all the days of our life.     You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,         for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,         to give his people knowledge of salvation         by the forgiveness of their sins.     In the tender compassion of our God         the dawn from on high shall break upon us,         to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,         and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I Mal 3:1-4, 23-24     Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger     to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple     the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.     Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming?     And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire,     or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver,     and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver     that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem     will please the LORD,     as in the days of old, as in years gone by. Lo, I will send you     Elijah, the prophet, Before the day of the LORD comes,     the great and terrible day, To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children,     and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike     the land with doom. Responsorial Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 R.    (see Luke 21:28)  Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. 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.    Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. 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.    Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. 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.    Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia. O King of all nations and keystone of the Church; come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 1:57-66 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.  Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.  When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”  But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”  So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.  He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors,      and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint John of Kanty, priest - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I 1 Sm 1:24-28 In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh.  After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD.  I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request.  Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left Samuel there. Responsorial Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd R. (see 1a) My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “My heart exults in the LORD,     my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies;     I rejoice in my victory.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “The bows of the mighty are broken,     while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,     while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons,     while the mother of many languishes.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “The LORD puts to death and gives life;     he casts down to the nether world;     he raises up again. The LORD makes poor and makes rich,     he humbles, he also exalts.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “He raises the needy from the dust;     from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles     and make a glorious throne their heritage.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia. O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 1:46-56 Mary said:     “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;         my spirit rejoices in God my savior.         for he has looked upon his lowly servant.     From this day all generations will call me blessed:         the Almighty has done great things for me,         and holy is his Name.         He has mercy on those who fear him         in every generation.     He has shown the strength of his arm,         and has scattered the proud in their conceit.     He has cast down the mighty from their thrones         and has lifted up the lowly.     He has filled the hungry with good things,         and the rich he has sent away empty.     He has come to the help of his servant Israel         for he remembered his promise of mercy,         the promise he made to our fathers,         to Abraham and his children for ever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 SG 2:8-14 Hark! my lover–here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. My lover speaks; he says to me, “Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come! “For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance. Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come! “O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see you, let me hear your voice,  For your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.” or Zep 3:14-18a Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.   Responsorial Psalm PS 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 R. (1a; 3a)  Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.Sing to him a new song;pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations.Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.Our soul waits for the LORD,who is our help and our shield,For in him our hearts rejoice;in his holy name we trust. R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.    Alleluia   R. Alleluia, alleluia.O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:come to save us, Lord our God!R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel LK 1:39-45 Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Peter Canisius, priest and doctor of the Church - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I Is 7:10-14 The LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God;     let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered,     “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!”  Then Isaiah said:     Listen, O house of David!  Is it not enough for you to weary men,     must you also weary my God?  Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:     the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,     and shall name him Emmanuel. Responsorial Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 R.    (see 7c and 10b) Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory. The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;     the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas     and established it upon the rivers. R.    Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory. Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?     or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,     who desires not what is vain. R.    Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,     a reward from God his savior. Such is the race that seeks for him,     that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. R.    Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia. O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 1:26-38 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 JGS 13:2-7, 24-25A There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah.  His wife was barren and had borne no children.  An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son.  Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean. As for the son you will conceive and bear, no razor shall touch his head, for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb.  It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines.” The woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed.  I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name.  But he said to me, ‘You will be with child and will bear a son.  So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean.  For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, until the day of his death.’” The woman bore a son and named him Samson.  The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; the Spirit of the LORD stirred him. Responsorial Psalm PS 71:3-4A, 5-6AB, 16-17 R. (see 8)  My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!Be my rock of refuge,a stronghold to give me safety,for you are my rock and my fortress.O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!For you are my hope, O LORD;my trust, O God, from my youth.On you I depend from birth;from my mother’s womb you are my strength. R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!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. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!    Alleluia  R. Alleluia, alleluia. O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel LK 1:5-25 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.  Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.  But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.  Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.  Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense.  Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.  But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.  Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.  He will drink neither wine nor strong drink.  He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.  He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”  Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this?  For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”  And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.  But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary.  But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary.  He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.  After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Is 7:10-14 The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky!But Ahaz answered,"I will not ask!  I will not tempt the LORD!"Then Isaiah said:Listen, O house of David!Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God?Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6. R. (7c and 10b) Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.The LORD's are the earth and its fullness;the world and those who dwell in it.For he founded it upon the seasand established it upon the rivers.R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?or who may stand in his holy place?One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,who desires not what is vain.R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,a reward from God his savior.Such is the race that seeks for him,that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory. Reading 2 Rom 1:1-7 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus,called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God,which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith,for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles,among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ;to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy.Grace to you and peace from God our Fatherand the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia Mt 1:23 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 1:18-24 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.Such was his intention when, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us."When Joseph awoke,he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I Gn 49:2, 8-10 Jacob called his sons and said to them:     “Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob,         listen to Israel, your father.     “You, Judah, shall your brothers praise         –your hand on the neck of your enemies;         the sons of your father shall bow down to you.     Judah, like a lion’s whelp,         you have grown up on prey, my son.     He crouches like a lion recumbent,         the king of beasts–who would dare rouse him?     The scepter shall never depart from Judah,         or the mace from between his legs,     While tribute is brought to him,         and he receives the people’s homage.” Responsorial Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17 R.    (see 7)  Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. O God, with your judgment endow the king,     and with your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern your people with justice     and your afflicted ones with judgment.  R.    Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. The mountains shall yield peace for the people,     and the hills justice. He shall defend the afflicted among the people,     save the children of the poor. R.    Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. Justice shall flower in his days,     and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea,     and from the River to the ends of the earth. R.    Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. May his name be blessed forever;     as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed;     all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.  R.    Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia. O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge! R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 1:1-17 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.  Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar.  Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab.  Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab.  Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth.  Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.  Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph.  Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah.  Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.  Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.  Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok.  Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar.  Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.  Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Is 56:1-3a, 6-8 Thus says the LORD:Observe what is right, do what is just;for my salvation is about to come,my justice, about to be revealed.Blessed is the man who does this,the son of man who holds to it;Who keeps the sabbath free from profanation,and his hand from any evildoing.Let not the foreigner say,when he would join himself to the LORD,“The LORD will surely exclude me from his people.”The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,ministering to him,Loving the name of the LORD,and becoming his servants–All who keep the sabbath free from profanationand hold to my covenant,Them I will bring to my holy mountainand make joyful in my house of prayer;Their burnt offerings and sacrificeswill be acceptable on my altar,For my house shall be calleda house of prayer for all peoples.Thus says the Lord GOD,who gathers the dispersed of Israel:Others will I gather to himbesides those already gathered. Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8 R. (4) O God, let all the nations praise you!May God have pity on us and bless us;may he let his face shine upon us.So may your way be known upon earth;among all nations, your salvation. R. O God, let all the nations praise you!May the nations be glad and exultbecause you rule the peoples in equity;the nations on the earth you guide.R. O God, let all the nations praise you!The earth has yielded its fruits;God, our God, has blessed us.May God bless us,and may all the ends of the earth fear him!R. O God, let all the nations praise you! Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.Come, Lord, bring us your peacethat we may rejoice before you with a perfect heart.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 5:33-36 Jesus said to the Jews:“You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept testimony from a human being,but I say this so that you may be saved. John was a burning and shining lamp,and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,these works that I perform testify on my behalfthat the Father has sent me.” - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I Is 54:1-10     Raise a glad cry, you barren one who did not bear,         Break forth in jubilant song, you who were not in labor,     For more numerous are the children of the deserted wife         than the children of her who has a husband,         says the Lord.     Enlarge the space for your tent,         spread out your tent cloths unsparingly;         lengthen your ropes and make firm your stakes.     For you shall spread abroad to the right and to the left;         your descendants shall dispossess the nations         and shall people the desolate cities.     Fear not, you shall not be put to shame;         you need not blush, for you shall not be disgraced.     The shame of your youth you shall forget,         the reproach of your widowhood no longer remember.     For he who has become your husband is your Maker;         his name is the Lord of hosts;     Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel,         called God of all the earth.     The Lord calls you back,         like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit,     A wife married in youth and then cast off,         says your God.     For a brief moment I abandoned you,         but with great tenderness I will take you back.     In an outburst of wrath, for a moment         I hid my face from you;     But with enduring love I take pity on you,         says the Lord, your redeemer.     This is for me like the days of Noah,         when I swore that the waters of Noah         should never again deluge the earth;     So I have sworn not to be angry with you,         or to rebuke you.     Though the mountains leave their place         and the hills be shaken,     My love shall never leave you         nor my covenant of peace be shaken,         says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Responsorial Psalm 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b R.    (2a) I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. I will extol you, O Lord, for you drew me clear     and did not let my enemies rejoice over me. O Lord, you brought me up from the nether world;     you preserved me from among those going down into the pit. R.    I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. Sing praise to the Lord, you his faithful ones,     and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger lasts but a moment;     a lifetime, his good will. At nightfall, weeping enters in,     but with the dawn, rejoicing. R.    I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. “Hear, O Lord, and have pity on me;     O Lord, be my helper.” You changed my mourning into dancing;     O Lord, my God, forever will I give you thanks. R.    I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. Alleluia Luke 3:4, 6 R.    Alleluia, alleluia. Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God. R.    Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 7:24-30 When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John.  “What did you go out to the desert to see  a reed swayed by the wind?  Then what did you go out to see?  Someone dressed in fine garments?  Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces.  Then what did you go out to see?  A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  This is the one about whom Scripture says:     Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,     he will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.” (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.) - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church Reading 1 IS 45:6C-8, 18, 21C-25 I am the LORD, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe; I, the LORD, do all these things. Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up! I, the LORD, have created this. For thus says the LORD, The creator of the heavens, who is God, The designer and maker of the earth who established it, Not creating it to be a waste, but designing it be lived in: I am the LORD, and there is no other. Who announced this from the beginning and foretold it from of old? Was it not I, the LORD, besides whom there is no other God? There is no just and saving God but me. Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other! By myself I swear, uttering my just decree and my unalterable word: To me every knee shall bend; by me every tongue shall swear, Saying, “Only in the LORD are just deeds and power. Before him in shame shall come all who vent their anger against him. In the LORD shall be the vindication and the glory of all the descendants of Israel.” Responsorial Psalm PS 85:9AB AND 10, 11-12, 13-14 R. (Isaiah 45:8)  Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. R. Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. R. Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps. R. Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.     Alleluia See IS 40:9-10 R. Alleluia, alleluia. Raise your voice and tell the Good News: Behold, the Lord GOD comes with power. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel LK 7:18B-23 At that time,John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask,“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” When the men came to the Lord, they said,“John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask,‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’”At that time Jesus cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits;he also granted sight to many who were blind. And Jesus said to them in reply,“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard:the blind regain their sight,the lame walk,lepers are cleansed,the deaf hear, the dead are raised,the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church Reading 1 IS 45:6C-8, 18, 21C-25 I am the LORD, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe; I, the LORD, do all these things. Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up! I, the LORD, have created this. For thus says the LORD, The creator of the heavens, who is God, The designer and maker of the earth who established it, Not creating it to be a waste, but designing it be lived in: I am the LORD, and there is no other. Who announced this from the beginning and foretold it from of old? Was it not I, the LORD, besides whom there is no other God? There is no just and saving God but me. Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other! By myself I swear, uttering my just decree and my unalterable word: To me every knee shall bend; by me every tongue shall swear, Saying, “Only in the LORD are just deeds and power. Before him in shame shall come all who vent their anger against him. In the LORD shall be the vindication and the glory of all the descendants of Israel.” Responsorial Psalm PS 85:9AB AND 10, 11-12, 13-14 R. (Isaiah 45:8)  Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. R. Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. R. Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps. R. Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.     Alleluia See IS 40:9-10 R. Alleluia, alleluia. Raise your voice and tell the Good News: Behold, the Lord GOD comes with power. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel LK 7:18B-23 At that time,John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask,“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” When the men came to the Lord, they said,“John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask,‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’”At that time Jesus cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits;he also granted sight to many who were blind. And Jesus said to them in reply,“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard:the blind regain their sight,the lame walk,lepers are cleansed,the deaf hear, the dead are raised,the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr Reading 1 ZEP 3:1-2, 9-13 Thus says the LORD: Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted, to the tyrannical city! She hears no voice, accepts no correction; In the LORD she has not trusted, to her God she has not drawn near. For then I will change and purify the lips of the peoples, That they all may call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one accord; From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia and as far as the recesses of the North, they shall bring me offerings. On that day You need not be ashamed  of all your deeds, your rebellious actions against me; For then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts, And you shall no longer exalt yourself on my holy mountain. But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD: the remnant of Israel. They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; Nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; They shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them.. Responsorial Psalm PS 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 AND 23 R. (7a)  The Lord hears the cry of the poor. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. The LORD redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.     Alleluia  R. Alleluia, alleluia.Come, O Lord, do not delay;forgive the sins of your people.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel MT 21:28-32 Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said,‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,tax collectors and prostitutesare entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness,you did not believe him;but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that,you did not later change your minds and believe him.” - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.