Daily Bible Readings

Reading 1 Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28 The tent, which was called the meeting tent,Moses used to pitch at some distance away, outside the camp.Anyone who wished to consult the LORDwould go to this meeting tent outside the camp.Whenever Moses went out to the tent, the people would all riseand stand at the entrance of their own tents,watching Moses until he entered the tent.As Moses entered the tent, the column of cloud would come downand stand at its entrance while the LORD spoke with Moses.On seeing the column of cloud stand at the entrance of the tent,all the people would rise and worshipat the entrance of their own tents.The LORD used to speak to Moses face to face,as one man speaks to another.Moses would then return to the camp,but his young assistant, Joshua, son of Nun,would not move out of the tent.Moses stood there with the LORD and proclaimed his name, "LORD."Thus the LORD passed before him and cried out,"The LORD, the LORD, a merciful and gracious God,slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity,continuing his kindness for a thousand generations,and forgiving wickedness and crime and sin;yet not declaring the guilty guiltless,but punishing children and grandchildrento the third and fourth generation for their fathers' wickedness!"Moses at once bowed down to the ground in worship.Then he said, "If I find favor with you, O LORD,do come along in our company.This is indeed a stiff-necked people; yet pardon our wickedness and sins,and receive us as your own."So Moses stayed there with the LORD for forty days and forty nights,without eating any food or drinking any water,and he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant,the ten commandments. Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13 R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.The LORD secures justiceand the rights of all the oppressed.He has made known his ways to Moses,and his deeds to the children of Israel.R. The Lord is kind and merciful.Merciful and gracious is the LORD,slow to anger and abounding in kindness.He will not always chide,nor does he keep his wrath forever.R. The Lord is kind and merciful.Not according to our sins does he deal with us,nor does he requite us according to our crimes.For as the heavens are high above the earth,so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.R. The Lord is kind and merciful.As far as the east is from the west,so far has he put our transgressions from us.As a father has compassion on his children,so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.R. The Lord is kind and merciful. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower;All who come to him will live for ever.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 13:36-43 Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.His disciples approached him and said,"Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."He said in reply, "He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom.The weeds are the children of the Evil One,and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire,so will it be at the end of the age.The Son of Man will send his angels,and they will collect out of his Kingdomall who cause others to sin and all evildoers.They will throw them into the fiery furnace,where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.Then the righteous will shine like the sunin the Kingdom of their Father.Whoever has ears ought to hear." Readings for the Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, 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.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest Reading 1 Ex 32:15-24, 30-34 Moses turned and came down the mountainwith the two tablets of the commandments in his hands,tablets that were written on both sides, front and back;tablets that were made by God,having inscriptions on them that were engraved by God himself.Now, when Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting,he said to Moses, "That sounds like a battle in the camp."But Moses answered, "It does not sound like cries of victory,nor does it sound like cries of defeat;the sounds that I hear are cries of revelry."As he drew near the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing.With that, Moses' wrath flared up, so that he threw the tablets downand broke them on the base of the mountain.Taking the calf they had made, he fused it in the fireand then ground it down to powder,which he scattered on the water and made the children of Israel drink.Moses asked Aaron, "What did this people ever do to youthat you should lead them into so grave a sin?"Aaron replied, "Let not my lord be angry.You know well enough how prone the people are to evil.They said to me, 'Make us a god to be our leader;as for the man Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt,we do not know what has happened to him.'So I told them, 'Let anyone who has gold jewelry take it off.'They gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and this calf came out."On the next day Moses said to the people,"You have committed a grave sin.I will go up to the LORD, then;perhaps I may be able to make atonement for your sin."So Moses went back to the LORD and said,"Ah, this people has indeed committed a grave sinin making a god of gold for themselves!If you would only forgive their sin!If you will not, then strike me out of the book that you have written."The LORD answered, "Him only who has sinned against mewill I strike out of my book.Now, go and lead the people to the place I have told you.My angel will go before you.When it is time for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin." Responsorial Psalm Ps 106:19-20, 21-22, 23 R. (1a) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.Our fathers made a calf in Horeband adored a molten image;They exchanged their gloryfor the image of a grass-eating bullock.R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.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. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.Then he spoke of exterminating them,but Moses, his chosen one,Withstood him in the breachto turn back his destructive wrath.R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. Alleluia Jas 1:18 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truththat we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 13:31-35 Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds."The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seedthat a person took and sowed in a field.It is the smallest of all the seeds,yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.It becomes a large bush,and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches."He spoke to them another parable."The Kingdom of heaven is like yeastthat a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flouruntil the whole batch was leavened."All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables.He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:I will open my mouth in parables,I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. - - - 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 Ignatius of Loyola, priest Reading 1 Ex 32:15-24, 30-34 Moses turned and came down the mountainwith the two tablets of the commandments in his hands,tablets that were written on both sides, front and back;tablets that were made by God,having inscriptions on them that were engraved by God himself.Now, when Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting,he said to Moses, "That sounds like a battle in the camp."But Moses answered, "It does not sound like cries of victory,nor does it sound like cries of defeat;the sounds that I hear are cries of revelry."As he drew near the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing.With that, Moses' wrath flared up, so that he threw the tablets downand broke them on the base of the mountain.Taking the calf they had made, he fused it in the fireand then ground it down to powder,which he scattered on the water and made the children of Israel drink.Moses asked Aaron, "What did this people ever do to youthat you should lead them into so grave a sin?"Aaron replied, "Let not my lord be angry.You know well enough how prone the people are to evil.They said to me, 'Make us a god to be our leader;as for the man Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt,we do not know what has happened to him.'So I told them, 'Let anyone who has gold jewelry take it off.'They gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and this calf came out."On the next day Moses said to the people,"You have committed a grave sin.I will go up to the LORD, then;perhaps I may be able to make atonement for your sin."So Moses went back to the LORD and said,"Ah, this people has indeed committed a grave sinin making a god of gold for themselves!If you would only forgive their sin!If you will not, then strike me out of the book that you have written."The LORD answered, "Him only who has sinned against mewill I strike out of my book.Now, go and lead the people to the place I have told you.My angel will go before you.When it is time for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin." Responsorial Psalm Ps 106:19-20, 21-22, 23 R. (1a) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.Our fathers made a calf in Horeband adored a molten image;They exchanged their gloryfor the image of a grass-eating bullock.R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.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. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.Then he spoke of exterminating them,but Moses, his chosen one,Withstood him in the breachto turn back his destructive wrath.R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. Alleluia Jas 1:18 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truththat we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 13:31-35 Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds."The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seedthat a person took and sowed in a field.It is the smallest of all the seeds,yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.It becomes a large bush,and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches."He spoke to them another parable."The Kingdom of heaven is like yeastthat a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flouruntil the whole batch was leavened."All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables.He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:I will open my mouth in parables,I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. - - -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 Kgs 3:5, 7-12 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:"O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, kingto 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." Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 R. (97a) Lord, I love your commands. I have said, O LORD, that my part is to keep your words. The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. R. Lord, I love your commands. Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. R. Lord, I love your commands. For I love your commands more than gold, however fine. For in all your precepts I go forward; every false way I hate. R. Lord, I love your commands. Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. R. Lord, I love your commands. Reading 2 Rom 8:28-30 Brothers and sisters:We know that all things work for good for those who love God,who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestinedto be conformed to the image of his Son,so that he might be the firstbornamong many brothers and sisters.And those he predestined he also called;and those he called he also justified;and those he justified he also glorified. Alleluia Cf. Mt 11:25 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;for you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 13:44-52 Jesus said to his disciples:"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,which a person finds and hides again,and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchantsearching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price,he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea,which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashoreand sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteousand throw them into the fiery furnace,where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."Do you understand all these things?" They answered, "Yes." And he replied,"Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heavenis like the head of a householdwho brings from his storeroom both the new and the old." or Mt 13:44-46 Jesus said to his disciples:"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,which a person finds and hides again,and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchantsearching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price,he goes and sells all that he has and buys it." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Peter Chrysologus, 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.

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Readings for the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus Reading 1 Ex 24:3-8 When Moses came to the peopleand related all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all answered with one voice,"We will do everything that the LORD has told us."Moses then wrote down all the words of the LORD and,rising early the next day,he erected at the foot of the mountain an altarand twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Then, having sent certain young men of the children of Israelto offer burnt offerings and sacrifice young bullsas peace offerings to the LORD,Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls;the other half he splashed on the altar.Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people,who answered, "All that the LORD has said, we will heed and do."Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying,"This is the blood of the covenantthat the LORD has made with youin accordance with all these words of his." Responsorial Psalm Ps 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15 R. (14a) Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.God the LORD has spoken and summoned the earth,from the rising of the sun to its setting.From Zion, perfect in beauty,God shines forth.R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise."Gather my faithful ones before me,those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."And the heavens proclaim his justice;for God himself is the judge.R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise."Offer to God praise as your sacrificeand fulfill your vows to the Most High;Then call upon me in time of distress;I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me."R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise. Alleluia Jn 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 Jn 11:19-27 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Maryto comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died].When Martha heard that Jesus was coming,she went to meet him;but Mary sat at home.Martha said to Jesus,"Lord, if you had been here,my brother would not have died.But even now I know that whatever you ask of God,God will give you."Jesus said to her,"Your brother will rise."Martha said to him,"I know he will rise,in the resurrection on the last day."Jesus told her,"I am the resurrection and the life;whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.Do you believe this?"She said to him, "Yes, Lord.I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,the one who is coming into the world." or  Lk 10:38-42 Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.She had a sister named Marywho sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,"Lord, do you not carethat my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply,"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better partand it will not be taken 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.

Readings for the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus Reading 1 Ex 24:3-8 When Moses came to the peopleand related all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all answered with one voice,"We will do everything that the LORD has told us."Moses then wrote down all the words of the LORD and,rising early the next day,he erected at the foot of the mountain an altarand twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Then, having sent certain young men of the children of Israelto offer burnt offerings and sacrifice young bullsas peace offerings to the LORD,Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls;the other half he splashed on the altar.Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people,who answered, "All that the LORD has said, we will heed and do."Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying,"This is the blood of the covenantthat the LORD has made with youin accordance with all these words of his." Responsorial Psalm Ps 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15 R. (14a) Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.God the LORD has spoken and summoned the earth,from the rising of the sun to its setting.From Zion, perfect in beauty,God shines forth.R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise."Gather my faithful ones before me,those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."And the heavens proclaim his justice;for God himself is the judge.R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise."Offer to God praise as your sacrificeand fulfill your vows to the Most High;Then call upon me in time of distress;I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me."R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise. Alleluia Jn 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 Jn 11:19-27 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Maryto comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died].When Martha heard that Jesus was coming,she went to meet him;but Mary sat at home.Martha said to Jesus,"Lord, if you had been here,my brother would not have died.But even now I know that whatever you ask of God,God will give you."Jesus said to her,"Your brother will rise."Martha said to him,"I know he will rise,in the resurrection on the last day."Jesus told her,"I am the resurrection and the life;whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.Do you believe this?"She said to him, "Yes, Lord.I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,the one who is coming into the world." or  Lk 10:38-42 Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.She had a sister named Marywho sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,"Lord, do you not carethat my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply,"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better partand it will not be taken 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 I Ex 20:1-17 In those days: God delivered all these commandments:     “I, the LORD, am your God,      who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery. You shall not have other gods besides me. You shall not carve idols for yourselves      in the shape of anything in the sky above      or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth;      you shall not bow down before them or worship them. For I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God,      inflicting punishment for their fathers’ wickedness      on the children of those who hate me,      down to the third and fourth generation;      but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation      on the children of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not take the name of the LORD, your God, in vain. For the LORD will not leave unpunished      him who takes his name in vain. “Remember to keep holy the sabbath day. Six days you may labor and do all your work,      but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD, your God. No work may be done then either by you, or your son or daughter,      or your male or female slave, or your beast,      or by the alien who lives with you. In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth,      the sea and all that is in them;      but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. “Honor your father and your mother,      that you may have a long life in the land      which the LORD, your God, is giving you. “You shall not kill. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife,      nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or ass,      nor anything else that belongs to him.” Responsorial Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 R.    (John 6:68c)  Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. The law of the LORD is perfect,     refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,     giving wisdom to the simple. R.    Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. The precepts of the LORD are right,     rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is clear,     enlightening the eye. R.    Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. The fear of the LORD is pure,     enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true,     all of them just. R.    Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. They are more precious than gold,     than a heap of purest gold; Sweeter also than syrup     or honey from the comb. R.    Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. Alleluia See Lk 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 Mt 13:18-23 Jesus said to his disciples: “Hear the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” - - - 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 Ex 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b In the third month after their departure from the land of Egypt,on its first day, the children of Israel came to the desert of Sinai.After the journey from Rephidim to the desert of Sinai,they pitched camp.While Israel was encamped here in front of the mountain,the LORD told Moses,"I am coming to you in a dense cloud,so that when the people hear me speaking with you,they may always have faith in you also."When Moses, then, had reported to the LORD the response of the people,the LORD added, "Go to the peopleand have them sanctify themselves today and tomorrow.Make them wash their garments and be ready for the third day;for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinaibefore the eyes of all the people."On the morning of the third daythere were peals of thunder and lightning,and a heavy cloud over the mountain,and a very loud trumpet blast,so that all the people in the camp trembled.But Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God,and they stationed themselves at the foot of the mountain.Mount Sinai was all wrapped in smoke,for the LORD came down upon it in fire. The smoke rose from it as though from a furnace,and the whole mountain trembled violently.The trumpet blast grew louder and louder, while Moses was speakingand God answering him with thunder.When the LORD came down to the top of Mount Sinai,he summoned Moses to the top of the mountain. Responsorial Psalm Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 R. (52b) Glory and praise for ever!"Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers,praiseworthy and exalted above all forever;And blessed is your holy and glorious name,praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages."R. Glory and praise for ever!"Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory,praiseworthy and glorious above all forever."R. Glory and praise for ever!"Blessed are you on the throne of your Kingdom,praiseworthy and exalted above all forever."R. Glory and praise for ever!"Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim,praiseworthy and exalted above all forever."R. Glory and praise for ever!"Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven,praiseworthy and glorious forever."R. Glory and praise for ever! Alleluia See Mt 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 Mt 13:10-17 The disciples approached Jesus and said,"Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?"He said to them in reply,"Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heavenhas been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich;from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.This is why I speak to them in parables, becausethey look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:You shall indeed hear but not understand,you shall indeed look but never see.Gross is the heart of this people,they will hardly hear with their ears,they have closed their eyes,lest they see with their eyesand hear with their earsand understand with their hearts and be convertedand I heal them."But blessed are your eyes, because they see,and your ears, because they hear.Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous peoplelonged to see what you see but did not see it,and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." - - -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 Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Reading 1 Ex 16:1-5, 9-15 The children of Israel set out from Elim, and came into the desert of Sin,which is between Elim and Sinai,on the fifteenth day of the second monthafter their departure from the land of Egypt.Here in the desert the whole assembly of the children of Israelgrumbled against Moses and Aaron.The children of Israel said to them,"Would that we had died at the LORD's hand in the land of Egypt,as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread!But you had to lead us into this desertto make the whole community die of famine!"Then the LORD said to Moses,"I will now rain down bread from heaven for you.Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion;thus will I test them,to see whether they follow my instructions or not.On the sixth day, however, when they prepare what they bring in,let it be twice as much as they gather on the other days."Then Moses said to Aaron, "Tell the whole congregation of the children of Israel:Present yourselves before the LORD,for he has heard your grumbling."When Aaron announced this to the whole assembly of the children of Israel,they turned toward the desert, and lo,the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud!The LORD spoke to Moses and said,"I have heard the grumbling of the children of Israel.Tell them: In the evening twilight you shall eat flesh,and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread,so that you may know that I, the LORD, am your God."In the evening quail came up and covered the camp.In the morning a dew lay all about the camp,and when the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the desertwere fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground.On seeing it, the children of Israel asked one another, "What is this?"for they did not know what it was.But Moses told them,"This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat." Responsorial Psalm Ps 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28 R. (24b) The Lord gave them bread from heaven.They tempted God in their heartsby demanding the food they craved.Yes, they spoke against God, saying,"Can God spread a table in the desert?"R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.Yet he commanded the skies aboveand the doors of heaven he opened;He rained manna upon them for foodand gave them heavenly bread. R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.Man ate the bread of angels,food he sent them in abundance.He stirred up the east wind in the heavens,and by his power brought on the south wind.R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.And he rained meat upon them like dust,and, like the sand of the sea, winged fowl,Which fell in the midst of their campround about their tents. R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower;All who come to him will live for ever.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 13:1-9 On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea.Such large crowds gathered around himthat he got into a boat and sat down,and the whole crowd stood along the shore.And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying:"A sower went out to sow.And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path,and birds came and ate it up.Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil.It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep,and when the sun rose it was scorched,and it withered for lack of roots.Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit,a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.Whoever has ears ought to hear." - - -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 Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Reading 1 Ex 16:1-5, 9-15 The children of Israel set out from Elim, and came into the desert of Sin,which is between Elim and Sinai,on the fifteenth day of the second monthafter their departure from the land of Egypt.Here in the desert the whole assembly of the children of Israelgrumbled against Moses and Aaron.The children of Israel said to them,"Would that we had died at the LORD's hand in the land of Egypt,as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread!But you had to lead us into this desertto make the whole community die of famine!"Then the LORD said to Moses,"I will now rain down bread from heaven for you.Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion;thus will I test them,to see whether they follow my instructions or not.On the sixth day, however, when they prepare what they bring in,let it be twice as much as they gather on the other days."Then Moses said to Aaron, "Tell the whole congregation of the children of Israel:Present yourselves before the LORD,for he has heard your grumbling."When Aaron announced this to the whole assembly of the children of Israel,they turned toward the desert, and lo,the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud!The LORD spoke to Moses and said,"I have heard the grumbling of the children of Israel.Tell them: In the evening twilight you shall eat flesh,and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread,so that you may know that I, the LORD, am your God."In the evening quail came up and covered the camp.In the morning a dew lay all about the camp,and when the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the desertwere fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground.On seeing it, the children of Israel asked one another, "What is this?"for they did not know what it was.But Moses told them,"This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat." Responsorial Psalm Ps 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28 R. (24b) The Lord gave them bread from heaven.They tempted God in their heartsby demanding the food they craved.Yes, they spoke against God, saying,"Can God spread a table in the desert?"R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.Yet he commanded the skies aboveand the doors of heaven he opened;He rained manna upon them for foodand gave them heavenly bread. R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.Man ate the bread of angels,food he sent them in abundance.He stirred up the east wind in the heavens,and by his power brought on the south wind.R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.And he rained meat upon them like dust,and, like the sand of the sea, winged fowl,Which fell in the midst of their campround about their tents. R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower;All who come to him will live for ever.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 13:1-9 On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea.Such large crowds gathered around himthat he got into a boat and sat down,and the whole crowd stood along the shore.And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying:"A sower went out to sow.And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path,and birds came and ate it up.Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil.It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep,and when the sun rose it was scorched,and it withered for lack of roots.Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit,a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.Whoever has ears ought to hear." - - - 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 2 Cor 4:7-15 Brothers and sisters:We hold this treasure in earthen vessels,that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;perplexed, but not driven to despair;persecuted, but not abandoned;struck down, but not destroyed;always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.For we who live are constantly being given up to deathfor the sake of Jesus,so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.So death is at work in us, but life in you.Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith,according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesuswill raise us also with Jesusand place us with you in his presence.Everything indeed is for you,so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more peoplemay cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6 R. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,we were like men dreaming.Then our mouth was filled with laughter,and our tongue with rejoicing. R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.Then they said among the nations,"The LORD has done great things for them."The LORD has done great things for us;we are glad indeed.R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.Restore our fortunes, O LORD,like the torrents in the southern desert.Those that sow in tearsshall reap rejoicing.R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.Although they go forth weeping,carrying the seed to be sown,They shall come back rejoicing,carrying their sheaves. R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Alleluia See Jn 15:16 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I chose you from the world,to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 20:20-28 The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sonsand did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.He said to her,"What do you wish?"She answered him,"Command that these two sons of mine sit,one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom."Jesus said in reply,"You do not know what you are asking.Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?"They said to him, "We can."He replied,"My chalice you will indeed drink,but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to givebut is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."When the ten heard this,they became indignant at the two brothers.But Jesus summoned them and said,"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,and the great ones make their authority over them felt.But it shall not be so among you.Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant;whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be servedbut to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." - - -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 Ex 14:5-18 When it was reported to the king of Egyptthat the people had fled,Pharaoh and his servants changed their minds about them.They exclaimed, "What have we done!Why, we have released Israel from our service!"So Pharaoh made his chariots ready and mustered his soldiers—six hundred first-class chariotsand all the other chariots of Egypt, with warriors on them all.So obstinate had the LORD made Pharaohthat he pursued the children of Israeleven while they were marching away in triumph.The Egyptians, then, pursued them;Pharaoh's whole army, his horses, chariots and charioteers,caught up with them as they lay encamped by the sea,at Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.Pharaoh was already near when the children of Israel looked upand saw that the Egyptians were on the march in pursuit of them.In great fright they cried out to the LORD.And they complained to Moses,"Were there no burial places in Egyptthat you had to bring us out here to die in the desert?Why did you do this to us?Why did you bring us out of Egypt?Did we not tell you this in Egypt, when we said,'Leave us alone. Let us serve the Egyptians'?Far better for us to be the slaves of the Egyptiansthan to die in the desert."But Moses answered the people,"Fear not! Stand your ground,and you will see the victory the LORD will win for you today.These Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again.The LORD himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still."Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me?Tell the children of Israel to go forward.And you, lift up your staff and, with hand outstretched over the sea,split the sea in two,that the children of Israel may pass through it on dry land.But I will make the Egyptians so obstinatethat they will go in after them.Then I will receive glory through Pharaoh and all his army,his chariots and charioteers.The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD,when I receive glory through Pharaohand his chariots and charioteers." Responsorial Psalm Ex 15:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-6 R. (1b) Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.I will sing to the LORD, for he is gloriously triumphant;horse and chariot he has cast into the sea.My strength and my courage is the LORD,and he has been my savior.He is my God, I praise him;the God of my father, I extol him.R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.The LORD is a warrior,LORD is his name!Pharaoh's chariots and army he hurled into the sea;the elite of his officers were submerged in the Red Sea.R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.The flood waters covered them,they sank into the depths like a stone.Your right hand, O LORD, magnificent in power,your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy.R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory. Alleluia Ps 95:8 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If today you hear his voice,harden not your hearts.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 12:38-42 Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus,"Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you."He said to them in reply,"An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign,but no sign will be given itexcept the sign of Jonah the prophet.Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earththree days and three nights.At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generationand condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah;and there is something greater than Jonah here.At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generationand condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earthto hear the wisdom of Solomon;and there is something greater than Solomon here." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Sharbel Makhlūf, 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 1 Wis 12:13, 16-19 There is no god besides you who have the care of all,that you need show you have not unjustly condemned.For your might is the source of justice;your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all.For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved;and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity.But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency,and with much lenience you govern us;for power, whenever you will, attends you.And you taught your people, by these deeds,that those who are just must be kind;and you gave your children good ground for hopethat you would permit repentance for their sins. Responsorial Psalm Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16 R. (5a) Lord, you are good and forgiving.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. Lord, you are good and forgiving.All the nations you have made shall comeand worship you, O LORD,and glorify your name.For you are great, and you do wondrous deeds;you alone are God.R. Lord, you are good and forgiving.You, O LORD, are a God merciful and gracious,slow to anger, abounding in kindness and fidelity.Turn toward me, and have pity on me;give your strength to your servant.R. Lord, you are good and forgiving. Reading 2 Rom 8:26-27 Brothers and sisters:The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;for we do not know how to pray as we ought,but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches heartsknows what is the intention of the Spirit,because he intercedes for the holy onesaccording to God's will. Alleluia Cf. Mt 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 Mt 13:24-43 Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying:"The kingdom of heaven may be likenedto a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy cameand sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said,'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?'He answered, 'An enemy has done this.'His slaves said to him,'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'He replied, 'No, if you pull up the weedsyou might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest;then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters,"First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning;but gather the wheat into my barn."'"He proposed another parable to them. "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seedthat a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds,yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush,and the 'birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.'"He spoke to them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like yeastthat a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flouruntil the whole batch was leavened."All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables,to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:I will open my mouth in parables,I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundationof the world.Then, dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples approached him and said,"Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field." He said in reply, "He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one,and the enemy who sows them is the devil.The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire,so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels,and they will collect out of his kingdomall who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace,where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear." or Mt 13:24-30 Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying:"The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a manwho sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy cameand sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said,'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?'He answered, 'An enemy has done this.'His slaves said to him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'He replied, 'No, if you pull up the weedsyou might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest;then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters,"First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning;but gather the wheat into my barn."'" Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Bridget of Sweden, 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 Sgs 3:1-4b The Bride says:On my bed at night I sought himwhom my heart loves–I sought him but I did not find him.I will rise then and go about the city;in the streets and crossings I will seekHim whom my heart loves.I sought him but I did not find him.The watchmen came upon me,as they made their rounds of the city:Have you seen him whom my heart loves?I had hardly left themwhen I found him whom my heart loves. OR 2 Cor 5:14-17 Brothers and sisters:The love of Christ impels us,once we have come to the conviction that one died for all;therefore, all have died.He indeed died for all,so that those who live might no longer live for themselvesbut for him who for their sake died and was raised.Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh;even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh,yet now we know him so no longer.So whoever is in Christ is a new creation:the old things have passed away;behold, new things have come. Responsorial Psalm Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 R. (2) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.O God, you are my God whom I seek;for you my flesh pines and my soul thirstslike the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuaryto see your power and your glory,For your kindness is a greater good than life;my lips shall glorify you.R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.Thus will I bless you while I live;lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.You are my help,and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.My soul clings fast to you;your right hand upholds me.R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.Tell us, Mary, what did you see on the way?I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 20:1-2, 11-18 On the first day of the week,Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning,while it was still dark,and saw the stone removed from the tomb.So she ran and went to Simon Peterand to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,"They have taken the Lord from the tomb,and we don't know where they put him." Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping.And as she wept, she bent over into the tomband saw two angels in white sitting there,one at the head and one at the feetwhere the Body of Jesus had been.And they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?"She said to them, "They have taken my Lord,and I don't know where they laid him."When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there,but did not know it was Jesus.Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?Whom are you looking for?"She thought it was the gardener and said to him,"Sir, if you carried him away,tell me where you laid him,and I will take him."Jesus said to her, "Mary!"She turned and said to him in Hebrew,"Rabbouni," which means Teacher.Jesus said to her,"Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.But go to my brothers and tell them,'I am going to my Father and your Father,to my God and your God.'"Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,"I have seen the Lord,"and then reported what he told 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 Ex 11:10—12:14 Although Moses and Aaron performed various wondersin Pharaoh's presence,the LORD made Pharaoh obstinate,and he would not let the children of Israel leave his land.The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt,"This month shall stand at the head of your calendar;you shall reckon it the first month of the year.Tell the whole community of Israel: On the tenth of this monthevery one of your families must procure for itself a lamb,one apiece for each household.If a family is too small for a whole lamb,it shall join the nearest household in procuring oneand shall share in the lambin proportion to the number of persons who partake of it.The lamb must be a year-old male and without blemish.You may take it from either the sheep or the goats.You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, and then,with the whole assembly of Israel present,it shall be slaughtered during the evening twilight.They shall take some of its bloodand apply it to the two doorposts and the lintelof every house in which they partake of the lamb.That same night they shall eat its roasted fleshwith unleavened bread and bitter herbs.It shall not be eaten raw or boiled, but roasted whole,with its head and shanks and inner organs.None of it must be kept beyond the next morning;whatever is left over in the morning shall be burned up."This is how you are to eat it: with your loins girt, sandals on your feet and your staff in hand,you shall eat like those who are in flight.It is the Passover of the LORD.For on this same night I will go through Egypt,striking down every first born of the land, both man and beast,and executing judgment on all the gods of Egypt—I, the LORD!But the blood will mark the houses where you are.Seeing the blood, I will pass over you;thus, when I strike the land of Egypt,no destructive blow will come upon you."This day shall be a memorial feast for you,which all your generations shall celebratewith pilgrimage to the LORD, as a perpetual institution." Responsorial Psalm Ps 116:12-13, 15 and 16bc, 17-18 R. (13) I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.How shall I make a return to the LORDfor all the good he has done for me?The cup of salvation I will take up,and I will call upon the name of the LORD.R. I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.Precious in the eyes of the LORDis the death of his faithful ones.I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;you have loosed my bonds.R. I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,and I will call upon the name of the LORD.My vows to the LORD I will payin the presence of all his people.R. I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord. Alleluia Jn 10:27 R. Alleluia, alleluia.My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord,I know them, and they follow me.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 12:1-8 Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath.His disciples were hungryand began to pick the heads of grain and eat them.When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him,"See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath."He said to the them, "Have you not read what David didwhen he and his companions were hungry,how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering,which neither he nor his companionsbut only the priests could lawfully eat?Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbaththe priests serving in the temple violate the sabbathand are innocent?I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice,you would not have condemned these innocent men.For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath." - - -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 Ex 3:13-20 Moses, hearing the voice of the LORD from the burning bush, said to him,"When I go to the children of Israel and say to them,'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,'if they ask me, 'What is his name?' what am I to tell them?"God replied, "I am who am."Then he added, "This is what you shall tell the children of Israel:I AM sent me to you."God spoke further to Moses, "Thus shall you say to the children of Israel:The LORD, the God of your fathers,the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob,has sent me to you."This is my name forever;this my title for all generations."Go and assemble the elders of Israel, and tell them: The LORD, the God of your fathers,the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,has appeared to me and said:I am concerned about youand about the way you are being treated in Egypt;so I have decided to lead you up out of the misery of Egyptinto the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites,a land flowing with milk and honey."Thus they will heed your message. Then you and the elders of Israelshall go to the king of Egypt and say to him:"The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent us word.Permit us, then, to go a three-days' journey in the desert,that we may offer sacrifice to the LORD, our God."Yet I know that the king of Egypt will not allow you to gounless he is forced.I will stretch out my hand, therefore,and smite Egypt by doing all kinds of wondrous deeds there.After that he will send you away." Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:1 and 5, 8-9, 24-25, 26-27 R.(8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.or:R. Alleluia.Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;make known among the nations his deeds.Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought,his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.or:R. Alleluia.He remembers forever his covenantwhich he made binding for a thousand generations--Which he entered into with Abrahamand by his oath to Isaac.R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.or:R. Alleluia.He greatly increased his peopleand made them stronger than their foes,Whose hearts he changed, so that they hated his people,and dealt deceitfully with his servants.R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.or:R. Alleluia.He sent Moses his servant;Aaron, whom he had chosen.They wrought his signs among them,and wonders in the land of Ham.R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Mt 11:28 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,and I will give you rest, says the Lord.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 11:28-30 Jesus said: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Apollinaris, bishop and martyr - - -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 Ex 3:1-6, 9-12 Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian.Leading the flock across the desert, he came to Horeb,the mountain of God.There an angel of the LORD appeared to him in fireflaming out of a bush.As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush,though on fire, was not consumed.So Moses decided,"I must go over to look at this remarkable sight,and see why the bush is not burned."When the LORD saw him coming over to look at it more closely,God called out to him from the bush, "Moses! Moses!"He answered, "Here I am."God said, "Come no nearer!Remove the sandals from your feet,for the place where you stand is holy ground.I am the God of your father," he continued,"the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.The cry of the children of Israel has reached me,and I have truly noted that the Egyptians are oppressing them.Come, now! I will send you to Pharaoh to lead my people,the children of Israel, out of Egypt."But Moses said to God,"Who am I that I should go to Pharaohand lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?"He answered, "I will be with you;and this shall be your proof that it is I who have sent you:when you bring my people out of Egypt,you will worship God on this very mountain." Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1b-2, 3-4, 6-7 R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.Bless the LORD, O my soul;and all my being, bless his holy name.Bless the LORD, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits.R. The Lord is kind and merciful.He pardons all your iniquities,he heals all your ills.He redeems your life from destruction,he crowns you with kindness and compassion. R. The Lord is kind and merciful.The LORD secures justiceand the rights of all the oppressed.He has made known his ways to Moses,and his deeds to the children of Israel. R. The Lord is kind and merciful. Alleluia See Mt 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 Mt 11:25-27 At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,for although you have hidden these thingsfrom the wise and the learnedyou have revealed them to the childlike.Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.All things have been handed over to me by my Father.No one knows the Son except the Father,and no one knows the Father except the Sonand anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal 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.