Reading 1 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 King David said to Joab and the leaders of the army who were with him,“Tour all the tribes in Israel from Dan to Beer-shebaand register the people, that I may know their number.”Joab then reported to the king the number of people registered:in Israel, eight hundred thousand men fit for military service; in Judah, five hundred thousand.Afterward, however, David regretted having numbered the people,and said to the LORD:“I have sinned grievously in what I have done.But now, LORD, forgive the guilt of your servant,for I have been very foolish.”When David rose in the morning,the LORD had spoken to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying:“Go and say to David, ‘This is what the LORD says:I offer you three alternatives;choose one of them, and I will inflict it on you.’”Gad then went to David to inform him.He asked: “Do you want a three years’ famine to come upon your land,or to flee from your enemy three months while he pursues you,or to have a three days’ pestilence in your land?Now consider and decide what I must reply to him who sent me.”David answered Gad: “I am in very serious difficulty.Let us fall by the hand of God, for he is most merciful;but let me not fall by the hand of man.”Thus David chose the pestilence.Now it was the time of the wheat harvestwhen the plague broke out among the people.The LORD then sent a pestilence over Israelfrom morning until the time appointed,and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beer-sheba died. But when the angel stretched forth his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it,the LORD regretted the calamityand said to the angel causing the destruction among the people,“Enough now! Stay your hand.”The angel of the LORD was then standingat the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.When David saw the angel who was striking the people,he said to the LORD: “It is I who have sinned;it is I, the shepherd, who have done wrong.But these are sheep; what have they done?Punish me and my kindred.”  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7 R. (see 5c) Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.Blessed is he whose fault is taken away,whose sin is covered.Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt,in whose spirit there is no guile.R. Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.Then I acknowledged my sin to you,my guilt I covered not.I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,”and you took away the guilt of my sin.R. Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.For this shall every faithful man pray to youin time of stress.Though deep waters overflow,they shall not reach him.R. Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me;with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round.R. Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.  Alleluia John 10:27 R. Alleluia, alleluia.My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;I know them, and they follow me.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 6:1-6 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary,and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them,“A prophet is not without honor except in his native placeand among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.He was amazed at their lack of faith.  - - - 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 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30–19:3 Absalom unexpectedly came up against David's servants.He was mounted on a mule,and, as the mule passed under the branches of a large terebinth,his hair caught fast in the tree.He hung between heaven and earthwhile the mule he had been riding ran off.Someone saw this and reported to Joabthat he had seen Absalom hanging from a terebinth.And taking three pikes in hand,he thrust for the heart of Absalom,still hanging from the tree alive.Now David was sitting between the two gates,and a lookout went up to the roof of the gate above the city wall,where he looked about and saw a man running all alone.The lookout shouted to inform the king, who said,"If he is alone, he has good news to report."The king said, "Step aside and remain in attendance here."So he stepped aside and remained there.When the Cushite messenger came in, he said,"Let my lord the king receive the good newsthat this day the LORD has taken your part,freeing you from the grasp of all who rebelled against you."But the king asked the Cushite, "Is young Absalom safe?"The Cushite replied, "May the enemies of my lord the kingand all who rebel against you with evil intentbe as that young man!"The king was shaken,and went up to the room over the city gate to weep.He said as he wept,"My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom!If only I had died instead of you,Absalom, my son, my son!"Joab was told that the king was weeping and mourning for Absalom;and that day's victory was turned into mourning for the whole armywhen they heard that the king was grieving for his son.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 R. (1a) Listen, Lord, and answer me.Incline your ear, O LORD; answer me,for I am afflicted and poor.Keep my life, for I am devoted to you;save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God.R. Listen, Lord, and answer me.Have mercy on me, O Lord,for to you I call all the day.Gladden the soul of your servant,for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.R. Listen, Lord, and answer me.For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,abounding in kindness to all who call upon you.Hearken, O LORD, to my prayerand attend to the sound of my pleading.R. Listen, Lord, and answer me.  Alleluia Matthew 8:17 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Christ took away our infirmitiesand bore our diseases.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 5:21-43 When Jesus had crossed again in the boatto the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea.One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward.Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying,"My daughter is at the point of death.Please, come lay your hands on herthat she may get well and live."He went off with himand a large crowd followed him.There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years.She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctorsand had spent all that she had.Yet she was not helped but only grew worse.She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowdand touched his cloak.She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured."Immediately her flow of blood dried up.She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him,turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?"But his disciples said to him,"You see how the crowd is pressing upon you,and yet you ask, Who touched me?"And he looked around to see who had done it.The woman, realizing what had happened to her,approached in fear and trembling.She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth.He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you.Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."While he was still speaking,people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said,"Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" Disregarding the message that was reported,Jesus said to the synagogue official,"Do not be afraid; just have faith."He did not allow anyone to accompany him insideexcept Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official,he caught sight of a commotion,people weeping and wailing loudly.So he went in and said to them,"Why this commotion and weeping?The child is not dead but asleep."And they ridiculed him.Then he put them all out.He took along the child's father and motherand those who were with himand entered the room where the child was.He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!"The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around.At that they were utterly astounded.He gave strict orders that no one should know thisand said that she should be given something to eat.  Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Ansgar, Bishop Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Blaise, 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 I Malachi 3:1-4     Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger     to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple     the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.     Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming?     And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire,     or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver,     and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver     that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem     will please the LORD,     as in the days of old, as in years gone by.   Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10 R.    (8) Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord! Lift up, O gates, your lintels;     reach up, you ancient portals,     that the king of glory may come in! R.    Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord! Who is this king of glory?     The LORD, strong and mighty,     the LORD, mighty in battle. R.    Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord! Lift up, O gates, your lintels;     reach up, you ancient portals,     that the king of glory may come in! R.    Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord! Who is this king of glory?     The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory. R.    Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord!   Reading II Hebrews 2:14-18 Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. Alleluia Luke 2:32 R. Alleluia, alleluia. A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel. R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.  He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:     “Now, Master, you may let your servant go          in peace, according to your word,     for my eyes have seen your salvation,         which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:     a light for revelation to the Gentiles,         and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted -and you yourself a sword will pierce- so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. OR: When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.  He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:     “Now, Master, you may let your servant go          in peace, according to your word,     for my eyes have seen your salvation,         which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:     a light for revelation to the Gentiles,         and glory for your people 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 1 Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth,who have observed his law;seek justice, seek humility;perhaps you may be shelteredon the day of the LORD's anger.But I will leave as a remnant in your midsta people humble and lowly,who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD:the remnant of Israel.They shall do no wrongand speak no lies;nor shall there be found in their mouthsa deceitful tongue;they shall pasture and couch their flockswith none to disturb them.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 R. (Mt 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!or:R. Alleluia.The LORD keeps faith forever,secures justice for the oppressed,gives food to the hungry.The LORD sets captives free.R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!or:R. Alleluia.The LORD gives sight to the blind;the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.The LORD loves the just;the LORD protects strangers.R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!or:R. Alleluia.The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,but the way of the wicked he thwarts.The LORD shall reign forever;your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!or:R. Alleluia.  Reading 2 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters.Not many of you were wise by human standards,not many were powerful,not many were of noble birth.Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,and God chose the lowly and despised of the world,those who count for nothing,to reduce to nothing those who are something,so that no human being might boast before God.It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus,who became for us wisdom from God,as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,so that, as it is written,"Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord."  Alleluia Matthew 5:12a R. Alleluia, alleluia.Rejoice and be glad;your reward will be great in heaven.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 5:1-12a When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:"Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are they who mourn,for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the land.Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the clean of heart,for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute youand utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.Rejoice and be glad,for your reward will be great in heaven."  - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest Reading I 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17 The LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he came to him,Nathan said: “Judge this case for me!In a certain town there were two men, one rich, the other poor.The rich man had flocks and herds in great numbers.But the poor man had nothing at all except one little ewe lamb that he had bought.He nourished her, and she grew up with him and his children.She shared the little food he had and drank from his cup and slept in his bosom.She was like a daughter to him.Now, the rich man received a visitor, but he would not take from his own flocks and herds to prepare a meal for the wayfarer who had come to him.Instead he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and made a meal of it for his visitor.”David grew very angry with that man and said to him: “As the LORD lives, the man who has done this merits death!He shall restore the ewe lamb fourfold because he has done this and has had no pity.”Then Nathan said to David:  “You are the man!Thus says the LORD God of Israel:‘The sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.’Thus says the LORD:‘I will bring evil upon you out of your own house.I will take your wives while you live to see it, and will give them to your neighbor.He shall lie with your wives in broad daylight.You have done this deed in secret, but I will bring it about in the presence of all Israel, and with the sun looking down.’”Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”Nathan answered David: “The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin:you shall not die.But since you have utterly spurned the LORD by this deed, the child born to you must surely die.”Then Nathan returned to his house.The LORD struck the child that the wife of Uriah had borne to David, and it became desperately ill.David besought God for the child.He kept a fast, retiring for the night to lie on the ground clothed in sackcloth.The elders of his house stood beside him urging him to rise from the ground; but he would not, nor would he take food with them. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17 R.        (12a)  Create a clean heart in me, O God.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.        Create a clean heart in me, O God.Give me back the joy of your salvation,            and a willing spirit sustain in me.I will teach transgressors your ways,            and sinners shall return to you.R.        Create a clean heart in me, O God.Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God;            then my tongue shall revel in your justice.O Lord, open my lips,            and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.R.        Create a clean heart in me, O God. Alleluia John 3:16 R. Alleluia, alleluia.God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mark 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 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 At the turn of the year, when kings go out on campaign,David sent out Joab along with his officersand the army of Israel,and they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah.David, however, remained in Jerusalem.One evening David rose from his siestaand strolled about on the roof of the palace.From the roof he saw a woman bathing, who was very beautiful.David had inquiries made about the woman and was told,“She is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam,and wife of Joab’s armor bearer Uriah the Hittite.”Then David sent messengers and took her.When she came to him, he had relations with her.She then returned to her house.But the woman had conceived,and sent the information to David, “I am with child.” David therefore sent a message to Joab,“Send me Uriah the Hittite.”So Joab sent Uriah to David.When he came, David questioned him about Joab, the soldiers,and how the war was going, and Uriah answered that all was well.David then said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and bathe your feet.”  Uriah left the palace,and a portion was sent out after him from the king’s table.But Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palacewith the other officers of his lord, and did not go downto his own house.David was told that Uriah had not gone home.On the day following, David summoned him,and he ate and drank with David, who made him drunk.But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his bedamong his lord’s servants, and did not go down to his home.The next morning David wrote a letter to Joabwhich he sent by Uriah.In it he directed:“Place Uriah up front, where the fighting is fierce.Then pull back and leave him to be struck down dead.”So while Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriahto a place where he knew the defenders were strong.When the men of the city made a sortie against Joab,some officers of David’s army fell,and among them Uriah the Hittite died. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11 R.    (see 3a)  Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.Thoroughly wash me from my guiltand of my sin cleanse me.R.    Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.For I acknowledge my offense,and my sin is before me always:“Against you only have I sinned,and done what is evil in your sight.”R.    Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.I have done such evil in your sightthat you are just in your sentence,blameless when you condemn.True, I was born guilty,a sinner, even as my mother conceived me.R.    Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;the bones you have crushed shall rejoice.Turn away your face from my sins,and blot out all my guilt.R.    Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. 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 Mark 4:26-34 Jesus said to the crowds:“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God;it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the landand would sleep and rise night and dayand the seed would sprout and grow,he knows not how.Of its own accord the land yields fruit,first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once,for the harvest has come.” He said,“To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God,or what parable can we use for it?It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground,is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plantsand puts forth large branches,so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”With many such parableshe spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it.Without parables he did not speak to them,but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.   - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 After Nathan had spoken to King David, the king went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, Lord GOD, and who are the members of my house, that you have brought me to this point?Yet even this you see as too little, Lord GOD; you have also spoken of the house of your servant for a long time to come: this too you have shown to man, Lord GOD!“You have established for yourself your people Israel as yours forever, and you, LORD, have become their God.And now, LORD God, confirm for all time the prophecy you have made concerning your servant and his house, and do as you have promised.Your name will be forever great, when men say, ‘The LORD of hosts is God of Israel,’and the house of your servant David stands firm before you.It is you, LORD of hosts, God of Israel, who said in a revelation to your servant, ‘I will build a house for you.’Therefore your servant now finds the courage to make this prayer to you.And now, Lord GOD, you are God and your words are truth; you have made this generous promise to your servant.Do, then, bless the house of your servant that it may be before you forever; for you, Lord GOD, have promised, and by your blessing the house of your servant shall be blessed forever.” Responsorial Psalm Psalm 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14 R.        (Lk 1:32b)  The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.LORD, remember David            and all his anxious care;How he swore an oath to the LORD,            vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob.R.        The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.“I will not enter the house where I live,            nor lie on the couch where I sleep;I will give my eyes no sleep,            my eyelids no rest,Till I find a home for the LORD,            a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”R.        The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.The LORD swore an oath to David            a firm promise from which he will not withdraw:“Your own offspring             I will set upon your throne.”R.        The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.“If your sons keep my covenant,            and the decrees which I shall teach them,Their sons, too, forever            shall sit upon your throne.”R.        The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.For the LORD has chosen Zion,            he prefers her for his dwelling:“Zion is my resting place forever;            in her I will dwell, for I prefer her.”R.        The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.  Alleluia Psalm 119:105 R. Alleluia, alleluia.A lamp to my feet is your word,a light to my path.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mark 4:21-25 Jesus said to his disciples,“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basketor under a bed,and not to be placed on a lampstand?For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”He also told them, “Take care what you hear.The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you.To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” - - - 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 Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church Reading 1 2 Samuel 7:4-17 That night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:"Go, tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD:Should you build me a house to dwell in?I have not dwelt in a house from the day on which I led the children of Israel out of Egypt to the present, but I have been going about in a tent under cloth.In all my wanderings everywhere among the children of Israel, did I ever utter a word to any one of the judges whom I charged to tend my people Israel, to ask: Why have you not built me a house of cedar?'"Now then, speak thus to my servant David, 'The LORD of hosts has this to say: It was I who took you from the pastureand from the care of the flockto be commander of my people Israel.I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their placewithout further disturbance.Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.I will give you rest from all your enemies.The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you.And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm.It is he who shall build a house for my name.And I will make his royal throne firm forever.I will be a father to him,and he shall be a son to me.And if he does wrong, I will correct him with the rod of menand with human chastisements; but I will not withdraw my favor from him as I withdrew it from your predecessor Saul, whom I removed from my presence.Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.'"Nathan reported all these words and this entire vision to David.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30 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:I will make your dynasty stand foreverand establish your throne through all ages.”R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant. “He shall cry to me, ‘You are my father,my God, the Rock that brings me victory!’I myself make him firstborn,Most High over the kings of the earth.”R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.“Forever I will maintain my love for him;my covenant with him stands firm.I will establish his dynasty forever,his throne as the days of the heavens.”R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.  Alleluia R.  Alleluia, alleluia.The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower;all who come to him will live forever.R.  Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 4:1-20 On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea.A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down.And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land.And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, "Hear this! A sower went out to sow.And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up.Other seed 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 and it produced no grain.And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit.It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."He added, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear."And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables.He answered them, "The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you.But to those outside everything comes in parables, so thatthey may look and see but not perceive,and hear and listen but not understand,in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven."Jesus said to them, "Do you not understand this parable?Then how will you understand any of the parables?The sower sows the word.These are the ones on the path where the word is sown.As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them.And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy.But they have no roots; they last only for a time.Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.Those sown among thorns are another sort.They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit.But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept itand bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold."  - - - 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 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19 David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David amid festivities.As soon as the bearers of the ark of the LORD had advanced six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling.Then David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing before the LORD with abandon, as he and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORDwith shouts of joy and to the sound of the horn.The ark of the LORD was brought in and set in its place within the tent David had pitched for it.Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.When he finished making these offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.He then distributed among all the people, to each man and each woman in the entire multitude of Israel, a loaf of bread, a cut of roast meat, and a raisin cake.With this, all the people left for their homes.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10 R. (8) Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!Lift up, O gates, your lintels;reach up, you ancient portals,that the king of glory may come in!R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!Who is this king of glory?The LORD, strong and mighty,the LORD, mighty in battle.R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!Lift up, O gates, your lintels;reach up, you ancient portals,that the king of glory may come in!R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!Who is this king of glory?The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory.R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!  Alleluia See 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 Mark 3:31-35 The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house.Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him.A crowd seated around him told him,"Your mother and your brothers and your sistersare outside asking for you."But he said to them in reply,"Who are my mother and my brothers?"And looking around at those seated in the circle he said,"Here are my mother and my brothers.For whoever does the will of Godis my brother and sister and mother."  Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Angela Merici, Virgin - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops Reading 1 2 Timothy 1:1-8 Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of Godfor the promise of life in Christ Jesus,to Timothy, my dear child:grace, mercy, and peace from God the Fatherand Christ Jesus our Lord.I am grateful to God,whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did,as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day.I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears,so that I may be filled with joy, as I recall your sincere faiththat first lived in your grandmother Loisand in your mother Euniceand that I am confident lives also in you.For this reason, I remind you to stir into flamethe gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.For God did not give us a spirit of cowardicebut rather of power and love and self-control.So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;but bear your share of hardship for the Gospelwith the strength that comes from God.  Or Titus 1:1-5 Paul, a slave of God and Apostle of Jesus Christfor the sake of the faith of God’s chosen onesand the recognition of religious truth,in the hope of eternal life that God, who does not lie, promised before time began,who indeed at the proper time revealed his wordin the proclamation with which I was entrustedby the command of God our savior,to Titus, my true child in our common faith:grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our savior.For this reason I left you in Creteso that you might set right what remains to be doneand appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10 R. (3) Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.Sing to the LORD a new song;sing to the LORD, all you lands.Sing to the LORD; bless his name.R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.Announce his salvation, day after day.Tell his glory among the nations;among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.Give to the LORD, you families of nations,give to the LORD glory and praise;give to the LORD the glory due his name!R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.Say among the nations: The LORD is king.He has made the world firm, not to be moved;he governs the peoples with equity.R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.  Alleluia See 2 Timothy 1:10 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed deathand brought life to light through the Gospel.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 3:22-30 The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and“By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan?If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him.But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man.Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them.But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.”For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”   - - - 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 8:23—9:3 First the Lord degraded the land of Zebulunand the land of Naphtali;but in the end he has glorified the seaward road,the land west of the Jordan,the District of the Gentiles. Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness:for there is no gloom where but now there was distress.The people who walked in darknesshave seen a great light;upon those who dwelt in the land of glooma light has shone.You have brought them abundant joyand great rejoicing,as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,as people make merry when dividing spoils.For the yoke that burdened them,the pole on their shoulder,and the rod of their taskmasteryou have smashed, as on the day of Midian. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 R. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.The LORD is my light and my salvation;whom should I fear?The LORD is my life’s refuge;of whom should I be afraid?R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.One thing I ask of the LORD;this I seek:To dwell in the house of the LORDall the days of my life,That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORDand contemplate his temple.R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORDin the land of the living.Wait for the LORD with courage;be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.R. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Reading 2 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,that all of you agree in what you say,and that there be no divisions among you,but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters,by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you.I mean that each of you is saying,“I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,”or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.”Is Christ divided?Was Paul crucified for you?Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel,and not with the wisdom of human eloquence,so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning. Alleluia Matthew 4:23 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdomand cured every disease among the people.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,he withdrew to Galilee.He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea,in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,that what had been said through Isaiah the prophetmight be fulfilled:Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,Galilee of the Gentiles,the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by deathlight has arisen.From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.He said to them,“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”At once they left their nets and followed him.He walked along from there and saw two other brothers,James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their fatherand followed him.He went around all of Galilee,teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom,and curing every disease and illness among the people. or When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,he withdrew to Galilee.He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea,in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,that what had been said through Isaiah the prophetmight be fulfilled:Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,Galilee of the Gentiles,the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by deathlight has arisen.From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”   - - - 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 Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Reading 1 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag.On the third day a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.Going to David, he fell to the ground in homage.David asked him, “Where do you come from?”He replied, “I have escaped from the camp of the children of Israel.”“Tell me what happened,” David bade him.He answered that many of the soldiers had fled the battle and that many of them had fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan.David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise.They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the LORD of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.“Alas! the glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights;how can the warriors have fallen!“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished,separated neither in life nor in death,swifter than eagles, stronger than lions!Women of Israel, weep over Saul,who clothed you in scarlet and in finery,who decked your attire with ornaments of gold.“How can the warriors have fallen– in the thick of the battle,slain upon your heights!“I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother!most dear have you been to me;more precious have I held love for you than love for women.“How can the warriors have fallen,the weapons of war have perished!”  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 80:2-3, 5-7 R. (4b) Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.O shepherd of Israel, hearken,O guide of the flock of Joseph!From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forthbefore Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.Rouse your power, and come to save us.R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.O LORD of hosts, how long will you burn with angerwhile your people pray?You have fed them with the bread of tearsand given them tears to drink in ample measure.You have left us to be fought over by our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.  Alleluia See Acts 16:14b R. Alleluia, alleluia.Open our hearts, O Lord,to listen to the words of your Son.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 3:20-21 Jesus came with his disciples into the house.Again the crowd gathered,making it impossible for them even to eat.When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”  - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 1 Samuel 24:3-21 Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags.When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he found a cave, which he entered to relieve himself.David and his men were occupying the inmost recesses of the cave.David's servants said to him, "This is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'I will deliver your enemy into your grasp; do with him as you see fit.'"So David moved up and stealthily cut off an end of Saul's mantle.Afterward, however, David regretted that he had cut off an end of Saul's mantle.He said to his men,"The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, as to lay a hand on him, for he is the LORD's anointed."With these words David restrained his men and would not permit them to attack Saul.Saul then left the cave and went on his way.David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, "My lord the king!"When Saul looked back, David bowed to the ground in homage and asked Saul:"Why do you listen to those who say, 'David is trying to harm you'?You see for yourself today that the LORD just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave.I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead.I decided, 'I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the LORD's anointed and a father to me.'Look here at this end of your mantle which I hold.Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion.I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life.The LORD will judge between me and you, and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case.I shall not touch you.The old proverb says, 'From the wicked comes forth wickedness.'So I will take no action against you.Against whom are you on campaign, O king of Israel?Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, or a single flea!The LORD will be the judge; he will decide between me and you.May he see this, and take my part,and grant me justice beyond your reach!"When David finished saying these things to Saul, Saul answered, "Is that your voice, my son David?"And Saul wept aloud.Saul then said to David: "You are in the right rather than I; you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm.Great is the generosity you showed me today, when the LORD delivered me into your graspand you did not kill me.For if a man meets his enemy, does he send him away unharmed?May the LORD reward you generously for what you have done this day.And now, I know that you shall surely be king and that sovereignty over Israel shall come into your possession."  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11 R. (2a) Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.Have mercy on me, O God; have mercy on me,for in you I take refuge.In the shadow of your wings I take refuge,till harm pass by.R. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.I call to God the Most High,to God, my benefactor.May he send from heaven and save me;may he make those a reproach who trample upon me;may God send his mercy and his faithfulness.R. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.Be exalted above the heavens, O God;above all the earth be your glory!For your mercy towers to the heavens,and your faithfulness to the skies.R. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.  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 Mark 3:13-19 Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,that they might be with himand he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons:He appointed the Twelve:Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder;Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean,and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.  Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Marianne Cope, Virgin [in the dioceses of the United States] Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Vincent, Deacon and Martyr [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.

Readings for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Reading 1 1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7 When David and Saul approached(on David’s return after slaying the Philistine),women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul,singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums.The women played and sang: “Saul has slain his thousands,and David his ten thousands.” Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought:“They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me.All that remains for him is the kingship.”And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. Saul discussed his intention of killing Davidwith his son Jonathan and with all his servants.But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, told him:“My father Saul is trying to kill you.Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning;get out of sight and remain in hiding.I, however, will go out and stand beside my fatherin the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you.If I learn anything, I will let you know.” Jonathan then spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him:“Let not your majesty sin against his servant David,for he has committed no offense against you,but has helped you very much by his deeds.When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine,and the LORD brought about a great victoryfor all Israel through him,you were glad to see it.Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent bloodby killing David without cause?”Saul heeded Jonathan’s plea and swore,“As the LORD lives, he shall not be killed.”So Jonathan summoned David and repeated the whole conversation to him.Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and David served him as before. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 56:2-3, 9-10a, 10b-11, 12-13 R.    (5b)  In God I trust; I shall not fear.Have mercy on me, O God, for men trample upon me;all the day they press their attack against me.My adversaries trample upon me all the day;yes, many fight against me.R.    In God I trust; I shall not fear.My wanderings you have counted;my tears are stored in your flask;are they not recorded in your book?Then do my enemies turn back,when I call upon you.R.    In God I trust; I shall not fear.Now I know that God is with me.In God, in whose promise I glory,in God I trust without fear;what can flesh do against me?R.    In God I trust; I shall not fear.I am bound, O God, by vows to you;your thank offerings I will fulfill.For you have rescued me from death,my feet, too, from stumbling;that I may walk before God in the light of the living.R.    In God I trust; I shall not fear. Alleluia 2 Timothy 1:10 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed deathand brought life to light through the Gospel.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mark 3:7-12 Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.Hearing what he was doing,a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem,from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan,and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd,so that they would not crush him.He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseaseswere pressing upon him to touch him.And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before himand shout, “You are the Son of God.”He warned them sternly not to make him known. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I 1 Samuel 4:1-11 The Philistines gathered for an attack on Israel.Israel went out to engage them in battle and camped at Ebenezer,while the Philistines camped at Aphek.The Philistines then drew up in battle formation against Israel.After a fierce struggle Israel was defeated by the Philistines,who slew about four thousand men on the battlefield.When the troops retired to the camp, the elders of Israel said“Why has the LORD permitted us to be defeated todayby the Philistines?Let us fetch the ark of the Lord from Shilohthat it may go into battle among usand save us from the grasp of our enemies.”So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from therethe ark of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned upon the cherubim.The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were with the ark of God.When the ark of the LORD arrived in the camp,all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth resounded.The Philistines, hearing the noise of shouting, asked,“What can this loud shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean?”On learning that the ark of the LORD had come into the camp,the Philistines were frightened.They said, “Gods have come to their camp.”They said also, “Woe to us! This has never happened before. Woe to us!Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods?These are the gods that struck the Egyptianswith various plagues and with pestilence.Take courage and be manly, Philistines;otherwise you will become slaves to the Hebrews,as they were your slaves.So fight manfully!” The Philistines fought and Israel was defeated;every man fled to his own tent.It was a disastrous defeat,in which Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers.The ark of God was captured,and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were among the dead.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25 R.        (27b)  Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy.Yet now you have cast us off and put us in disgrace,            and you go not forth with our armies.You have let us be driven back by our foes;            those who hated us plundered us at will.R.        Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy.You made us the reproach of our neighbors,            the mockery and the scorn of those around us.You made us a byword among the nations,            a laughingstock among the peoples.R.        Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy.Why do you hide your face,            forgetting our woe and our oppression?For our souls are bowed down to the dust,            our bodies are pressed to the earth.R.        Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy. Alleluia See Matthew 4:23 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdomand cured every disease among the people.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mark 1:40-45 A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said,“If you wish, you can make me clean.”Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand,touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything,but go, show yourself to the priestand offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed;that will be proof for them.”The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter.He spread the report abroadso that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly.He remained outside in deserted places,and people kept coming to him from everywhere. - - - 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 Agnes, Virgin and Martyr Reading 1 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51 David spoke to Saul:"Let your majesty not lose courage.I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine."But Saul answered David,"You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him,for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth."David continued:"The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear,will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine."Saul answered David, "Go! the LORD will be with you."Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadiand put them in the pocket of his shepherd's bag.With his sling also ready to hand, he approached the Philistine.With his shield bearer marching before him,the Philistine also advanced closer and closer to David.When he had sized David up,and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance,the Philistine held David in contempt.The Philistine said to David,"Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?"Then the Philistine cursed David by his godsand said to him, "Come here to me,and I will leave your flesh for the birds of the airand the beasts of the field."David answered him:"You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar,but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts,the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted.Today the LORD shall deliver you into my hand;I will strike you down and cut off your head.This very day I will leave your corpseand the corpses of the Philistine army for the birds of the airand the beasts of the field;thus the whole land shall learn that Israel has a God.All this multitude, too,shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves.For the battle is the LORD's and he shall deliver you into our hands."The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters,while David ran quickly toward the battle line in the direction of the Philistine.David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone,hurled it with the sling,and struck the Philistine on the forehead.The stone embedded itself in his brow,and he fell prostrate on the ground.Thus David overcame the Philistine with sling and stone;he struck the Philistine mortally, and did it without a sword.Then David ran and stood over him;with the Philistine's own sword which he drew from its sheathhe dispatched him and cut off his head.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10 R. (1) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!Blessed be the LORD, my rock,who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!My refuge and my fortress,my stronghold, my deliverer,My shield, in whom I trust,who subdues my people under me.R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!O God, I will sing a new song to you;with a ten-stringed lyre I will chant your praise,You who give victory to kings,and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!  Alleluia See Matthew 4:23 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdomand cured every disease among the people.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Mark 3:1-6 Jesus entered the synagogue.There was a man there who had a withered hand.They watched Jesus closelyto see if he would cure him on the sabbathso that they might accuse him.He said to the man with the withered hand,"Come up here before us."Then he said to the Pharisees,"Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil,to save life rather than to destroy it?"But they remained silent.Looking around at them with angerand grieved at their hardness of heart,Jesus said to the man, "Stretch out your hand."He stretched it out and his hand was restored.The Pharisees went out and immediately took counselwith the Herodians against him to put him to death.  - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a All the elders of Israel came in a body to Samuel at Ramahand said to him, “Now that you are old,and your sons do not follow your example,appoint a king over us, as other nations have, to judge us.”Samuel was displeased when they asked for a king to judge them.He prayed to the LORD, however, who said in answer:“Grant the people’s every request.It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their king.”Samuel delivered the message of the LORD in fullto those who were asking him for a king.He told them:“The rights of the king who will rule you will be as follows:He will take your sons and assign them to his chariots and horses,and they will run before his chariot.He will also appoint from among them his commanders of groupsof a thousand and of a hundred soldiers.He will set them to do his plowing and his harvesting,and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will use your daughters as ointment makers, as cooks, and as bakers.He will take the best of your fields, vineyards, and olive groves,and give them to his officials.He will tithe your crops and your vineyards,and give the revenue to his eunuchs and his slaves.He will take your male and female servants,as well as your best oxen and your asses,and use them to do his work.He will tithe your flocks and you yourselves will become his slaves.When this takes place,you will complain against the king whom you have chosen,but on that day the LORD will not answer you.”The people, however, refused to listen to Samuel’s warning and said,“Not so!  There must be a king over us.We too must be like other nations,with a king to rule us and to lead us in warfareand fight our battles.” When Samuel had listened to all the people had to say,he repeated it to the LORD, who then said to him,“Grant their request and appoint a king to rule them.” Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:16-17, 18-19 R. (2)       For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;            in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.At your name they rejoice all the day,            and through your justice they are exalted.R.        For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.For you are the splendor of their strength,            and by your favor our horn is exalted.For to the LORD belongs our shield,            and to the Holy One of Israel, our King.R.        For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Alleluia Luke 7:16 R. Alleluia, alleluia.A great prophet has arisen in our midstand God has visited his people.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mark 2:1-12 When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days,it became known that he was at home.Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them,not even around the door,and he preached the word to them.They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd,they opened up the roof above him.After they had broken through,they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him,“Child, your sins are forgiven.”Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves,“Why does this man speak that way?  He is blaspheming.Who but God alone can forgive sins?”Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?Which is easier, to say to the paralytic,‘Your sins are forgiven,’or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?But that you may knowthat the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”–he said to the paralytic,“I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone.They were all astoundedand glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” - - - 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.