Reading 1  Jeremiah 3:14-17 Return, rebellious children, says the LORD,for I am your Master;I will take you, one from a city, two from a clan,and bring you to Zion.I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart,who will shepherd you wisely and prudently.When you multiply and become fruitful in the land,says the LORD,They will in those days no longer say,“The ark of the covenant of the LORD!”They will no longer think of it, or remember it, or miss it, or make another. At that time they will call Jerusalem the LORD’s throne;there all nations will be gathered togetherto honor the name of the LORD at Jerusalem,and they will walk no longer in their hardhearted wickedness. Responsorial Psalm  Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12abcd, 13 R. (see 10d) The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,proclaim it on distant isles, and say:He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together,he guards them as a shepherd his flock. R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.The LORD shall ransom Jacob,he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror.Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion,they shall come streaming to the LORD’s blessings:The grain, the wine, and the oil,the sheep and the oxen.R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.Then the virgins shall make merry and dance,and young men and old as well.I will turn their mourning into joy,I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. Alleluia  Luke 8:15 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heartand yield a harvest through perseverance.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  Matthew 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 Kingdomwithout understanding it,and the Evil One comes and steals awaywhat was sown in his heart.The seed sown on rocky groundis 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 wordand it bears no fruit.But the seed sown on rich soilis the one who hears the word and understands it,who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” 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  Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13 This word of the LORD came to me:Go, cry out this message for Jerusalem to hear!I remember the devotion of your youth,how you loved me as a bride,Following me in the desert,in a land unsown.Sacred to the LORD was Israel,the first fruits of his harvest;Should any presume to partake of them,evil would befall them, says the LORD. When I brought you into the garden land to eat its goodly fruits,You entered and defiled my land,you made my heritage loathsome.The priests asked not,“Where is the LORD?”Those who dealt with the law knew me not:the shepherds rebelled against me.The prophets prophesied by Baal,and went after useless idols. Be amazed at this, O heavens,and shudder with sheer horror, says the LORD.Two evils have my people done:they have forsaken me, the source of living waters;They have dug themselves cisterns,broken cisterns, that hold no water. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 36:6-7ab, 8-9, 10-11 R. (10a) With you is the fountain of life, O Lord.O LORD, your mercy reaches to heaven;your faithfulness, to the clouds.Your justice is like the mountains of God;your judgments, like the mighty deep.R. With you is the fountain of life, O Lord.How precious is your mercy, O God!The children of men take refuge in the shadow of your wings.They have their fill of the prime gifts of your house;from your delightful stream you give them to drink.R. With you is the fountain of life, O Lord.For with you is the fountain of life,and in your light we see light.Keep up your mercy toward your friends,your just defense of the upright of heart.R. With you is the fountain of life, O Lord. Alleluia  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 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.”  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 Song of Songs 3:1-4b The Bride says: On my bed at night I sought him whom 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 seek Him 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 them when I found him whom my heart loves. OR 2 Corinthians 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 themselves but 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 Psalm 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 thirsts like 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 sanctuary to 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 John 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 Peter and 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 tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where 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  Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Shepherd your people with your staff,the flock of your inheritance,That dwells apart in a woodland,in the midst of Carmel.Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead,as in the days of old;As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt,show us wonderful signs.Who is there like you, the God who removes guiltand pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance;Who does not persist in anger forever,but delights rather in clemency,And will again have compassion on us,treading underfoot our guilt?You will cast into the depths of the seaall our sins;You will show faithfulness to Jacob,and grace to Abraham,As you have sworn to our fathersfrom days of old. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 85:2-4, 5-6, 7-8 R. (8a) Lord, show us your mercy and love.You have favored, O LORD, your land;you have brought back the captives of Jacob.You have forgiven the guilt of your people;you have covered all their sins.You have withdrawn all your wrath;you have revoked your burning anger. R. Lord, show us your mercy and love.Restore us, O God our savior,and abandon your displeasure against us.Will you be ever angry with us,prolonging your anger to all generations?R. Lord, show us your mercy and love.Will you not instead give us life;and shall not your people rejoice in you?Show us, O LORD, your kindness,and grant us your salvation. R. Lord, show us your mercy and love. Alleluia  John 14:23 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Whoever loves me will keep my word,and my Father will love himand we will come to him.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  Matthew 12:46-50 While Jesus was speaking to the crowds,his mother and his brothers appeared outside,wishing to speak with him.Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside,asking to speak with you.”But he said in reply to the one who told him,“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said,“Here are my mother and my brothers.For whoever does the will of my heavenly Fatheris my brother, and sister, and mother.” Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1  Micah 6:1-4, 6-8 Hear what the LORD says:Arise, present your plea before the mountains,and let the hills hear your voice!Hear, O mountains, the plea of the LORD,pay attention, O foundations of the earth!For the LORD has a plea against his people,and he enters into trial with Israel. O my people, what have I done to you,or how have I wearied you? Answer me!For I brought you up from the land of Egypt,from the place of slavery I released you;and I sent before you Moses,Aaron, and Miriam. With what shall I come before the LORD,and bow before God most high?Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,with calves a year old?Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,with myriad streams of oil?Shall I give my first-born for my crime,the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?You have been told, O man, what is good,and what the LORD requires of you:Only to do the right and to love goodness,and to walk humbly with your God. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 50:5-6, 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23 R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.“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. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,for your burnt offerings are before me always.I take from your house no bullock,no goats out of your fold.”R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.“Why do you recite my statutes,and profess my covenant with your mouth,Though you hate disciplineand cast my words behind you?”R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.“When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?Or do you think that I am like yourself?I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God. Alleluia  Psalm 95:8 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If today you hear his voice,harden not your hearts.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  Matthew 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 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 Wisdom 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 Psalm 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 Romans 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. 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 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 Matthew 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."'"  - - - 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 Micah 2:1-5 Woe to those who plan iniquity,and work out evil on their couches;In the morning light they accomplish itwhen it lies within their power.They covet fields, and seize them;houses, and they take them;They cheat an owner of his house,a man of his inheritance.Therefore thus says the LORD:Behold, I am planning against this race an evilfrom which you shall not withdraw your necks;Nor shall you walk with head high,for it will be a time of evil.On that day a satire shall be sung over you,and there shall be a plaintive chant:"Our ruin is complete,our fields are portioned out among our captors,The fields of my people are measured out,and no one can get them back!"Thus you shall have no oneto mark out boundaries by lotin the assembly of the LORD.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 10:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 14 R. (12b) Do not forget the poor, O Lord!Why, O LORD, do you stand aloof?Why hide in times of distress?Proudly the wicked harass the afflicted,who are caught in the devices the wicked have contrived. R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!For the wicked man glories in his greed,and the covetous blasphemes, sets the LORD at nought.The wicked man boasts, "He will not avenge it";"There is no God," sums up his thoughts. R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!His mouth is full of cursing, guile and deceit;under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.He lurks in ambush near the villages;in hiding he murders the innocent;his eyes spy upon the unfortunate. R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!You do see, for you behold misery and sorrow,taking them in your hands.On you the unfortunate man depends;of the fatherless you are the helper.R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!  Alleluia 2 Corinthians 5:19 R. Alleluia, alleluia.God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 12:14-21 The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesusto put him to death.When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.Many people followed him, and he cured them all,but he warned them not to make him known.This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,my beloved in whom I delight;I shall place my Spirit upon him,and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.He will not contend or cry out,nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.A bruised reed he will not break,a smoldering wick he will not quench,until he brings justice to victory.And in his name the Gentiles will hope.  Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Camillus de Lellis, Priest [In the Dioceses of the United States] - - - 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 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8 When Hezekiah was mortally ill,the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, came and said to him:"Thus says the LORD: Put your house in order,for you are about to die; you shall not recover."Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD:"O LORD, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedlyI conducted myself in your presence,doing what was pleasing to you!"And Hezekiah wept bitterly.Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: "Go, tell Hezekiah:Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David:I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.I will heal you: in three days you shall go up to the LORD's temple;I will add fifteen years to your life.I will rescue you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria;I will be a shield to this city."Isaiah then ordered a poultice of figs to be takenand applied to the boil, that he might recover.Then Hezekiah asked,"What is the sign that I shall go up to the temple of the LORD?"Isaiah answered:"This will be the sign for you from the LORDthat he will do what he has promised:See, I will make the shadow cast by the sunon the stairway to the terrace of Ahazgo back the ten steps it has advanced."So the sun came back the ten steps it had advanced.  Responsorial Psalm Isaiah 38:10, 11, 12abcd, 16 R. (see 17b) You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.Once I said,"In the noontime of life I must depart!To the gates of the nether world I shall be consignedfor the rest of my years." R. You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.I said, "I shall see the LORD no morein the land of the living.No longer shall I behold my fellow menamong those who dwell in the world."R. You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.My dwelling, like a shepherd's tent,is struck down and borne away from me;You have folded up my life, like a weaverwho severs the last thread.R. You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.Those live whom the LORD protects;yours is the life of my spirit.You have given me health and life.R. You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.  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 Matthew 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 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 Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 The way of the just is smooth;the path of the just you make level.Yes, for your way and your judgments, O LORD,we look to you;Your name and your titleare the desire of our souls.My soul yearns for you in the night,yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you;When your judgment dawns upon the earth,the world's inhabitants learn justice.O LORD, you mete out peace to us,for it is you who have accomplished all we have done.O LORD, oppressed by your punishment,we cried out in anguish under your chastising.As a woman about to give birthwrithes and cries out in her pains,so were we in your presence, O LORD.We conceived and writhed in pain,giving birth to wind;Salvation we have not achieved for the earth,the inhabitants of the world cannot bring it forth.But your dead shall live, their corpses shall rise;awake and sing, you who lie in the dust.For your dew is a dew of light,and the land of shades gives birth.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 102:13-14ab and 15, 16-18, 19-21 R. (20b) From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.You, O LORD, abide forever,and your name through all generations.You will arise and have mercy on Zion,for it is time to pity her.For her stones are dear to your servants,and her dust moves them to pity. R. From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.The nations shall revere your name, O LORD,and all the kings of the earth your glory,When the LORD has rebuilt Zionand appeared in his glory;When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute,and not despised their prayer.R. From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.Let this be written for the generation to come,and let his future creatures praise the LORD:"The LORD looked down from his holy height,from heaven he beheld the earth,To hear the groaning of the prisoners,to release those doomed to die."R. From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.  Alleluia Matthew 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 Matthew 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 Our Lady of Mount Carmel - - - 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 Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Reading 1 Isaiah 10:5-7, 13b-16 Thus says the LORD:Woe to Assyria! My rod in anger,my staff in wrath.Against an impious nation I send him,and against a people under my wrath I order himTo seize plunder, carry off loot,and tread them down like the mud of the streets.But this is not what he intends,nor does he have this in mind;Rather, it is in his heart to destroy,to make an end of nations not a few.For he says:“By my own power I have done it,and by my wisdom, for I am shrewd.I have moved the boundaries of peoples,their treasures I have pillaged,and, like a giant, I have put down the enthroned.My hand has seized like a nestthe riches of nations;As one takes eggs left alone,so I took in all the earth;No one fluttered a wing,or opened a mouth, or chirped!”Will the axe boast against him who hews with it?Will the saw exalt itself above him who wields it?As if a rod could sway him who lifts it,or a staff him who is not wood!Therefore the Lord, the LORD of hosts,will send among his fat ones leanness,And instead of his glory there will be kindlinglike the kindling of fire.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 94:5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 14-15 R. (14a) The Lord will not abandon his people.Your people, O LORD, they trample down,your inheritance they afflict.Widow and stranger they slay,the fatherless they murder. R. The Lord will not abandon his people.And they say, “The LORD sees not;the God of Jacob perceives not.”Understand, you senseless ones among the people;and, you fools, when will you be wise?R. The Lord will not abandon his people.Shall he who shaped the ear not hear?or he who formed the eye not see?Shall he who instructs nations not chastise,he who teaches men knowledge?R. The Lord will not abandon his people.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. The Lord will not abandon his people  Alleluia 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 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.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin [In the Dioceses of the United States] Reading 1 Isaiah 7:1-9 In the days of Ahaz, king of Judah, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah,Rezin, king of Aram,and Pekah, king of Israel, son of Remaliah,went up to attack Jerusalem,but they were not able to conquer it.When word came to the house of David that Aramwas encamped in Ephraim,the heart of the king and the heart of the people trembled,as the trees of the forest tremble in the wind.Then the LORD said to Isaiah: Go out to meet Ahaz,you and your son Shear-jashub,at the end of the conduit of the upper pool,on the highway of the fuller’s field, and say to him:Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear;let not your courage failbefore these two stumps of smoldering brandsthe blazing anger of Rezin and the Arameans,and of the son Remaliah,because of the mischief thatAram, Ephraim and the son of Remaliah,plots against you, saying,“Let us go up and tear Judah asunder, make it our own by force,and appoint the son of Tabeel king there.”Thus says the LORD:This shall not stand, it shall not be!Damascus is the capital of Aram,and Rezin is the head of Damascus;Samaria is the capital of Ephraim,and Remaliah’s son the head of Samaria.But within sixty years and five,Ephraim shall be crushed, no longer a nation.Unless your faith is firmyou shall not be firm!  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 48:2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8 R. (see 9d) God upholds his city for ever.Great is the LORD and wholly to be praisedin the city of our God.His holy mountain, fairest of heights,is the joy of all the earth.R. God upholds his city for ever.Mount Zion, “the recesses of the North,”is the city of the great King.God is with her castles;renowned is he as a stronghold.R. God upholds his city for ever.For lo! the kings assemble,they come on together;They also see, and at once are stunned,terrified, routed.R. God upholds his city for ever.Quaking seizes them there;anguish, like a woman’s in labor,As though a wind from the eastwere shattering ships of Tarshish.R. God upholds his city for ever. Alleluia Psalm 95:8 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If today you hear his voice,harden not your hearts.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 11:20-24 Jesus began to reproach the townswhere most of his mighty deeds had been done,since they had not repented.“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!For if the mighty deeds done in your midsthad been done in Tyre and Sidon,they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes.But I tell you, it will be more tolerablefor Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.And as for you, Capernaum:Will you be exalted to heaven?You will go down to the nether world.For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom,it would have remained until this day.But I tell you, it will be more tolerablefor the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for 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  Isaiah 1:10-17 Hear the word of the LORD,princes of Sodom!Listen to the instruction of our God,people of Gomorrah!What care I for the number of your sacrifices?says the LORD.I have had enough of whole-burnt ramsand fat of fatlings;In the blood of calves, lambs and goatsI find no pleasure.When you come in to visit me,who asks these things of you?Trample my courts no more!Bring no more worthless offerings;your incense is loathsome to me.New moon and sabbath, calling of assemblies,octaves with wickedness: these I cannot bear.Your new moons and festivals I detest;they weigh me down, I tire of the load.When you spread out your hands,I close my eyes to you;Though you pray the more,I will not listen.Your hands are full of blood!Wash yourselves clean!Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;cease doing evil; learn to do good.Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23 R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,for your burnt offerings are before me always.I take from your house no bullock,no goats out of your fold.”R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.“Why do you recite my statutes,and profess my covenant with your mouth,Though you hate disciplineand cast my words behind you?”R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.“When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?Or do you think you that I am like yourself?I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God. Alleluia  Matthew 5:10 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  Matthew 10:34-11:1 Jesus said to his Apostles:“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth.I have come to bring not peace but the sword.For I have come to seta man against his father,a daughter against her mother,and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;and one’s enemies will be those of his household.“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;and whoever does not take up his crossand follow after me is not worthy of me.Whoever finds his life will lose it,and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.“Whoever receives you receives me,and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophetwill receive a prophet’s reward,and whoever receives a righteous manbecause he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward.And whoever gives only a cup of cold waterto one of these little ones to drinkbecause he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples,he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns. Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Henry - - - 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 55:10-11 Thus says the LORD:Just as from the heavensthe rain and snow come downand do not return theretill they have watered the earth,making it fertile and fruitful,giving seed to the one who sowsand bread to the one who eats,so shall my word bethat goes forth from my mouth;my word shall not return to me void,but shall do my will,achieving the end for which I sent it.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14 R. (Lk 8:8) The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.You have visited the land and watered it;greatly have you enriched it.God's watercourses are filled;you have prepared the grain.R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.Thus have you prepared the land: drenching its furrows,breaking up its clods,Softening it with showers,blessing its yield.R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.You have crowned the year with your bounty,and your paths overflow with a rich harvest;The untilled meadows overflow with it,and rejoicing clothes the hills.R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.The fields are garmented with flocksand the valleys blanketed with grain.They shout and sing for joy.R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.  Reading 2 Romans 8:18-23 Brothers and sisters:I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothingcompared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectationthe revelation of the children of God;for creation was made subject to futility,not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,in hope that creation itselfwould be set free from slavery to corruptionand share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;and not only that, but we ourselves,who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,we also groan within ourselvesas we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.  Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower.All who come to him will have life forever.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 13:1-23 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.”The disciples approached him and said,“Why do you speak to them 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 converted,and 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."Hear then the parable of the sower.The seed sown on the path is the onewho hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it,and the evil one comes and steals awaywhat was sown in his heart.The seed sown on rocky groundis 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 wordand it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soilis the one who hears the word and understands it,who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”  or Matthew 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 Saint Benedict, Abbot Reading 1  Isaiah 6:1-8 In the year King Uzziah died,I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne,with the train of his garment filling the temple.Seraphim were stationed above; each of them had six wings:with two they veiled their faces,with two they veiled their feet,and with two they hovered aloft.They cried one to the other,“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!All the earth is filled with his glory!”At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shookand the house was filled with smoke.Then I said, “Woe is me, I am doomed!For I am a man of unclean lips,living among a people of unclean lips;yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”Then one of the seraphim flew to me,holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar.He touched my mouth with it and said,“See, now that this has touched your lips,your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.”Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,“Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”“Here I am,” I said; “send me!”  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5 R. (1a) The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.The LORD is king, in splendor robed;robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.And he has made the world firm, not to be moved.Your throne stands firm from of old;from everlasting you are, O LORD.R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed:holiness befits your house,O LORD, for length of days.R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty. Alleluia  1 Peter 4:14 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you,for the Spirit of God rests upon you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  Matthew 10:24-33 Jesus said to his Apostles: “No disciple is above his teacher,no slave above his master.It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher,for the slave that he become like his master.If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,how much more those of his household!“Therefore do not be afraid of them.Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,nor secret that will not be known.What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;rather, be afraid of the one who can destroyboth soul and body in Gehenna.Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.Even all the hairs of your head are counted.So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.Everyone who acknowledges me before othersI will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.But whoever denies me before others,I will deny before my 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  Hosea 14:2-10 Thus says the LORD:Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God;you have collapsed through your guilt.Take with you words,and return to the LORD;Say to him, “Forgive all iniquity,and receive what is good, that we may renderas offerings the bullocks from our stalls.Assyria will not save us,nor shall we have horses to mount;We shall say no more, ‘Our god,’to the work of our hands;for in you the orphan finds compassion.”I will heal their defection, says the LORD,I will love them freely;for my wrath is turned away from them.I will be like the dew for Israel:he shall blossom like the lily;He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar,and put forth his shoots.His splendor shall be like the olive treeand his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar.Again they shall dwell in his shadeand raise grain;They shall blossom like the vine,and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim! What more has he to do with idols?I have humbled him, but I will prosper him.“I am like a verdant cypress tree”—because of me you bear fruit! Let him who is wise understand these things;let him who is prudent know them.Straight are the paths of the LORD,in them the just walk,but sinners stumble in them. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-13, 14, 17 R. (17b) My mouth will declare your praise.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. My mouth will declare your praise.Behold, you are pleased with sincerity of heart,and in my inmost being you teach me wisdom.Cleanse me of sin with hyssop, that I may be purified;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. R. My mouth will declare your praise.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. My mouth will declare your praise.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. My mouth will declare your praise. Alleluia  John 16:13a; 14:26d R. Alleluia, alleluia.When the Spirit of truth comes,he will guide you to all truthand remind you of all I told you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  Matthew 10:16-23 Jesus said to his Apostles:“Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves;so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courtsand scourge you in their synagogues,and you will be led before governors and kings for my sakeas a witness before them and the pagans.When they hand you over,do not worry about how you are to speakor what you are to say.You will be given at that moment what you are to say.For it will not be you who speakbut the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.Brother will hand over brother to death,and the father his child;children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.You will be hated by all because of my name,but whoever endures to the end will be saved.When they persecute you in one town, flee to another.Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israelbefore the Son of Man comes.” - - - 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  Hosea 11:1-4, 8e-9 Thus says the LORD:When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son.The more I called them,the farther they went from me,Sacrificing to the Baalsand burning incense to idols.Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,who took them in my arms;I drew them with human cords,with bands of love;I fostered them like onewho raises an infant to his cheeks;Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,they did not know that I was their healer. My heart is overwhelmed,my pity is stirred.I will not give vent to my blazing anger,I will not destroy Ephraim again;For I am God and not man,the Holy One present among you;I will not let the flames consume you.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16 R. (4b) Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.O shepherd of Israel, hearken.From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.Rouse your power.R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.Once again, O LORD of hosts,look down from heaven, and see:Take care of this vine,and protect what your right hand has planted,the son of man whom you yourself made strong. R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved. Alleluia  Mark 1:15 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Kingdom of God is at hand:repent and believe in the Gospel.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  Matthew 10:7-15 Jesus said to his Apostles:“As you go, make this proclamation:‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’Cure the sick, raise the dead,cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts;no sack for the journey, or a second tunic,or sandals, or walking stick.The laborer deserves his keep.Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it,and stay there until you leave.As you enter a house, wish it peace.If the house is worthy,let your peace come upon it;if not, let your peace return to you.Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words--go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerablefor the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgmentthan for that town.” Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs - - - 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 Amos 7:10-17 Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam,king of Israel:“Amos has conspired against you here within Israel;the country cannot endure all his words.For this is what Amos says:Jeroboam shall die by the sword,and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land.”To Amos, Amaziah said:“Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah!There earn your bread by prophesying,but never again prophesy in Bethel;for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple.”Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet,nor have I belonged to a company of prophets;I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’Now hear the word of the LORD!”You say: prophesy not against Israel,preach not against the house of Isaac.Now thus says the LORD:Your wife shall be made a harlot in the city,and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword;Your land shall be divided by measuring line,and you yourself shall die in an unclean land;Israel shall be exiled far from its land.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 R. (10cd) The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.The law of the LORD is perfect,refreshing the soul;The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,giving wisdom to the simple.R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.The precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heart;The command of the LORD is clear,enlightening the eye.R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring forever;The ordinances of the LORD are true,all of them just.R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.They are more precious than gold,than a heap of purest gold;Sweeter also than syrupor honey from the comb.R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.  Alleluia 2 Corinthians 5:19 R. Alleluia, alleluia.God was reconciling the world to himself in Christand entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 9:1-8 After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town.And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher.When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,"Courage, child, your sins are forgiven."At that, some of the scribes said to themselves,"This man is blaspheming."Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said,"Why do you harbor evil thoughts?Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,'or to say, 'Rise and walk'?But that you may know that the Son of Manhas authority on earth to forgive sins"–he then said to the paralytic,"Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home."He rose and went home.When the crowds saw this they were struck with aweand glorified God who had given such authority to men.   - - - 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.