Reading 1 2 Kgs 24:8-17 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign,and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Nehushta,daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.He did evil in the sight of the LORD,just as his forebears had done.At that time the officials of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,attacked Jerusalem, and the city came under siege.Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,himself arrived at the citywhile his servants were besieging it.Then Jehoiachin, king of Judah, together with his mother,his ministers, officers, and functionaries,surrendered to the king of Babylon, who,in the eighth year of his reign, took him captive.And he carried off all the treasuresof the temple of the LORD and those of the palace,and broke up all the gold utensils that Solomon, king of Israel,had provided in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had foretold.He deported all Jerusalem:all the officers and men of the army, ten thousand in number,and all the craftsmen and smiths.None were left among the people of the land except the poor.He deported Jehoiachin to Babylon,and also led captive from Jerusalem to Babylonthe king's mother and wives,his functionaries, and the chief men of the land.The king of Babylon also led captive to Babylonall seven thousand men of the army,and a thousand craftsmen and smiths,all of them trained soldiers.In place of Jehoiachin,the king of Babylon appointed his uncle Mattaniah king,and changed his name to Zedekiah. Responsorial Psalm Ps 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9 R. (9) For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;they have defiled your holy temple,they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.They have given the corpses of your servantsas food to the birds of heaven,the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the earth.R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.They have poured out their blood like waterround about Jerusalem,and there is no one to bury them.We have become the reproach of our neighbors,the scorn and derision of those around us.O LORD, how long? Will you be angry forever?Will your jealousy burn like fire?R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;may your compassion quickly come to us,for we are brought very low.R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.Help us, O God our savior,because of the glory of your name;Deliver us and pardon our sinsfor your name’s sake. R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us. Alleluia Jn 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 Mt 7:21-29 Jesus said to his disciples:“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’will enter the Kingdom of heaven,but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.Many will say to me on that day,‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?Did we not drive out demons in your name?Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’Then I will declare to them solemnly,‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on themwill be like a wise man who built his house on rock.The rain fell, the floods came,and the winds blew and buffeted the house.But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.And everyone who listens to these words of minebut does not act on themwill be like a fool who built his house on sand.The rain fell, the floods came,and the winds blew and buffeted the house.And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”When Jesus finished these words,the crowds were astonished at his teaching,for he taught them as one having authority,and not as their scribes. Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and doctor of the Church - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3 The high priest Hilkiah informed the scribe Shaphan,"I have found the book of the law in the temple of the LORD."Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it.Then the scribe Shaphan went to the king and reported,"Your servants have smelted down the metals available in the templeand have consigned them to the master workmenin the temple of the LORD."The scribe Shaphan also informed the kingthat the priest Hilkiah had given him a book,and then read it aloud to the king.When the king heard the contents of the book of the law,he tore his garments and issued this command to Hilkiah the priest,Ahikam, son of Shaphan,Achbor, son of Micaiah, the scribe Shaphan,and the king's servant Asaiah:"Go, consult the LORD for me, for the people, for all Judah,about the stipulations of this book that has been found,for the anger of the LORD has been set furiously ablaze against us,because our fathers did not obey the stipulations of this book,nor fulfill our written obligations."The king then had all the elders of Judahand of Jerusalem summoned together before him.The king went up to the temple of the LORD with all the men of Judahand all the inhabitants of Jerusalem:priests, prophets, and all the people, small and great.He had the entire contents of the book of the covenantthat had been found in the temple of the LORD, read out to them. Standing by the column, the king made a covenant before the LORDthat they would follow himand observe his ordinances, statutes and decreeswith their whole hearts and souls,thus reviving the terms of the covenantwhich were written in this book.And all the people stood as participants in the covenant. Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40 R. (33a) Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Instruct me, O LORD, in the way of your statutes,that I may exactly observe them.R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Give me discernment, that I may observe your lawand keep it with all my heart.R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Lead me in the path of your commands,for in it I delight. R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Incline my heart to your decreesand not to gain.R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Turn away my eyes from seeing what is vain:by your way give me life.R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Behold, I long for your precepts;in your justice give me life.R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord. Alleluia Jn 15:4a, 5b R. Alleluia, alleluia.Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord;whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 7:15-20 Jesus said to his disciples:"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing,but underneath are ravenous wolves.By their fruits you will know them.Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?Just so, every good tree bears good fruit,and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut downand thrown into the fire.So by their fruits you will know them." - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3 The high priest Hilkiah informed the scribe Shaphan,"I have found the book of the law in the temple of the LORD."Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it.Then the scribe Shaphan went to the king and reported,"Your servants have smelted down the metals available in the templeand have consigned them to the master workmenin the temple of the LORD."The scribe Shaphan also informed the kingthat the priest Hilkiah had given him a book,and then read it aloud to the king.When the king heard the contents of the book of the law,he tore his garments and issued this command to Hilkiah the priest,Ahikam, son of Shaphan,Achbor, son of Micaiah, the scribe Shaphan,and the king's servant Asaiah:"Go, consult the LORD for me, for the people, for all Judah,about the stipulations of this book that has been found,for the anger of the LORD has been set furiously ablaze against us,because our fathers did not obey the stipulations of this book,nor fulfill our written obligations."The king then had all the elders of Judahand of Jerusalem summoned together before him.The king went up to the temple of the LORD with all the men of Judahand all the inhabitants of Jerusalem:priests, prophets, and all the people, small and great.He had the entire contents of the book of the covenantthat had been found in the temple of the LORD, read out to them. Standing by the column, the king made a covenant before the LORDthat they would follow himand observe his ordinances, statutes and decreeswith their whole hearts and souls,thus reviving the terms of the covenantwhich were written in this book.And all the people stood as participants in the covenant. Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40 R. (33a) Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Instruct me, O LORD, in the way of your statutes,that I may exactly observe them.R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Give me discernment, that I may observe your lawand keep it with all my heart.R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Lead me in the path of your commands,for in it I delight. R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Incline my heart to your decreesand not to gain.R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Turn away my eyes from seeing what is vain:by your way give me life.R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.Behold, I long for your precepts;in your justice give me life.R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord. Alleluia Jn 15:4a, 5b R. Alleluia, alleluia.Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord;whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 7:15-20 Jesus said to his disciples:"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing,but underneath are ravenous wolves.By their fruits you will know them.Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?Just so, every good tree bears good fruit,and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut downand thrown into the fire.So by their fruits you will know them." - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1  2 KGS 19:9B-11, 14-21, 31-35A, 36 Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent envoys to Hezekiahwith this message: “Thus shall you say to Hezekiah, king of Judah:‘Do not let your God on whom you rely deceive youby saying that Jerusalem will not be handed overto the king of Assyria.You have heard what the kings of Assyria have doneto all other countries: they doomed them! Will you, then, be saved?’”Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it;then he went up to the temple of the LORD,and spreading it out before him,he prayed in the LORD’s presence:“O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned upon the cherubim!You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.You have made the heavens and the earth.Incline your ear, O LORD, and listen!Open your eyes, O LORD, and see!Hear the words of Sennacherib which he sent to taunt the living God.Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nationsand their lands, and cast their gods into the fire;they destroyed them because they were not gods,but the work of human hands, wood and stone.Therefore, O LORD, our God, save us from the power of this man,that all the kingdoms of the earth may knowthat you alone, O LORD, are God.”Then Isaiah, son of Amoz, sent this message to Hezekiah:“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel,in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib, king of Assyria:I have listened!This is the word the LORD has spoken concerning him:“‘She despises you, laughs you to scorn,the virgin daughter Zion!Behind you she wags her head,daughter Jerusalem.“‘For out of Jerusalem shall come a remnant,and from Mount Zion, survivors.The zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.’“Therefore, thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria:‘He shall not reach this city, nor shoot an arrow at it,nor come before it with a shield,nor cast up siege-works against it.He shall return by the same way he came,without entering the city, says the LORD.I will shield and save this city for my own sake,and for the sake of my servant David.’”That night the angel of the LORD went forth and struck downone hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp.So Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, broke camp,and went back home to Nineveh. Responsorial Psalm PS 48:2-3AB, 3CD-4, 10-11 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.O God, we ponder your mercywithin your temple.As your name, O God, so also your praisereaches to the ends of the earth.Of justice your right hand is full.R. God upholds his city for ever. 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  MT 7:6, 12-14 Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.This is the Law and the Prophets.“Enter through the narrow gate;for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,and those who enter through it are many.How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.And those who find it are few.” - - - 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 KGS 19:9B-11, 14-21, 31-35A, 36 Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent envoys to Hezekiahwith this message: “Thus shall you say to Hezekiah, king of Judah:‘Do not let your God on whom you rely deceive youby saying that Jerusalem will not be handed overto the king of Assyria.You have heard what the kings of Assyria have doneto all other countries: they doomed them! Will you, then, be saved?’”Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it;then he went up to the temple of the LORD,and spreading it out before him,he prayed in the LORD’s presence:“O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned upon the cherubim!You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.You have made the heavens and the earth.Incline your ear, O LORD, and listen!Open your eyes, O LORD, and see!Hear the words of Sennacherib which he sent to taunt the living God.Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nationsand their lands, and cast their gods into the fire;they destroyed them because they were not gods,but the work of human hands, wood and stone.Therefore, O LORD, our God, save us from the power of this man,that all the kingdoms of the earth may knowthat you alone, O LORD, are God.”Then Isaiah, son of Amoz, sent this message to Hezekiah:“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel,in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib, king of Assyria:I have listened!This is the word the LORD has spoken concerning him:“‘She despises you, laughs you to scorn,the virgin daughter Zion!Behind you she wags her head,daughter Jerusalem.“‘For out of Jerusalem shall come a remnant,and from Mount Zion, survivors.The zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.’“Therefore, thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria:‘He shall not reach this city, nor shoot an arrow at it,nor come before it with a shield,nor cast up siege-works against it.He shall return by the same way he came,without entering the city, says the LORD.I will shield and save this city for my own sake,and for the sake of my servant David.’”That night the angel of the LORD went forth and struck downone hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp.So Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, broke camp,and went back home to Nineveh. Responsorial Psalm PS 48:2-3AB, 3CD-4, 10-11 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.O God, we ponder your mercywithin your temple.As your name, O God, so also your praisereaches to the ends of the earth.Of justice your right hand is full.R. God upholds his city for ever. 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  MT 7:6, 12-14 Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.This is the Law and the Prophets.“Enter through the narrow gate;for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,and those who enter through it are many.How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.And those who find it are few.” - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I Is 49:1-6 Hear me, O coastlands,             listen, O distant peoples. The LORD called me from birth,             from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. He made of me a sharp-edged sword             and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow,             in his quiver he hid me. You are my servant, he said to me,             Israel, through whom I show my glory. Though I thought I had toiled in vain,             and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the LORD,             my recompense is with my God. For now the LORD has spoken             who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him             and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,             and my God is now my strength! It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant,             to raise up the tribes of Jacob,             and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations,             that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.   Responsorial Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 R.        (14)  I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:             you know when I sit and when I stand;             you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,             with all my ways you are familiar. R.        I praise you for I am wonderfully made. Truly you have formed my inmost being;             you knit me in my mother’s womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made;             wonderful are your works. R.        I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. My soul also you knew full well;             nor was my frame unknown to you When I was made in secret,             when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth. R.        I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. Reading II Acts 13:22-26 In those days, Paul said: “God raised up David as king; of him God testified,I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish. From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’ “My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent.” Alleluia See Lk 1:76 R. Alleluia, alleluia. You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 1:57-66, 80 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I Is 49:1-6 Hear me, O coastlands,             listen, O distant peoples. The LORD called me from birth,             from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. He made of me a sharp-edged sword             and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow,             in his quiver he hid me. You are my servant, he said to me,             Israel, through whom I show my glory. Though I thought I had toiled in vain,             and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the LORD,             my recompense is with my God. For now the LORD has spoken             who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him             and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,             and my God is now my strength! It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant,             to raise up the tribes of Jacob,             and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations,             that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.   Responsorial Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 R.        (14)  I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:             you know when I sit and when I stand;             you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,             with all my ways you are familiar. R.        I praise you for I am wonderfully made. Truly you have formed my inmost being;             you knit me in my mother’s womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made;             wonderful are your works. R.        I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. My soul also you knew full well;             nor was my frame unknown to you When I was made in secret,             when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth. R.        I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. Reading II Acts 13:22-26 In those days, Paul said: “God raised up David as king; of him God testified,I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish. From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’ “My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent.” Alleluia See Lk 1:76 R. Alleluia, alleluia. You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 1:57-66, 80 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel. - - -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 Jb 38:1, 8-11 The Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said:     Who shut within doors the sea,         when it burst forth from the womb;     when I made the clouds its garment         and thick darkness its swaddling bands?     When I set limits for it         and fastened the bar of its door,     and said: Thus far shall you come but no farther,         and here shall your proud waves be stilled! Responsorial Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31 R. (1b) Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. or: R. Alleluia. They who sailed the sea in ships,     trading on the deep waters, These saw the works of the LORD     and his wonders in the abyss. R. Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. or: R. Alleluia. His command raised up a storm wind     which tossed its waves on high. They mounted up to heaven; they sank to the depths;     their hearts melted away in their plight. R. Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. or: R. Alleluia. They cried to the LORD in their distress;     from their straits he rescued them, He hushed the storm to a gentle breeze,     and the billows of the sea were stilled. R. Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. or: R. Alleluia. They rejoiced that they were calmed,     and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his kindness     and his wondrous deeds to the children of men. R. Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. or: R. Alleluia. Reading II 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 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. Alleluia Lk 7:16 R.    Alleluia, alleluia. A great prophet has risen in our midst  God has visited his people. R.    Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 4:35-41 On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet!  Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” - - - 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 Jb 38:1, 8-11 The Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said:     Who shut within doors the sea,         when it burst forth from the womb;     when I made the clouds its garment         and thick darkness its swaddling bands?     When I set limits for it         and fastened the bar of its door,     and said: Thus far shall you come but no farther,         and here shall your proud waves be stilled! Responsorial Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31 R. (1b) Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. or: R. Alleluia. They who sailed the sea in ships,     trading on the deep waters, These saw the works of the LORD     and his wonders in the abyss. R. Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. or: R. Alleluia. His command raised up a storm wind     which tossed its waves on high. They mounted up to heaven; they sank to the depths;     their hearts melted away in their plight. R. Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. or: R. Alleluia. They cried to the LORD in their distress;     from their straits he rescued them, He hushed the storm to a gentle breeze,     and the billows of the sea were stilled. R. Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. or: R. Alleluia. They rejoiced that they were calmed,     and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his kindness     and his wondrous deeds to the children of men. R. Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. or: R. Alleluia. Reading II 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 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. Alleluia Lk 7:16 R.    Alleluia, alleluia. A great prophet has risen in our midst  God has visited his people. R.    Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 4:35-41 On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet!  Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” - - -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 Chr 24:17-25 After the death of Jehoiada,the princes of Judah came and paid homage to King Joash,and the king then listened to them.They forsook the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers,and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols;and because of this crime of theirs,wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem.Although prophets were sent to them to convert them to the LORD,the people would not listen to their warnings.Then the Spirit of God possessed Zechariah,son of Jehoiada the priest.He took his stand above the people and said to them:"God says, 'Why are you transgressing the LORD's commands,so that you cannot prosper?Because you have abandoned the LORD, he has abandoned you.'"But they conspired against him,and at the king's order they stoned him to deathin the court of the LORD's temple.Thus King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown himby Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, and slew his son.And as Zechariah was dying, he said, "May the LORD see and avenge."At the turn of the year a force of Arameans came up against Joash.They invaded Judah and Jerusalem,did away with all the princes of the people,and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus.Though the Aramean force came with few men,the LORD surrendered a very large force into their power,because Judah had abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers.So punishment was meted out to Joash.After the Arameans had departed from him,leaving him in grievous suffering,his servants conspired against himbecause of the murder of the son of Jehoiada the priest.He was buried in the City of David,but not in the tombs of the kings. Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34 R. (29a) For ever I will maintain my love for my servant."I have made a covenant with my chosen one,I have sworn to David my servant:Forever will I confirm your posterityand establish your throne for all generations."R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant."Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,and my covenant with him stands firm.I will make his posterity endure foreverand his throne as the days of heaven."R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant."If his sons forsake my lawand walk not according to my ordinances,If they violate my statutesand keep not my commands."R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant."I will punish their crime with a rodand their guilt with stripes.Yet my mercy I will not take from him,nor will I belie my faithfulness."R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant. Alleluia 2 Cor 8:9 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,so that by his poverty you might become rich.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 6:24-34 Jesus said to his disciples:"No one can serve two masters.He will either hate one and love the other,or be devoted to one and despise the other.You cannot serve God and mammon."Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,what you will eat or drink,or about your body, what you will wear.Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?Look at the birds in the sky;they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns,yet your heavenly Father feeds them.Are not you more important than they?Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?Why are you anxious about clothes?Learn from the way the wild flowers grow.They do not work or spin.But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendorwas clothed like one of them.If God so clothes the grass of the field,which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow,will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?'or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'All these things the pagans seek.Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness,and all these things will be given you besides.Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.Sufficient for a day is its own evil." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint John Fisher, bishop and martyr and Saint Thomas More, martyr Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Paulinus of Nola, bishop - - - 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 Chr 24:17-25 After the death of Jehoiada,the princes of Judah came and paid homage to King Joash,and the king then listened to them.They forsook the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers,and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols;and because of this crime of theirs,wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem.Although prophets were sent to them to convert them to the LORD,the people would not listen to their warnings.Then the Spirit of God possessed Zechariah,son of Jehoiada the priest.He took his stand above the people and said to them:"God says, 'Why are you transgressing the LORD's commands,so that you cannot prosper?Because you have abandoned the LORD, he has abandoned you.'"But they conspired against him,and at the king's order they stoned him to deathin the court of the LORD's temple.Thus King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown himby Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, and slew his son.And as Zechariah was dying, he said, "May the LORD see and avenge."At the turn of the year a force of Arameans came up against Joash.They invaded Judah and Jerusalem,did away with all the princes of the people,and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus.Though the Aramean force came with few men,the LORD surrendered a very large force into their power,because Judah had abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers.So punishment was meted out to Joash.After the Arameans had departed from him,leaving him in grievous suffering,his servants conspired against himbecause of the murder of the son of Jehoiada the priest.He was buried in the City of David,but not in the tombs of the kings. Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34 R. (29a) For ever I will maintain my love for my servant."I have made a covenant with my chosen one,I have sworn to David my servant:Forever will I confirm your posterityand establish your throne for all generations."R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant."Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,and my covenant with him stands firm.I will make his posterity endure foreverand his throne as the days of heaven."R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant."If his sons forsake my lawand walk not according to my ordinances,If they violate my statutesand keep not my commands."R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant."I will punish their crime with a rodand their guilt with stripes.Yet my mercy I will not take from him,nor will I belie my faithfulness."R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant. Alleluia 2 Cor 8:9 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,so that by his poverty you might become rich.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 6:24-34 Jesus said to his disciples:"No one can serve two masters.He will either hate one and love the other,or be devoted to one and despise the other.You cannot serve God and mammon."Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,what you will eat or drink,or about your body, what you will wear.Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?Look at the birds in the sky;they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns,yet your heavenly Father feeds them.Are not you more important than they?Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?Why are you anxious about clothes?Learn from the way the wild flowers grow.They do not work or spin.But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendorwas clothed like one of them.If God so clothes the grass of the field,which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow,will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?'or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'All these things the pagans seek.Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness,and all these things will be given you besides.Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.Sufficient for a day is its own evil." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint John Fisher, bishop and martyr and Saint Thomas More, martyr Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Paulinus of Nola, bishop - - -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 Aloysius Gonzaga, religious Reading 1 2 Kgs 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah,saw that her son was dead,she began to kill off the whole royal family.But Jehosheba, daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah,took Joash, his son, and spirited him away, along with his nurse,from the bedroom where the princes were about to be slain.She concealed him from Athaliah, and so he did not die.For six years he remained hidden in the temple of the LORD,while Athaliah ruled the land.But in the seventh year,Jehoiada summoned the captains of the Cariansand of the guards.He had them come to him in the temple of the LORD,exacted from them a sworn commitment,and then showed them the king's son.The captains did just as Jehoiada the priest commanded.Each one with his men, both those going on duty for the sabbathand those going off duty that week,came to Jehoiada the priest.He gave the captains King David's spears and shields,which were in the temple of the LORD.And the guards, with drawn weapons,lined up from the southern to the northern limit of the enclosure,surrounding the altar and the temple on the king's behalf.Then Jehoiada led out the king's sonand put the crown and the insignia upon him.They proclaimed him king and anointed him,clapping their hands and shouting, "Long live the king!"Athaliah heard the noise made by the people,and appeared before them in the temple of the LORD.When she saw the king standing by the pillar, as was the custom,and the captains and trumpeters near him,with all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets,she tore her garments and cried out, "Treason, treason!"Then Jehoiada the priest instructed the captainsin command of the force:"Bring her outside through the ranks.If anyone follows her," he added, "let him die by the sword."He had given orders that sheshould not be slain in the temple of the LORD.She was led out forcibly to the horse gate of the royal palace,where she was put to death.Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD as one partyand the king and the people as the other,by which they would be the LORD's people;and another covenant, between the king and the people.Thereupon all the people of the land went to the temple of Baaland demolished it.They shattered its altars and images completely,and slew Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars.Jehoiada appointed a detachment for the temple of the LORD.All the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet,now that Athaliah had been slain with the swordat the royal palace. Responsorial Psalm Ps 132:11, 12, 13-14, 17-18 R. (13) The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.The LORD swore to Davida firm promise from which he will not withdraw:"Your own offspringI will set upon your throne."R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling."If your sons keep my covenantand the decrees which I shall teach them,Their sons, too, forevershall sit upon your throne."R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.For the LORD has chosen Zion;he prefers her for his dwelling."Zion is my resting place forever;in her will I dwell, for I prefer her."R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling."In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David;I will place a lamp for my anointed.His enemies I will clothe with shame,but upon him my crown shall shine."R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling. Alleluia Mt 5:3 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are the poor in spirit;for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 6:19-23 Jesus said to his disciples:"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.But store up treasures in heaven,where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."The lamp of the body is the eye.If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light;but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness.And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be." - - -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 Aloysius Gonzaga, religious Reading 1 2 Kgs 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah,saw that her son was dead,she began to kill off the whole royal family.But Jehosheba, daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah,took Joash, his son, and spirited him away, along with his nurse,from the bedroom where the princes were about to be slain.She concealed him from Athaliah, and so he did not die.For six years he remained hidden in the temple of the LORD,while Athaliah ruled the land.But in the seventh year,Jehoiada summoned the captains of the Cariansand of the guards.He had them come to him in the temple of the LORD,exacted from them a sworn commitment,and then showed them the king's son.The captains did just as Jehoiada the priest commanded.Each one with his men, both those going on duty for the sabbathand those going off duty that week,came to Jehoiada the priest.He gave the captains King David's spears and shields,which were in the temple of the LORD.And the guards, with drawn weapons,lined up from the southern to the northern limit of the enclosure,surrounding the altar and the temple on the king's behalf.Then Jehoiada led out the king's sonand put the crown and the insignia upon him.They proclaimed him king and anointed him,clapping their hands and shouting, "Long live the king!"Athaliah heard the noise made by the people,and appeared before them in the temple of the LORD.When she saw the king standing by the pillar, as was the custom,and the captains and trumpeters near him,with all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets,she tore her garments and cried out, "Treason, treason!"Then Jehoiada the priest instructed the captainsin command of the force:"Bring her outside through the ranks.If anyone follows her," he added, "let him die by the sword."He had given orders that sheshould not be slain in the temple of the LORD.She was led out forcibly to the horse gate of the royal palace,where she was put to death.Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD as one partyand the king and the people as the other,by which they would be the LORD's people;and another covenant, between the king and the people.Thereupon all the people of the land went to the temple of Baaland demolished it.They shattered its altars and images completely,and slew Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars.Jehoiada appointed a detachment for the temple of the LORD.All the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet,now that Athaliah had been slain with the swordat the royal palace. Responsorial Psalm Ps 132:11, 12, 13-14, 17-18 R. (13) The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.The LORD swore to Davida firm promise from which he will not withdraw:"Your own offspringI will set upon your throne."R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling."If your sons keep my covenantand the decrees which I shall teach them,Their sons, too, forevershall sit upon your throne."R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.For the LORD has chosen Zion;he prefers her for his dwelling."Zion is my resting place forever;in her will I dwell, for I prefer her."R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling."In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David;I will place a lamp for my anointed.His enemies I will clothe with shame,but upon him my crown shall shine."R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling. Alleluia Mt 5:3 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are the poor in spirit;for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 6:19-23 Jesus said to his disciples:"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.But store up treasures in heaven,where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."The lamp of the body is the eye.If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light;but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness.And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be." - - - 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  SIR 48:1-14 Like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; By the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? You brought a dead man back to life from the nether world, by the will of the LORD. You sent kings down to destruction, and easily broke their power into pieces. You brought down nobles, from their beds of sickness. You heard threats at Sinai, at Horeb avenging judgments. You anointed kings who should inflict vengeance, and a prophet as your successor. You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD, To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you  And who falls asleep in your friendship. For we live only in our life, but after death our name will not be such. O Elijah, enveloped in the whirlwind! Then Elisha, filled with the twofold portion of his spirit, wrought many marvels by his mere word. During his lifetime he feared no one, nor was any man able to intimidate his will. Nothing was beyond his power; beneath him flesh was brought back into life. In life he performed wonders, and after death, marvelous deeds. Responsorial Psalm PS 97:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7 R. (12a) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;let the many isles be glad.Clouds and darkness are round about him,justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!Fire goes before himand consumes his foes round about.His lightnings illumine the world;the earth sees and trembles.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,before the Lord of all the earth.The heavens proclaim his justice,and all peoples see his glory.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!All who worship graven things are put to shame,who glory in the things of nought;all gods are prostrate before him.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just! Alleluia  ROM 8:15BC R. Alleluia, alleluia.You have received a spirit of adoption as sonsthrough which we cry: Abba! Father!R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  MT 6:7-15 Jesus said to his disciples:“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,who think that they will be heard because of their many words.Do not be like them.Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name,thy Kingdom come,thy will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us;and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.’ “If you forgive others their transgressions,your heavenly Father will forgive you.But if you do not forgive others,neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” - - -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  SIR 48:1-14 Like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; By the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? You brought a dead man back to life from the nether world, by the will of the LORD. You sent kings down to destruction, and easily broke their power into pieces. You brought down nobles, from their beds of sickness. You heard threats at Sinai, at Horeb avenging judgments. You anointed kings who should inflict vengeance, and a prophet as your successor. You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD, To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you  And who falls asleep in your friendship. For we live only in our life, but after death our name will not be such. O Elijah, enveloped in the whirlwind! Then Elisha, filled with the twofold portion of his spirit, wrought many marvels by his mere word. During his lifetime he feared no one, nor was any man able to intimidate his will. Nothing was beyond his power; beneath him flesh was brought back into life. In life he performed wonders, and after death, marvelous deeds. Responsorial Psalm PS 97:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7 R. (12a) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;let the many isles be glad.Clouds and darkness are round about him,justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!Fire goes before himand consumes his foes round about.His lightnings illumine the world;the earth sees and trembles.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,before the Lord of all the earth.The heavens proclaim his justice,and all peoples see his glory.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!All who worship graven things are put to shame,who glory in the things of nought;all gods are prostrate before him.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just! Alleluia  ROM 8:15BC R. Alleluia, alleluia.You have received a spirit of adoption as sonsthrough which we cry: Abba! Father!R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  MT 6:7-15 Jesus said to his disciples:“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,who think that they will be heard because of their many words.Do not be like them.Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name,thy Kingdom come,thy will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us;and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.’ “If you forgive others their transgressions,your heavenly Father will forgive you.But if you do not forgive others,neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” - - - 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 Kgs 2:1, 6-14 When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind,he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here;the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.”“As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live,I will not leave you,” Elisha replied.And so the two went on together.Fifty of the guild prophets followed andwhen the two stopped at the Jordan,they stood facing them at a distance.Elijah took his mantle, rolled it upand struck the water, which divided,and both crossed over on dry ground.When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha,“Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.”Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.”“You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied.“Still, if you see me taken up from you,your wish will be granted; otherwise not.”As they walked on conversing,a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them,and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.When Elisha saw it happen he cried out,“My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!”But when he could no longer see him,Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two.Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle that had fallen from him,and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan.Wielding the mantle that had fallen from Elijah,Elisha struck the water in his turn and said,“Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?”When Elisha struck the water it divided and he crossed over. Responsorial Psalm Ps 31:20, 21, 24 R. (25) Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.How great is the goodness, O LORD,which you have in store for those who fear you,And which, toward those who take refuge in you,you show in the sight of the children of men.R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.You hide them in the shelter of your presencefrom the plottings of men;You screen them within your abodefrom the strife of tongues.R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.Love the LORD, all you his faithful ones!The LORD keeps those who are constant,but more than requites those who act proudly.R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord. Alleluia Jn 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 Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Jesus said to his disciples:"Take care not to perform righteous deedsin order that people may see them;otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you,as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streetsto win the praise of others.Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.But when you give alms,do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,so that your almsgiving may be secret.And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites,who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street cornersso that others may see them.Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door,and pray to your Father in secret.And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.They neglect their appearance,so that they may appear to others to be fasting.Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,so that you may not appear to others to be fasting,except to your Father who is hidden.And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Romuald, abbot - - -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 Kgs 2:1, 6-14 When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind,he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here;the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.”“As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live,I will not leave you,” Elisha replied.And so the two went on together.Fifty of the guild prophets followed andwhen the two stopped at the Jordan,they stood facing them at a distance.Elijah took his mantle, rolled it upand struck the water, which divided,and both crossed over on dry ground.When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha,“Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.”Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.”“You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied.“Still, if you see me taken up from you,your wish will be granted; otherwise not.”As they walked on conversing,a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them,and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.When Elisha saw it happen he cried out,“My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!”But when he could no longer see him,Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two.Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle that had fallen from him,and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan.Wielding the mantle that had fallen from Elijah,Elisha struck the water in his turn and said,“Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?”When Elisha struck the water it divided and he crossed over. Responsorial Psalm Ps 31:20, 21, 24 R. (25) Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.How great is the goodness, O LORD,which you have in store for those who fear you,And which, toward those who take refuge in you,you show in the sight of the children of men.R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.You hide them in the shelter of your presencefrom the plottings of men;You screen them within your abodefrom the strife of tongues.R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.Love the LORD, all you his faithful ones!The LORD keeps those who are constant,but more than requites those who act proudly.R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord. Alleluia Jn 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 Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Jesus said to his disciples:"Take care not to perform righteous deedsin order that people may see them;otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you,as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streetsto win the praise of others.Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.But when you give alms,do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,so that your almsgiving may be secret.And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites,who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street cornersso that others may see them.Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door,and pray to your Father in secret.And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.They neglect their appearance,so that they may appear to others to be fasting.Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,so that you may not appear to others to be fasting,except to your Father who is hidden.And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Romuald, abbot - - - 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.