Reading 1 Isaiah 58:9b-14 Thus says the LORD:If you remove from your midst oppression,false accusation and malicious speech;If you bestow your bread on the hungryand satisfy the afflicted;Then light shall rise for you in the darkness,and the gloom shall become for you like midday;Then the LORD will guide you alwaysand give you plenty even on the parched land.He will renew your strength,and you shall be like a watered garden,like a spring whose water never fails.The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake,and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up;“Repairer of the breach,” they shall call you,“Restorer of ruined homesteads.”If you hold back your foot on the sabbathfrom following your own pursuits on my holy day;If you call the sabbath a delight,and the LORD’s holy day honorable;If you honor it by not following your ways,seeking your own interests, or speaking with malice—Then you shall delight in the LORD,and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;I will nourish you with the heritage of Jacob, your father,for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 R. (11ab) Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.Incline your ear, O LORD; answer me,for I am afflicted and poor.Keep my life, for I am devoted to you;save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God.R. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.Have mercy on me, O Lord,for to you I call all the day.Gladden the soul of your servant,for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.R. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,abounding in kindness to all who call upon you.Hearken, O LORD, to my prayerand attend to the sound of my pleading.R. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.  Verse Before the Gospel Ezekiel 33:11 I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,but rather in his conversion, that he may live.  Gospel Luke 5:27-32 Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.He said to him, “Follow me.”And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,and a large crowd of tax collectorsand others were at table with them.The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”Jesus said to them in reply,“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”  Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Peter Damian, Bishop 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 1 Isaiah 58:1-9a Thus says the Lord GOD:Cry out full-throated and unsparingly,lift up your voice like a trumpet blast;Tell my people their wickedness,and the house of Jacob their sins.They seek me day after day,and desire to know my ways,Like a nation that has done what is justand not abandoned the law of their God;They ask me to declare what is due them,pleased to gain access to God.“Why do we fast, and you do not see it?afflict ourselves, and you take no note of it?”Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits,and drive all your laborers.Yes, your fast ends in quarreling and fighting,striking with wicked claw.Would that today you might fastso as to make your voice heard on high!Is this the manner of fasting I wish,of keeping a day of penance:That a man bow his head like a reedand lie in sackcloth and ashes?Do you call this a fast,a day acceptable to the LORD?This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:releasing those bound unjustly,untying the thongs of the yoke;Setting free the oppressed,breaking every yoke;Sharing your bread with the hungry,sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;Clothing the naked when you see them,and not turning your back on your own.Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,and your wound shall quickly be healed;Your vindication shall go before you,and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am! Responsorial Psalm Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19 R. (19b) A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.Thoroughly wash me from my guiltand of my sin cleanse me.R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.For I acknowledge my offense,and my sin is before me always:“Against you only have I sinned,and done what is evil in your sight.”R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.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. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.  Verse Before the Gospel See Amos 5:14 Seek good and not evil so that you may live,and the Lord will be with you.  Gospel Matthew 9:14-15 The disciples of John approached Jesus and said,“Why do we and the Pharisees fast much,but your disciples do not fast?”Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mournas long as the bridegroom is with them?The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,and then they will fast.” - - - 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 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Moses said to the people:“Today I have set before youlife and prosperity, death and doom.If you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God,which I enjoin on you today,loving him, and walking in his ways,and keeping his commandments, statutes and decrees,you will live and grow numerous,and the LORD, your God,will bless you in the land you are entering to occupy.If, however, you turn away your hearts and will not listen,but are led astray and adore and serve other gods,I tell you now that you will certainly perish;you will not have a long lifeon the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and occupy.I call heaven and earth today to witness against you:I have set before you life and death,the blessing and the curse.Choose life, then,that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God,heeding his voice, and holding fast to him.For that will mean life for you,a long life for you to live on the land that the LORD sworehe would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.Blessed the man who follows notthe counsel of the wickedNor walks in the way of sinners,nor sits in the company of the insolent,But delights in the law of the LORDand meditates on his law day and night.R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.He is like a treeplanted near running water,That yields its fruit in due season,and whose leaves never fade.Whatever he does, prospers.R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.Not so the wicked, not so;they are like chaff which the wind drives away.For the LORD watches over the way of the just,but the way of the wicked vanishes.R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.  Verse Before the Gospel Matthew 4:17 Repent, says the Lord;the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Gospel Luke 9:22-25 Jesus said to his disciples:“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejectedby the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,and be killed and on the third day be raised.”Then he said to all,“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himselfand take up his cross daily and follow me.For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.What profit is there for one to gain the whole worldyet lose or forfeit himself?”  - - - 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 Joel 2:12-18 Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind him a blessing, Offerings and libations for the LORD, your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion! proclaim a fast, call an assembly; Gather the people, notify the congregation; Assemble the elders, gather the children and the infants at the breast; Let the bridegroom quit his room and the bride her chamber. Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep, And say, "Spare, O LORD, your people, and make not your heritage a reproach, with the nations ruling over them! Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'" Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land and took pity on his people. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17 R. (see 3a)  Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always: "Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight." R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. 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. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. Reading 2 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 Brothers and sisters: We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says: In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you. Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Verse Before the Gospel Psalm 95:8 If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Gospel Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Jesus said to his disciples: "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." - - - 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 James 1:12-18 Blessed is he who perseveres in temptation,for when he has been proven he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.No one experiencing temptation should say,"I am being tempted by God";for God is not subject to temptation to evil,and he himself tempts no one.Rather, each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire.Then desire conceives and brings forth sin,and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death.Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters:all good giving and every perfect gift is from above,coming down from the Father of lights,with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.He willed to give us birth by the word of truththat we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 94:12-13a, 14-15, 18-19 R. (12a) Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.Blessed the man whom you instruct, O LORD,whom by your law you teach,Giving him rest from evil days. R. Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.For the LORD will not cast off his people,nor abandon his inheritance;But judgment shall again be with justice,and all the upright of heart shall follow it. R. Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.When I say, "My foot is slipping,"your mercy, O LORD, sustains me;When cares abound within me,your comfort gladdens my soul. R. Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.  Alleluia John 14:23 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord;and my Father will love himand we will come to him.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 8:14-21 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread,and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.Jesus enjoined them, "Watch out,guard against the leaven of the Phariseesand the leaven of Herod." They concluded among themselves thatit was because they had no bread.When he became aware of this he said to them,"Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread?Do you not yet understand or comprehend?Are your hearts hardened?Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?And do you not remember,when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand,how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?"They answered him, "Twelve.""When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand,how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?"They answered him, "Seven."He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"  Readings for the Optional Memorial of the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, religious - - - 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 James 1:1-11 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greetings.Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters,when you encounter various trials,for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.And let perseverance be perfect,so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.But if any of you lacks wisdom,he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly,and he will be given it.But he should ask in faith, not doubting,for the one who doubts is like a wave of the seathat is driven and tossed about by the wind.For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord,since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways.The brother in lowly circumstances should take pride in high standing,and the rich one in his lowliness, for he will pass away "like the flower of the field."For the sun comes up with its scorching heat and dries up the grass,its flower droops, and the beauty of its appearance vanishes.So will the rich person fade away in the midst of his pursuits.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76 R. (77a) Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.Before I was afflicted I went astray,but now I hold to your promise. R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.You are good and bountiful;teach me your statutes. R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.It is good for me that I have been afflicted,that I may learn your statutes. R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.The law of your mouth is to me more preciousthan thousands of gold and silver pieces. R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just,and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me. R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.Let your kindness comfort meaccording to your promise to your servants. R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.  Alleluia John 14:6 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;no one comes to the Father except through me.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 8:11-13 The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus,seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,"Why does this generation seek a sign?Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."Then he left them, got into the boat again,and went off to the other shore.  - - - 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 Sirach 15:15-20 If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you;if you trust in God, you too shall live;he has set before you fire and waterto whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.Before man are life and death, good and evil,whichever he chooses shall be given him.Immense is the wisdom of the Lord;he is mighty in power, and all-seeing.The eyes of God are on those who fear him;he understands man's every deed.No one does he command to act unjustly,to none does he give license to sin.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34 R. (1b) Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!Blessed are they whose way is blameless,who walk in the law of the LORD.Blessed are they who observe his decrees,who seek him with all their heart.R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!You have commanded that your preceptsbe diligently kept.Oh, that I might be firm in the waysof keeping your statutes!R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!Be good to your servant, that I may liveand keep your words.Open my eyes, that I may considerthe wonders of your law.R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!Instruct me, O LORD, in the way of your statutes,that I may exactly observe them.Give me discernment, that I may observe your lawand keep it with all my heart.R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!  Reading 2 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Brothers and sisters:We speak a wisdom to those who are mature,not a wisdom of this age,nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away.Rather, we speak God's wisdom, mysterious, hidden,which God predetermined before the ages for our glory,and which none of the rulers of this age knew;for, if they had known it,they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.But as it is written:What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard,and what has not entered the human heart,what God has prepared for those who love him, this God has revealed to us through the Spirit.For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.  Alleluia cf. Matthew 11:25 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 5:17-37 Jesus said to his disciples:"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letterwill pass from the law,until all things have taken place.Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandmentsand teaches others to do sowill be called least in the kingdom of heaven.But whoever obeys and teaches these commandmentswill be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.I tell you, unless your righteousness surpassesthat of the scribes and Pharisees,you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.But I say to you,whoever is angry with his brotherwill be liable to judgment;and whoever says to his brother, 'Raqa,'will be answerable to the Sanhedrin;and whoever says, 'You fool,'will be liable to fiery Gehenna.Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,and there recall that your brotherhas anything against you,leave your gift there at the altar,go first and be reconciled with your brother,and then come and offer your gift.Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,and the judge will hand you over to the guard,and you will be thrown into prison.Amen, I say to you,you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.But I say to you,everyone who looks at a woman with lusthas already committed adultery with her in his heart.If your right eye causes you to sin,tear it out and throw it away.It is better for you to lose one of your membersthan to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna.And if your right hand causes you to sin,cut it off and throw it away.It is better for you to lose one of your membersthan to have your whole body go into Gehenna."It was also said,Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.But I say to you,whoever divorces his wife -  unless the marriage is unlawful - causes her to commit adultery,and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors,Do not take a false oath,but make good to the Lord all that you vow.But I say to you, do not swear at all;not by heaven, for it is God's throne;nor by the earth, for it is his footstool;nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.Do not swear by your head,for you cannot make a single hair white or black.Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.'Anything more is from the evil one."  or Matthew 5:20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37 Jesus said to his disciples:"I tell you, unless your righteousness surpassesthat of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.But I say to you,whoever is angry with his brotherwill be liable to judgment."You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.But I say to you,everyone who looks at a woman with lusthas already committed adultery with her in his heart."Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors,Do not take a false oath,but make good to the Lord all that you vow.But I say to you, do not swear at all.Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,'and your 'No' mean 'No.'Anything more is from the evil one."  - - - 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 Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop Reading 1 1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34 Jeroboam thought to himself:"The kingdom will return to David's house.If now this people go up to offer sacrificesin the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem,the hearts of this people will return to their master,Rehoboam, king of Judah,and they will kill me."After taking counsel, the king made two calves of goldand said to the people:"You have been going up to Jerusalem long enough.Here is your God, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt."And he put one in Bethel, the other in Dan.This led to sin, because the people frequented those calvesin Bethel and in Dan.He also built temples on the high placesand made priests from among the people who were not Levites.Jeroboam established a feast in the eighth monthon the fifteenth day of the monthto duplicate in Bethel the pilgrimage feast of Judah,with sacrifices to the calves he had made;and he stationed in Bethel priests of the high places he had built.Jeroboam did not give up his evil ways after this,but again made priests for the high placesfrom among the common people.Whoever desired it was consecratedand became a priest of the high places.This was a sin on the part of the house of Jeroboamfor which it was to be cut off and destroyed from the earth.  Responsorial Psalm  Psalm 106:6-7ab, 19-20, 21-22 R. (4a) Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.We have sinned, we and our fathers;we have committed crimes; we have done wrong.Our fathers in Egyptconsidered not your wonders. R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.They made a calf in Horeband adored a molten image;They exchanged their gloryfor the image of a grass-eating bullock. R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.They forgot the God who had saved them,who had done great deeds in Egypt,Wondrous deeds in the land of Ham,terrible things at the Red Sea.R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.  Alleluia Matthew 4:4b R. Alleluia, alleluia.One does not live on bread alone,but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 8:1-10 In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat,Jesus summoned the disciples and said,“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd,because they have been with me now for three daysand have nothing to eat.If I send them away hungry to their homes,they will collapse on the way,and some of them have come a great distance.”His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough breadto satisfy them here in this deserted place?”Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?”They replied, “Seven.”He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them,and gave them to his disciples to distribute,and they distributed them to the crowd.They also had a few fish.He said the blessing over themand ordered them distributed also.They ate and were satisfied.They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets.There were about four thousand people.He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciplesand came to the region of Dalmanutha.  - - - 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 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19 Jeroboam left Jerusalem,and the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met him on the road.The two were alone in the area,and the prophet was wearing a new cloak.Ahijah took off his new cloak,tore it into twelve pieces, and said to Jeroboam:“Take ten pieces for yourself;the LORD, the God of Israel, says:‘I will tear away the kingdom from Solomon’s graspand will give you ten of the tribes.One tribe shall remain to him for the sake of David my servant,and of Jerusalem,the city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel.’”Israel went into rebellion against David’s house to this day.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 81:10-11ab, 12-13, 14-15 R. (11a and 9a) I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice."There shall be no strange god among younor shall you worship any alien god.I, the LORD, am your Godwho led you forth from the land of Egypt."R. I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice."My people heard not my voice,and Israel obeyed me not;So I gave them up to the hardness of their hearts;they walked according to their own counsels."R. I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice."If only my people would hear me,and Israel walk in my ways,Quickly would I humble their enemies;against their foes I would turn my hand."R. I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.  Alleluia See Acts 16:14b R. Alleluia, alleluia.Open our hearts, O Lord,to listen to the words of your Son.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mark 7:31-37 Jesus left the district of Tyreand went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee,into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impedimentand begged him to lay his hand on him.He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man's earsand, spitting, touched his tongue;then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him,"Ephphatha!" (that is, "Be opened!")And immediately the man's ears were opened,his speech impediment was removed,and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to,the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said,"He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."  - - - 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 1 Kings 11:4-13 When Solomon was old his wives had turned his heart to strange gods,and his heart was not entirely with the LORD, his God,as the heart of his father David had been.By adoring Astarte, the goddess of the Sidonians,and Milcom, the idol of the Ammonites,Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD;he did not follow him unreservedly as his father David had done.Solomon then built a high place to Chemosh, the idol of Moab,and to Molech, the idol of the Ammonites,on the hill opposite Jerusalem.He did the same for all his foreign wiveswho burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.The LORD, therefore, became angry with Solomon,because his heart was turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel,who had appeared to him twice(for though the LORD had forbidden him this very act of following strange gods,Solomon had not obeyed him).So the LORD said to Solomon: "Since this is what you want,and you have not kept my covenant and my statuteswhich I enjoined on you,I will deprive you of the kingdom and give it to your servant.I will not do this during your lifetime, however,for the sake of your father David;it is your son whom I will deprive.Nor will I take away the whole kingdom.I will leave your son one tribe for the sake of my servant Davidand of Jerusalem, which I have chosen."  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 106:3-4, 35-36, 37 and 40 R. (4a) Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.Blessed are they who observe what is right,who do always what is just.Remember us, O LORD, as you favor your people;visit us with your saving help. R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.But they mingled with the nationsand learned their works.They served their idols,which became a snare for them. R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.They sacrificed their sonsand their daughters to demons.And the LORD grew angry with his people,and abhorred his inheritance. R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.  Alleluia James 1:21bc R. Alleluia, alleluia.Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in youand is able to save your souls.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 7:24-30 Jesus went to the district of Tyre.He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it,but he could not escape notice.Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him.She came and fell at his feet.The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth,and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.He said to her, “Let the children be fed first.For it is not right to take the food of the childrenand throw it to the dogs.”She replied and said to him,“Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.”Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go.The demon has gone out of your daughter.”When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bedand the demon gone.  - - - 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 1 Kings 10:1-10 The queen of Sheba, having heard of Solomon's fame,came to test him with subtle questions.She arrived in Jerusalem with a very numerous retinue,and with camels bearing spices,a large amount of gold, and precious stones.She came to Solomon and questioned him on every subjectin which she was interested.King Solomon explained everything she asked about,and there remained nothing hidden from himthat he could not explain to her.When the queen of Sheba witnessed Solomon's great wisdom,the palace he had built, the food at his table,the seating of his ministers, the attendance and garb of his waiters,his banquet service,and the burnt offerings he offered in the temple of the LORD,she was breathless."The report I heard in my countryabout your deeds and your wisdom is true," she told the king."Though I did not believe the report until I came and saw with my own eyes,I have discovered that they were not telling me the half.Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report I heard.Blessed are your men, blessed these servants of yours,who stand before you always and listen to your wisdom.Blessed be the LORD, your God,whom it has pleased to place you on the throne of Israel.In his enduring love for Israel,the LORD has made you king to carry out judgment and justice."Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty gold talents,a very large quantity of spices, and precious stones.Never again did anyone bring such an abundance of spicesas the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40 R. (30a) The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.Commit to the LORD your way;trust in him, and he will act.He will make justice dawn for you like the light;bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.The mouth of the just man tells of wisdomand his tongue utters what is right.The law of his God is in his heart,and his steps do not falter.R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.The salvation of the just is from the LORD;he is their refuge in time of distress.And the LORD helps them and delivers them;he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,because they take refuge in him.R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.  Alleluia See John 17:17b, 17a R. Alleluia, alleluia.Your word, O Lord, is truth:consecrate us in the truth.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 7:14-23 Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them,“Hear me, all of you, and understand.Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;but the things that come out from within are what defile.” When he got home away from the crowdhis disciples questioned him about the parable.He said to them,“Are even you likewise without understanding?Do you not realize that everythingthat goes into a person from outside cannot defile,since it enters not the heart but the stomachand passes out into the latrine?”(Thus he declared all foods clean.)“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him.From within the man, from his heart,come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder,adultery, greed, malice, deceit,licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.All these evils come from within and they defile.”  Readings for the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes - - - 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 Scholastica, Virgin Reading 1 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 Solomon stood before the altar of the LORDin the presence of the whole community of Israel,and stretching forth his hands toward heaven,he said, “LORD, God of Israel,there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below;you keep your covenant of mercy with your servantswho are faithful to you with their whole heart.“Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth?If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you,how much less this temple which I have built! Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O LORD, my God,and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant,utter before you this day.May your eyes watch night and day over this temple,the place where you have decreed you shall be honored;may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place.Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israelwhich they offer in this place.Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.”  Responsorial psalm Psalm 84:3, 4, 5 and 10, 11 R. (2) How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD.My heart and my fleshcry out for the living God. R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!Even the sparrow finds a home,and the swallow a nestin which she puts her young—Your altars, O LORD of hosts,my king and my God!R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!Blessed they who dwell in your house!continually they praise you.O God, behold our shield,and look upon the face of your anointed.R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!I had rather one day in your courtsthan a thousand elsewhere;I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my Godthan dwell in the tents of the wicked.R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!  Alleluia  Psalm 119:36, 29b R. Alleluia, alleluia.Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees;and favor me with your law.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 7:1-13 When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalemgathered around Jesus,they observed that some of his disciples ate their mealswith unclean, that is, unwashed, hands.(For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,do not eat without carefully washing their hands,keeping the tradition of the elders.And on coming from the marketplacethey do not eat without purifying themselves.And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.)So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,"Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the eldersbut instead eat a meal with unclean hands?" He responded,"Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites,as it is written:This people honors me with their lips,but their hearts are far from me;In vain do they worship me,teaching as doctrines human precepts.You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition."He went on to say,"How well you have set aside the commandment of Godin order to uphold your tradition!For Moses said,Honor your father and your mother,and Whoever curses father or mother shall die.Yet you say,'If someone says to father or mother,"Any support you might have had from me is qorban"'(meaning, dedicated to God),you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother.You nullify the word of Godin favor of your tradition that you have handed on.And you do many such things."   - - - 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 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 The elders of Israel and all the leaders of the tribes,the princes in the ancestral houses of the children of Israel,came to King Solomon in Jerusalem,to bring up the ark of the LORD’s covenantfrom the City of David, which is Zion.All the people of Israel assembled before King Solomonduring the festival in the month of Ethanim (the seventh month).When all the elders of Israel had arrived,the priests took up the ark;they carried the ark of the LORDand the meeting tent with all the sacred vesselsthat were in the tent.(The priests and Levites carried them.)King Solomon and the entire community of Israelpresent for the occasionsacrificed before the ark sheep and oxentoo many to number or count.The priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORDto its place beneath the wings of the cherubim in the sanctuary,the holy of holies of the temple.The cherubim had their wings spread out over the place of the ark,sheltering the ark and its poles from above.There was nothing in the ark but the two stone tabletswhich Moses had put there at Horeb,when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israelat their departure from the land of Egypt.When the priests left the holy place,the cloud filled the temple of the LORDso that the priests could no longer minister because of the cloud,since the LORD’s glory had filled the temple of the LORD.Then Solomon said, “The LORD intends to dwell in the dark cloud;I have truly built you a princely house,a dwelling where you may abide forever.” Responsorial Psalm Psalm 132:6-7, 8-10 R.        (8a)  Lord, go up to the place of your rest!Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;            we found it in the fields of Jaar.Let us enter into his dwelling,            let us worship at his footstool.R.        Lord, go up to the place of your rest!Advance, O LORD, to your resting place,            you and the ark of your majesty.May your priests be clothed with justice;            let your faithful ones shout merrily for joy.For the sake of David your servant,            reject not the plea of your anointed.R.        Lord, go up to the place of your rest! Alleluia See Matthew 4:23 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdomand cured every disease among the people.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mark 6:53-56 After making the crossing to the other side of the sea,Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaretand tied up there.As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on matsto wherever they heard he was.Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered,they laid the sick in the marketplacesand begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak;and as many as touched it were healed. - - - 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 Isaiah 58:7-10 Thus says the LORD:Share your bread with the hungry,shelter the oppressed and the homeless;clothe the naked when you see them,and do not turn your back on your own.Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,and your wound shall quickly be healed;your vindication shall go before you,and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!If you remove from your midstoppression, false accusation and malicious speech;if you bestow your bread on the hungryand satisfy the afflicted;then light shall rise for you in the darkness,and the gloom shall become for you like midday.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (4a) The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.or:R. Alleluia.Light shines through the darkness for the upright;he is gracious and merciful and just.Well for the man who is gracious and lends,who conducts his affairs with justice.R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.or:R. Alleluia.He shall never be moved;the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.An evil report he shall not fear;his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.or:R. Alleluia.His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.Lavishly he gives to the poor;His justice shall endure forever;his horn shall be exalted in glory.R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.or:R. Alleluia.  Reading 2 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 When I came to you, brothers and sisters,proclaiming the mystery of God,I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.For I resolved to know nothing while I was with youexcept Jesus Christ, and him crucified.I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,and my message and my proclamationwere not with persuasive words of wisdom,but with a demonstration of Spirit and power,so that your faith might rest not on human wisdombut on the power of God.  Alleluia John 8:12 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the light of the world, says the Lord;whoever follows me will have the light of life.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus said to his disciples:"You are the salt of the earth.But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?It is no longer good for anythingbut to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.You are the light of the world.A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;it is set on a lampstand,where it gives light to all in the house.Just so, your light must shine before others,that they may see your good deedsand glorify your heavenly Father."  - - - 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 1 Kings 3:4-13 Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there,because that was the most renowned high place.Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings.In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night.God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”Solomon answered:“You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David,because he behaved faithfully toward you,with justice and an upright heart;and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today,seating a son of his on his throne.O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant,king to succeed my father David;but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen,a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heartto judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this–not for a long life for yourself,nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies,but for understanding so that you may know what is right–I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understandingthat there has never been anyone like you up to now,and after you there will come no one to equal you.In addition, I give you what you have not asked for,such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.”  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 R. (12b) Lord, teach me your statutes.How shall a young man be faultless in his way?By keeping to your words.R. Lord, teach me your statutes.With all my heart I seek you;let me not stray from your commands.R. Lord, teach me your statutes.Within my heart I treasure your promise,that I may not sin against you.R. Lord, teach me your statutes.Blessed are you, O LORD;teach me your statutes.R. Lord, teach me your statutes.With my lips I declareall the ordinances of your mouth. R. Lord, teach me your statutes.In the way of your decrees I rejoice,as much as in all riches.R. Lord, teach me your statutes.  Alleluia John 10:27 R. Alleluia, alleluia.My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;I know them, and they follow me.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 6:30-34 The Apostles gathered together with Jesusand reported all they had done and taught.He said to them,“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers,and they had no opportunity even to eat.So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.They hastened there on foot from all the townsand arrived at the place before them.When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd,his heart was moved with pity for them,for they were like sheep without a shepherd;and he began to teach them many things.  - - - 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 Paul Miki, Priest and Martyr, and his Companions, Martyrs Reading I Sirach 47:2-11 Like the choice fat of the sacred offerings,            so was David in Israel.He made sport of lions as though they were kids,            and of bears, like lambs of the flock.As a youth he slew the giant            and wiped out the people’s disgrace,When his hand let fly the slingstone            that crushed the pride of Goliath.Since he called upon the Most High God,             who gave strength to his right armTo defeat the skilled warrior            and raise up the might of his people,Therefore the women sang his praises,            and ascribed to him tens of thousands            and praised him when they blessed the Lord.When he assumed the royal crown, he battled            and subdued the enemy on every side.He destroyed the hostile Philistines            and shattered their power till our own day.With his every deed he offered thanks             to God Most High, in words of praise.With his whole being he loved his Maker            and daily had his praises sung;            He set singers before the altar and by their voices                        he made sweet melodies,He added beauty to the feasts            and solemnized the seasons of each yearSo that when the Holy Name was praised,            before daybreak the sanctuary would resound.The Lord forgave him his sins            and exalted his strength forever;He conferred on him the rights of royalty            and established his throne in Israel. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 18:31, 47 and 50, 51 R.        (see 47b)  Blessed be God my salvation!God’s way is unerring,            the promise of the LORD is fire-tried;            he is a shield to all who take refuge in him.R.        Blessed be God my salvation!The LORD live! And blessed be my Rock!            Extolled be God my savior.Therefore will I proclaim you, O LORD, among the nations,            and I will sing praise to your name.R.        Blessed be God my salvation!You who gave great victories to your king            and showed kindness to your anointed,            to David and his posterity forever.R.        Blessed be God my salvation! Alleluia See Luke 8:15 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart,and yield a harvest through perseverance.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mark 6:14-29 King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread,and people were saying,“John the Baptist has been raised from the dead;that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”Others were saying, “He is Elijah”;still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.”But when Herod learned of it, he said,“It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.”Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prisonon account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.John had said to Herod,“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”Herodias harbored a grudge against himand wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,and kept him in custody.When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,yet he liked to listen to him.Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers,and the leading men of Galilee.His own daughter came in and performed a dancethat delighted Herod and his guests.The king said to the girl,“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her,“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,even to half of my kingdom.”She went out and said to her mother,“What shall I ask for?”Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,“I want you to give me at once on a platterthe head of John the Baptist.”The king was deeply distressed,but because of his oaths and the guestshe did not wish to break his word to her.So he promptly dispatched an executionerwith orders to bring back his head.He went off and beheaded him in the prison.He brought in the head on a platterand gave it to the girl.The girl in turn gave it to her mother.When his disciples heard about it,they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. - - - 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 Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Reading 1 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 When the time of David's death drew near,he gave these instructions to his son Solomon:"I am going the way of all flesh.Take courage and be a man.Keep the mandate of the LORD, your God, following his waysand observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decreesas they are written in the law of Moses,that you may succeed in whatever you do,wherever you turn, and the LORD may fulfillthe promise he made on my behalf when he said,'If your sons so conduct themselvesthat they remain faithful to me with their whole heartand with their whole soul,you shall always have someone of your lineon the throne of Israel.'"David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.The length of David's reign over Israel was forty years:he reigned seven years in Hebronand thirty-three years in Jerusalem.Solomon was seated on the throne of his father David,with his sovereignty firmly established.   Responsorial Psalm 1 Chronicles 29:10, 11ab, 11d-12a, 12bcd R. (12b) Lord, you are exalted over all."Blessed may you be, O LORD,God of Israel our father,from eternity to eternity."R. Lord, you are exalted over all."Yours, O LORD, are grandeur and power,majesty, splendor, and glory."R. Lord, you are exalted over all."LORD, you are exalted over all.Yours, O LORD, is the sovereignty;you are exalted as head over all.Riches and honor are from you."R. Lord, you are exalted over all."In your hand are power and might;it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all."R. Lord, you are exalted over all.  Alleluia Mark 1:15 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Kingdom of God is at hand;repent and believe in the Gospel.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 6:7-13 Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by twoand gave them authority over unclean spirits.He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.He said to them,"Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,leave there and shake the dust off your feetin testimony against them."So they went off and preached repentance.The Twelve drove out many demons,and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured 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.